5 Days to Bliss: Kanazawa, Japan Travel Guide

Discover the cultural gems of Kanazawa, Japan - a city of traditional art and contemporary charm.

22 April 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the boutique Higashiyama Hanaogi Hotel
  • Wander around the picturesque Higashiyama Geisha District
  • Visit the Kanazawa Castle and its striking wooden gate
  • Marvel at the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan
  • Feast on melt-in-your-mouth sushi at Kourin Sushi
Day 2

Samurai and Crafts

  • Start your morning with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kappo Hashimoto
  • Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Nomura Family Samurai House
  • Visit the D. T. Suzuki Museum for a unique insight into Zen Buddhism
  • Join a workshop to make your own souvenir at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Treat yourself to a sweet break at Morihachi, famous for its gold-leafed confectionery
Day 3

Coastal Beauty and Seafood

  • Take a day trip to the Noto Peninsula for stunning coastal scenery
  • Visit Wajima for its morning market and lacquerware workshops
  • Have a seafood feast at Kaisenya Katsuji, a popular fish market restaurant
  • Stop by the Senmaida Rice Terraces, a World Heritage Site
  • Catch the sunset at the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, a beach where you can drive on the sand
Day 4

Art and History

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Arles
  • Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and its iconic swimming pool
  • Admire the exhibits at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
  • Learn about the local gold leaf industry at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
  • Indulge in a bowl of creamy and savory jibuni stew at Jibuniya Kyoto Gaiden
Day 5

Final Discoveries

  • Grab a quick breakfast at the popular Japanese bakery, Kinotoya
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Higashi Chayagai Geisha District
  • Visit the Myoryuji Temple, also known as the Ninja Temple
  • Shop for some souvenirs at the Omicho Market
  • End your trip on a high note with a luxurious kaiseki dinner at Yunohana Ryokan.

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.

More travel plans

Explore Kanazawa's Rich Culture on a Budget

Traveling to Kanazawa on a limited budget can still be enjoyable, with many free or low-cost attractions to explore. The Kenroku-en Garden is a must-visit destination, with its stunning landscapes and traditional tea ceremony experiences. The Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market are also great places to discover Kanazawa's rich culture and vibrant food scene.

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.

Unforgettable Long Weekend in Kanazawa, Japan

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.

Kanazawa's Delights: Crafts, Gardens, and Hidden Gems

Kanazawa, Japan offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with its combination of historical charm and modern attractions. Take a stroll through the beautifully preserved Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most exquisite landscaped gardens, and visit the nearby Kanazawa Castle. Explore the fascinating Higashi Chaya District, with its traditional teahouses and local crafts, or immerse yourselves in hands-on activities like gold leaf decoration workshops, making it a memorable trip for the whole family.