Kanazawa on a Budget: Uncover its Splendor

Experience Kanazawa's beauty on a budget - the perfect mix of culture, food and adventure.

21 June 2023

Kanazawa is a beautiful city located in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan. Although it is often associated with luxury and high-end tourism, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to explore. Some activities to consider include visiting the Kenroku-en Garden, exploring the old town district of Higashichaya, and indulging in the local seafood delicacies at Omicho Market.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Uncovering the Beauty of Kanazawa

  • Start your day at Omicho Market, brimming with fresh seafood and local products
  • Get transported to the Edo period at the Kanazawa Castle, with picturesque gardens and an informative museum
  • Delve into the art of Kanazawa at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing boundary-pushing exhibits
  • Take a stroll through the iconic Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens
  • Wander the streets of the Higashi Chaya District, a preserved geisha quarter with traditional teahouses
  • Stay: Guesthouse Ochakare, a charming budget-friendly spot with tatami rooms and a central location.
Day 2

Discovering Kanazawa's Hidden Gems

  • Step back in time at the Nagamachi Samurai District, with restored samurai houses and a tranquil atmosphere
  • Explore the fascinating D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the life and teachings of the renowned Zen philosopher
  • Marvel at the intricate gold leaf craftmanship at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
  • Take a break at Cafe Mami, a cozy spot serving delicious homemade treats
  • End your day at the Myoryuji Temple, also known as the "Ninja Temple", featuring hidden rooms and trap doors.
  • Eat: Kuroyasu, a small but popular sushi restaurant serving up fresh and flavorful sushi at reasonable prices.
  • Kanazawa may be lesser-known than other Japanese cities, but it packs a punch with its rich history, stunning gardens, and unique attractions. Don't miss a chance to explore this hidden gem!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Kanazawa Family Extravaganza: 2 Days of Fun and Culture

Kanazawa, Japan offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its rich history, stunning gardens, and cultural experiences. Explore Kanazawa Castle, a reconstructed castle that provides a glimpse into Japanese feudal era, and stroll through the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, known as one of the country's top gardens. Engage in interactive activities like traditional tea ceremonies and gold leaf workshops, making it an educational and fun destination for the entire family.

Five-Day Romantic Getaway to Kanazawa, Japan

Explore the charming Kanazawa, the cultural capital of Japan, with your loved one on a romantic trip. Immerse in the traditional architecture, art, and cuisine of the city, and stroll through the serene Kenroku-en Garden. Indulge in the excellent local seafood, sake, and tea, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this hidden gem.

5 Days to Bliss: Kanazawa, Japan Travel Guide

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.

Kanazawa on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure!

Visiting Kanazawa on a limited budget is an achievable feat. Enjoy a host of affordable traditional attractions, such as strolling through the beautiful Kenroku-en garden or exploring the samurai district of Nagamachi. Try local foods at a reasonable price, including the famous sushi, bento boxes and traditional wagashi sweets.