Kanazawa on a Budget: The Ultimate 5 Day Guide

Discover traditional Japan on a budget in Kanazawa.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Getting Settled

  • Check into APA Hotel Kanazawa-Katamachi, a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms.
  • Take a stroll around the Higashi Chaya-gai district, famous for its traditional teahouses.
  • Visit the Kanazawa Castle, a stunning landmark in the city that has survived wars and natural disasters.
Day 2

Discovering Kanazawa's Artistic Side

  • Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a captivating art museum with quirky installations.
  • Take in the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three most beautiful gardens.
  • Enjoy lunch at Hachi, a charming cafe that serves delicious Japanese-style curry.
Day 3

A Day in the Old Samurai District

  • Take a guided tour of the Nagamachi Samurai District, an area of the city where samurai used to reside.
  • Visit the Nomura-ke traditional residence, a beautifully preserved samurai house that offers insight into Japanese history.
  • Head to Matsuzaki Senbei for some tasty rice crackers, a Kanazawa specialty.
Day 4

Exploring the Local Markets

  • Visit Omicho Market, a bustling market that has been operating for over 280 years.
  • Try some fresh seafood at one of the market's many stalls.
  • Head to the Kanazawa Noh Museum for a fascinating look at the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh.
Day 5

A Day Trip to the Surrounding Area

  • Take a train to Kaga Onsen, a nearby town famous for its hot springs.
  • Relax and rejuvenate at one of Kaga's many onsen resorts.
  • Return to Kanazawa and enjoy dinner at Kinana, a cozy restaurant that serves exceptional matcha desserts.
  • Kanazawa is a city that offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern innovations. With its stunning gardens, old samurai districts, charming teahouses and delicious local food, it's a city well worth exploring.

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

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.

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.

A Weekend in Kanazawa: Art, Crafts & Seafood

Kanazawa is a historical city located on the west coast of Japan that is known for its breathtaking gardens, authentic cuisine, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a modern art experience. Travelers can also indulge in Kanazawa's local delicacies such as gold leaf sushi and fresh seafood.

Kanazawa's Culture, Cuisine, and Castles Tour

Visiting Kanazawa on a budget is possible by opting for affordable accommodations such as hostels or capsule hotels. Explore the city's highlights like the Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District by walking or renting a bike. Experience local cuisine by dining at street food stalls, izakayas, and casual eateries.