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.

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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.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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

Kanazawa on a Budget: Uncover its Splendor

Kanazawa is a beautiful city located in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan. Although it is often associated with luxury and high-end tourism, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to explore. Some activities to consider include visiting the Kenroku-en Garden, exploring the old town district of Higashichaya, and indulging in the local seafood delicacies at Omicho Market.

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.

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.

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.