Kanazawa’s Living Samurai Culture: Gardens, Crafts & History
- Ishikawa, Japan
- 4.2 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
- Instant Confirmation
What makes this tour unique
- Discover Kanazawa’s samurai heritage and refined artisan culture in half a day
- Explore samurai homes and the elegant Nomura House garden in Nagamachi
- Learn the beauty of urushi lacquer and handmade umbrellas from local tradition
- Enjoy a relaxing local lunch in historic Nishi Chaya before visiting a “ninja” temple
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Step into Kanazawa’s world of samurai and artisans on this half-day walking tour through its most atmospheric districts. During the Edo era, the powerful Maeda clan of the Kaga domain—despite being outsiders to the shogunate—chose to pour their wealth into the arts instead of warfare. As a result, Kanazawa’s culture grew not from courtiers, but from disciplined samurai, blending strength with elegance.
Stroll through the preserved Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the Nomura Samurai House, where defensive walls and graceful gardens reveal the refined spirit of the warrior class. Learn about traditional urushi lacquer and the artistry of handcrafted paper umbrellas—crafts that once flourished across Kanazawa and remain symbols of its enduring beauty.
Continue to the Nishi Chaya District, one of the city’s three surviving geisha quarters, where refined entertainment once flourished. Here, enjoy a relaxing local lunch surrounded by elegant wooden facades that still echo the charm of old Kanazawa. End your journey at Myoryuji Temple, famous for its hidden stairways and secret chambers built to protect the local lord.
Perfect for travelers who love history, architecture, and craftsmanship, this gentle walking tour offers cultural depth without rush. Your English-speaking guide will share the fascinating stories behind each site—no prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a love for Japan’s living samurai legacy.
Official guide
What's included
Spirit & Craft of Samurai Kanazawa
Start your journey at Oyama Shrine, the symbolic gate of Kanazawa’s samurai past. Learn how sacred traditions and local craftsmanship intertwine at Takano Urushi, a historic lacquer studio where artisans still create Japan’s iconic “urushi” works. Watch the process up close and receive your own lacquered chopsticks as a keepsake before strolling through the preserved Nagamachi Samurai District, where stone walls and lattice windows whisper tales of the Edo era.
Samurai Aesthetics & Timeless Traditions
Step inside the Nomura Samurai Residence, famed for its two-star Michelin Green Guide garden, tea room, and genuine samurai armor. Feel the quiet strength and elegance that defined the warrior class. Then visit Matsuda Wagasa, Kanazawa’s last surviving Japanese umbrella workshop. With your guide’s interpretation, discover how each handmade layer captures the beauty of light, paper, and patience—an art nearly lost to time.
Geisha Town Lunch & Mysterious Temple Secrets
Recharge with a delicious lunch in Nishi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s remaining geisha quarters, savoring fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan or local Noto pork in a relaxed, traditional setting. Finally, explore the legendary Myoryuji Temple, nicknamed the “Ninja Temple.” Though unrelated to ninjas, its secret passages and clever defenses once protected samurai lords. Cameras aren’t allowed, but the experience will stay vivid in your memory long after the tour ends.
Meeting Point
Oyama Shrine Main Torii Gate
- Meet your guide in front of the main torii gate at Oyama Shrine. Your guide will be waiting with a red/orange sign that says “MagicalTrip.”
Itinerary
- Meet your guide at the main torii gate of Oyama Shrine
- Visit Oyama Shrine, known for its unique mix of Japanese and Western architectural styles
- Visit a traditional urushi lacquer workshop to learn about Japan’s natural lacquer craft
- Walk through the Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the Nomura Samurai House
- See the art of handcrafted paper umbrellas, a traditional Kanazawa craft
- Have a local lunch in the historic Nishi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s three geisha quarters
- Arrive at Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple); your guide assists with check-in and then departs
- Inside the temple, a resident temple guide will lead the tour
- The tour ends after the temple visit
- Out of respect for all participants, the tour will start on time. Guests arriving late cannot join, reschedule, or receive a refund.
- Please note there might be other participants on the same tour.
- All ages are welcome. However, this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility issues, as some areas are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
- As this is a walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes suitable for long distances.
- We will visit Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines—please wear respectful clothing.
- Photography is not allowed inside Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple). Please follow the guide’s instructions regarding photography at other locations.
- Please bring rain gear in case of light rain; the tour will proceed unless conditions are unsafe.
- Vegetarian options are limited and may include fish-based broth (dashi). We will do our best to accommodate, but please contact us in advance.
- We are unable to accommodate gluten-free requests or guarantee allergy-free meals, as food is prepared in external kitchens. Substitutions may not always be possible, but we’ll make every effort to provide alternatives.
- You do not need to pay for the guide’s food or drinks.
- Please bring some cash if you wish to buy additional snacks or drinks.
- The itinerary order may change depending on traffic, weather, or facility operations. If any place is closed, an alternative location will be arranged.
- The tour may be cancelled in case of severe weather for safety reasons.
- All temple entrance fees and lunch are included in the tour price.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- Free date/time rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour start time (subject to availability).
