Top Kanazawa Arts & Design

Discover Kanazawa on a private, fully customizable half-day tour tailored to your interests and led by a passionate local host. Explore highlights like Kenrokuen Garden, the Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya, while uncovering hidden gems and hearing personal stories and cultural insights. With flexible start times and a bespoke itinerary, this immersive experience is perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a deeper connection with the city.

Colors of Kanazawa – Afternoon Walking Tour with Hands-On Kaga Yuzen Experience Discover Kanazawa’s vibrant history, beautiful gardens, and traditional crafts in this fun and interactive afternoon tour! Stroll through Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle, learning about the city’s samurai past before relaxing with a refreshing drink at a traditional café in Kenrokuen Gardens. The highlight of the day is a hands-on Kaga Yuzen workshop, where you’ll paint your own small traditional bag using vibrant dyes under the guidance of a local artisan – a special souvenir to take home. With a maximum group size of just 12 guests, this tour offers a personal and memorable experience, perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Kanazawa is home to stroll gardens, teahouses, and magnificent architecture that dates back to the Edo Period, but understanding the history behind its most notable sites requires a lot of research. Save yourself time, and learn about Kanazawa from a local’s perspective by going on a customized walking tour. You can select the places you visit—such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle—then a private guide provides fascinating commentary and cultural insights along the way.

Discover Your Own Kanazawa, With a Local Nurse! Join my private, fully customized walking and bus tour, designed just for you. With over 23 years living in Kanazawa, I know the city’s hidden gems and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. ✨I’m a Japanese nurse. If you feel unwell during the tour, I can help you. After you book, we’ll chat to create your perfect 5–6 hour adventure. Whether you want to explore Kenrokuen Garden, Castle, Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, or HIDDEN GEMS! 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 personal experience. Let’s make your Kanazawa visit truly unforgettable-just for you! ☺️ ※Guests are kindly advised that the tour host cannot accept responsibility for any illness to unforeseen accidents occurring during the tour. ※ Childcare is available.

Tour an ancient samurai district with an insider to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights. Get insight into Kanazawa, a town of great cultural achievements rivaling Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy a relaxing walk through Omicho Market, and visit the historic Kanazawa Castle. Walk through the serene garden of Kenrokuen. Learn the history of this samurai town from a professional guide.

Take a comprehensive tour of Kanazawa and discover its rich history and key landmarks. Step back in time and explore one of the most well-preserved samurai districts. Explore the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and its gardens that were built during the Edo period. End the tour with a stroll through the Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be the most beautiful in Japan, that is filled with thousands of colorful flowers.

Get ready to embark on a unique craft tour that uncovers the heart and soul of Kanazawa through its rich traditions. This exclusive experience offers an intimate glimpse into the world of local artisans, where centuries-old techniques harmoniously blend with modern creativity. As we stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya District, famed for its beautifully preserved tea houses and stunning gold leaf artistry, we’ll delve into the artistry of Matcha Tea served in exquisite Ohi-ware pottery, complemented by the delicate flavors of traditional Wagashi sweets. This journey through time and art promises a deep appreciation for the skills and dedication of Kanazawa's master craftsmen. Join us for a half-day of artistic discovery, where you'll not only immerse yourself in the rich craftsmanship of Kanazawa but also have the opportunity to shop for unique, handmade treasures that reflect the region's heritage.

For travelers looking to explore a more traditional side of Japan, Takayama and Shirakawa-go offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that seems far away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Takayama today has within it a faithfully preserved traditional town composed of three major avenues and a number of alleyways. With crystal clear water flowing on both sides of the streets, and historical wooden buildings, you will be witness to the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. Shirakawa-go, on the other hand, is and has always been a quaint village of thatched roof homes, where agriculture and cottage industries thrived for centuries. Nowadays, it has become well known as one of the few remaining villages in Japan that boasts a high number of preserved homes with thatched roofs. You are free to start your tour from either Takayama or Kanazawa, and also end the tour at either of those destinations.

This cultural tour takes you just outside Kanazawa to discover the lesser-known foundations of the Kaga Domain, with comfortable transport and a local interpreter. Highlights include a visit to Asano Taiko, a world-renowned drum maker with 400 years of history. You’ll see master craftsmanship, enjoy a professional performance, and try taiko drumming yourself. These traditions trace back to samurai armor leatherwork and are symbolized today by Kanazawa Station’s Tsuzumi Gate. The tour ends with a meal at a renovated sake brewery, paired with local sake such as Kaga no Kikuzake, once enjoyed by feudal lords during cherry blossom gatherings. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Kanazawa’s culture and history. On the final tour date (March 12, 2026), a traditional celebratory song that has been passed down for over 350 years will also be performed.

The tour begins with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the most scenic spots in Japan, where visitors can see the seasonal expressions of the Kaga feudal lords who ruled the area. The next stop is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, where visitors can experience contemporary art. The circular building has an open design with a natural connection between inside and outside, creating a sense of unity with the city. Inside, visitors can enjoy works by internationally acclaimed artists and hands-on exhibits. The building itself is also attracting attention as a work of art.Visitors can also take part in an optional experience using gold leaf, which is unique to Kanazawa, known as one of the leading gold leaf production centers in Japan.Why not spend a day in Kanazawa experiencing history, culture, and art? *21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is closed on Mondays. Visitors will be taken to a different location for tours on days when the museum is closed.