This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:00 Meet at SOKI KANAZAWA
- 09:25 Higashi Chaya District
- 11:15 Nagamachi Samurai District, Nomura Family Residence
- 12:10 Lunch
- 13:00 Disband at Korinbo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at SOKI KANAZAWA at 09:00, the group explored Ishikawa until the tour ended at 13:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:10.
The itinerary covered Higashi Chaya District at 09:25 and Nagamachi Samurai District, Nomura Family Residence at 11:15.
Title: What's a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a lovely group visiting from North America. After viewing the Shima teahouse in the Higashi Chaya District, they enjoyed a sake tasting at Fukumitsuya.
At the samurai district, the plum blossoms were blooming beautifully near the Nomura Family Residence. They were delighted by the lovely garden of the Nomura Family Residence as well.
One of the guests had studied Japanese in high school and could speak a little Japanese.
For lunch at Korinbo, they enjoyed a seafood rice bowl, sushi, and cold soba with tempura.
They were very interested in Japanese history, culture, and cuisine, and were eager to learn more.
This private walking tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.
Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.
I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/
May 26, 2026
C4211GUbrittanym
Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great time in Toyama!
Nice tour, guide was very nice and…
May 26, 2026
C4211GUbrittanym
Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great time in Toyama!
Nice tour, guide was very nice and knowledgeable. We had a great time!
May 14, 2026
190kariml
Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful time…
May 14, 2026
190kariml
Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful time in Kanazawa with our guide, Shoten Sasaki. In 5 hours we covered Nagamachi, the samurai quarter; Lunch at Omicho Market; Oyama Shrine; Gyokusen’inmaru Garden; Kanazawa Castle; and Kenrokuen Gardens. Sho shared detailed knowledge at every stop, was kind and really focused on our having the best experience. We enjoyed our time in Kanazawa and highly recommend Sho for touring Kanazawa!
Jul 24, 2025
Wander60650705961
Delightful experience um Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had the pleasure of taking a…
Jul 24, 2025
Wander60650705961
Delightful experience um Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had the pleasure of taking a tour around Kanazawa with Mr. Shoten Sasaki, and it was truly a memorable experience. Mr. Sasaki was incredibly kind, attentive, and always ready to answer our questions or accommodate our requests with great care and patience.
He guided us through the stunning Kenrokuen Garden and the historic Kanazawa Castle, where he shared fascinating insights and stories about their history. His deep knowledge and passion for the city made every stop even more special.
We also visited the charming geisha districts, the iconic gold leaf workshop—one of Kanazawa’s most symbolic places—and the museum of the city’s very first tea house. Thanks to Mr. Sasaki, we got to experience not just the sights, but also the soul of Kanazawa.
We’re truly grateful for his guidance and warm hospitality. Highly recommended!
Jul 2, 2025
nuttineeyav
Walking day in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
The old town was very nice to…
Jul 2, 2025
nuttineeyav
Walking day in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
The old town was very nice to walk around. My husband and I walked around the city with
Sho, our tour guide who provides all the details of Kanazawa. It was a fun sunny day in
Kanazawa. I will definitely go back again.