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

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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

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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

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Kanazawa in 5: Family-Friendly Fun on a Budget

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.

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.

Explore Kanazawa's Charm on a Day Trip

Kanazawa is a hidden gem located on the west coast of Japan. With its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, it’s a perfect destination for those interested in Japanese history and culture. From admiring the serene Kenrokuen Garden to tasting fresh seafood at Omicho Market, there’s plenty to experience in this charming city.

5 Days to Bliss: Kanazawa, Japan Travel Guide

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.