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Shared Tour
Kanazawa Highlights Tour
From $182 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Kanazawa, Japan
Highlights: Oyama Shrine, Kenroku-en Garden, Naga-Machi Buke Yashiki District, Omi-Cho Market, Higashi Chaya-machi District
Excursion Type: Culture / Local Experience
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
Fixed Departure Date: Oct 20 2025
Back-to-ship Guarantee
Note: Sending us your request is free and easy. Our consultants will contact you within 24 working hours.
UPCOMING CRUISE SHARE TOUR
Join fellow cruise passengers on these pre-scheduled departures and enjoy a cost-effective, sociable shore experience.
| Cruise | Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price |
HAL Westerdam | Oct 20 2025 (09:00 - 15:00) | 16 | $182USD |
*Note: For other dates, please fill out the INQUIRY FORM BELOW to receive detailed information.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Step into a city where tradition lives quietly amidst cobbled lanes, serene gardens, and echoes of the Samurai. This full-day Kanazawa shore excursion brings together the finest expressions of Edo-period refinement from the majestic Kenroku-en Garden to the nostalgic atmosphere of the Higashi Chaya geisha district. Wander through a Samurai residence quarter, sample delicacies at a vibrant local market, and pay your respects at a shrine blending Shinto architecture with feudal history. It’s a journey of visual beauty, cultural depth, and quiet discovery.
Who This Tour Is For:
Cruise guests looking for a culturally immersive experience with a relaxed pace.
Travelers who appreciate Japanese gardens, Samurai culture, and traditional architecture.
Mature guests or couples who enjoy walking and exploring local neighborhoods at a gentle rhythm.
Those who seek a balanced day of sightseeing, local flavors, and atmospheric beauty.
FULL INITERARY
Port Departure - Meet Your Guide
Begin your Kanazawa shore excursions with a warm welcome from your English-speaking guide. A comfortable, air-conditioned coach awaits to escort you through one of Japan’s most culturally rich cities.
Visit Oyama Shrine
Your first visit is to Oyama Shrine, dedicated to Lord Maeda Toshiie, the powerful feudal lord of the Kaga Domain. The shrine’s unusual gate — blending Japanese, Chinese, and even Dutch stained glass design, sets a tone of quiet dignity. As you walk through the peaceful grounds, you’ll sense the balance between spiritual space and historical legacy that characterizes Kanazawa.
Visit Kenroku-en Garden
Next, immerse yourself in one of the most celebrated landscape gardens in Japan - Kenroku-en. Renowned for embodying the six essential attributes of a perfect garden (spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views), this space invites slow, reflective strolling. Seasonal flowers, flowing streams, teahouses, and elegant bridges create a scene that feels lifted from a scroll painting.
Explore Naga-Machi Buke Yashiki District
Continue to the Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District, once home to the Samurai class. As you walk past preserved clay-walled lanes, wooden gates, and narrow alleys, your guide will share stories of life during the Edo period. Visit a restored Samurai residence (optional) to see armor, heirlooms, and traditional architecture up close.
Visit Omicho Market
Take in the lively rhythms of local life at Omi-cho Market, a bustling seafood and produce market that has served Kanazawa for over 300 years. Here, rows of colorful stalls showcase seasonal ingredients, fresh crabs, and local snacks. Enjoy free time to explore or try regional specialties such as Kanazawa sushi, grilled skewers, or gold leaf soft cream.
Walk around Higashi Chaya-machi District
End your journey with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved Higashi Chaya District - Kanazawa’s most famous geisha neighborhood. Lined with traditional wooden teahouses, latticed facades, and delicate craftsmanship, the area exudes nostalgic charm. You may choose to step inside a former teahouse or shop for Kanazawa gold leaf souvenirs, a gentle and atmospheric finale to your cultural day.
Return to Port
After a fulfilling day, relax on the coach as you return to Kanazawa Port, bringing back a heart full of impressions, refined, serene, and uniquely Kanazawa.
Note:The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
Book tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
| Service Included | – English-speaking licensed guide |
|---|---|
| Service Excluded | – Meals & drinks |
| Cruise Name | HAL Westerdam |
| Departure Date | Oct 20 2025 (09:00 – 15:00) |
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Hannah Lee –
Thanks to the friendly consultant Fiona, I joined this tour solo and felt completely taken care of. Every part of the day was enriching in its own way. I even found a lovely gold-leaf brooch at a tiny artisan shop I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
Willem van Dijk –
This was not just sightseeing, it was storytelling. The guide wove together tales of lords, samurai, artisans, and geisha with a quiet passion. I especially appreciated our time in the Higashi Chaya District. We stepped into a restored teahouse and felt transported.
Pablo Ríos –
I wasn’t expecting to be so charmed by Kanazawa, but this tour delivered in every way. From Oyama Shrine’s unusual stained glass to the peaceful lanes of the geisha district, it felt both refined and approachable. And the seafood at the market is absolutely fresh and full of flavor.
Evelyn Grant –
Booking was seamless, thanks to consultant Felix, who made excellent suggestions after understanding what we liked. Kanazawa had everything we hoped for, history, art, food, and a relaxed pace. I’ll remember the garden most: it felt alive with elegance.
Aiko Fujimura –
Omicho Market was lively and full of character. I tried grilled scallops and a strange but delicious gold-leaf ice cream. The contrast between the vibrant market and the calm elegance of Oyama Shrine made the shore excursion feel thoughtfully balanced.
Daniel & Louise Kramer –
The shore excursion gave us a gentle but rich introduction to Kanazawa. The samurai district was especially moving—walking the same narrow alleys where proud warriors once lived felt surreal. And the consultant, Lara, was fantastic in helping us pick a tour that wasn’t too strenuous. It was perfect for us.
Claire Montgomery –
Kenroku-en Garden was more beautiful than any photo could prepare me for. Every step offered a different composition of color, water, and texture. Our guide gave us time to simply enjoy the space. It felt like a quiet poem unfolding.