All Ishikawa Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Often overlooked when travelers head along the Sea of Japan, Fukui is another one of Japan’s prefectures that has as much history and natural beauty as any other. As the entrance to the Hokuriku region, Fukui has served as a crossroads for many important wars and trade routes throughout Japanese history. This tour will have you walk by the castle and also a temple where buildings form the former castle were moved, get stunning views of the modern city skyline from a hill with over a thousand years of history and dive into one of the head temples of Zen Buddhism in an idyllic mountain setting. Let’s dive deep into lesser traveled area of Japan that leave you wanting to come back to Fukui for more.

Immerse yourself in the history of Kanazawa on this small-group walking tour. As you walk through the city streets, from Nagamachi where remnants of samurai culture remain, to Kanazawa's most-famous geisha district, your guide will tell you stories of the city past and present. You'll also enjoy a delicious gold leaf ice cream to keep your energy up.

You can experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. After a full explanation of the session in English, you will enter the tea room. The host will serve thick Matcha (koicha) followed by light Matcha (usucha). Watching the preparation of thick Matcha is very rare, making this a truly valuable experience. (Approximately 1 hour) After the tea preparation, you can experience grinding matcha with a stone mill and making your own matcha. Detailed instructions are provided in English. (Approximately 20 minutes) Seiza (kneeling) is not required, and chairs can be provided if needed.

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 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.

Kanazawa was a samurai city. Many of the famous attractions have connections with the samurai, and the city's culture has its roots from the samurai. In this tour, join our local guides on a private walking tour and explore the city while learning the historical and cultural background of some of its most famous spots. The tour will take you through the old samurai residential area of Nagamachi, the city's most prominent Shinto shrine, the castle that used to be the samurai's seat of power, and lastly, the famous Kenrokuen Garden. You can ask as many questions as you'd like, and our guides would be more than happy to share their recommendations with you!

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour shore excursion from Kanazawa Port covers the city’s classic “feudal-capital” atmosphere in one well-paced day. Visit Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, enjoy fresh seafood at Omicho Market for lunch, walk the preserved samurai district of Nagamachi, and finish in the photogenic wooden streets of the Higashi Chaya District before returning to port.

Experience Kanazawa through a private photography session designed around the city’s most beautiful and distinctive locations. We’ll explore four carefully selected settings, from the peaceful beauty of Kenrokuen Garden and the historic streets of Higashi Chaya to the atmospheric lanes of Kazue-machi and the impressive exterior of Kanazawa Castle. Rather than simply stopping for snapshots, I’ll guide you throughout the session, choosing the best locations, backgrounds, and light while helping you with natural posing. The result is a relaxed experience and a varied collection of professional photographs that capture both you and the character of Kanazawa. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo, this is a personalized way to experience the city and create lasting memories of your time here.

Experience the Samurai spirit through "KENDO," where even beginners can enjoy this traditional martial art in a fun and engaging way. Unlike conventional kendo, this program emphasizes "Kind Enjoy Natural Design Open," making it accessible to all. You’ll not only learn the basics of kendo but also immerse yourself in Japanese culture under the guidance of a skilled instructor who has led his junior high school team to victory in national tournaments. Perfect for adventure seekers, families with children, and those looking to dive deep into Japan's rich traditions, this experience offers an unforgettable cultural encounter that goes beyond the usual tourist attractions.

This experience is designed for travelers who want clarity, flexibility, and genuine local expertise—not a rushed. You can choose between a half-day or full-day option, depending on your travel style and schedule. ️ Half-Day Tour: Shirakawa-go Only: The half-day tour focuses exclusively on Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village. You’ll travel by bus and explore the village with a local guide, learning how families lived in the iconic gassho-zukuri houses and why this unique culture developed in a remote mountain region. Full-Day Tour: Shirakawa-go + Kanazawa The full-day tour adds a cultural deep dive into Kanazawa after returning from Shirakawa-go. You’ll explore the city’s history, local life, and traditions, turning a single destination visit into a well-balanced regional journey. Why Book This Experience? Local guides with proven experience — our guides have guided over 1,000 guests, and they can offer clear, easy-to-follow explanations, not scripted lectures.

Immerse yourself in the world of the samurai with a private swordsmanship lesson in Kanazawa City. Begin by changing into a traditional samurai kimono, setting the stage for an authentic experience. Under the guidance of a skilled sword master, learn the basics of swordsmanship in a private setting at an old temple. Discover the techniques and discipline that define this ancient art. Kanazawa, a samurai town with a history spanning 400 years, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique experience. Feel the spirit of the samurai as you train in this historic city. Receive training wonderful photos to remember your experience. It will send by email latter. During the summer, the venue does not have air conditioning. Please dress comfortably, as it can get quite warm. As an optional addition to your samurai experience, you can take part in a traditional Zazen meditation session guided by a Buddhist monk.

Discover samurai life in Kanazawa beyond battle through a private walk in the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, followed by a hands-on bonsai workshop at SHIKA Studio. Learn how samurai values shaped architecture, gardens, and the philosophy behind Kanazawa roof tiles. Create your own bonsai in a pot made from traditional roof tiles and take it home as a unique souvenir.

This half-day tour takes you through Kanazawa’s most iconic sights, starting at Oyama Shrine, known for its unique gate combining Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles. Your guide will explain the shrine’s history and its connection to the Maeda family. Next, explore Kanazawa Castle, where you'll learn about samurai life, defensive design, and the craftsmanship behind its restored walls and wooden structures. You will then visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, admired for its ponds, lanterns, seasonal scenery, and traditional garden design. The tour ends in Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved geisha teahouse area with charming wooden streets, perfect for photos and browsing local shops.

The kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan! On this 6-hour walking tour, you can experience wearing a Kimono. You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle. It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around Kanazawa and take photos. Please bring your camera! Kanazawa is well known for its sophisticated food and tea culture. The secret of the popularity of Kanazawa's cuisine is that it is not just about its taste, but is packed with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, the beauty of tea utensils, and traditional methods.

Exclusive Kannon‑in Temple Tour｜Kanazawa Slip one block past Higashi Chaya and enter Kannon‑in Street, a hushed lane leading to a 400‑year‑old temple rarely open to visitors. With an English‑speaking interpreter you’ll hear the lore of this hidden spiritual quarter before crossing the gate for a private rite. In the main hall you join the Goma Fire Ritual: wooden prayer sticks are offered to the flames while mantras burn away worldly desires. You then walk Osuna‑fumi, tracing a circle on consecrated sand for body‑mind purification. Before leaving, the temple master’s wife hand‑brushes a personalised Goshuin seal for you to keep. Ancient statues and treasures are shown along the way.

Kanazawa is famously known as the city of arts, and while you can find art workshops throughout Japan that you can easily participate in, it is rare to find one like ours that offers you a chance to truly experience Kanazawa's traditional arts in the form of Yuzen, as well as an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with the artisan who has dedicated their life to making it. Our translator will be there to ensure that the communication between you and the artist is as smooth as possible, and you will be able to bring home with you a memorable souvenir that you make yourself!

Explore Kanazawa on an eco-friendly electric bike, good for both the planet and your health! Ride through scenic and hidden spots with insights from a local guide. Stop by Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa castle, followed by Myoryuji (Ninja Temple), discover its fascinating trapdoors and secret passages with a guide, plus multilingual booklets for reference. After the tour, you can continue sightseeing by bike, just return it to the designated port by the end of the day. Important Notice: The Ninja Temple tour is guided by temple staff in Japanese only. Multilingual brochures will be provided to help you follow the tour.

• Receive koicha — thick tea, rarely offered to visitors to Japan • Prepare usucha (thin tea) with your own hands, under the guidance of a tea master of 19 years • Spend 90 minutes as the sole guests in a 1923 machiya — the home where your host Yuta lives and practices • Learn Enshu-ryu, the samurai lineage of tea founded by Kobori Enshu, tea advisor to the Tokugawa shoguns • Taste seasonal jounamagashi, handcrafted the morning of your ceremony by a Kanazawa artisan • Speak openly about tea, aesthetics, or the philosophy of a life devoted to the way — as much as you wish

This isn’t a typical city tour—it’s a personalized introduction to Kanazawa with a local by your side. You’ll get oriented quickly while exploring some of the city’s most iconic districts, markets, and green spaces. Your host will tailor the experience around your pace, preferences, and interests—whether you’re after local tips, cultural context, or just want help finding your feet. From navigating the station and learning how to get around, to strolling through downtown shopping streets and historic landmarks, your host is there to help you settle in with confidence. Expect meaningful local insights, practical guidance, and spontaneous moments along the way. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests and travel style. Based on your answers, we’ll match you with a like-minded local host who will reach out to co-create a flexible itinerary for your first few hours in Kanazawa.

4-Hour Kanazawa Tour Discover Kanazawa's history with an expert guide! Visit Omicho Market, a 300-year-old seafood hub. Explore Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya, preserved Edo-period districts rich in geisha culture and crafts. See Kanazawa Castle, the historic Maeda clan stronghold with silver-tiled roofs. Conclude at Hirosaka Inari Shrine, walking a scenic path of red torii gates.

Abutting the remarkable Toyama Bay, Takaoka is a city with a diverse history of over 350 years. Known as the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, it produced large amounts of food, metal working and pottery. As the second city of the Kaga Domain, much wealth was poured into the city, mostly in the form of building great temples. Two of those great temples, Zuiryuji and Shokoji, still remain and are considered National Treasures. On this tour you will see those temples, try your hand at metalworking and see the Amaharashi Coast with a view of the snow-capped Tateyama mountains in the background.

Meet your guide at the iconic Tsuzumimon Gate of Kanazawa Station and set off on a running tour through the city. Follow your guide along a route that weaves through historic landmarks and the everyday streets where people actually live. Rather than rushing through tourist spots, proceed at the city's own pace. Take in the tranquil flow of the Saigawa River, the morning light filtering through Higashi Chaya District, the greenery around Kenroku-en Garden, and the unassuming sounds of daily life in residential areas just waking up. Run along paths locals use as part of their daily routine. Distances range from 5 km to 20 km and can be customized to suit your pace, fitness level, and preferences. After the run, head to a café near Kanazawa Station. Sip a drink with a distinct Kanazawa flavor while reflecting on the route you've just covered.

Enjoy a comfortable journey from Kanazawa to Osaka. We recommend that you explore Kanazawa's historic sites, then visit Osaka's vibrant districts and iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. ●Travel with the freedom to explore at your own pace. ●Immerse yourself in the traditional and modern blend of Osaka. ●Experience Japan's scenic beauty and heritage from Kanazawa to　Osaka.

Discover the cultural gems of Kanazawa on this flexible Private Shore Tour. With a professional local guide, explore two of the city’s top sights — from the elegant Geisha District and peaceful Samurai District to the famous Kenrokuen Garden and vibrant Omicho Market. Whether you choose your own route or let us customize it for you, this 4-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors. Enjoy authentic stories, local life, and beautiful cityscapes before returning comfortably to your ship or hotel.