3 Days in Kanazawa: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems

Discover the cultural and architectural beauty of Kanazawa.

03 May 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Historic Kanazawa

  • · Check into the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, known for its luxurious amenities and stunning city views from the rooms.
  • · Visit Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden, rated as one of the best landscaped gardens in Japan.
  • · Stroll through the historic streets of Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the Nomura Clan Samurai House.
  • · Head to Higashi Chaya District, a historic teahouse area, and indulge in a cup of matcha tea with a side of delicious sweets.
  • · End the day at Omicho Market, a bustling seafood market with a variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • · Start the day with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its unique art installations and exhibits.
  • · Take a stroll through the Kanazawa Noh Museum to learn about traditional Japanese theatre.
  • · Stop by the D.T. Suzuki Museum, which pays tribute to the famous Zen philosopher.
  • · Visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts to learn about traditional Kanazawa crafts.
  • · Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at Kinana, a popular ice cream and sweets shop in Higashi Chaya District.
Day 3

Kanazawa’s Hidden Gems

  • · Start the day off by visiting the Ishikawa Opera Theatre, a stunning building with a modern twist on traditional Japanese architecture.
  • · Head to the Kenrokuen Kasumiga Pond to see the beautiful reflection of the garden in the water.
  • · Visit the Ohi Pottery Museum to learn about the history and process of making traditional pottery in Kanazawa.
  • · Take a short trip to the Noto Peninsula to explore the stunning coastal views and indulge in fresh seafood.
  • · End the day by visiting the 16th-century Myoryu-ji Temple, also known as the “Ninja Temple,” and experience its hidden traps and tunnels firsthand.

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: 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.

A Romantic Weekend in Kanazawa, Japan

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.

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.

Explore Kanazawa's Charm on a Day Trip

Kanazawa is a hidden gem located on the west coast of Japan. With its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, it’s a perfect destination for those interested in Japanese history and culture. From admiring the serene Kenrokuen Garden to tasting fresh seafood at Omicho Market, there’s plenty to experience in this charming city.