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 on a Budget: Uncover its Splendor

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.

Kanazawa, Japan: A Day Trip of Time Travel and Artistry

A family friendly trip to Kanazawa, Japan offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern attractions. Explore the beautifully preserved Kenrokuen Garden and be transported back in time while visiting the stunning Kanazawa Castle. Treat the kids to a fun-filled day at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where interactive exhibits and engaging art installations will captivate their imaginations.

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.

3 Days in Kanazawa: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems

Kanazawa, Japan offers a unique blend of ancient culture and modern flair. As a tourist, one can immerse themselves in traditional art and architecture, such as the famous Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Additionally, the city is known for its delicious seafood and sweets, making it a food lover's paradise.