Kanazawa Kimono Experience 6 hrs Tour with Licensed Guide
Kanazawa
Experience Kanazawa in a traditional kimono. Enjoy a 6-hour guided tour, complete with professional dressing and hairstyling. Capture unforgettable moments!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kimono Rental wargo - You can experience Wargo’s Standard Kimono Plan. This budget plan offers an easy introduction to kimono wearing. The simple yet charming designs, featuring a mix of cuteness and elegance, are sure to appeal to everyone.
  • Kanazawa Castle - From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possessions in terms of size and wealth.

The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate dates from 1788 and faces Kenrokuen. For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until the campus was moved to the city’s outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project has been underway to rebuild the castle’s former buildings. In the meantime, most central structures are standing again and make a visit more interesting.

  • Kenrokuen Garden - Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Kanazawa is justifiably classified as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens” alongside Mito’s Kairakuen and Okayama’s Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over nearly two centuries. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for each season.
  • Higashi Chaya District - A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform songs and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Kanazawa has three, well-preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District), and Kazuemachi.
  • D. T. Suzuki Museum - The D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館, Suzuki Daisetsu Kan) is a small museum commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (1870-1966), a prominent Buddhist philosopher. The museum was opened in 2011 in the district of Kanazawa where Suzuki was born, a ten-minute walk from Kenrokuen. On display are exhibitions showcasing the writings of D.T. Suzuki which allow the visitor to learn more about his life and philosophy. In addition, the architecture of the museum serves as an interpretation of D.T. Suzuki’s life and religious scholarship; its use of clean, simple lines and open spaces causes visitors to pause and reflect.

*Closed until mid-March 2024

  • Myoryuji Temple - Myoryuji Temple (妙立寺, Myōryūji), commonly known as Ninjadera (“Ninja Temple”), was built by the Maeda lords, rulers over the region during the Edo Period. While not actually associated with ninjas, the temple earned its nickname because of its many deceptive defenses.

Since the shogun imposed strict building restrictions as one way of weakening his regional lords, Myoryuji was designed to circumvent the restrictions and serve as a disguised military outpost. It was built with considerable defenses and escape routes so that its defenders could alert the castle in the event of an attack.

*You have to make a reservation by phone call, ask your guide to help you.

  • Ruins of Nagamachi Bukeyashiki - Nagamachi (長町) was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes, and water canals.

One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous. In contrast is the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, a restored pharmacy displaying the lives of the merchant class which rose in prosperity as the samurai declined.

  • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art - The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (金沢21世紀美術館, Kanazawa Nijūichiseiki Bijutsukan) opened in 2004 in downtown Kanazawa, just a few steps from Kenrokuen. It exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world and is among Japan’s most popular art museums.

The architecture of the 21st Century Museum is unique and distinguishes it from other museums and buildings around Kanazawa. The museum is comprised of a circular building, 112.5 meters in diameter, with no facade or main entrance. It was designed without a front or back to discourage its patrons from approaching the museum, and consequently its art, from only one direction.

  • Seisonkaku Villa - The Seisonkaku Villa (成巽閣, Seisonkaku) was built in the last years of the Edo Period by a Maeda lord for his mother. It is one of the most elegant, remaining samurai villas in Japan.

Located in the southeast corner of Kenrokuen, Seisonkaku is a large structure with several expansive tatami rooms on two floors. One of its interesting features is the roof which covers its garden viewing deck. It was built without supports that would interrupt the view of the garden.

  • Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum - A chaya (茶屋, lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform songs and dance. Kanazawa has three well-preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District), and Kazuemachi. Each of the three districts has its own charms and mix of shops, cafes, and chaya restaurants.

The Nishi Chaya District (西茶屋街, Nishi Chayagai), is a compact area just a short walk from the Ninja Temple. It is much smaller and quieter than the Higashi Chayagai and has just one attraction open to the public: a museum, the Nishi Chaya Shiryokan, which displays the history of the district and is a meeting place for free tours of the area (Japanese-only).

  • Oyama Shrine - Oyama Shrine (尾山神社, Oyama Jinja) is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful, local Maeda Clan. The shrine was constructed in 1599 by Toshiie’s successor, Maeda Toshinaga on Mount Utatsu. It was later moved to its present location.

Oyama Shrine is known for its unusual gate, which was designed by a Dutch architect, using elements of European and Asian religious themes. While the first story displays a

  • Omicho Market - Omicho Market (近江町市場, Ōmichō Ichiba) has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of covered streets lined by about 200 shops and stalls. While most shops specialize in excellent local seafood and produce, you can also find flowers, clothing, kitchen tools, and more on sale.

Although the market is most exciting during the morning hours, it also gets quite busy around noon, when tourists and locals arrive to have lunch at restaurants inside the market. It is not unusual for lines to build in front of the popular restaurants, many of which specialize in rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood.

What's Included
  • Meet up with guide in Kanazawa *on foot
  • Licensed Local Guide
  • Kimono wearing experience *standard plan only
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fee for Kenrokuen Garden: Adult (+18) 320JPY, Child 100 JPY, Senior Citizen (+65) Free(
  • Entrance fee for D. T. Suzuki Museum: Adult 310 JPY, Senior Citizen 210 JPY, Children (under18) Free
  • Entrance fee for Myoryuji-Ninja Temple: Adult 1200 JPY, Child 800 JPY
  • Entrance fee for 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Adult 450 JPY, University Student 310 JPY
  • Entrance fees for Seisonkaku Villa: Adult(+19)700 JPY, Children(age 13-18)300 JPY, (age 6-12)250 JPY
  • Entrance fees for Kanazawa Castle: Adult 320 JPY, Children (age 6-18) 100 JPY
  • Food and Drink
  • Private Vehicle
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

The kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan! On this 6-hour walking tour, you can experience wearing a Kimono. You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle.

It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around Kanazawa and take photos. Please bring your camera!

Kanazawa is well known for its sophisticated food and tea culture. The secret of the popularity of Kanazawa’s cuisine is that it is not just about its taste, but is packed with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, the beauty of tea utensils, and traditional methods.

  • Your tour will be of 2 to 3 sights that you decide on with your guide from the itinerary list.
  • Kimono Sizes: for woman 150cm-170cm, for men 165cm-200cm. If you cannot find a perfect fit Kimono, the professional staff can dress you in the Kimono as best as they can.
  • Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 1 hour from the tour start.
Location
Kimono Rental wargo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 10 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
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