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
- Conducted entirely on foot, together with sub-guide Megumi
- 9:30 Departed from the guests' hotel, headed to Omicho Market
- 9:35 Toured Omicho Market
- 9:50 From Omicho Market, leisurely strolled through Owaricho, Hikoso-machi, Kuragari-zaka, and Kazuemachi Chaya District, providing guiding at each location. Headed to Sakuda Gold Leaf near Higashi Chaya District
- 10:50 At Sakuda Gold Leaf, toured and received explanations about the gold leaf manufacturing process, which I interpreted into English. After that, enjoyed shopping
- 11:20 Entered Higashi Chaya District, provided guiding about Higashi Chaya District and geisha in front of the Kenban, then strolled through Higashi Chaya District.
- 12:00 Headed to Kenrokuen Garden
- 12:20 Arrived at Kenrokuen Garden, first took a break at a cafe
- 12:40 Leisurely strolled through Kenrokuen Garden, provided guiding at famous spots.
- 13:40 Ended today's tour near Katsurazaka Gate.
- The tour leader then guided the guests to the Nagamachi Samurai District, but depending on the guest, some went on their own by request to Kanazawa Castle Park
- or headed toward Higashi Chaya District once again.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a very curious and well-traveled group. Since it was a warm day with fine weather, they seemed to greatly enjoy strolling through Kanazawa's distinctive backstreets. Taking photographs along the way, they asked me and the assistant guide many questions and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. In particular, at the gold leaf shop, they became very interested in the gold leaf manufacturing process, observed it closely, and asked the staff many questions. At Kenrokuen Garden, the plum blossoms in the plum grove were at their best, which delighted them greatly.
Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello.
My name is Masayo Shirai.
I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,
Oct 5, 2025
L
LightPacker147788
Kanazawa visit
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…
Oct 5, 2025
L
LightPacker147788
Kanazawa visit
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us to excellent locations including the Samurai
housing district and super location for lunch.
Jun 27, 2025
H6092PZsuem
Pleasant and interesting morning
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Masayo was our guide for the morning.…
Jun 27, 2025
H6092PZsuem
Pleasant and interesting morning
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Masayo was our guide for the morning. She met us at our hotel and took us on a very interesting tour of some of the main sites in Kanazawa She was pleasant company ,letting us spend as much time as we wanted at each place. Masayo told us many intriguing facts about the history of the area and the local culture
Mar 16, 2025
952bonnieh
Wonderful!!!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…
Mar 16, 2025
952bonnieh
Wonderful!!!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a wonderful tour. Jason and I learned so much and enjoyed every minute. We will definitely recommend her to our loved ones who would like to visit Kanazawa. It is such a beautiful city!
We are looking forward to dinner at her sushi restaurant tonight! Thank you for the recommendation.
Just so you know – we went to Huni restaurant for dinner last night and it was fantastic. Chef Takuo is an amazing cook and he is an artist, too! Please recommend it to your travelers.
Jan 3, 2025
U5110ZKjades
A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Masayo Shirai was an excellent…
Jan 3, 2025
U5110ZKjades
A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Masayo Shirai was an excellent guide! We had the best experience & she showed us many
local spots and the best sushi! Thankyou Masayo!!