All Ishikawa Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Seeing Kanazawa's top attractions in a short time can take a lot of planning, so let this small-group tour do the hard work for you. A carefully planned itinerary takes you to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, the Samurai District, and the Higashi Chaya District, with admission to Kenrokuen Garden and Nomura House included to save time. Also, an included taxi ride between districts helps you cover more ground in less time.

Kanazawa is a walkable city but many of its top attractions are spread out. Let the experts lead you along the best route to ensure that you don't miss out on any of Kanazawa's must-see spots—as well as some of the city's lesser-known gems. This small-group walking tour is limited to just 15 guests and immerses you in the history and culture of this fascinating Japanese city.

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.

This private and customizable driving tour will allow you to take in the beauty of Shirakawago with out the worry of catching trains or busses. This driving tour is perfect for independent travelers that would like to take in the sites on their own. Allow your private chauffer to take you around in comfort and style. Once your tour is done, your chauffer will take you to traditional city of Takayama so that you can continue your travels across Japan. We hope to send you to gorgeous Shirakawago soon!

The atmospheric geisha districts of Kanazawa make it a magical place to explore at night, and this tour helps you do just that. Led by a guide, so you don’t get lost, enjoy a route through dimly-lit streets lined with ancient tea houses. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, a multi-course meal is included.

This full-day tour checks off two fascinating locations in one go—a great way to learn more about Japan's history and culture if you're short on time. Spend your morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, a village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In the afternoon, head to Kanazawa to visit the Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. Make and taste traditional Japanese sweets, and watch a craftsperson make gold leaf.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a remarkable journey through Japan's Northern Japan Alps, showcasing stunning alpine scenery and unique transportation experiences. Traverse the route via cable cars, ropeways, and buses, while witnessing breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons. Highlights include the famous Yuki-no-Otani Snow Corridor in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and the impressive Kurobe Dam. Each season reveals a different side of this natural wonder, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. -Take comfortable bus from Nagano/Kanazawa, explore Northern Alps. -Spring-limited "Snow Wall Valley", a spectacular snow wall landscape that you must see once. -Visit world-class engineering marvel, the Kurobe Dam, experience firsthand the magnificent grandeur of Japan's largest dam. -Enjoy unique journey using six different mountain transportation in one day. -Special gift: Hokushinetsu specialty and local cuisine "Sasa Sushi".

Kanazawa's samurai heritage is one of the city's most interesting features, but you can easily miss the details if exploring on your own. This walking tour takes you through the well-preserved Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle, and Kenrokuen Garden with included admission fees, guided by a local expert who reveals the stories of the samurai who shaped the city.

Experience the traditional Japanese metalworking technique known as “Tankin” by creating your own handmade ring. In this workshop, you can choose your preferred material, thickness, shape, and texture, then customize your ring using special hammers and tools to create unique patterns and finishes. The experience takes about one hour, and our staff will carefully guide you through each step of the process. We will also help you take memorable photos during the workshop. Skilled craftsmen will complete the final polishing and cleaning, ensuring your ring is beautifully finished. You can take your handmade ring home on the same day, making it a perfect souvenir or meaningful gift from Japan. Whether you join alone or with someone special, this workshop offers a fun and creative experience where you can craft a one-of-a-kind ring that reflects your personal style. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own ring and creating unforgettable memories in Japan!

Beat the crowds that flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go by opting for this morning tour from Kanazawa. You'll arrive at the village bright and early, with plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. Snap photos of traditional houses, listen as your guide provides context and insight, and choose whether to try local foods such as ice cream made with sake, or Hida beef (own expense).

Visit two of Japan’s most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage villages in just one day, without the hassle of navigating rural bus schedules or planning a complex day trip. This guided tour combines round-trip transportation from Kanazawa, a local guide's insight, and free time to explore the historic gassho-style farmhouses (a style of traditional Japanese architecture) of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama at your own pace.

Taste Kanazawa’s Local Delicacies Try fresh sushi, croquettes, and other seasonal street foods at Omicho Market — known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen.” Explore the Traditional Geisha District Wander through the charming Higashi Chaya with its wooden teahouses, gold-leaf shops, and cozy sake bars. Perfect Photo Opportunities Capture Instagram-worthy shots in hidden alleys and at scenic spots only locals know. ️ Friendly Local Guide Your guide will share fun stories about Kanazawa’s culture and daily life — easy to understand even if English isn’t your first language! ✨ Small Group Experience Enjoy a relaxed and personal tour with plenty of time to eat, chat, and explore at your own pace.

If you only have limited time to discover Japan, then this private sightseeing tour is a smart choice. Maximize your vacation time by checking off multiple dispersed sites in a day in Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Along the way, enjoy plenty of great photo opportunities, with a chance to see Gassho-style houses, Hida Folk Village, and Takayama Betsuin Shorenji Temple.

In recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys, our multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.

Discover the most authentic essence of Japan on an unforgettable journey from Kanazawa Station to the charming village of Shirakawago. A magical place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs evoke a landscape frozen in time. Enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace and savor a traditional lunch surrounded by a dreamlike setting. Continue your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden (If option selected), a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. the experience continues in the Higashi Chaya district, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas and samurais, offering a unique atmosphere full of history. Return to Kanazawa with unforgettable memories from a day that perfectly blends history, culture, and nature.

Discover Kanazawa with a friendly local guide who has lived here for more than 25 years. This private and flexible tour is tailored to your interests whether you want to explore famous landmarks like Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the Higashi Chaya District, or dive into hidden neighborhoods and local culture. My goal is to make you feel at home in Kanazawa, offering a warm welcome and personal touch throughout the day. Along the way, I’ll share insider tips, stories, and local recommendations so you can experience the city in a way that feels both authentic and memorable. With me as your guide, Kanazawa becomes more than sightseeing. It feels like visiting a friend.

Getting to UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go and the historic streets of Hida Takayama in one day can be tricky to plan without prior knowledge. Save yourself the hassle of navigating rural transportation on your own, and relax on this handy guided tour from Kanazawa. As you explore, gain local insight into what you see, and take a break to sample an authentic Japanese lunch.

Discover Kanazawa's extraordinary seafood culture on this private, fully customizable food tour led by a government-licensed local guide. Kanazawa sits beside the Sea of Japan, whose cold, nutrient-rich waters yield some of the country's finest fish, sweet snow crab, plump oysters, and sea urchin. Begin at the historic Omicho Market, a lively 300-year-old marketplace nicknamed "Kanazawa's Kitchen," where you'll meet the vendors and learn to tell truly fresh seafood from the rest. Your guide explains the seasonal catch, regional specialties, and the customs behind Kanazawa's celebrated cuisine. Then settle in at a local sushi counter to savor sashimi-grade fish prepared by skilled hands. Because this is a private experience, the pace and stops are tailored to you, making it ideal for couples, families, and curious food lovers eager to taste the real Kanazawa beyond the guidebooks.

Get out of the big city and into the beautiful landscapes of rural Toyama on this tour from Kanazawa. Admire the distinctive thatched-roof houses of the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages; admire the artistry of the woodcarvers of Inami; and learn how to make your own piece of *washi* paper.

Itinerary Time Table: Kanazawa (Dep. 13:50) → Shirakawago (Arr. 15:10, Dep. 16:40) → Takayama (Arr. 17:40) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. **Please arrive at the station 10 minutes before the departure time. Please note: This is a transportation service only and not a guided tour. Embark on a captivating journey from Kanazawa to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Japan. Step back in time and marvel at the well-preserved thatched-roof houses, a testament to centuries of traditional craftsmanship and culture. During your 1.5 hour stop, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village with a self-guided walking tour map given to you by the driver, leading you to a carefully selected viewpoint. Capture stunning photographs, walk along the charming streets, and perhaps visit some of the local shops.

Try Calligraphy at a Beloved Local School in Kanazawa ( Near Ninja Temple ) Just ink, washi, and your hands. But the moment the brush touches the paper— you’ll feel it. A new side of Japan opens up. Our 100-year-old townhouse offers an authentic calligraphy experience. From basic brush strokes to your own final piece, a local calligraphy master will guide you step by step with care. Please note: On Thursdays and Saturdays after 3:00 PM, our local calligraphy class is in session, so you may occasionally see Japanese children nearby. This experience uses materials that contain animal-derived components.

From ¥9,900 p.p. (min. 2) | Same-day OK — book up to 2 hours before. Fully private, no strangers, just your group. A 19-year tea master guides you through authentic Enshu-ryū ceremony in a 100-year-old machiya in Kanazawa’s Nishi Chaya geisha district. Step inside a 100-year-old machiya in Kanazawa’s Nishi Chaya geisha district for a completely private tea ceremony. Your host Yuta has practiced tea for 19 years in the Enshu-ryū tradition, rooted in samurai culture. This is not a group workshop — it is an intimate ceremony performed exclusively for you, in a tea room with tatami and tokonoma alcove. During the 70-minute session, you will: · Watch a full tea ceremony demonstration · Whisk your own bowl of matcha. · Enjoy traditional dry sweets (higashi) · Ask anything — about tea, aesthetics, or Kanazawa · Take a commemorative photo Completely private. No other guests. No rush. English-guided throughout. Please note: · Socks recommended · Additional guests: ¥9,900/person (max 5)

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.

Get the most out of your time in Kanazawa by exploring the city with a private guide. Discover insights about the city that you might not hear otherwise, and benefit from the flexibility of being able to customize the itinerary. Potential places to visit include a traditional teahouse area—the Higashi Chaya District, Myoryuji Temple, Kanazawa Castle, and Oyama Shrine.