Kanazawa's Culture, Cuisine, and Castles Tour

Discover ancient traditions and modern innovations without breaking the bank in Kanazawa, Japan.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Castles and Gardens

  • Start the day with a visit to the Kanazawa Castle, known as the symbol of the city’s history.
  • Next, head to the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three Japanese gardens with scenic views of ponds and blooming flowers.
  • Take a break for lunch at Higashichaya Old Town, known for its traditional tea houses and street food.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Nomura Samurai House for a glimpse of the lifestyle of the warrior class.
  • End the day with a walk along the picturesque Asano River and admire the lights of the city at night.
  • Hotel recommendation: Urbest Kanazawa – comfortable and affordable accommodation with free bicycle rentals for exploring the city.
Day 2

Experiencing Culture and Food

  • Start the day with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the most unique museums in Japan.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture and craft at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum.
  • Try a famous local dish, jibu-ni, at Hachikura, a traditional restaurant with over 300 years of history.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts to learn about the city’s traditional crafts.
  • End the day at Kanazawa’s Omicho Market, known for its fresh seafood and local snacks.
Day 3

Day Trip to Shirakawa-go

  • Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its unique gassho-style houses.
  • Explore the Wada House, a preserved gassho-style house that offers a glimpse into the life of a farming family.
  • Enjoy lunch at the Kanjiro Kawai Memorial Hall, a former home of a famous ceramic artist, and try local delicacies.
  • Take a stroll around the Ogimachi Castle Ruins for stunning views of the village and surrounding mountains.
  • End the day with a relaxing onsen (hot spring) experience at Shirakawa-no-Yu.
  • Hotel recommendation: Smile Hotel Kanazawa a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and convenient location.
  • *No summary paragraph necessary as each day stands alone as a unique experience.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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