Unforgettable Long Weekend in Kanazawa, Japan

Discover the cultural treasures of old Japan in Kanazawa.

22 April 2023

Kanazawa, Japan is a beautiful and historic city located on the west coast of Honshu island. As a tourist, you can explore the city's many attractions such as the stunning Kenrokuen garden, the traditional Higashi Chaya District with its teahouses and geisha performances, and the picturesque Nagamachi Samurai District with its restored samurai houses. You can also enjoy regional specialties such as gold leaf products, seafood, and Kaga vegetables while staying in traditional ryokan accommodations.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Kanazawa's Cultural Heritage Trail

  • Check in to APA Hotel Kanazawa Chuo
  • Visit Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden
  • Explore the traditional Higashi Chaya District
  • Try a local delicacy, gold leaf ice cream
  • Take a stroll through the peaceful Nagamachi Samurai District
Day 2

Art and Crafts Exploration

  • Admire the contemporary art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Marvel at the intricate gold leaf craftsmanship at Hakuichi
  • Visit the Kutaniyaki Art Museum to see the famous Kutani ware
  • Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Kaikaro Tea House
  • Enjoy a hearty meal of Kanazawa's famous seafood at Omicho Market
Day 3

Nature and History Tour

  • Take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Gyokuseninmaru Garden
  • Visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the influential Buddhist philosopher
  • Learn about Kanazawa's history at the historic Kanazawa Noh Museum
  • Relax and unwind at the Yuzen-no-Ma Spa
  • Indulge in a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner at Higashiyama Hanaikada
Day 4

Off the beaten path

  • Take a day trip to the stunning Noto Peninsula, home to picturesque fishing villages and beautiful scenery
  • Explore the unique Toujinbo Cliffs, formed by volcanic eruptions
  • Visit the quaint Wajima Morning Market
  • Participate in a traditional Taiko drumming lesson in the village of Suzu
  • End the day with a delicious seafood feast at Kaisen-don Ichida, known for their fresh uni (sea urchin) bowls.

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

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.

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.

Kanazawa on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure!

Visiting Kanazawa on a limited budget is an achievable feat. Enjoy a host of affordable traditional attractions, such as strolling through the beautiful Kenroku-en garden or exploring the samurai district of Nagamachi. Try local foods at a reasonable price, including the famous sushi, bento boxes and traditional wagashi sweets.

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.