Ishikawa in One Day: the Nomura Family Residence — Guide Masayo

What Is a Full-Day Private Kanazawa Walking and Bus Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

It was a very hot day, but the group visiting from Europe actively enjoyed sightseeing in Kanazawa. The guests included some with an interest in samurai and ninja, and others with an interest in gardens and geisha, and I was able to fulfill both wishes. Their accommodation was a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house near the Sai River, which the whole group loved. First, they asked me about the tokonoma alcove in the house. Since the location was excellent, we were able to walk to the downtown area on the tour. However, as they gradually grew tired, we also used the bus.

First, we went to Nishi Chaya District, a 15-minute walk away, visited the Ninja Weapon Museum, and enjoyed a throwing-star (shuriken) experience. Then, at "Hana no Yado," an active geisha house nearby, they paid for matcha and sweets and were delighted to tour the interior. Incidentally, this place can only be visited by guests brought by local guides whom the owner personally knows.

After that, we took the bus to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where they enjoyed strolling and visiting the Nomura Family Residence.

For lunch, at a local Kaga cuisine restaurant on the nearby Seseragi-dori, all of the guests had a set of matcha soba and tempura of Kaga vegetables, and became interested in Kaga vegetables. Then we walked from Kanazawa Castle Park into Kenroku-en Garden and strolled through it. They were impressed by the beauty of Kenroku-en and by the people who maintain it every day.

After that, we headed toward the Higashi Chaya District by bus. First, at the guests' request, we bought matcha at a tea shop, then entered a gold leaf shop, where we toured the gold leaf manufacturing process. Since guests from Europe often have a strong interest in craftsmanship, everyone asked questions very enthusiastically here. Then, in front of the kenban in the Higashi Chaya District, I explained about Kanazawa geigi, and as it reached 16:00, the tour ended. The guests said they would then stroll through the Higashi Chaya District before heading to the Omicho Market.

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Tour Report by Masayo

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,