Gold-Guide recommends this tour to uncover the secrets of the charm of Kanazawa, a castle town!

• Table of Contents
• 1-day Kanazawa Highlights Tour: Samurai Castle Town and Contemporary Arts
• Guide's Recommended Points
• My Details
• Self-Introduction
• Detailed information about Kay Hagino

1-day Kanazawa Highlights Tour: Samurai Castle Town and Contemporary Arts

We'll meet at a hotel in Kanazawa City or at JR Kanazawa Station and efficiently tour the city's must-see spots. Stroll through the lively Omicho Market, where you'll find fresh seafood and local delicacies. After experiencing the history of the Kaga Domain at Kanazawa Castle Park, we'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and enjoy its ponds, teahouses, and seasonal scenery. Furthermore, we'll admire cutting-edge exhibits at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, experiencing both the "tradition" and "present" of the castle town. In the afternoon, we'll walk along the cobblestone alleys of the Nagamachi Samurai District, and finally, stroll through the streets of Higashi Chaya District, concluding with a lingering sense of Kanazawa's charm.

*Itinerary

09:15 Meet at a hotel in Kanazawa City or at JR Kanazawa Station → Travel by bus or taxi

09:30 Stroll around Omicho Market 10:30 Stroll around Kanazawa Castle Park

11:30 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden

12:30 Kanazawa 21st Century Museum *Exhibition zone closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), December 29th to January 3rd *Alternative plans will be proposed during closures.

13:30 Lunch (additional charge / nearby restaurants can be recommended) → Taxi transfer

14:30 Stroll around Nagamachi Samurai District → Travel by taxi

16:00 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District → Take a taxi to the hotel or JR Kanazawa Station

17:15 Disband at the hotel or JR Kanazawa Station. *If you wish to be dropped off at a different location within Kanazawa City, please consult with your guide.

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Guide's Recommended Points

Because Omicho Market has so many shops, we'll guide you to must-see shops and tips for making the most of your visit, even if you only have a short time. Kanazawa's appeal lies in "interpreting the castle ruins," so we'll organize and explain the highlights of the Ishigaki and gates in an easy-to-understand way. Kenrokuen Garden's impression changes depending on the order in which you visit things, so we'll suggest the optimal route based on the season and crowd levels. At the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, understanding the background of the artworks deepens the appreciation, so we'll guide you through the key points. The contrasting atmospheres from Nagamachi to Higashi Chaya District are captivating, so we'll introduce carefully selected photo spots. Transportation (bus/taxi) will be optimized according to the day's conditions, and adjusted to minimize walking fatigue.

My Details

Name: Kay Hagino

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Self-Introduction

Hello! This is Kay! I have been guiding my guests around Kanazawa and its neighborhood since 2014.

Let me tell you how I started.

One day, I met a man who said, “Kay, it seems you really like your hometown because you are so passionate when you talk about it. Since you speak good English, why don't you guide around people? I am sure they are going to enjoy it, and so will you.”

I got hooked at the suggestion of this man, now my husband, and he was right. It brings me such joy to see my guests beam at those Aha moments when they connect the dots.

So why don't you extend your travel plan to include Kanazawa, a town full of history, art, and culture—where you will enjoy connecting these dots with its neighborhoods? And when you do so, please let me assist you in enjoying the time to its fullest!

Detailed information about Kay Hagino

Guide Experience：20 years or more

Area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Shiga, Okayama, Seto Inland Sea

Languages: English

Qualifications: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00045

Certified Itinerary Control Manager, Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent), TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise:Castle,Japanese Garden,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

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