Kanazawa’s 7 Best Drinking Tours

Kanazawa is known for its stunning traditional crafts, beautiful gardens, and refined atmosphere. But it’s also a city that comes alive after dark, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy a drink or two. Unlike bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Kanazawa’s drinking scene maintains a relaxed, local vibe — perfect for those who want an authentic experience without the crowds. Whether you’re after a casual izakaya hop, a guided brewery tour, or a vibrant night out with a local, this city offers options that suit all tastes. We especially like tours that focus on local flavor, like the Be a Local Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour, which lets you rub elbows with locals in cozy, tucked-away bars.

If you’re curious about Kanazawa’s rich fermentation traditions, the Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch is a must. Or for those who want a lively, customized night out, the Kanazawa: Private 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour with Local Guide provides an intimate look at the city’s drinking hotspots. With options ranging from local sake tastings to deep dives into the city’s cozy izakayas, there’s something for every kind of night owl.

1. Be a Local‘ Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour

This small-group tour offers a chance to barhop your way around Kanazawa like a local. It’s perfect if you want an authentic taste of the city’s nightlife without the touristy vibe. The tour takes you to some of Kanazawa’s best cozy izakayas—casual Japanese bars with just 7-10 seats—where you can enjoy a variety of local drinks. The highlight lies in discovering hidden gems that you wouldn’t stumble across alone, as well as rubbing shoulders with friendly locals. The tour lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours, making it manageable even after a day of sightseeing.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group size, limited to four people, which ensures a personalized experience. You won’t get lost in a crowd or feel rushed. Instead, you’ll enjoy relaxed conversations and authentic Kanazawa hospitality, all while sampling regional drinks. The tour doesn’t focus on food, but the atmosphere compensates for it — expect a very local, intimate experience. The venues are simple but genuine, which is exactly what makes this tour special. A quick visit to Kiguramachi highlights the charm of tiny, intimate bars.

Bottom Line: If you’re keen to see Kanazawa’s nightlife through the eyes of a local, value intimacy, and love discovering hidden spots, this tour is a great choice at $85.39 per person.

2. Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch

At number 2, the Kanazawa Historic Brewery offers an immersive look into Japan’s fermentation traditions. This tour focuses on koji, miso, soy sauce, and fermented rice beverages, making it ideal for foodies and those interested in Japan’s culinary heritage. You’ll visit a historic soy sauce and miso brewery and participate in a guided tour that explains the magic of fermentation.

One of the highlight experiences is making your own miso soup using two types of miso — a hands-on activity that deepens your appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Plus, you’ll enjoy a multi-course lunch featuring dishes made with koji and other fermented ingredients, complemented by tastings of two types of doburoku, a traditional fermented rice drink. The alcohol buzz and rich flavors make this tour stand out from more typical sake tastings.

This experience is perfect if you’re curious about Japan’s fermentation culture, want to learn from experts, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s a slightly more educational and culinary-focused night out that combines tasting and making. The price is a reasonable $73 per person, given the depth of experience and included lunch.

Bottom Line: For around $73, this tour offers a delectable exploration of Japan’s fermentation traditions, ideal for food lovers and those curious about local brewing techniques.

3. Kanazawa: Private 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour with Local Guide

Number 3 on our list is the Private Bar Hopping Tour, giving you a flexible, personalized night out. For about $83 per person, you’ll explore two of Kanazawa’s most popular drinking districts—either the Kanazawa Station area or Katamachi—each with its own character. Your local guide will introduce you to three carefully selected venues, where you’ll sample regional drinks and learn about local drinking customs.

This tour is highly customizable; whether you prefer sake, beer, or cocktails, your guide can tailor the experience. An advantage here is the depth of local knowledge, as your guide shares insights into Kanazawa’s history and culture while you enjoy your drinks. The tour lasts around three hours, making it a perfect evening activity. The venues chosen are known for their authentic atmosphere, blending tradition with a modern touch.

Guests have appreciated the intimate setting and the chance to ask questions about Kanazawa’s drinking traditions. It’s suited for travelers who want a more structured experience but still enjoy a relaxed, social evening. Although reviews are not yet available, the personalized nature and flexible districts make it a promising option.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a tailored experience and a chance to explore Kanazawa’s nightlife with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is well priced at $83.

4. Kanazawa Private 3 Hour Bar Hopping Tour with Local Guide

This private, 3-hour tour (details here) offers an in-depth look at Kanazawa’s vibrant nightlife, focusing on izakayas and gourmet culture. For $159.65 per person, you get to visit two or three handpicked venues, each offering a taste of local flavors — from fresh seafood and sake in the Kanazawa Station Area to cozy, hidden bars in Katamachi.

The tour begins with a visit to Kanazawa Station’s Sanwa Shopping Street, where retro-style izakayas and lively eateries give you a casual, authentic dining experience. Then, the tour can take you to the Porte Kanazawa underground mall or Betsuin-dori Shopping Street, depending on your interests. The mix of casual and refined venues offers a diverse look at the city’s drinking scene.

Guests love this tour for its flexibility and depth. It’s perfect if you want a more comprehensive night out with a focus on local cuisine and drinks, all with a private guide who can customize the experience. The main drawback is the higher price, but the personalized attention and curated venues justify it.

Bottom Line: For an intimate, customizable experience exploring Kanazawa’s best venues, this tour offers excellent value at $159, especially for groups or serious enthusiasts.

5. Kanazawa Bar Hopping Night Tour

This tour (more info here) is a flexible, 3-hour exploration of Kanazawa’s after-dark scene. You choose from three routes, each focusing on different districts—Oyama, Katamachi, or other hot spots—based on your interests. The tour is highly customizable, with options for traditional sake, cocktails, or lively music lounges. The meeting point is at 6:00 pm, perfect for kicking off your evening.

While no reviews are available, the tour’s flexibility and variety are its main strengths. You can tailor your night to focus on local dishes, refined drinks, or casual hangouts. It’s ideal for travelers who like to design their own experience and want to explore multiple districts in one night.

Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, flexible night out with options to focus on your preferred drinks and districts, this tour offers good value at $261.35 per group.

6. Deep Nightlife in Kanazawa Hopping Izakaya and Snack Bars

For those who want to experience Japan’s deep drinking culture, this 3-hour tour (details here) takes you into the heart of Kanazawa’s local nightlife. It’s designed to mimic the experience of a Japanese salaryman — eating, drinking, singing, and socializing in a series of izakayas and snack bars.

This tour provides an authentic, lively atmosphere and is perfect if you like to learn about local customs. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see how locals actually spend their evenings, with plenty of opportunities to mingle and enjoy regional drinks.

Bottom Line: At $78.41 for three hours, this tour offers a fun, local experience, ideal for those wanting a genuine night of eating, drinking, and socializing.

7. Gastronomic Sake Tasting Experience from Kanazawa or Komatsu

Finally, for sake lovers, the Gastronomic Sake Tasting Experience provides an exclusive, 3.5-hour private tasting at NOGUCHI NAOHIKO Sake Institute. Set in a peaceful, tea-room-like environment, you’ll sample five limited-edition sakes paired with snacks that enhance each flavor.

The guide, an English speaker, walks you through the nuances of each sake, explaining what makes each one special. The experience feels more like a cultural journey than just a tasting, making it perfect for those who want a quiet, refined night. It’s especially suited for dedicated sake enthusiasts or couples looking for an intimate, educational evening.

Guests who appreciate craftsmanship will find this tour very rewarding. It costs $326.69 per person, reflecting its premium, private nature. Be sure to book early, as it’s a popular and limited experience.

Bottom Line: For sake connoisseurs willing to invest in a high-end, personalized experience, this tour offers unparalleled insight into Japan’s cherished rice wine.

How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Kanazawa

When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and how active you want your evening to be. For a casual, local experience, the Be a Local Izakaya Hop offers intimacy and authenticity at a reasonable price. If you’re more curious about Japan’s fermentation techniques, the Historic Brewery combines tasting with hands-on participation.

For a personalized night out, the Private 3-Hour Guided Tour and Full Private Experience are excellent choices, especially if you want to tailor your route or focus on specific districts. Those seeking a deep cultural or culinary immersion should consider the Gourmet Sake Tasting, which offers a more refined, educational experience.

Remember to book early, especially for premium options like the sake tasting, as these experiences are popular and limited in availability. Also, consider the time of year — winter months might be perfect for warm sake, while summer evenings are great for outdoor bar hopping.

Kanazawa offers a surprising variety of ways to enjoy its nightlife, whether you prefer relaxed local bars, guided brewery tours, or lively night scenes. Exploring these options lets you see a different side of the city, one that’s full of flavor, warmth, and genuine hospitality. Pick what suits your style, and enjoy your time in this charming city.