Higashi Chaya

Embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Kanazawa, starting with a vibrant tasting experience at Omicho Market, where you'll savor the freshest seafood, local produce, and traditional delicacies. Next, stroll through the charming streets of Kazuemachi Chayagai, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of one of Kanazawa’s historic geisha districts, with its picturesque teahouses and rich cultural heritage. Conclude your adventure in the enchanting Higashi Chaya District, where you'll explore beautifully preserved teahouses, witness the elegance of the geisha district, and indulge in exquisite Japanese sweet tasting. This tour offers a unique blend of flavors, history, and artistry, making it an unforgettable experience in the heart of Kanazawa.

A rival to Kyoto as the historic jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is a melting pot of art, culture, and history, where tradition reigns supreme. You might explore the Nagamachi neighborhood, a historic samurai district, and Higashi Chaya, where old geisha houses have been converted into teahouses and restaurants. A tranquil stroll through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, should be on every bucket list, while the 280-year-old “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, is a must-visit for street food and a perfect snapshot of local life. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Explore the world famous UNESCO village on our full-day Shirakawago & Kanazawa tour from Kanazawa station! Admire the picturesque landscapes in Shirakawa-go in the morning, then return to Kanazawa to visit must-see attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. In Kanazawa, you will make Japanese sweets with a professional craftsman and enjoy the traditional craft of gold leaf experience. Stroll through the geisha district while savoring luxurious soft serve ice cream adorned with gold leaf. Enjoy unique experiences on this one-day tour that you wouldn't have on your own. ・1 Day adventure to World Heritage Shirakawago and Kanazawa city ・A Professional English-speaking guide attend this tour ・On top of that, multilingual audio guidance is available in EN, FR, IT, ES, DE, PT, UK ・Please enjoy Walking & Local food in Shirakawa-go ・Let's make Japanese Sweets(Wagashi)with professional Wagashi craftsman ・Learn about Traditional craft Gold leaf experience

Through this tour, you'll not only immerse yourself in the local culture of Kanazawa but also delve into Japanese history and the deep-rooted religious beliefs that shaped the city’s identity. From strolling through serene gardens to exploring the former residences of samurai, this tour offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, history, and tradition. Itinerary Example for 4-hour tour: – Kenrokuen Garden Start the day by exploring Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. – Kanazawa Castle Park From Kenrokuen, it's just a short walk to Kanazawa Castle Park. – Nagamachi Samurai District Guests will get a glimpse of the preserved samurai residences and earthen walls. – Higashi Chaya District A traditional geisha district with beautifully preserved wooden teahouses. – End of Tour Leaving you with some free time to further explore Kanazawa or enjoy lunch in the city.

The places below are examples of what you may choose to see on the day, during this 4-hour tour. Higashi Chaya District (and Kazue Machi) The most famous tea district and Geisha/Geiko area in Kanazawa. It is also the home of Kinpaku (Gold leaf crafts). You will have the option to make your own gold leaf creation there.It is also possible to drink authentic green macha tea. The Samurai District Visit the streets where the Samurai lived. You will enter the houses of the Ashigaru (footsoldiers), and then view the larger residences of the more powerful samurai. You will have the option of entering the Nomura Samurai house. A kutani pottery museum and tea gardens are also en-route. There is also the option of taking a break for tea or a bite to eat here. Kenrokuen Gardens The famous gardens of the six attributes, facing Kanazawa Castle and Utatsu Mountain.There are opportunities to take a break, and to enjoy tea ceremony.

Some of Kanazawa’s most precious districts are overshadowed by bigger, more famous areas – but seeing the city through a local’s eyes creates an entirely new perspective. Visit Utatsuyama Park, an expansive forest in the middle of the city with over 100 types of wildflowers, and explore Nishi Chaya, a residential road where geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) live and train. Forego crowded Higashi Chaya in favor of storybook Kazuemachi, a riverside district lined with wood-built, feudal-era buildings, and stop for coffee at a trendy cafe. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Explore the beautiful town of Kanazawa on this customized, six-hour walking tour. Your government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide will efficiently provide views of the city that most tourist do not get to see. Start your day by meeting your guide at your hotel, then visit possible sites such as Kenrokuen, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; or the 21st Century Museum, a museum of contemporary art. Let us know what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying, and we'll arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Explore the beautiful town of Kanazawa on this customized, four-hour walking tour. Your government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide will efficiently provide views of the city that most tourist do not get to see. Start your day by meeting your guide at your hotel, then visit possible sites such as Kenrokuen, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; or the 21st Century Museum, a museum of contemporary art. Let us know what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying, and we'll arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Discover Kanazawa like a Local! Join my private, fully customized walking and bus tour, designed just for you. With over 22 years living in Kanazawa, I know the city’s hidden gems and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. After you book, we’ll chat to create your perfect 5–6 hour adventure-whether you want to explore the tranquil Kenrokuen Garden, vibrant Omicho Market, the historic Higashi Chaya District, Pokémon center Kanazawa, or iconic Kanazawa Castle Park and Station. (The places we visit will depend on the schedule and your preferences. ) We’ll travel mainly by foot and local buses, making it easy and comfortable to see the best of the city. I love meeting new people and sharing conversation, so every tour is a unique, personal experience. Let’s make your Kanazawa visit truly unforgettable-just for you!

Rent a kimono for selfies and create unique memories during your Japan trip in just 30 minutes! Enjoy unlimited original shots and receive all your photo data via transfer. We're just a minute's walk from Kanazawa's famous Higashi Chaya District.

Step into the heart of Kanazawa’s timeless charm on a personalized half-day walking tour like no other. Your journey begins with a friendly chat where we’ll explore your interests and craft a custom itinerary just for you. Whether you’re captivated by samurai history, enchanted by traditional tea houses, or curious about contemporary culture, this tour is as unique as you are. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you’ll uncover Kanazawa’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, all at your own pace. With flexibility at the core of this experience, you’re free to linger where you’re inspired, ask unlimited questions, and truly connect with the city’s stories. From the serene Kenrokuen Garden to the historic Higashi Chaya District, every stop on your journey blends tradition and modernity, leaving you with memories to treasure. Join us to explore, learn, and savor Kanazawa’s cultural richness—one step at a time.

With its perfectly preserved samurai and geisha districts, Nagamachi and Nishi Chaya, Kanazawa is just as much a cultural jewel as its more famous cousin, Kyoto. You might want to see the city’s shrines and temples, like Oyama Shrine and Tentoku In temple, built in the 17th century by the Maeda samurai clan. Speaking of the Maeda clan, Kanazawa Castle, the clan’s historic seat of power, is a must-visit, but so are the city’s modern attractions, like Omicho Market and its famous croquettes, or the ultra-cool Tatemachi shopping promenade. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

This is the ideal pick for time-tight travelers wanting to discover this beautiful town of Kanazawa's highlights in a day. Avoid the potential confusion of local bus system, and travel comfortably in a private vehicle instead. Enjoy the flexibility of being able to pick a set itinerary, or customize your own. Potential attractions include all Must-See spots in Kanazawa, so please explore at your own pace and visit sights such as Kenrokuen garden, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market; Nagamachi Samurai district. Your English speaking driver will fully support your six-hours tour. Note*: Tour details has a possibility of change depending on the place of your meeting point and traffic conditions. Please feel free to ask us if you have any special request for your itinerary. We will do our best to meet your request.

Immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s charm with this private, expertly guided 7-hour tour, covering 10 iconic spots. Start at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, and explore its stunning scenery. Then, visit Kanazawa Castle Park, known for its impressive gates and tranquil gardens. Next, discover Oyama Shrine, a unique blend of architectural styles, and take a memorable photo at the grand Shinmon gate. In the Nagamachi Samurai District, step back in time at the Nomura Samurai Residence and its beautiful garden. For lunch, head to Omicho Market, a lively food hub where you’ll enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties. End the tour in the Higashi Chaya District, home to Kanazawa’s geisha culture. Visit Shima, a well-preserved geisha house, and explore its history. This private tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and cuisine, ideal for those seeking to experience Kanazawa’s unique traditional charm.

A kimono rental shop right next to Higashi Chaya Street, a tourist destination represented by Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. From reception to departure, selection and kimono selection → dressing → hair set (optional) → departure. About 45 minutes to 1 hour. The shortest departure is about 30 minutes.

The Kanazawa Historical Districts Tour offers a unique journey through time, immersing visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of one of Japan's most well-preserved Edo-period cities. Unlike other tours, this experience highlights three distinct historical areas: the Nagamachi Samurai District, the Higashi Chaya Geisha District, and the Kazuemachi Chaya District. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional samurai residences, explore exquisitely preserved tea houses where geishas once entertained, and admire the serene beauty of ancient wooden buildings along the Asano River. The tour also includes insights into the city's artisanal crafts, such as gold leaf production and Kutani pottery, making it a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Kanazawa's historical and cultural heritage. This tour is great for anyone who likes historical sites and wants some simple clues and explanations to understand ancient Japan better.

Meet our local guides and explore the city while learning the historical and cultural background of its famous tourist attractions and our recommended spots, hidden in the old narrow streets of Kanazawa. Our guides genuinely love Kanazawa and would be happy to introduce you the city. Our tour is completely private, we accept only one group per reservation so the tour can be customized depending on your needs and interests. This walking tour aims to cover the main highlights of Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, the Higashi Chaya “Teahouse” District, and the Nagamachi Samurai District. No two tours are the same, because no two guests are the same – every encounter is once-in-a-lifetime chance!

Kanazawa’s cultural richness offers a unique charm distinct from both Tokyo and Kyoto. During the Edo period, Kanazawa was known as "Kaga Hyakumangoku," one of Japan’s largest cities. The Maeda family, who ruled the domain, focused their wealth on cultural development rather than military power, allowing Kanazawa to flourish as a cultural center. As you explore with a guide, you’ll see the preserved aesthetic sense of the samurai throughout the city. Kanazawa was spared from war damage, leaving its historical sites intact, offering a rare glimpse into the past. This tour includes key spots like Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa’s kitchen; Kenrokuen Garden, a masterpiece that showcases seasonal beauty; and the Higashi Chaya District, rich in 200 years of history. You’ll also visit hidden gems like secret streets with views of Japan’s oldest fountain. With a local guide, you’ll gain deep insights into Kanazawa’s history and geography, discovering what makes the city so special.

Let's explore the historical photogenic Kanazawa, such as Kenrokuen, here is one of Japan's three famous gardens, Higashi-Chaya District, where old-fashioned restaurants and teahouses line up with narrow alleys and senbon lattices, and more, with one-day transportation ticket!

Discover Kanazawa’s heritage on this private, expertly guided 7-hour tour of 10 must-see spots. Begin in the Nagamachi Samurai District at Nomura Samurai Residence, where you'll step back in time among serene gardens and samurai-era artifacts. Next, explore the Higashi Chaya District—famed for its geisha culture—and visit the enchanting Shima teahouse. Then, head to Omicho Market, a lively hub for fresh seafood and local specialties, before stopping by Oyama Shrine to admire its distinctive architecture and the striking Shinmon gate. Continue to Kanazawa Castle Park, celebrated for its grand gates and manicured grounds. Conclude at Kenrokuen Garden—one of Japan’s top three gardens—known for serene ponds, seasonal blooms, and panoramic vistas. This immersive journey blends history, tradition, and cuisine, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking Kanazawa’s authentic charm.