Quiet Highlights Walking Tour in Kanazawa

Kanazawa , Japan

Quiet Highlights Walking Tour in Kanazawa

Active

4h - 6h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour mainly focuses on guiding you through Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District, two of Kanazawa’s most iconic and beautiful areas.

While walking at a relaxed pace, you will learn about local history, culture, and daily life, and enjoy the atmosphere of Kanazawa in the morning.

Other nearby landmarks may be introduced briefly depending on time and interest, but the main highlights of this tour are Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District.

Available options

Quiet Highlights Walking Tour in Kanazawa

What's included

Gratuities

Detailed itinerary

Omicho Market is known as Kanazawa’s kitchen and has been serving the city for over 300 years.

The market is filled with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, seasonal vegetables, local specialties, and traditional foods unique to the region.

Visitors can stroll through the lively narrow streets, enjoy street food, and experience the everyday atmosphere of local life in Kanazawa.

From fresh sushi and seafood bowls to local snacks, Omicho Market offers a taste of Kanazawa’s rich food culture.

Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods.
Once home to traditional teahouses, this area still preserves wooden buildings, stone-paved streets, and a calm atmosphere that reflects old Japan.

In the morning, the district is especially peaceful — perfect for walking, photography, and enjoying local sweets without large crowds.

It is also the best place to experience Kanazawa’s food culture, including gold leaf desserts, roasted tea drinks, and seasonal Japanese sweets.

This tour allows you to enjoy Higashi Chaya not just as a sightseeing spot, but as a place to relax, taste, and feel the local lifestyle.

Stop 3

Kenrokuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, located in the heart of Kanazawa City.
The garden is famous for its spacious layout, beautiful ponds, elegant bridges, and carefully designed landscapes that change with every season.
In spring, cherry blossoms gently color the garden.
In summer, fresh greenery creates a peaceful atmosphere.
In autumn, vivid red and gold leaves reflect on the water.
In winter, the iconic yukitsuri ropes protect the pine trees from heavy snow, creating a truly magical scene unique to Kanazawa.

Kenrokuen is a place where visitors can slow down, enjoy nature, and experience the harmony of Japanese aesthetics and history.

Whether you visit in the morning light or during a quiet stroll, Kenrokuen offers a calm and unforgettable moment in your journey through Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Castle Park is a historic landmark in Kanazawa,
once home to the Maeda clan during the Edo period.
With its stone walls, gates, and peaceful atmosphere,
it’s a perfect place for a relaxing walk near Kenrokuen Garden.

The Nagamachi Samurai District is a historic area in Kanazawa
where samurai families once lived during the Edo period.
With its earthen walls, stone paths, and quiet streets,
it’s a perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere of old Japan.

What's not included

Entrance fee for Kenrokuen and Ninja Remple and transporation fee is not included

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

May not be suitable for guests with multiple dietary restrictions.

Meeting point

The meeting point is under the Tsuzumi-mon Gate at Kanazawa Station. This is the large wooden gate outside the station.
I will be waiting with a signboard.

Important notes

Please come to the big wooden gate called Tsuzumimon. This is the symbol of Kanazawa Station.

About Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved city on Japan's western coast, is renowned for its well-maintained Edo-era districts, traditional arts, and fresh seafood. Often overlooked in favor of more famous cities, Kanazawa offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that sets it apart from other Japanese destinations.

Top Attractions

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. It features a variety of trees, ponds, and walking paths, and is especially stunning during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Nature 1-2 hours 320 JPY

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a historic castle that played a significant role in the city's history. The castle grounds are open to the public and feature several restored buildings, including the Ishikawa Gate and the Gyokusin-en Garden.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (some areas may have a small fee)

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya is a historic geisha district that has been preserved to maintain its traditional atmosphere. The district features wooden teahouses, narrow alleys, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shops and restaurants

Omicho Market

Omicho Market is a bustling seafood market that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties. The market is a great place to sample Kanazawa's famous seafood dishes and pick up souvenirs.

Food 1 hour Free to explore, costs vary for food and souvenirs

Nagamachi Samurai District

Nagamachi was the former samurai district of Kanazawa, and many of the original samurai residences have been preserved. The district features narrow streets, traditional houses, and several museums.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for museums and exhibits

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl)

A bowl of rice topped with fresh, local seafood such as crab, shrimp, and scallops. Kanazawa is famous for its kaisendon, which features a variety of seafood sourced from the nearby Sea of Japan.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Jibuni (Duck Stew)

A traditional Kanazawa dish made with duck, tofu, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Jibuni is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Gold Leaf Ice Cream

A unique and luxurious dessert made with local gold leaf, which adds a delicate crunch and a touch of elegance. The gold leaf is edible and safe to consume.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain allergens

Kanazawa Sake

Kanazawa is known for its high-quality sake, which is brewed using local ingredients and traditional methods. The city has several sake breweries that offer tours and tastings.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Hakusan Onsen hopping in Kaga Onsen Exploring Shirakawa-go's traditional villages Staying in a traditional ryokan Exploring Kanazawa's gardens and parks Visiting Kanazawa's historic districts Attending a traditional tea ceremony Exploring Kanazawa's museums and art galleries

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kanazawa is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft is uncommon. The city is generally safe for solo travelers, women, and LGBTQ+ travelers, but it's important to exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter
• Avoid unsolicited offers for tours or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Komatsu Airport • 30 km from Kanazawa

By train

Kanazawa Station

By bus

Kanazawa Station Bus Terminal, Hokuriku Expressway Bus Stops

Getting around

Public transport

The Kanazawa Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. It operates on several routes and offers unlimited rides with a day pass.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kata-machi Higashi Chaya District Nagamachi District Korinbo

Day trips

Shirakawa-go

60 km from Kanazawa • Full day

Shirakawa-go is a remote mountain village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The village is especially stunning during the winter when the heavy snow creates a picturesque landscape.

Kaga Onsen

30 km from Kanazawa • Half day to full day

Kaga Onsen is a group of hot spring towns in Ishikawa Prefecture, known for their therapeutic waters and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of hot spring experiences, from public baths to private onsen in ryokan.

Mount Hakusan

50 km from Kanazawa • Full day to overnight

Mount Hakusan is one of Japan's three holy mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails. The mountain offers a variety of hiking routes, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Festivals

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival • June Kanazawa Gold Leaf Festival • October Kanazawa Samurai Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit Kenrokuen Garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the stunning seasonal views
Try gold leaf ice cream, a unique and delicious Kanazawa specialty
Explore the narrow alleys and hidden courtyards of the Nagamachi Samurai District for a glimpse into Kanazawa's samurai history
Attend a traditional tea ceremony or geisha performance for a memorable cultural experience
Shop for gold leaf products and traditional crafts in the Higashi Chaya District for unique souvenirs