Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a city that perfectly blends traditional Edo-period charm with modern art. Compared with Kyoto, it is quieter and less crowded, while the food and prices are very friendly, making it a hidden gem in the Hokuriku region that should not be missed.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Highlights): Kanazawa Station (Tsuzumi-mon Gate) → Omicho Market (brunch) → Kanazawa Castle Park → Kenrokuen Garden → Higashi Chaya District (afternoon tea/gold leaf ice cream) → Oyama Shrine.
• Day 2 (Art and History): Nagamachi Samurai District → Ishiura Shrine (the dog shrine) → 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa → D. T. Suzuki Museum → Korinbo (shopping and dinner).
• Day 3 (Nearby Extensions): If you have extra time, join a day tour to Shirakawa-go or Gokayama to see gassho-style houses, or visit Amaharashi Coast for views of snow-capped mountains and the sea in the same frame.

Must-Visit Attractions

Kanazawa’s attractions are very concentrated, and many places in the city can be reached on foot or by shared bicycle.

• Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan’s three great gardens, with different scenery in every season—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and yukitsuri snow supports in winter are all breathtaking.

• Higashi Chaya District: A well-preserved Edo-period geisha district, with highly photogenic wooden machiya townhouses. You can also experience tea ceremony and try gold leaf ice cream.

• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: A modern art landmark with a circular transparent design. The “Swimming Pool” installation inside is especially photogenic (advance reservation required).

• Omicho Market: Kanazawa’s “kitchen,” where you can enjoy the freshest seafood bowls, grilled oysters, and local-style oden.

• Nagamachi Samurai District: The former residences of samurai from the Kaga Domain, preserving earthen walls and gardens for an immersive sense of samurai culture.

Must-Try Local Foods

Kanazawa is close to the Sea of Japan, so seafood is extremely abundant. It also has a distinctive gold leaf culture and Kaga cuisine.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay: Staying near Kanazawa Station is recommended for convenient transport, especially if you need to catch early or late trains. The area around Omicho Market/Kenrokuen Garden is also a good choice, with easy access to shopping, food, and a better overall travel experience.
• Getting Around: Kanazawa’s city attractions are concentrated and can be reached on foot. If taking buses, you can buy the “Kanazawa Loop Bus One-Day Pass” (880 yen). From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen takes about 2.5 hours directly to Kanazawa.
• Payment Reminder: Some long-established market stalls and small shops only accept cash, so it is best to prepare enough Japanese yen in cash.