For an interesting and informative introduction to Kanazawa in the Ishikawa Prefecture, contact the Kanazawa Goodwill Guide Network (KGGN) for whatever help you need. The 105 volunteers all speak excellent English, are knowledgeable about the city, and are accredited through the Japan National Tourist Organization. KGGN has friendly staff waiting to help at the Tourist Information Center at the east gate of JR Kanazawa Station from 10 am to 6 pm every day except December 31 through January 2.
Kanazawa Good Will Guide Info Center at JR Kanazawa Station
KGGN offers two basic guide plans. One is a standard tour of Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Park. Volunteers are at the Ishikawa-mon Gate at the castle from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. This service is free and a reservation is not necessary.
A second option is to arrange a private guide to show you around various tourist spots in the city. KGGN will recommend courses or create a plan that fits your interests. Some of the recommended sites are (with time needed to explore): Kenrokuen Garden (1H), Higashi Chaya Geisha District (1H), Omi-cho Market (0.5~1H), Kanazawa Castle Park (0.5~1H), Nagamachi Samurai District (1H). You can also indicate cultural experiences you would like to have in Kanazawa such as: Gold Leaf Craft(1H), Silk Dyeing (1H), Tea Ceremony (1~1.5H), Kimono Wearing (1H)
This service is free, but guests are requested to pay all admission fees and food expenses of the guide. Contact the KGGN at least two weeks in advance; there is a request form on the website.
Here are some ideas from the KGGN website on model day and 1/2 day tours.
Model Plans
*→walk, ⇒ bus
Full-day tour (7~8h)
Kanazawa Station ⇒ Higashi Chaya District ⇒ Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park → 21st Century Museum of Contemporary art ⇒ Naga-machi Samurai District ⇒ Omi-cho Market ⇒Kanazawa Station
Half -day tour (3~4h)
1.Kanazawa Station ⇒ Higashi Chaya District ⇒ Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park ⇒Kanazawa Station
2.Kanazawa Station ⇒ Kenrokuen Garden ⇒ Naga-machi Samurai District ⇒ Kanazawa Station
The KGGN is a valuable resource that can enrich your visit to Kanagawa. For more information: http://kggn.sakura.ne.jp/index.html
