Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour: Local Highlights & Hidden Gems
4.9
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour: Local Highlights & Hidden Gems
By City Unscripted
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 0-99
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Japanese, English
More
Highlights
- Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local
- 4 hour walking tour, exploring highlights and hidden gems
- Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
- Tickets to any attractions
- Gratuities (optional)
- Start:
- Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, 1-1-1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0858, Japan(The host will be waiting in front of the tourist information center by the main entrance) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30791P788- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30791P788
From
AU$210.28
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1-1-1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0858, Japan(The host will be waiting in front of the tourist information center by the main entrance) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
- Pass byRuins of Nagamachi BukeyashikiOmicho MarketKanazawa CastleKanazawaHigashi Chaya District
Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Silent A0 contributionsLovely experience, especially away from the hustle & bustle of the larger cities of Japan.Akari was a treat to have as my guide for this tour. She was exceptionally knowledgeable about the history behind the sites she showed me. The extra bit of history about how a particular stone pagoda in the castle garden was related to the Imjin War was exceptionally surprising since that war is effectively unknown in the West.Written 16 March 2025
- W1756EOdianea0 contributionsA tranquil escape with rich history and cultureThis city tour offers a perfect blend of old and new. We loved the well-preserved samurai district, beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, and artisan shops.Written 25 January 2025
- 752shakils0 contributionsTailored food experience in a foodie havenAkari was an excellent host. She was in touch after making the booking and worked with me to tailor the experience to what I was looking for, in this case local sushi and the seasonal delicacy Crab. She managed to get a booking at a sort out place with little notice. Would highly recommend.Written 20 November 2024
- yoshiroi20220 contributionsDay in KanazawaOur guide AKari was the best. She was friendly, knowledgeable, understanding to our pace and most of all we enjoyed being with her. We would recommend her highly. Such a beautiful personality. We felt so lucky to have met her.Written 6 October 2024
- waynemZ3687ZR0 contributionsExcellent tour of KanazawaCriselda provided us with an excellent tour of Kanazawa. She knew the history and got us around very efficiently on public transportation. We had an excellent local lunch at an udon noodle place. This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan.Written 2 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.9
22 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Nelli G
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We celebrated New Year in Japan. Despite warnings that everything will be shut down all over the country we took the chance and never regretted it. After skiing in Hakuba we headed to Kanazawa and spent three wonderful days there. Our guide Criselda, introduced us to the cultural background of Ishikawa region, its rich history and traditions in the best way possible. She built our itinerary so it was always a time to stop and enjoy what was going on around. Kanazawa is a beautiful place with incredible food and people there are very welcoming. Thank you Criselda!
Written 17 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your New Year experience in Japan! It’s wonderful to hear how Criselda made your time in Kanazawa so enriching, blending cultural insights with a perfectly paced itinerary. The city’s beauty, incredible food, and warm hospitality truly shine through your story—what a memorable trip!
Written 17 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
danipo
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Solo
This was a great experience! Akari showed me a few areas I would not have known about otherwise, and taught me a lot about the history of Kanazawa and Japan!
The tour felt really personalized, Akari made sure to ask me what my interests were and plan an itinerary that would be best suited for me! Also, she gave me great advice for foods and other things to do in the area. Thank you so much for a great day that I will not forget!
Danielle
The tour felt really personalized, Akari made sure to ask me what my interests were and plan an itinerary that would be best suited for me! Also, she gave me great advice for foods and other things to do in the area. Thank you so much for a great day that I will not forget!
Danielle
Written 9 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the awesome review, Danielle! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Akari and appreciated her personalized approach! It’s wonderful to hear she introduced you to hidden gems, shared her knowledge, and provided helpful local recommendations. We look forward to helping you plan many more unforgettable adventures!
Written 10 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
C H
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
Karolina B. is an EXCELLENT tour guide. I believe she works for CityUnscripted. Karolina is very knowledgeable about the places we visited and their history. She emailed us after we booked the tour date asking us about the preferred sites and attractions we wished to see. She kept in constant communication with us until the day of the tour. On the day of the tour, she arrived early and waited for us in the lobby. We had originally booked a half-day tour but ended up going over our half-day due to the list of sites we wanted to see and the time we spent at each. She never complained but planned the day around our needs. She is very personable and accommodating. We enjoyed our time with her and would highly recommend her to anyone booking this tour.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's fantastic to hear about your positive experience with Karolina B. as your tour guide! From her extensive knowledge of the places you visited to her proactive communication and flexibility, she ensured a memorable and enjoyable experience. Karolina's dedication to accommodating your preferences and going above and beyond during the tour is truly commendable. Thank you for recommending her to others booking with CityUnscripted!
Written 5 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah G
3 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
I can't rate this highly enough.
Cris was the perfect host, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, answered all my questions about Japanese culture. I booked this tour for the afternoon I arrived in Kanazawa and it was the perfect way to orientate myself and decide what I would go back and visit over the next few days.
Took me to some amazing shops and restaurants that I would not have found on my own.
Cris was the perfect host, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, answered all my questions about Japanese culture. I booked this tour for the afternoon I arrived in Kanazawa and it was the perfect way to orientate myself and decide what I would go back and visit over the next few days.
Took me to some amazing shops and restaurants that I would not have found on my own.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that Criselda made your Experience in Kanazawa a perfect introduction to the city. Her friendly demeanor, cultural insights, and local recommendations helped you make the most of your stay and discover hidden gems you might not have found otherwise. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on more memorable tours in the future!
Written 10 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy M
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Couples
Our tour guide made contact on What’s App as soon as we booked to arrange to meet and set our itinerary. I had to rearrange and she was very flexible .
Our tour was interesting-our guide was knowledgeable and charming and we really enjoyed our tour. I would highly recommend !
Our tour was interesting-our guide was knowledgeable and charming and we really enjoyed our tour. I would highly recommend !
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad to hear that your guide was flexible with the changes and made your tour enjoyable. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!
Written 6 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan W
18 contributions
Jorge (through city unscripted) was absolutely amazing. Jorge really took us to off the beaten path places.
It was also New Year’s Day and most sites were closed, but Jorge still showed us a number of amazing things we would have never seen without a guide.
We also thoroughly enjoyed talking to Jorge and leaning about Japan
It was also New Year’s Day and most sites were closed, but Jorge still showed us a number of amazing things we would have never seen without a guide.
We also thoroughly enjoyed talking to Jorge and leaning about Japan
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled that Jorge made your New Year’s Day special in Japan, even with most sites closed. It’s wonderful that he could take you to hidden gems and share his insights—it sounds like a truly memorable experience!
Written 2 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liza
Marlborough, MA6 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Kanazawa is a cultural goldmine. We got to see so much history and beautiful sites. Our tour guide, Haru, was 10/10.
We saw the Kanazawa castle, Omi Cho market, the 3rd most beautiful garden in the world, as well as a geisha district and a samurai district.
Haru taught us how to enter shrines and lots about the Japanese culture. We feel so lucky we got her as a guide!
We saw the Kanazawa castle, Omi Cho market, the 3rd most beautiful garden in the world, as well as a geisha district and a samurai district.
Haru taught us how to enter shrines and lots about the Japanese culture. We feel so lucky we got her as a guide!
Written 5 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the cultural treasures of Kanazawa, and it’s wonderful to hear that Haru made your experience unforgettable. From the castle to the gardens and historic districts, it sounds like you had a truly enriching tour. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Haru!
Written 7 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tiong Ghee L
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
The walking tour with Haru was very interesting. Haru was extremely knowledgeable in the specific histories of the areas we walked through.
It was also conducted at our own pace which my partner and myself very much appreciated it. No hurries.
We also appreciated that Haru reached out to us personally before we arrived in Kanazawa to sound us out on our interests in any particular areas which the tour would then be crafted more towards. Haru also met us at our hotel which was also much appreciated as we were unfamiliar with the area initially.
It was also conducted at our own pace which my partner and myself very much appreciated it. No hurries.
We also appreciated that Haru reached out to us personally before we arrived in Kanazawa to sound us out on our interests in any particular areas which the tour would then be crafted more towards. Haru also met us at our hotel which was also much appreciated as we were unfamiliar with the area initially.
Written 5 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience on the walking tour with Haru in Kanazawa! Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we’re thrilled that you and your partner had such a positive experience. We look forward to welcoming you on more memorable adventures in the future!
Written 7 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda M
2 contributions
Our guide, Selda, was informative, knowledgeable and passionate about Kanazawa. This helped us understand more of the ancient traditions and culture as well as the local craftsmanship. We saw so much that we would not have been able to do alone. We have also had terrific communication with her before and after the tour. Highly recommended.
Written 21 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the awesome review! It's great to hear that Selda impressed with her knowledge and shared her passion for her city! We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Kanazawa and we can't wait to host you again!
Written 21 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marco L
11 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
The tour was amazing, Jorge met me at my BnB and organized based on what I wanted to see. He was very knowledgeable about the history and places, but also made the tour fun and engaging.
He also send some useful information to where to eat and what to see in my next few days.
Overall great experience and I will definitely book a second tour when I'm back in Japan :)
He also send some useful information to where to eat and what to see in my next few days.
Overall great experience and I will definitely book a second tour when I'm back in Japan :)
Written 16 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear Jorge tailored the experience to your interests and made it both engaging and informative. His additional recommendations sound like the perfect touch—looking forward to hosting you again in Japan!
Written 17 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.