Excursion Samurai legacy & the art of gold leaf tour at Kanazawa

An approximately 30-minute transfer through the city will take you to the Gold Leaf Experience.

Gold Leaf Experience

A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end of the 16th century, and it is produced more than 98% in Kanazawa.

Nagamachi District

Next stop is in the famous Nagamachi District. Nagamachi 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 Samura House, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous.

Higashi Chaya Geisha District

And at the end of the tour drive to the Higashi Chaya Geisha District. A Chaya means teahouse is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. The largest one of the chaya districts in Kanazawa is the Higashi Chaya district. The construction of two-story houses except teahouses was prohibited in the Edo period. Homes are still in use and well preserved by residents. After ashort orientation walk, experience maintaining the atmosphere of at that time.

Conclude the tour with an approximately30 minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kanazawa, Gold Leaf Experience, Nagamachi - Samurai District, Higashi Chaya - Geisha District.

Note

Please note: This tour involves moderate amount of walking (approximately 1km or 0.6miles) of walking over cobblestones and paved walkways, with around 20 steps at the various locations. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests need to take off their shoes at Nagamachi Samurai Residence and Gold Leaf Experience. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.