Romantic Getaway: 3-Day Escape to Kanazawa

Fall in love all over again in the cultural and romantic haven of Kanazawa, Japan.

03 May 2023

Kanazawa offers a unique blend of traditional Japan and modernity, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The city is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, historic temples, and the famous Kenrokuen Garden. Couples can also indulge in local delicacies such as sushi, seafood, and traditional Japanese sweets while exploring the charming streets of Kanazawa.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering the Samurai City

  • Start with a visit to Kanazawa Castle and admire the traditional architecture and gardens
  • Walk to Kenrokuen Garden, a stunning landscaped garden, and enjoy the seasonal foliage and peaceful atmosphere
  • Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District and imagine the lives of the samurai in the Edo period
  • Have a romantic lunch at Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District, a preserved geisha district, and try the local specialty gold leaf ice cream
  • Stop by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and marvel at the unique exhibits
  • Finish the day with a romantic dinner at Beniya Aoki, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant with an intimate atmosphere
  • Hotel recommendation: Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel, a luxurious ryokan with private hot spring baths and a serene atmosphere
Day 2

Kanazawa's Hidden Gems

  • Visit Myoryuji, also known as the "Ninja Temple", and discover its secret passages, hidden doors, and traps
  • Explore the Hakuza Gold Leaf Workshop and learn about the traditional techniques used to create gold leaf products
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Asano River and admire the traditional machiya (townhouses)
  • Indulge in a delicious lunch at Omicho Market, a bustling seafood market with many food options
  • Visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum and learn about the influential philosopher's life and teachings
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Sushi Rekihaku, a top-rated sushi restaurant with a cozy ambiance and attentive service
Day 3

Art and Culture Day

  • Begin the day with a visit to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts and learn about the history and techniques of traditional crafts
  • Explore the Nomura Samurai House and its impressive collection of art and artifacts
  • Visit the Kanazawa Noh Museum and appreciate the intricate costumes and masks used in this traditional Japanese performance art
  • Admire the beautiful architecture and exhibits at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
  • For lunch, head to Saigawa-no-mizu to enjoy delicious soba noodles alongside a picturesque river
  • End the trip with a visit to the Kanazawa Kutaniyaki Kiln Museum and discover the history and production process of Kutaniyaki ceramics.
  • Hotel recommendation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, a stylish hotel with modern amenities and a great location near the city's attractions.

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's Delights: Crafts, Gardens, and Hidden Gems

Kanazawa, Japan offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with its combination of historical charm and modern attractions. Take a stroll through the beautifully preserved Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most exquisite landscaped gardens, and visit the nearby Kanazawa Castle. Explore the fascinating Higashi Chaya District, with its traditional teahouses and local crafts, or immerse yourselves in hands-on activities like gold leaf decoration workshops, making it a memorable trip for the whole family.

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.

Kanazawa's Culture, Cuisine, and Castles Tour

Visiting Kanazawa on a budget is possible by opting for affordable accommodations such as hostels or capsule hotels. Explore the city's highlights like the Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District by walking or renting a bike. Experience local cuisine by dining at street food stalls, izakayas, and casual eateries.

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.