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: A 4-Day Adventure of History, Art, and Delights

Kanazawa, Japan, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions for an unforgettable trip. Spend a day exploring Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's most stunning gardens, with its beautiful landscapes and picturesque tea houses. Visit Kanazawa Castle, an impressive 16th-century fortress, and immerse yourselves in the city's rich samurai heritage with a trip to the Nagamachi District, where you can even try on traditional samurai armor.

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.

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.

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.