Explore Kanazawa's Rich Culture on a Budget

Experience exquisite Japanese culture on a budget in Kanazawa.

21 June 2023

Traveling to Kanazawa on a limited budget can still be enjoyable, with many free or low-cost attractions to explore. The Kenroku-en Garden is a must-visit destination, with its stunning landscapes and traditional tea ceremony experiences. The Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market are also great places to discover Kanazawa's rich culture and vibrant food scene.

Day trip plan

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Day

Kanazawa on a Budget

  • Begin the day early with a visit to Oyama Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the city center.
  • Stroll through the Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, where the autumn leaves are a sight to behold.
  • Have a quick lunch at Omicho Market, sampling fresh seafood and local delicacies without breaking the bank.
  • Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where admission is free to the outdoor exhibitions and only ¥300 to enter the indoor galleries.
  • End the day at Kanazawa Castle Park, taking in the beautiful sunset views and exploring the historic castle grounds.
  • For dinner, try out the local specialty of jibuni at a traditional restaurant like Hashiba.
  • Note: Another option for lunch or dinner could be a cheap but tasty meal at a local izakaya, such as Hana Hana or Chao Chao.

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.

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