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Offered languages
- English
Our tour offers the best route to see all of Kanazawa's must-see spots, and many of its lesser known gems, in one day on foot. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you come away with an enriched understanding of the culture of Kanazawa. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Matcha and traditional sweets at a historical tea house, allowing them to feel a connection to Kanazawa and its customs after only a short time. Please consider participating in this tour if you want to make the best of your time in Kanazawa on a course that is exhaustive but not exhausting.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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1
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
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) Afterwards you will have time for lunch, too!
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
5
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
After passing through the castle, 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.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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