Kanazawa in 5: Family-Friendly Fun on a Budget

A family adventure awaits in Kanazawa, Japan – a perfect blend of culture, beauty, and endless fun.

19 July 2023

Kanazawa, Japan, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the magnificent Kenroku-en Garden, known as one of Japan's most picturesque landscapes, where kids can roam freely and enjoy the beauty of nature. Visit the Shinrin-yoku Forest to indulge in a unique and calming experience of forest bathing, known to reduce stress and enhance well-being, making it an ideal retreat for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Cultural Exploration Galore!

  • Start off by exploring the majestic Kanazawa Castle, if it doesn't transport you back to ancient times, we owe you a kimono!
  • Stroll through the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, a lush paradise that'll have you feeling like you stumbled upon a secret fairytale realm.
  • Dive into the enchanting world of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies at the Higashi Chaya District, where Geishas might just appear like magical unicorns.
  • Give your taste buds a treat and sample delectable local delicacies at Omicho Market seafood lovers, prepare for a tsunami of flavors!
Day 2

Samurai Swagger & Quaint Crafts

  • Channel your inner samurai at the Nomura Samurai House, where relics from a glorious era of sword-wielding warriors invite you to blur the lines of time.
  • Step inside the D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the influential Zen philosopher who will make you question the meaning of life like a pro.
  • Brace yourself for artistic wonders at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, because who needs boring old paintings when you can have bizarre installations?
Day 3

Kanazawa Kawaii Cuteness Overload

  • Embrace the cuteness at Myoryuji Temple, known as the "Ninja Temple," where secret passageways and hidden trapdoors await you ninja style!
  • Get in touch with your artistic side at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, where everything that glitters not only is gold but will make you feel like royalty.
  • Immerse yourself in the adorable universe of teddy bears at the Teddy Bear Museum of Japan because who knew a fluffy toy could surpass all kawaii expectations?
Day 4

Zen Gardens & Magnificent Crafts

  • Recharge your mind amidst the tranquility of the Seisonkaku Villa and witness the perfect synergy between architectural elegance and Mother Nature.
  • Journey to the Kutaniyaki Kiln Site and delve into the intricate world of pottery, where you might even discover your untapped artistic genius.
  • Experience a taste of rural life at the Nagamachi Samurai District, with its atmospheric preserved houses that whisper tales of feudal Japan.
Day 5

Sayonara, Kanazawa!

  • Pay homage to artistry at the Kanazawa Noh Museum, where masks, costumes, and dramatic performances lie in wait to mesmerize you.
  • Bid farewell to Kanazawa with a scenic boat ride along the peaceful Kanazawa City Harbor, contemplating the beauty of this hidden gem before setting sail for new adventures.

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

Romantic One-Day Trip to Kanazawa

Kanazawa is an exquisite destination in Japan for a romantic trip. This city is famous for its stunning gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. With a range of romantic activities such as strolling hand in hand through the Kenroku-en Garden, exploring the charming streets of the Higashi Chaya geisha district, or admiring the views from Kanazawa Castle, you and your partner are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

3 Days in Kanazawa: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems

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.

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: The Ultimate 5 Day Guide

Kanazawa is a charming city to explore in Japan even with a limited budget. There are many affordable accommodations and restaurants scattered across the city that serve delicious traditional Japanese cuisine. Visitors can also visit beautiful gardens and parks, as well as museums and galleries, which offer free admissions or discounts.