KV

Kanazawa

Experience the Essence of Japan in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a city brimming with various attractions. At its center stands Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the region's samurai heritage, surrounded by historic structures.

Next to the castle is Kenroku-en, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens, renowned for its stunning seasonal landscapes, serene ponds, and well maintained flora.

Ohmicho Ichiba, Kanazawa's bustling seafood market, is an ideal place to savor fresh seafood and explore a variety of local delicacies.

Walking through the Nagamachi's narrow lanes lined with preserved houses offers a fascinating insight into the old samurai's lives.

You can glimpse into the traditional entertainment culture in the Higashi Chaya Geisha District with well-maintained teahouses and narrow alleys.

Kanazawa is world-famous for its gold leaf production, lacquerware, and Kutani-yaki porcelain. In addition, art enthusiasts will appreciate the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases innovative works from Japanese and international artists. The museum's unique architecture and thought-provoking exhibits make it a cultural highlight.

Tours in Kanazawa

Kanazawa Tour Guides

  • Makiko

    Makiko

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto

    Extensive Experience as an Interpreter in the Entertainment Industry; Culinary & Beverage Connoisseur; Passionate about Entertainment Tours

  • Makiko

    Makiko

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00632
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager
    • TOEIC 900 or above

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture,Art Crafts

    I've been introducing wide variety of Japanese culture and beautiful scenery to guests as a professional guide since 2016. I have lived in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and the US and traveled many different countries which deepen my curiosity about my own culture. Beside a tour guide, I work in an entertainment industry as an interpreter, coordinator, and production assistant for over 20 years. I’ve had opportunities working with many wonderful people including musicians, celebrities, and other professionals having an incredible talent, and I believe those unique experience made who I am now. I am a very cheerful person and strive to possess a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, especially about Kyoto, an ancient capital over 1000 years until 150 years ago. I love nature and appreciate traditional culture, so taking you to tranquil gardens and traditional craft studios, and experiencing Japanese culture (tea ceremony, pottery, cooking class, zen meditation and more!) are just some of activities that are available. I am a foodie and would be happy to take you a tour for yummy street food in my hometown, Osaka. I will try my best to make your trip in Japan memorable and unique and you can explore not only major sightseeing spots, but also local hidden gems and specialty shops, restaurants, or sake breweries. Having a local guide who will answer about Japanese culture and Japanese spirits without language problems will save your precious time and make your trip that much more special while you are in Japan. Looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

  • Yuki

    Yuki

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Master of Way of Incense; Certified in Japanese Dance and Flower Arrangement; Expertise in Classical Theatrical Arts, incl. Kabuki & Noh

  • Yuki

    Yuki

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : E123456
    • Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
    • TOEIC 900 or above

    Expertise

    Sake,ART,Traditional Culture,Shopping

    Hello! My name is Lee Yukiko. Please call me Yuki. I was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been living in Hyogo prefecture (next to Osaka) more than thirty years. I am cheerful and friendly, and I really love meeting people. I had many guests like celebrities, politicians, CEOs, artists and so on. I am capable of guiding whoever you are. You would definately have a wonderful time if you picked me as a guide. I have a license of Japanese dancing and flower arrangement. I like classical ballet, Kimono, Japanese culture, theater going, like Kabuki. I like meeting new people and want to help you have a wonderful trip in Japan. I’m a Kodo (the way of incense) Master. Kodo is a traditional Japanese culture to appreciate the incense wood of more than 100 years old. It is quite authentic and esthetic culture that Japan can boast. Though, the number of people who enjoy this interesting culture is decreasing in Japan. I’d like to introduce this quite a unique culture as many people as possible. Why don't you try this unique and authentic Japanese culture? [Places to guide] I’m good at arranging a special trip according to your request. Please tell me your interests and favorites. I’ll arrange the best trip only for you. I mainly guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Naoshima. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

  • TK

    TK

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Well-versed in the History and Local Culture of Kansai; Expert in Foodie Tours, from Gastronomic Restaurants to Local Hidden Gems;Train Buff

  • TK

    TK

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00557

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Trains,Shopping

    Hi there! My name is Tetsuya KAWABATA, a government certified interpreter and guide. I was born and raised in Shiga Prefecture, 8 miles or 14 km east of Kyoto. I spent seven years of high school and college in Kyoto, Japan. I worked for a company in Osaka for over 30 years before becoming an interpreter-guide. Additionally, I am well versed in the history and local information of Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. The Kansai region, especially Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, is the motherland of Japanese history; it has always been the center stage of Japanese history for over 2600 years. In addition, I can take you on tours that not only introduce you to Japan's ancient and traditional cultural treasures and wonderful experiences, but also give you a glimpse into the future. For the foodies among you, we offer plenty of choices, from the most exquisite gastronomic restaurants to casual eateries beloved by the locals. Come join me for a great trip!

  • Emi

    Emi

    • Guide Experience:10 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

    Licensed Museum Curator; Fashion, Art, & Golf Expert; Provides Worry-free Tours with 20 years of Secretary Experience at Osaka University.

  • Emi

    Emi

    Guide Experience

    10 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00629
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping,Art Crafts

    Hello, I am Emi Matsuda, a professional interpreter and tour guide with 6 years of experience. I am also working as a secretary in Osaka University with over 20 years of experience, which has honed my ability to offer flexible and elegant attention to clients. I have a license of museum curation, which extends my knowledge and expertise in the arts and culture field. Based in the fashion city of Kobe, I feel privileged to share Japan's rich cultural destinations with travelers from around the globe. Having lived in this beautiful country for years, I have developed a deep passion for the country's rich heritage and customs, making every tour experience I offer more insightful and meaningful. As a professional tour guide and interpreter, flexibility and adaptability are vital aspects of my job. I've learned to anticipate and respond quickly to different issues that may arise during tours, ensuring that my clients enjoy a worry-free experience. I take pride in creating unforgettable experiences for my clients, each tailored to their preferences and interests. In Japan, we have many beautiful destinations, from the traditional temples and palaces to breathtaking gardens and festivals. I'm passionate about showcasing all the hidden gems of my country, and my extensive planning and research reflect this. Moreover, I enjoy creating customized tours, combining culture and leisure outings, giving clients the opportunity to witness Japan's breathtaking sites and experiences. In conclusion, I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and curating an unforgettable tour that showcases the country's history, culture, and beauty. I strive to create unique memories for my clients, and I am confident that you will have a wonderful experience with me as your guide.

  • Tom Yoshida

    Tom Yoshida

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Kyoto Prefecture-certified Tea Sommelier; Bachelor's Degree in Science and Engineering; Enjoys Hiking, Running, Cycling, Skiing and Ramen

  • Tom Yoshida

    Tom Yoshida

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01586
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Trains

    Hi there, I am Tom Yoshida, the guide that a Five-star hotel in Kyoto requests as a priority, National Certified Tour Guide, Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager and Certified “Tea Sommelier” by Kyoto Prefecture. I have experience guiding a variety of patterns, from individual travelers to groups, from day trips to 3 weeks in duration, and from Tokyo to Hiroshima in site. For private guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, I have requests from several hotel concierges as well as travel agencies. In addition, I accommodate more than just sightseeing. For example, model shoots for clothing brands and hiking tours. I live in Kyoto for 30 years, so I can guide travelers to every corner of the city. I also lived in Osaka for 20 years. I became a businessman and stayed in the U.S. for five years and in Germany for a half year. Because, I traveled backpacking through Europe when I was a student. It was a sightseeing trip and I was not happy with just looking from the outside. After that, I wanted to get into Western society. Now I would like to push you to enter Japanese culture. For example, in Kyoto, where I live, there are many historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. I would like to make Buddhism and Shintoism easier to understand rather than simply show them to you. My sports are cycling, hiking, skiing and marathon running. My other hobbies are trains and the visiting of ramen restaurants. After finishing my bachelor's degree in science and engineering, I used to work as a designer and marketer for a manufacturing equipment manufacturer, so I am also very happy to do industrial tours.

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