Kanazawa: A 4-Day Adventure of History, Art, and Delights

Discover endless wonders in Kanazawa, where family fun meets Japanese tradition.

19 July 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Kanazawa's Treasures

  • Start your day at Kenroku-en, a stunning historic garden with winding paths and breathtaking views.
  • Visit the Kanazawa Castle, an imposing fortress that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
  • Indulge in a delectable lunch at Omicho Market, where you can sample the freshest seafood and local delicacies.
  • Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture at the Higashichaya District, a preserved geisha entertainment area.
  • Unwind at a traditional tea house in the district, sipping on matcha tea while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
  • Finish the day with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a modern haven of artistic wonders.
Day 2

Kanazawa's Artistic Side

  • Start your day with a visit to the Seisonkaku Villa, a tranquil retreat filled with stunning gardens and intricate craftsmanship.
  • Wander through the Nagamachi Samurai District, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the samurai.
  • Enjoy a unique lunch experience at Nagamachi Yuzenkan, where you can try your hand at traditional textile dyeing.
  • Explore the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum to learn about the city's rich tradition in gold leaf craftsmanship.
  • Experience a traditional Kabuki performance at the Kanazawa Noh Museum, be captivated by the mesmerizing art form.
  • End the day by strolling along the picturesque Asanogawa River and enjoying a riverside dinner.
Day 3

Kanazawa's Hidden Gems

  • Begin the day at Myoryuji Temple, also known as the "Ninja Temple," with its secret passages and trap doors.
  • Explore the D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the life and teachings of Zen philosopher Daisetz Suzuki.
  • Have a memorable lunch at a local izakaya, where you can savor a variety of delicious Japanese small plates.
  • Discover the enchanting beauty of the Nomura Samurai House, a well-preserved samurai residence.
  • Visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, showcasing a diverse collection of local and international artworks.
  • End the day with a relaxing soak at a traditional onsen (hot spring) to rejuvenate both body and soul.
Day 4

Kanazawa's Culinary Delights

  • Start the day with a visit to the Kanazawa Morning Market, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling local food scene.
  • Satisfy your taste buds with a sushi breakfast at the market, indulging in the freshest seafood delicacies.
  • Explore the Hakuza Gold Leaf Store, where you can witness skilled artisans creating intricate gold leaf designs.
  • Enjoy a wholesome lunch at a traditional kaiseki restaurant, savoring seasonal flavors presented with artistic finesse.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Gyokusen-en, a hidden gem in Kanazawa.
  • End your trip on a sweet note with a visit to Kinkei, a famous wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) shop.

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

Five-Day Romantic Getaway to Kanazawa, Japan

Explore the charming Kanazawa, the cultural capital of Japan, with your loved one on a romantic trip. Immerse in the traditional architecture, art, and cuisine of the city, and stroll through the serene Kenroku-en Garden. Indulge in the excellent local seafood, sake, and tea, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this hidden gem.

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 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.

Romantic Getaway: 3-Day Escape to Kanazawa

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.