A Weekend in Kanazawa: Art, Crafts & Seafood

Discover exquisite traditional Japanese art and culture in Kanazawa.

03 May 2023

Kanazawa is a historical city located on the west coast of Japan that is known for its breathtaking gardens, authentic cuisine, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a modern art experience. Travelers can also indulge in Kanazawa's local delicacies such as gold leaf sushi and fresh seafood.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Kanazawa's Cultural Treasures

  • Hotel: The Kinjohro Hotel a boutique hotel with traditional and modern elements, located in the heart of Kanazawa's historic district.
  • Start the day with a visit to the Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens.
  • Head to Kanazawa Castle, an impressive feudal-era castle that used to serve as a military stronghold.
  • Time for lunch! Stop by Omicho Market to taste some of Kanazawa's famous seafood delicacies.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved historic area where you can experience traditional tea ceremonies and buy handicrafts.
  • For dinner, head to Unaju Hazama, a restaurant that serves delicious eel dishes.
Day 2

Kanazawa's Art and Crafts Scene

  • Start the day with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can see impressive installations from local and international artists.
  • Head to the D.T. Suzuki Museum, a museum dedicated to the famous philosopher and Zen Buddhism expert, who was born in Kanazawa.
  • Time for lunch! Stop by Nakamura Tokichi Honten for some matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Kanazawa Noh Museum to learn about the unique traditional Japanese theater form of Noh.
  • For dinner, head to Yamazato, a restaurant that serves authentic kaiseki cuisine a multi-course meal made of seasonal ingredients.
  • Kanazawa is a city that boasts both natural beauty and cultural treasures. With its beautiful gardens, historic districts, and museums, it's the perfect destination for travelers who are interested in both art and history. Make sure to try some of the local seafood delicacies and traditional sweets during your stay!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Kanazawa

Welcome to a city where the fish are fresh and the pedestrians are cautious. Kanazawa, where you can admire traditional Japanese architecture while avoiding colliding with bicycles.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

A Weekend in Kanazawa: Art, Crafts & Seafood

Kanazawa is a historical city located on the west coast of Japan that is known for its breathtaking gardens, authentic cuisine, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a modern art experience. Travelers can also indulge in Kanazawa's local delicacies such as gold leaf sushi and fresh seafood.

Kanazawa: A 4-Day Adventure of History, Art, and Delights

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.

Explore Kanazawa's Rich Culture on a Budget

Traveling to Kanazawa on a limited budget can still be enjoyable, with many free or low-cost attractions to explore. The Kenroku-en Garden is a must-visit destination, with its stunning landscapes and traditional tea ceremony experiences. The Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market are also great places to discover Kanazawa's rich culture and vibrant food scene.

Kanazawa in 5: Family-Friendly Fun on a Budget

Kanazawa, Japan, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the magnificent Kenroku-en Garden, known as one of Japan's most picturesque landscapes, where kids can roam freely and enjoy the beauty of nature. Visit the Shinrin-yoku Forest to indulge in a unique and calming experience of forest bathing, known to reduce stress and enhance well-being, making it an ideal retreat for the whole family.