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'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.

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.

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.

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.