Kanazawa
Excursions that bring the spirit of travel to life
KANAZAWA - VISITING TEMPLES AND SAVORING SUSHI: WHERE SPIRITUALITY AND TASTE COME TOGETHER
Are you ready for an evening offering spirituality, tradition and cuisine as only Japan knows how? You'll leave from Kanazawa port and reach Yasue Hachimangu Shrine, where you'll see an exclusive prayer ceremony: a singular, powerful and truly fascinating moment. Afterwards, a superb Sushi dinner awaits, where fresh fish and local specialties feature in a dinner depicting the real Kanazawa, dish after dish. The evening ends back at port, your mind full of the history of the place and your palate well and truly satisfied.
Main stops
- Prayer ceremony at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine
- Traditional sushi dinner
The programme
You'll experience the more spiritual side of Kanazawa in an ancient ritual, and enjoy a dinner redolent of tradition. Your evening begins with the arrival at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine, embodying Japanese spirituality in every single part. Here you will see a special prayer ceremony: ancient gestures, a silent atmosphere and direct contact with the traditions that have shaped the history of this region.
Then, there's a complete change of scene. You'll head for the restaurant, ready to find out what Japanese dining really means: and on the menu there's sushi! Incredibly fresh fish, seasonal dishes, distinct, fresh flavors. Each dish is brought to your table with an attention to detail that comes from knowing tradition and respecting it - transforming a simple dinner into a true sensory experience.
And when you're completely satisfied, it's time for a stress-free return journey to port.
As you watch the city go by, you'll realize your evening combined everything that makes Japan special: ancient rituals, ambiance, elegance and an unforgettable cuisine.
- The order of the itinerary may vary.
- This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER IN KANAZAWA: GEISHA EXPERIENCE & KAISEKI UNDER THE STARS
There's one way to visit Kanazawa that you won't find on the maps: by experiencing its most refined tradition. You'll begin at Asanogawa Enyukai Hall, for an authentic Geisha experience, with a complimentary traditional Uchiwa fan and all the grace of this local art. Then it's time for a stunning visual sensation (which will be a delight for your taste buds too): a Kaiseki dinner at the famous Michelin 5-star restaurant Kinjoro. You'll end the evening back at port, with the memory of a night bringing you both ancient culture and gastronomy at the highest levels.
Main stops
- Traditional experience at Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
- Geisha experience with complimentary Uchiwa fan
- Exclusive Kaiseki dinner at the Michelin 5-star restaurant, Kinjoro
The programme
Have you experienced evenings that seem made especially to become memories? This is one of them. You'll depart from Kanazawa port and head to a place where the pace of life seems to have slowed down: l’Asanogawa Enyukai Hall. Here, you'll receive an Uchiwa fan and can enjoy an authentic, gentle, graceful geisha experience showcasing the more elegant side of the local culture. Precise gestures, an age-old charm, a captivating atmosphere.
Then you can indulge in the gourmet part of the evening: at Kinjoro, a Michelin 5-star ryotei, which you're bound to rank as “a best ever dinner". Here a complete Kaiseki awaits, the pinnacle of Japanese culinary art: you will enjoy exquisitely crafted starters, an impeccable soup, sashimi that seems to have been sculpted, grilled and slow cooked dishes, rice, desserts. Each dish has been designed to depict a story. Each detail created to surprise.
After experiencing at first hand tradition and gastronomic excellence, the evening ends with a relaxing return journey to port. Not simply a dinner. But an evening crafted with all the finesse of a work of art.
ALL-ROUND KANAZAWA: A PERFECT BLEND OF CULTURE, ART AND SHOPPING
Would you like to see a fantastic, quick-paced version of Kanazawa, full of wow moments? You'll start from Kanazawa Castle Park, where the history and monumental walls will remind you that the city dates back far longer than would seem. You'll then head to Ishiura Shrine, perfect for stunning views and a taste of local spirituality. The vibe then changes entirely, at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where modern lines are the standout feature. You'll end at Kanazawa Station, a shopping mall, in addition to being a station, which is unforgiving... as you'll always buy something there.
Main stops
- Exploring Kanazawa Castle Park
- Photographic stop-off at Ishiura Shrine
- Iconic architecture at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- Final shopping at Kanazawa City Station
The programme
You'll board the bus at Kanazawa Port and be taken to your first taste of culture: Kanazawa Castle Park. White walls, elegant bridges, imposing entrance doors... it's the kind of place where every angle is perfect for a photo. Here history is alive, and you can feel it.
It's then on to Ishiura Shrine, a small place, but big on atmosphere. With its lanterns, centuries-old wooden buildings, and an immediate peace.
Then, there's a change of scene and time: you'll reach the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where Kanazawa delights in showing how modern it can be. Clean lines, installations, an architecture which seems designed to surprise: a contrast that works - very well.
Your adventure ends at one of Japan's most iconic stations, Kanazawa Station: vast, bright, brimming with stores and temptations. It's the perfect moment to buy souvenirs, snacks, small presents or simply something to remind you of this day.
Then it's a comfortable, stress-free journey back to port, with the perfect feeling that "today I saw everything", and it was all truly memorable.
- The order of the itinerary may vary.
- Night-time visits are dependent on the weather conditions.
KANAZAWA BY NIGHT: TRADITIONAL DINNER AND SPECTACULAR PANORAMAS
How about an evening combining cuisine, ambiance and spectacular panoramas? Climb aboard: from Kanazawa you'll head to a local restaurant for a superb traditional dinner. Then it's time for some relaxation and a panoramic tour to Utatsuyama, one of the city's most spectacular locations: the lights, rooftops, roads and history all open up before you like a picture lit up at night. You'll end the evening heading back to port with the feeling you saw the most elegant side of Kanazawa.
Main stops
- Traditional dinner with exclusive local cuisine
- Panoramic evening tour
- Night-time views from Utatsuyama, one of the city's most iconic locations
The programme
Your evening begins from Kanazawa port, where you'll be taken to the gastronomic heart of the city. The first stop is at a traditional restaurant, where each dish portrays a piece of Kanazawa: intriguing flavors, local ingredients, and an elegant cuisine which is never complicated. This is the best way to get in the mood for the evening.
Then it's off again and the city changes pace: the roads are quieter, the lights come on and there's one place to go to: Utatsuyama.
Here the view is quite unforgettable: Kanazawa lit up, yielding, lying ahead of you, with each district twinkling as if to play its own part. This is the perfect time to stop, have a look around and realize just how fascinating this city is, especially at night.
When you're ready to return, the bus will take you back to port, for a calm, stress-free journey.
And as you watch the city go by, you'll realize the evening with its cuisine, history, lights and atmospheres is definitely one to remember.
- The order of the itinerary may vary.
- The night-time, panoramic visit is dependent on weather conditions.
- The dinner will be served in a Japanese-style dining room.
ALL-ROUND KANAZAWA: FROM HIGASHI CHAYA DISTRICT TO KANAZAWA STATION
How about a stroll to savor Japan? You'll start from Kanazawa port and reach Higashi Chaya District, where the lanes seem to be straight from the set of a historic film and the tea houses reflect all the style of this location. Then it's on to Kanazawa Station for a little shopping: souvenirs, snacks, artisan products… it's impossible to leave empty-handed. Afterwards you'll return to port, light-hearted, satisfied and with the spoils of your day.
Main stops
- Walk around Higashi Chaya District
- Shopping at Kanazawa Station
The programme
Your adventure starts from Kanazawa Port, where you'll head towards one of the city's most iconic areas: l’Higashi Chaya District.
Here, everything seems from a bygone age: the wooden tea houses, the lanterns, the small shops and lanes to stroll down at your leisure. It's the type of place where you'll say: "I want to see absolutely everything."
Then it's time to get your breath back (and perhaps make a little room in your backpack), because the next stop-off is at Kanazawa Station: the modern, convenient location, with many, many stores - perfect to take home a reminder of your visit.
Ceramics, typical confectionery, objects decorated with gold leaf. Buying presents at the last minute? Problem solved - simply explore, browse and make your purchases.
After making memories, taking photos and buying souvenirs - not necessarily in that order - it's time for a comfortable journey back to port.
As you watch the city go by, you'll realize that even a simple tour can be an absolute gem: history, ambiance, shopping and no stress whatsoever.
Good to know- The order of the itinerary may vary.
THREE SIDES TO THE CHARMING CITY OF KANAZAWA
Main stops
- The traditional Omicho market with its bustling network of alleyways
- The spectacular Kenroku-en Japanese garden
- Visit to Higashi Chaya, the tea room district
The programme
- We start our excursion to Kanazawa with a stop at Omicho market, which has been the largest fresh produce market in Kanazawa for over 280 years. We walk along the thick network of alleyways lined by around 170 shops and stalls mainly specialising in seafood and local products but where we can also find flowers, clothing, kitchenware and much more.
- Our next destination is the bewitching Kenroku-en garden, considered one of the three most beautiful in Japan. It covers over 11 hectares and is a true feast for the eyes: we can stroll through a sublimely peaceful setting among gentle hills, streams, small wooden bridges, ancient trees and ponds arranged in perfect harmony.
- We then visit the enchanting Higashi Chaya district where a maze of winding alleyways is dotted with tea houses called chaya, characteristic buildings where geisha danced, sang to entertain guests and played traditional Japanese instruments. Among the rows of historic houses, we jump back in time to take in the lively atmosphere that used to reign in the ancient districts.
- We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places and English guides are available.
- The length of the coach transfer depends on the itinerary.
- Traffic jams are to be expected during tourist season.
- Money cannot be exchanged in the port, we recommend buying Japanese currency beforehand.
- Visibility during the tour is subject to weather conditions.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Naha
Kagoshima
Nakagusuku
Nagasaki
Osaka
Tokyo
Kobe
Fukuoka (Hakata)
Yokohama (Tokyo)
Hososhima
Hakodate
Niigata
Muroran
TOYAMA (JAPAN)
Wakajama
Ishigaki
Yatsushiro-Kumamoto
Miyazaki
Sakaiminato
Shimizu
Kochi
Koniya
Maizuru
Sendai
Aomori
HUSHIRO (JP)
Kushiro
Nagoya
Otaru
Beppu
Naze
Sasebo
Aburatsu
Akita
Ishinomaki
KITAKYUSHU (MOJ)
Sakata-Yamagata
SHIMONOSEKI
Miyako Island
Hiroshima
OGASAWARA (JAPAN)
Yokkaichi
WAKKANAI
HAMADA (JAPAN)
NAKAGUSUKU
ABASHIRI
FUSHIKI
Amamioshima
Hashima
Fushiki-Toyama
Tokushima
Kumano
Toba
Onahama
Kitakyushu
Kumamoto
Kagoshima
Yakushima
Tsuruga
Shimonoseki
Matsuyama
Naha (Okinawa)
Hitachinaka
Miyako Iwate
Motobu Okinawa
Kagoshima Bay