Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kanazawa with our full-day tour. Discover the city’s must-see spots, hidden gems, and indulge in matcha and traditional sweets. Join us for an enriching and unforgettable experience!

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ashigaru Museum - The tour starts with a visit to the Ashigaru Museum. Ashigaru is a word describing low ranking Samurai, and here you can enter two homes that once belonged to Ashigaru families in the days of the Samurai. Outside, you will find beautiful landscaping, and inside faithfully preserved rooms granting a glimpse into old-school Japanese life.
  • Ruins of Nagamachi Bukeyashiki - Next, you will be led through the former Samurai District known as Nagamachi. Here, the streets still maintain their handsome appearance and the visitor would be forgiven for thinking they have somehow landed in Old Japan. With a number of shops selling local crafts on the street, you will also have a chance to window shop for some goodies to take home.
  • Oyama Shrine - Leaving the Samurai District behind, the guide will lead you through the Oyama Shrine on your way to Kanazawa Castle. Unlike most shrines in Japan, the entry gate here is made of brick, an unusual choice that speaks to its unique history. You will also pass through a small but beautiful garden on the way out the back of the shrine towards the castle.
  • Gyokusen-an - Having entered the castle grounds, you will next have time for a Matcha tea experience while enjoying views over a centuries old garden that spreads out before you. The Gyokusen-an tea house is a splendid example of Japanese design, and their Matcha and wagashi sweets are sure to delight. (Occasionally there are events at this tea house so we will go to a different tea house to have matcha and sweets)
  • Kanazawa Castle - On the way to the Kenroku-en Garden, the tour will take you through the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Marvel at the scale of the restored buildings which stand majestic over an expansive lawn on the castle grounds while your guide teaches you a bit about the Samurai history of Kanazawa and the origins of its riches and success.
  • Kenrokuen Garden - After time for a lunch break in front of the Kenrokuen Garden, we will enter into this breathtaking display of traditional Japanese design concepts. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy views over the city, and maybe even enter the home of the former Lord of Kanazawa’s wife.
  • Higashi Chaya District - Enjoy a taste of traditional tea district and Geisha culture at Higashi-chaya. Here, streets lined with fashionable tea houses from centuries ago await you, filled with eateries and craft shops. You will have free time after a guided walk to wander the streets here for yourself and perhaps have some ice cream or takoyaki topped with sheets of gold leaf.
  • Ochaya Shima - The tour will next take you inside a tea house, or Chaya, once inhabited by Geisha and frequented by their wealthy patrons. The colorful walls and musical instruments here showcase the wealth and charming atmosphere of the Kanazawa tea districts in the golden days of the city. Your guide will be happy to answer any geisha related questions you may have.
  • Kazuemachi Chayagai - Leaving Higashi Chaya, we will pass by the Kazuemachi tea district on the way back to the station. Less crowded than Higashi Chaya, in this tea district Geisha still entertain customers, and if you are lucky you can hear the soft sound of a shamisen being plucked emanating from one of the small sidestreets.
  • Omicho Market - Finally, your guide will lead you through the Omicho Market. A staple of Kanazawa food culture, guests who wish to leave the tour here for dinner are free to do so. Otherwise, the guide will escort you back to the station.
What's Included
  • Matcha Tea and Wagashi Sweets at a Tea House
  • Entry to the Shima Chaya Preserved Geisha House
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Entry to the Kenrokuen Garden
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Our excursion presents an optimal path to visit all of Kanazawa’s top sights, and some hidden treasures, in a single day by foot. Our expert guides make sure you gain a deep appreciation of Kanazawa’s culture. Participants will also get a chance to savor Matcha and traditional sweets at a historic tea house, fostering a bond with Kanazawa and its traditions in a brief period. If you wish to optimize your time in Kanazawa, we recommend this tour that is comprehensive but not tiring.

  • 1 hour short of the posted 9 hours because there is a 1 hour lunch break that is included in the tour. The customers are able to choose their own restaurant to eat at with recommendations from the guide at this time.
Location
Kanazawa Station
The meeting point is outside of the Shinkansen Ticket Gates, across the concourse and in front of the information center. Look for a four large sumo wrestlers under the information center sign. Be sure to look for our guide wearing the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Tyson_b
Jun 13, 2024
Kanazawa tour past and present - Spent the day with Lee and it was perfect! Lee was very knowledgeable and provided great insight into past and present Japanese culture. The tour was flexible, catering to our group and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Matt_d
Jun 11, 2024
Be ready for a great day full of history and a lot of walking - Garrett was a fantastic guide showing us through the sights of Kanazawa and its rich history. We were lucky being the only group on the tour the day we went which meant we got to go at our own pace which, given we all walked quickly, did mean at times we were ahead of schedule but again Garrett adapted and juggled the schedule expertly to accommodate that. The tour is 100% walking and while there’s opportunity to sit and rest at some of the sights you do need to consider whether you can walk the ~10-12km that this tour involves, given the hot day a couple in our group struggled even with a lot of shade and water stops. Thanks again Garrett for a superbly enjoyable day taking in the history and culture of Kanazawa!
Review provided by Viator
Omar_l
Jun 9, 2024
Brilliant tour with Lee! Recommended - Had an amazing full day tour with Lee! Very knowledgeable guide and very friendly. He perfectly knew how to pace the tour according to the group. I would recommend for anyone who is visiting a hidden gem like Kanazawa.
Review provided by Viator
Debpd9910ru
Apr 29, 2024
I was very lucky ! - Garrett was great fun to talk with and very knowledgeable about the history of the area and more. It just so happened that I was the only traveler this day, so Garrett was able to adjust the tour to me- so rather than just having a rote script, he could tell me about things I expressed interest in, and could point out things that he knew I would be interested in. I definitely saw places and got to do things that I never would have found on my own. Especially when you only have a day or so in a place, it is so worth the money to have someone who could show you around like a friend would. Arigato Gozaimaste Garrett!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francis_w
Apr 19, 2024
Unusually interesting - My wife and I toured this itinerary, and are exceptionally pleased with the tour, and in particular the tour guide, Garrett Weeden. What made it especially interesting was the attention and accommodation he provided our group. It was essentially a walking informative tour of interesting places. The guide was very knowledgeable in the history, culture, geography of Kanazawa and presented his talk which drew an absorbing interest from us. The walk through the Geisha District, as well as the history of the Samurai was typically engaging, as we walked around the streets of old Japan. My favorite was savoring the Matcha (green tea, served in unique Japanese style) in a typical Tea house. In the front view was a delightful pond/garden just adjacent to the Kanazawa castle. The Kenrokuen Garden was a delight; a perfect landscaped garden with ponds, teahouses, variety of trees, and let’s not forget the cherry blossoms which were in early bloom. The sunny weather did enhance our outing, but much credit goes to the gratifying sights, enriching experience and interesting talk by the guide who provided us a good understanding of Kanazawa culture and history. It was quite a walk (about 10 miles), but we (70-year olds) made it through pretty well. I must say we are indeed happy that this tour was a part of our vacation. –Frank Wallis
Review provided by Viator
The_o
Apr 17, 2024
A great and interesting way to see Kanazawa - We had a great day tour with Garret. He is extremely knowledgable regarding Japanese culture and history. The pace of the day was ideal, not too rushed. We toured many areas and Garret gave us great information on each location. We ended the day with sake tasting. It was an awesome day out.
Review provided by Viator
Jane_h
Apr 15, 2024
Loved the day! Garret was such a knowledgeable guide! - Our guide, Garett was very knowledgeable, enjoyable and helpful. Loved the entire tour, samurai housing, geisha historical area, lunch recommendations, gardens, and matcha tea experience!
Review provided by Viator
Kevana_n
Apr 10, 2024
Amazing!! - Garett our guide was exceptional! He was well versed in the culture and history of the landmarks we visited. This experience allowed me to appreciate the tour of Kanazawa in a more meaningful way. I would recommend Garrett for this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Sarahhd8106qf
Apr 6, 2024
Kanazawa visit - The tour hit all the spots in Kanazawa we really wanted to see. Our tour guide, Garrett, kept the group on time and really knew the history of the area and Japan. Fun and informative day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francisk_h
Mar 1, 2024
A very enjoyable and educational tour - We had a great time with Garrett, our guide. His knowledge of the history and culture of old (and new) Japan and Kanazawa blended well with the places and things he showed us. We especially liked the Kenrokuen Gardens and the Higashi Chaya district. Recommend this tour everyone. One note: this is totally a walking tour.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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