Kanazawa in a Day: Castles, Gardens, Geisha & Samurai
Walk castle grounds, stroll beautiful gardens, try gold-leaf crafts — Kanazawa’s elegance in one day
Why take this Kanazawa shore excursion?
Kanazawa is a city of elegance and tradition, offering a slower pace and refined beauty compared to Japan’s larger urban centers. On this shore excursion, you’ll see why Kanazawa is often called “Little Kyoto” — a place where castles, gardens, samurai homes, and geisha culture live side by side.
- Kanazawa Castle (金沢城) — Walk the reconstructed gates, turrets, and expansive grounds of this former samurai stronghold, once home to the powerful Maeda clan.
- Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) — Recognized as one of Japan’s top three gardens, Kenrokuen showcases perfect harmony: ponds, stone lanterns, tea houses, seasonal flowers, and maple groves.
- Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋町) — Wander through Kanazawa’s beautifully preserved geisha district with latticed wooden façades, lanterns, and nostalgic streetscapes.
- Shima Teahouse (志摩屋) — Step into a historic teahouse, preserved for centuries, and learn about geisha entertainment traditions once reserved for Kanazawa’s elite.
- Nagamachi Samurai District (長町武家屋敷) — Explore narrow lanes and earthen walls where samurai once lived. Some residences open to the public reveal Edo-period architecture and artifacts.
- Omicho Market (近江町市場) — Finish with the lively atmosphere of Kanazawa’s fresh food market, famous for seafood, local produce, and small eateries serving regional delicacies.
In a single day ashore, this excursion brings together history, artistry, gardens, and gastronomy, giving you a well-rounded picture of Kanazawa’s enduring charm.
Sample Itinerary: Kanazawa Shore Excursion
Heritage, gardens, artisan craft — Kanazawa’s culture unfolds at every turn
9:00 am – Meet at Kanazawa Port
Your driver and English-speaking guide greet you at the terminal. Begin the day with a short transfer into the city center.
9:30 – 10:30 am – Kanazawa Castle (金沢城)
- Explore the vast castle grounds, reconstructed turrets, and defensive gates of the Maeda clan’s stronghold.
- Learn about Kanazawa’s role as a wealthy feudal domain during the Edo period.
- Enjoy views of moats, stone walls, and the expansive Ishikawa Gate.
10:30 – 11:30 am – Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園)
- Stroll one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” admired for its perfect balance of six elements: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water, and scenic views.
- Seasonal highlights include plum and cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, blazing maple leaves in autumn, and snow-covered pines with yukitsuri ropes in winter.
11:45 am – 12:45 pm – Omicho Market (近江町市場)
- Explore Kanazawa’s bustling food market, known as the “kitchen of Kanazawa.”
- Sample or purchase fresh seafood, sushi, fruits, and local specialties.
- Free time for a casual lunch — oysters, kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl), or Kanazawa-style sushi are popular options.
1:15 – 2:15 pm – Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋町)
- Wander through preserved geisha entertainment streets with wooden lattice façades and tea houses.
- Learn about Kanazawa’s merchant and geisha culture.
- Stop at small shops selling gold-leaf crafts, teas, and wagashi (Japanese sweets).
2:15 – 2:45 pm – Shima Teahouse (志摩屋)
- Step inside a historic chaya, preserved much as it was in the Edo era.
- See tatami rooms, musical instruments, and geisha performance spaces that once hosted Kanazawa’s elite guests.
3:00 – 4:00 pm – Nagamachi Samurai District (長町武家屋敷)
- Walk narrow lanes lined with earthen walls and stone-paved streets once home to samurai families.
- Visit one of the restored samurai residences (optional entry) to see period armor, weapons, and everyday artifacts.
- Enjoy the contrast between samurai simplicity and the elegance of the geisha quarters.
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Free Time & Light Shopping
- Depending on preference, return to Omicho Market for snacks, browse gold leaf souvenir shops, or enjoy a final stroll in Kanazawa’s old streets.
4:45 – 5:00 pm – Return to Kanazawa Port
Arrive back at the terminal with time to re-board your ship.
⚓ This balanced itinerary lets you experience castle power, garden beauty, merchant elegance, samurai heritage, and gourmet flavors — all in a single port day.
