Tour Details
Duration
8 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Kanazawa Castle
- Namagachi Samurai District
- Omicho Market
Photos & Highlights
- Let an expert take you on a fascinating journey into Japan's past where geisha and samurai walked the streets
- Have the time to explore an amazing cities from multiple angles taking in a stunning garden and delectable food
Select a date
Tour Description
You are intrigued by the heritage and unspoiled streets of Kanazawa and want to do so with an Expert in Japanese history, cultural studies or religion. 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. We - and your Expert - will look after all the logistics so you have time to focus on this fascinating and multi-faceted place so you can take a wealth of information and memories home with you.
Choose this tour if…
- You’d like to understand more about Japan’s samurai history and culture by touring with an Expert
- You would like to explore the preserved districts of an authentic Edo-period castle town, famous for its samurai and geisha architectures
- You are interested in taking in one of the country's most famous gardens and a fabulous fish market
- You’re eager to step off the beaten path and discover a less well-known part of Japan on a short trip
Your Expert will meet you at your hotel. There is a wealth of possibilities in Kanazawa. 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.
- Kanazawa Castle and Gardens
- Samurai District
- Fish Market
- Geisha District
Tickets and Transportation
You are pre-paid for the tour. Your Expert will secure tickets for the venues.
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,willur expert to meet you directly at your hotel in Kanazawa.
What if I'm staying in Kyoto?
The high-speed train makes Kanazawa accessible for a day trip from Kyoto. If you'd like to visit Kanazawa and are coming as a day-trip from Kyoto, we offer that experience here: Kanazawa Day Trip from Kyoto
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.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
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1 Review
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
We very much enjoyed our day with Marc. He is truly an encyclopedia of Japanese history, particularly as it relates to Kanazawa. We did a lot of walking through different districts and Marc shared lots of information regarding different classes of people, including samurai and geishas and how they all related to one another. The pacing, for us, was quite good and we appreciated his sharing how his personal experiences influenced his tours. All in all, we had a very enjoyable day and look forward to contacting him again when we make our way to Kyoto.
Sylvia
Reviewed on:
Nov 11, 2025