Guided Bus and Walking Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN

Kanazawa, a captivating city on Japan’s west coast, beckons visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. This guided bus and walking tour promises an immersive experience, taking you through the city’s highlights, from the historic Oyama Shrine to the stunning Kenrokuen Garden. With personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the stories and traditions that make Kanazawa a must-visit destination. Join this tour to uncover the beauty and charm that await you in this enchanting corner of Japan.

Key Points

• This guided tour covers the highlights of Kanazawa, including Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle, and the renowned Kenrokuen Garden, over a 4.5-hour duration.
• The tour provides live guides in Chinese, English, and Japanese, as well as audio guides, for a personalized experience.
• Participants will have the opportunity to visit Gyokusen-an Tea House and enjoy traditional matcha green tea and sweets.
• The tour includes a one-day bus pass, allowing for further exploration of Kanazawa after the guided portion.
• The meeting point is Kanazawa Station, and the tour concludes with visits to the 21st Century Museum, Katamachi, Naga-machi District, and Kazuemachi Chaya District.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided tour of Kanazawa and Kenrokuen offers a comprehensive 4.5-hour experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s main attractions and the renowned Kenrokuen Garden.

Priced from $98.36 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and provides live guides in Chinese, English, and Japanese, as well as an audio guide.

Highlights include visiting Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle, and spending an hour exploring the stunning Kenrokuen Garden.

A one-day bus pass is included, enabling further independent exploration.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and informative way to discover Kanazawa.

Itinerary Highlights

This guided tour kicks off at Kanazawa Station, where participants board a Kanazawa Flat Bus for a 9-minute ride to Oyama Shrine. The tour then explores several highlights, including:

Location	Duration
Oyama Shrine	20 minutes
Nezumita-mon Gate	3 minutes
Gyokuseninmaru Park	3 minutes
Gyokusen-an Tea House	30 minutes
Kanazawa Castle	20 minutes

After visiting the castle, the tour continues to the iconic Kenroku-en Garden for an hour of exploration, followed by stops at the 21st Century Museum, Katamachi, Naga-machi District, and Kazuemachi Chaya District.

Walking Stops

After exploring the shrine and nearby park, the tour takes visitors on a walking journey through the historic districts of Kanazawa.

First, the group visits the Nezumita-mon Gate and Gyokuseninmaru Park, where they can enjoy the tranquil Gyokusen-an Tea House.

Next, they head to the impressive Kanazawa Castle and the adjacent Ishikawa-mon Gate.

The highlight is the renowned Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens.

The tour then concludes with visits to the 21st Century Museum, Katamachi shopping district, the Naga-machi samurai district, and the Kazuemachi Chaya geisha district.

Tour Features

One of the highlights of this guided tour is the opportunity to experience one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenroku-en, renowned for its six attributes of a perfect garden.

Visitors will also enjoy a stop at Gyokusen’inmaru Garden, where they can savor traditional matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

The tour includes a one-day bus pass for further exploration of Kanazawa, as well as earphones for the guided commentary and tour insurance.

Participants will receive an entry ticket to Kenroku-en Garden, making this a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the city’s top sights.

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Inclusions

The tour includes a one-day bus ticket, providing participants convenient access to explore Kanazawa further.

Earphones are provided for the guided portion, ensuring everyone can hear the expert commentary.

Plus, the package includes:

1. Entry to the renowned Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens.
2. A Japanese tea ceremony experience with matcha green tea and traditional wagashi sweets.
3. Bottled drinks to stay refreshed throughout the comprehensive tour.

The inclusions create a well-rounded experience, blending history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes for an enriching day in Kanazawa.

Important Information

Travelers are advised to meet at the Kanazawa Station under the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, where they’ll find a guide holding a blue tour flag from New Japan Tourist. Visitors are recommended to bring a folding umbrella on rainy or snowy days. The tour location can be reached in approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station by bullet train, or 2 hours from Osaka Station by limited express and bullet train.

Meeting Point	Recommendations	Access
Kanazawa Station under Tsuzumi-mon Gate	Bring a folding umbrella on rainy or snowy days	2.5 hours from Tokyo Station by bullet train
Look for a guide with a blue tour flag (New Japan Tourist)		2 hours from Osaka Station by limited express and bullet train

Customer Feedback

Based on the single review provided, the tour received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

The reviewer, Sonia from Australia, praised the knowledgeable guide, Ti, who adapted the tour to their preferences despite challenging weather conditions.

The review highlighted three key aspects:

1. Ti’s expertise and flexibility in tailoring the experience to the group’s needs.
2. The group’s ability to enjoy the tour despite inclement weather.
3. The overall satisfaction with the guided exploration of Kanazawa’s highlights, including the renowned Kenrokuen Garden.

This positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver a memorable and enriching experience for visitors to Kanazawa.

Accessibility

Kanazawa can be easily reached from major transportation hubs. It’s approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station by bullet train, and 2 hours from Osaka Station by limited express and bullet train.

The guided tour meets at Kanazawa Station under the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, where participants should look for a guide with a blue tour flag. To make the most of the tour, it’s recommended to bring a folding umbrella on rainy or snowy days.

The tour includes a one-day bus pass, providing flexibility for further exploration of Kanazawa after the guided portion is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The operator offers group tours with a maximum of 10 participants, so a private booking is possible. You’ll need to contact the tour provider for availability and pricing.

Are Solo Travelers Welcome on This Tour?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome on this tour. The group size is limited to 10 participants, so solo visitors can easily join and enjoy the guided exploration of Kanazawa’s top attractions alongside other travelers.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Participants can take photos at the various stops, including the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, to capture their experiences and memories of the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the tour has a set itinerary, the guide can adapt it to your preferences within reason. You can discuss any customization requests with the guide at the start of the tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, but it’ll incur additional costs. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss their preferences and any potential modifications to the standard itinerary or duration. Additional fees may apply for customized tour arrangements.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Kanazawa’s highlights, including the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, provides a comprehensive introduction to the city’s history and natural beauty. With personalized attention from live guides, a one-day bus pass, and traditional matcha tea, it’s an excellent way to experience the best of Kanazawa in just 4.5 hours. The small group size ensures a more intimate and enjoyable experience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: