Tour Details
- Duration
- 1 day
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Kanazawa Castle
- Namagachi Samurai District
- Omicho Market
Photos & Highlights
- Let an expert navigate you from Kyoto to Kanazawa and ensure you hit every highlight along the way
- Bring home intriguing stories of samurai and recall the sounds and scents of renowned Japanese gardens long after your visit
Select a date
Tour Description
You are intrigued by the heritage and unspoiled streets of Kanazawa, but intimidated by embarking on the journey from Kyoto alone? Leave those worries behind and let an expert guide lead the way to the heart of this unmissable city. They’ll share stories of the samurai and geisha who still have their own dedicated districts, guide you on an exploration of one of the city’s finest gardens, and help you heighten your senses as you take in the fabulous, authentic fish market. You will then be accompanied back to Kyoto, without hassle but full of long-lasting memories of a city well worth visiting.
Choose this tour if…
- You’d like to understand more about Japan’s samurai history and culture, but would like someone else to take on the burden of detailed itinerary planning and tackle the language barrier for you
- You’re eager to step off the beaten path and discover a less well-known part of Japan on a short trip
- You want to return home knowing that you have visited a truly unique and lesser-visited destination
- You are interested in seeing many aspects of Japanese society from history to horticulture and food
Your Expert will meet you at Kyoto station early in the morning to take the train to Kanazawa. The journey lasts around two hours running along the stunning Lake Biwa along the way. This time will help your Expert to plan the day’s itinerary around your particular interests.
Once arrived in Kanazawa, there is a wealth of possibilities. The city is best known for its samurai history and you will most definitely explore the samurai district as your Expert helps to unpack the complicated history of the Japanese warrior class.
You will also visit the castle whose fabulous gardens rank among the best across the whole of Japan. Maintained by the local ruling Maeda family over centuries, they offer not just idyllic surroundings but a wonderful way to learn how these local dynastic families drove the culture of horticulture across Japan.
The castle itself is a testament to the power of the Maeda family who rose to prominence in the 16th century and enjoyed their greatest success during the Edo period, during which time the city of Kanazawa developed around the castle - at one time it was as large as several European capitals. Your Expert will be able to help you understand how samurai clans like this rose and fell over the long span of Japanese history.
Despite their ultimate loss of local power, the Maeda clan have left a rich legacy far beyond their castle. They were enthusiastic sponsors of the arts and to this day, Kanazawa is an important hub for artisans and entertainment alike. In fact, Kanazawa produces nearly all of the gold leaf in Japan. The entsuke technique, exclusive to Kanazawa, is used to adorn national treasures and cultural properties. In 2020, UNESCO recognized entsuke gold leaf by adding it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
You may also have a glimpse into Kanazawa’s geisha districts, such as Higashi Chaya, which has preserved centuries-old traditions of music, dance, and tea ceremonies. Unlike Kyoto, Kanazawa’s geisha community remains small and exclusive. Visitors can explore historic teahouses and experience the city’s refined cultural heritage.
On top of this, Kanazawa’s fish market is an unspoilt gem, still operating with an authenticity now lost in some of the bigger cities. Your Expert will find a place for you to enjoy a lunch of local cuisine with them to break up your day.
Kanazawa truly is a gem of authentic Japanese history, culture and gastronomy. Spend a day there to get a sense (and a taste) of this remarkable city.
Sites Visited
- Kanazawa Castle and Gardens
- Samurai District
- Fish Market
- Geisha District
Logistics
Tickets and Transportation
You are pre-paid for the tour. Your Expert will secure tickets for the train to Kanazawa and purchase tickets for the castle.
Lunch
Lunch in a local restaurant is included in the price
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Kanazawa is an old town that can have extreme weather including snow in the winter months. The tour covers a lot of ground and there are some stairs that are difficult to avoid. This tour is most suited for clients who are confident walkers and are prepared for a full day of touring.
I am staying in Kanazawa, can I still take this tour?
Yes, we can arrange for our expert to meet you directly in Kanazawa. Please contact us for further details.
Can I take this excursion by car?
The high-speed train makes Kanazawa accessible for a day trip from Kyoto. Making the journey by car extends the day significantly, and we don’t recommend it. Don’t worry though, our expert will be with you every step of the way to navigate the train system!
Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
