Hello, I’m Priscilla Leung from Hong Kong, and this is my sixth year living in Kanazawa. Juggling roles as a housewife, English teacher, yoga instructor, and handcraft artist, all at the same time, I was thrilled to try this amazing rickshaw ride – an experience that, despite living here, I had never encountered before.
 
Let’s go!
 
The Japanese term for this human-powered carriage is “Jinrikisha,” commonly known as a rickshaw. Its history dates back to the early Meiji era (around 1870) in Japan. At that time, it served as a vital mode of transport until the advent of more advanced options like cars, buses, and trains. Today, the Jinrikisha has evolved into a well-known cultural experience for tourists exploring various spots in the city.
 
The person pulling the rickshaw is referred to as the “Shafu” in Japanese. Mr. Hayashi from Kanazawa Ichirikisha, dressed in a classic Japanese outfit, welcomed me with a big warm smile and was very excited to show me the wonders of Kanazawa. Before the ride, he thoughtfully placed a small step in front of the rickshaw, ensuring I could safely and conveniently reach the seat. As I climbed onto the rickshaw, I gained a higher viewpoint, and I suddenly felt like a princess or a celebrity.
 
Opting for the super popular 30-minute route, we glided through the Higashi and Kazue-machi Chaya Districts. Longer 60- or 90-minute routes cover major sightseeing spots like Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Samurai District, Omicho Market, and more. You can even book them for a whole day to explore places you want to see, with the added convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
Our journey commenced at Enchoji Temple in Higashiyama and then headed to Utasu Shrine, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the formidable Kaga Domain, and his wife. It’s a place where people pray for a harmonious marriage. Next, we visited the renowned Umeno Bridge, an old wooden bridge often featured in Japanese historical movies and dramas. Then, we caught a glimpse of another intriguing old wooden bridge, the Nakano Bridge. Lastly, we made our way to the Kazue-machi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s three famous teahouse districts.

As the rickshaw glided through the narrow, picturesque streets lined with well-preserved historical teahouses, its sizable wheels reverberated with a distinctive click-clack sound, creating a seamless fusion of traditional townscape and this classic mode of transport. Wearing a kimono would undoubtedly transport you back to the past, making you a perfect fit for classic Japanese photos.
 
From this elevated viewpoint, I gained a completely different perspective on the fascinating areas around Higashi and Kazue-machi Chaya Districts, as well as the bustling life here. Mr. Hayashi told me that the rickshaw weighed about 100 kg and had a maximum capacity of three people. That means he can carry almost 300 kg if three adults are sitting on it.
Mr. Hayashi is more than just a conveyor; he is a storyteller, historian, and knowledgeable tour guide. With each step, he shared interesting anecdotes about Kanazawa’s history and culture, the type you won’t find on the internet. Throughout the ride,  he talked like a friend full of energy, encouraging me to open up and share more. For me, the journey was not only a visual delight but also an informative and engaging exploration.
 
While my experience was in Japanese this time, Mr. Hayashi can skillfully use apps to effortlessly communicate in various languages and engage with foreign tourists, providing an entertaining and memorable ride.
 
So instead of exploring the city on your own, why not have a passionate local guide lead you around its famous attractions? You’ll forge a deeper connection with the city and its people, creating a more enriching experience.  A rickshaw ride in Kanazawa promises to be a captivating journey, leaving you with a lasting memory of this unique city. So, why wait? Hop on a rickshaw and prepare to discover the mesmerizing charm of Kanazawa!