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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
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.

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.

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