A Romantic Weekend in Kanazawa, Japan

Escape to the enchanting streets of Kanazawa for a romantic adventure.

22 April 2023

Kanazawa is a picturesque city on the coast of Japan, famed for its historic architecture and tranquil gardens. For a romantic getaway, visitors can stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of Higashi Chaya and take in the city's traditional tea houses and artisanal craft shops. Kanazawa is also home to one of Japan's most stunning gardens, Kenrokuen, where couples can enjoy a romantic stroll among the cherry blossoms and trickling streams.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Kanazawa

  • Check in to the luxurious Hotel Nikko Kanazawa and enjoy the stunning view from your room.
  • Take a stroll through the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.
  • Stop by the nearby Kanazawa Castle, a historic site with a rich history.
  • Treat yourself to a traditional Kaga cuisine dinner at Hakuichi. Their gold leaf dishes are a must-try.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Nakamura Tokichi Honten, known for their delicious matcha sweets.
Day 2

Exploring Kanazawa

  • Experience the art and culture of Kanazawa with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Visit the Kanazawa Noh Museum and learn about the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh.
  • Walk through the Higashi Chayagai district, a preserved geisha district filled with traditional tea houses.
  • Have lunch at Omicho Market, where you can taste local seafood like snow crab and sea urchin.
  • End the day with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where you can step back in time and explore traditional samurai houses.
  • Kanazawa may not be on everyone's radar, but this city has so much to offer. With beautiful gardens, traditional culture, and great food, Kanazawa is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kanazawa by plane is to fly into Komatsu Airport, which is approximately 25 km away from the city center. From there, you can take a bus or train to Kanazawa Station.

Car

To get to Kanazawa by car, you can take the Hokuriku Expressway from Tokyo or Osaka. From Tokyo, the trip takes approximately 5-6 hours, while from Osaka it takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Train

There are several train options to get to Kanazawa, including the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which links Tokyo to Kanazawa. Other options include the Thunderbird Limited Express and the Shirasagi Limited Express. Both of these trains run between Osaka and Kanazawa.

Boat

There are no direct routes to Kanazawa by boat. However, you can take a ferry from Vladivostok, Russia to Toyama Port, which is approximately 60 km away from Kanazawa. From there, you can take a bus or train to Kanazawa.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a highway bus from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station or Osaka's Umeda Station. The trip takes approximately 8-9 hours from Tokyo and 4-5 hours from Osaka, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

More travel plans

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Kanazawa, Japan offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture with its well-preserved gardens, historic districts, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore the majestic Kenrokuen Garden, a stunning example of a Japanese landscape garden, marvel at the ornate Kanazawa Castle, or visit the old samurai district of Nagamachi for a taste of feudal Japan. Additionally, visitors can indulge in the local cuisine, such as seafood and local sake, that Kanazawa is known for.

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Kanazawa, Japan, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions for an unforgettable trip. Spend a day exploring Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most stunning gardens, with its beautiful landscapes and picturesque tea houses. Visit Kanazawa Castle, an impressive 16th-century fortress, and immerse yourselves in the city's rich samurai heritage with a trip to the Nagamachi District, where you can even try on traditional samurai armor.

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Kanazawa, Japan is an ideal destination for a romantic trip. The city is known for its picturesque gardens, charming teahouses, and serene temples. Visitors can also indulge in delicious local cuisine, particularly seafood, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of the region.