Romantic One-Day Trip to Kanazawa

Discover romance in the cultural capital of Japan: Kanazawa.

22 April 2023

Kanazawa is an exquisite destination in Japan for a romantic trip. This city is famous for its stunning gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. With a range of romantic activities such as strolling hand in hand through the Kenroku-en Garden, exploring the charming streets of the Higashi Chaya geisha district, or admiring the views from Kanazawa Castle, you and your partner are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Day trip plan

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Day

A Day of Romance in Kanazawa

  • Get ready to experience a romantic day in this hidden gem of Japan with your loved one. Here’s what you can do on your one-day stay in Kanazawa.
  • Start your day with a stroll in Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Enjoy the scenic views, peaceful ambiance and lovely photo-spots with your partner.
  • Head to the nearby Kanazawa Castle for a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Check out the restored gate, keep and watchtower and learn about the history of this fascinating place.
  • Next, visit the Higashi Chaya district, lined with traditional tea houses and shops. Take a break at one of the cafes to sip a cup of matcha and enjoy classical music performances.
  • For lunch, head to Higashiyama Higashi O-chaya Geisha House and indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine dishes like tempura, sashimi, and sushi. Don’t forget to try the famous sake of the region.
  • Post-lunch, experience the serene beauty of the D. T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the Zen philosopher and writer. The minimalist aesthetics of the building and garden offer a great backdrop for lovebirds.
  • End your day watching the stunning sunset at the Oyama Shrine, atop a small hill overlooking the city. Enjoy the panoramic views and feel the romantic vibes of Kanazawa before returning to your hotel.
  • Kanazawa is indeed a magical place for couples who want to spend a day in love and reverence to Japanese heritage.

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

Romantic One-Day Trip to Kanazawa

Kanazawa is an exquisite destination in Japan for a romantic trip. This city is famous for its stunning gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. With a range of romantic activities such as strolling hand in hand through the Kenroku-en Garden, exploring the charming streets of the Higashi Chaya geisha district, or admiring the views from Kanazawa Castle, you and your partner are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

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.

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.

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.