5 hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English/Other language upon request
Tour Route: Kanazawa Port → Kenrokuen Garden → Higashi Chayamachi District → Omicho Market → Nagamachi Samurai District → Kanazawa Port
Step into the refined world of Kanazawa on this half-day shore excursion designed for cruise passengers. This immersive yet relaxed journey leads you through the city’s finest highlights: the tranquil Kenrokuen Garden, the atmospheric Higashi Chayamachi teahouse district where geisha traditions still thrive, the vibrant Omicho Market bursting with local seafood, and the serene Samurai quarter of Nagamachi.
This carefully paced experience allows guests to savor the essence of Kanazawa with ample time for photos, cultural encounters, and culinary discovery, all within the comfortable timeframe of your ship’s stop.
This tour is perfect for:
First-time visitors to Kanazawa looking for a curated cultural overview
Mature travelers and couples seeking a relaxing cultural immersion
Photography and history enthusiasts
Food lovers eager to taste authentic Kanazawa seafood
Cruise guests with limited port time who prefer a balanced pace
Special Instructions:
Comfortable walking shoes recommended; the tour involves moderate walking on stone paths and historic streets.
The tour is fully customizable for private groups. Just ask!
Your friendly English-speaking guide and professional driver will welcome you at the port exit. Board a clean, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive through one of Japan’s most historic and elegant regions.
Stop 1: Kenrokuen Garden
Your journey begins at Kenrokuen, regarded as one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan. Translating to “Garden of Six Sublimities,” it offers a perfect blend of spaciousness, tranquility, and seasonal beauty. As you stroll through the manicured paths, you'll encounter koi-filled ponds, stone lanterns, wooden bridges, and traditional teahouses. Whether it’s the plum blossoms of spring or the snow-laced branches of winter, Kenrokuen is a painter’s dream and a photographer’s haven.
Stop 2: Higashi Chayamachi District
Next, step into the romantic world of Higashi Chayamachi, Kanazawa’s famed geisha district. Walk along cobbled alleys flanked by wooden teahouses dating back to the Edo period. If lucky, you may even spot a geisha on her way to a performance. Visit a restored teahouse, admire lacquerware shops, and enjoy a matcha tea break paired with a seasonal wagashi sweet, a peaceful moment framed by the gentle rhythm of the town.
Stop 3: Omicho Market
Dive into the bustling energy of Omicho Market, where over 200 stalls present a colorful array of seafood, produce, and street eats. Watch local chefs prepare sushi and sashimi before your eyes, and then enjoy lunch at a market restaurant serving kaisen-don, a rice bowl topped with freshly caught seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. This is the heart of Kanazawa’s culinary identity.
Stop 4: Nagamachi Samurai District
The final stop brings you to the Nagamachi Samurai District, nestled at the foot of Kanazawa Castle. Here, you’ll explore narrow alleys lined with earthen walls, wooden gates, and canals that once served the samurai elite. Visit a preserved samurai residence to gain insight into their daily life and martial code. The district is especially captivating in spring when cherry blossoms flutter along the canal paths.
Return to Port
After a day of discovery, you’ll be comfortably transported back to Kanazawa Port - fulfilled, relaxed, and inspired by the elegance of one of Japan’s most graceful cities.
Yes. The tour pace is relaxed, with light walking over mostly flat, paved paths. Rest stops are included and the itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate specific needs.
Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Higashi Chaya District, where guests may encounter Geisha culture and enjoy traditional tea houses and local sweets.
Yes, a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insightful information on each destination.
Absolutely! If you have special interests or needs, the itinerary can be customized. Let us know your requests in advance via the inquiry form.
Lunch is not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local restaurants or food stalls in Omicho Market where you can enjoy fresh seafood or regional specialties at your own expense.
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and your passport or ship ID in case it is requested at certain sites.
Member Since 2025
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