Day Tour in Kanazawa: Glamor of the Geisha, a Daimyo's Villa and a World-Class Garden

Situated along the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a glimpse into the elegance of old Japan. Known for its artisanal crafts, exquisite cuisine, and scenic beauty, Kanazawa is a treasure trove of attractions, from its historic Geisha districts to its stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. The city also features the stately Kanazawa Castle, the serene Oyama Shrine, and the grand Seisonkaku Villa, each offering a unique window into the city’s samurai and feudal past. Compact and walkable, Kanazawa is a city where tradition and beauty converge, allowing visitors to explore its wonders at their own pace or with the guidance of our knowledgeable local experts. With every turn, Kanazawa promises an unforgettable journey through Japan’s rich heritage.

Highlights

• Explore the traditional Higashichaya District, also known as the geisha district, and go into one of the old glamorous tea homes
• Tour around the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan, and go inside the Seisonkaku Villa, a home that shows off the opulence of the Edo period

• Walk through the expansive Kanazawa Castle grounds as you head to Oyama Shrine to learn about the history of the domain and the daimyo

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Kanazawa Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station as well if you feel the need; however, you can of course store your belongings on the tour bus as well.

As you exit from Kanazawa you will first stop to see the large gate that greets you on the east side of the station before heading out towards the historical areas of the city. The first stop of the tour will take you to Kazuemachi, one of three geisha/tea house districts. There are a few really good spots where you can get excellent pictures of this area so have your guide show you around to get that perfect shot. In the spring there are many cherry blossoms that extenuate the various colored buildings in the district.

After exiting one area with a plethora of tradition, you'll then enter another! The Higashichaya tea house district is much larger than the previous one and was the main geisha district during the Edo and Meiji periods. Many of the buildings in the area today still have the same traditional building styles as in the past. There are even some buildings that were originally used by geisha that are still around today. As part of the tour you will enter one of these and transport yourself back into the opulent past of the geisha and their patrons.

Finally, there will be free time for you to explore on your own and shop. This is also when you can have lunch in one of the many different restaurants in the district. Make sure to ask your guide for some recommendations!

All the traditional architecture of the Higashichaya District is not the end of the beauty you'll see on the tour. Following a short walk it will be time for one of the most famous places in Kanazawa, the Kenrokuen Garden. From its beginnings over 300 years ago, it has evolved as a garden for the daimyo and his family members. In every season there is something to see! In the spring, cherry blossoms: in the summer, lilies: in the autumn, the fall leaves: and in the winter, snow. The pine trees are also amazing to see as they are perfectly trimmed and shaped in interesting shapes.

In the back of the garden is a building that is usually missed by visitors to the garden, Seisonkaku. This is a home used by a relative of the daimyo. It was built in the 1800's and it a great example of Japanese wealth and traditions mixed with some Western styles to make for an opulent home. The walls and ceilings are covered in lacquer, gold is on much of the wallpaper and the second floor uses the rarest types of paint for the walls. And you can't forget about the squeaking nightingale floors! Seisonkaku is certainly a great example of daimyo upper class construction.

Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the city's rich samurai heritage, was originally built in 1580 as the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. Strategically located to oversee and protect the surrounding region, the castle served as a political and military stronghold during the Edo period. We will walk through it on our way to get to the next spot so you can see its meticulously reconstructed gates, walls, and turrets.

The next stop is Oyama Shrine, dedicated to Lord Toshiie Maeda, the founding leader of the powerful Maeda Clan. The current iteration of the shrine was built in the 1870s, and is renowned for its unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles, most strikingly displayed in its iconic three-story gate. You will explore a bit more about the history of the city as you walk through the nice garden and unique architecture.

As we pass through Omicho Market, you'll catch a glimpse of Kanazawa's bustling culinary heart, operating since the Edo period. Known as the "Kitchen of Kanazawa," this vibrant market offers an array of fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional delicacies, reflecting the city's rich food culture. This is a good opportunity to get a feel for the place for a visit the next day/morning. It is most lively from the morning until about two or three in the afternoon. There is still a number of restaurants open for dinner so feel free to leave the tour and head to dinner early if you like.

After a long day walking around Kanazawa you will head back to Kanazawa Station. If you hotel is near Omicho Market, feel free to leave the tour there or any where you feel is most convenient. Even though when we reach the station it will be time to say goodbye, you can, of course, ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel, and they will happily help.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

1 / KANAZAWA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center. If you are heading out from the gates, look forward and to the right and you will see a four large sumo wrestlers lined up. This is where we will be meeting. For those coming from outside the station, you will find this sign immediately inside of the East Entrance of Kanazawa Station. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fee at tea house in the Higashichaya District
• Entry fee at Kenrokuen Garden
• Entry fee at Seisonkaku Villa

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.

• In winter the temperatures will be below 10℃ at the high , and in the morning and evening may be close to or below 0℃. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.

• There will be free time along the way for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.