Kanazawa Private Tour: Highlights of an Old Samurai Town

5.0 (47 reviews) Kanazawa, Japan
Duration7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Step into the timeless charm of Kanazawa, one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved castle towns. This full-day tour led by a local guide reveals centuries of history from bustling samurai quarters to serene gardens and vibrant markets. It's a perfect journey for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in a city once rivaling Kyoto and Osaka in prominence.

・Wander through Kanazawa Castle and the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three traditional landscapes
・Explore the spiritual calm of the D.T. Suzuki Museum and the elegance of Nomura Samurai House
・Taste local specialties at Omicho Market, the lively culinary heart of the city

What's included

  • Bus tickets
  • Hotel pickup&Hotel drop off
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • English guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Taxi / Private Car or Bus (Available for an extra fee)

What to expect

  1. Omicho Market
    40m
    Omicho market is popular as the kitchen of Kanazawa citizens where seasonal fish and fruits gather, and it can be said that the crabs caught in the Sea of Japan face quite the fate, for it is here where the crabs are lined up, and then also the locally sourced fruit and oden's you can eat while walking around. You can enjoy this scene at your leisure.
  2. Kanazawa Castle
    45m · Admission ticket included
    A symbol of Kaga Hyakumanges, was built in 1583 by Toshiie Maeda in full scale and was placed as a residence of 14 Maeda family of Kaga clan until 1869. All buildings other than Ishikawa gate and 30 Nagaya (row houses) have disappeared due to repeated fires, but since 1996 the public has benefited from Kanazawa Castle Park. In 2001, historical buildings were faithfully restored as best possible based on old pictures and old documents. The landscape has once again been revived for the present age.
  3. Kenrokuen Garden
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Kenrokuen is one of the three famous Japanese national gardens, listed along with Mito Kairakuen and Okayama Korakuen. The garden boasts a beautiful appearance during every season, and the stunning winter snow hanging together with the famous Koji lanterns in Kanazawa. This is both a symbol and a must-see for Kanazawa sightseeing.
  4. D. T. Suzuki Museum
    50m · Admission ticket included
    Suzuki Daisetsu Museum is a spot infused with the thoughts of a world-famous Buddhist philosopher, Suzuki Daisetsu, born Kanazawa, who made Zen culture widely known abroad. Further, Mr. Yoshio Taniguchi is represented here. He is famous for designing large portions of the New York Museum of Modern Art, in particular the extension and renovation of MoMA in 2004, consisting of three buildings, the "entrance building", the "exhibition building", the "thought space building." Here, various representations have been constructed. In the exhibits, it appears as though you passes through a long and narrow corridor that leads to a different space. There is freedom to think and feel as you wish, to touch, watch, and see things as they appear to you, as there is no formal explanation. There is also a space for the various world views of Zen, including the biggest attraction, "the garden of water glasses." Here there is a mysterious charm that draws in the visitor for whatever purpose that might be.
  5. Nomura Family Samurai House
    50m · Admission ticket included
    The house has a lovely garden and a number of interesting displays to help you learn about life in earlier times in the city and in this part of Japan. It's beautifully preserved and the small garden attached to the house exactly what you would want to see in a property like this.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
End point
Pickup details

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel's lobby at 9:00 am.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
  • Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in because you will walk the mountain paths.
  • During severe winter weather, your tour agenda may be subject to change.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (47)
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28,000.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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