Planning on visiting Kanazawa quickly? This 2 day Kanazawa itinerary exhibits you one of the best route by way of the primary highlights of town.
Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is slowly getting extra consideration, and rightfully so! With the New Golden Route and Hokuriku Shinkansen (coated by the Hokuriku Arch Cross) connecting Kanazawa with Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa is simpler to go to than ever earlier than. And it ought to actually be in your subsequent itinerary!
With three well-preserved geisha districts, samurai homes, conventional crafts, one in every of Japan’s most stunning gardens, and so many native delicacies, two days might not even be fairly sufficient to see every thing this metropolis has to supply. Spending two days in Kanazawa is a good start line, although, however don’t be stunned if it leaves you wanting to come back again quickly!
Having visited Kanazawa a couple of occasions now, each in spring and autumn, I’ve obtained a good suggestion of what to advocate visiting in case you’re planning your first journey right here. Right here is our two day Kanazawa itinerary for first time guests.
Kanazawa Itinerary Overview & Map
Here’s a fast overview of this Kanazawa itinerary, together with an interactive map with the highlights, resort suggestions and a few spots we beloved for dinner.
Most certainly, you’ll arrive in Kanazawa at JR Kanazawa Station. Sadly, there’s no metro in Kanazawa, and a lot of the fundamental sights aren’t situated close to the station (or close to one another, for that matter). There’s a bus route that loops across the metropolis, or you should use a taxi. When utilizing taxis, it’s greatest to obtain the Go Taxi app.
I’ve created this itinerary by dividing the times in a method so that you received’t should journey too far between every spot. Throughout my time in Kanazawa, I spent most of my time strolling. Nevertheless, when arriving in Kanazawa with baggage, it’s best to get a taxi to your resort to keep away from any points.
Ideally, you’ll spend two full days in Kanazawa to comply with this itinerary. That method, you’ll have sufficient time to correctly see all of the sights and comply with the route under. That implies that two or three nights can be ultimate, relying on what time you may arrive in Kanazawa.
We’ve got a extra in-depth information on the greatest areas and motels in Kanazawa, however here’s a fast overview of our high picks:
Self Guided Two Day Kanazawa Itinerary
Right here is the right Kanazawa itinerary for first-time guests:
Kanazawa Day One: Kanazawa Citadel, Kenroku-en and Geisha District
We’ve damaged up this itinerary into two elements to minimise travelling from one facet of Kanazawa to the subsequent. On the primary day of this itinerary, we keep on with the areas round Kanazawa Citadel, Kenroku-en and one of many three Geisha Districts. Be at liberty to swap the times round if that works higher for you!
1. Arrive at Kanazawa Station
Most travellers will arrive in Kanazawa at Kanazawa Station utilizing the bullet prepare. Utilizing the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you may get to Kanazawa from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours.
As briefly talked about earlier, Kanazawa doesn’t have a metro. To get across the metropolis, you may stroll or use the bus that loops across the metropolis. Taxis are additionally available, which is what I might advocate utilizing to get from the station to your resort to drop off your baggage after arriving.
Kanazawa Station, and significantly the Tsuzumi-mon Gate simply outdoors the station, are an awesome first impression of what’s to come back. This spectacular gate resembles the standard drums utilized in Noh theatre. Due to it, Kanazawa Station is usually listed as one of the stunning stations on the earth.
2. Stroll By Omicho Market
For over 300 years, this market has been the place to get contemporary seafood. There are over 170 distributors inside Omicho Market, promoting something from seafood, meats and native produce to kitchen instruments, espresso and sweets.
Visiting this market within the morning is greatest, because it will get fairly busy round noon for lunch (particularly within the eating places surrounding the market!). It opens from 9 am, and there are greater than sufficient spots to seize some breakfast round right here.
There’s a bakery close to the subsequent cease on this Kanazawa itinerary, which may be an awesome breakfast spot in case you can’t discover something on the market. Both method, it’s positively value having a stroll round Omicho Market, even when it’s simply to have a look at all of the contemporary seafood!
3. Go to Oyama Shrine & Oyama Shrine Backyard
Because the station is a bit removed from the primary sights within the metropolis, it’s value getting a taxi to your resort to drop off your baggage earlier than you begin exploring Kanazawa. Alternatively, you should use the bus that loops across the metropolis.
Our first day in Kanazawa begins at Oyama Shrine and its backyard. You could find the doorway simply throughout the highway from the Kanazawa Central Vacationer Info Centre (value stopping by in case you want any extra data or a map of town).
The gate was designed by a Dutch architect, which is why some elements of it seem fairly European. It wasn’t all the time positioned right here, because it used to face in entrance of Kanazawa Citadel earlier than it was moved to this shrine. The shrine itself is devoted to Maeda Toshiie of the native Maeda Clan. Inside, you may also discover a beautiful little backyard with a pond and connecting bridges.
If you happen to’re searching for a fast snack earlier than beginning your day exploring Kanazawa, cease by COYA bakery (not removed from Oyama Shrine and Oyama Shrine Backyard). They provide coffees and baked treats, all very scrumptious!
4. Discover Gyokuseninmaru Backyard
From Oyama Shrine, head in the direction of the subsequent backyard on our listing at present: Gyokuseninmaru backyard. It’s situated on the Kanazawa Citadel grounds, which we’re visiting after this, making it an awesome subsequent cease.
Gyokuseninmaru gardens was personal for the lords, however they’ve been opened as much as the general public. The standard backyard could be very stunning, that includes a small bridge and a waterfall. It’s a bit small, however it’s very spectacular nonetheless.
On Fridays, Saturdays and days earlier than public holidays, you may get pleasure from an spectacular mild present at this backyard and Kanazawa Citadel. If you happen to occur to remain in a resort close to this backyard on one of many days of the sunshine present, it’s value going for a second fast go to after dinner.
5. Go to Kanazawa Citadel & Citadel Park
Kanazawa Citadel was as soon as residence to the Maeda Clan, who dominated over the world that’s now Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. Courting again to 1583, the citadel has burned down a couple of occasions over the centuries, however has slowly been rebuilt.
Visiting the Citadel Park is free, making it an awesome place to stroll across the citadel and see a few of the buildings up shut. There’s a payment to enter the citadel, however there isn’t quite a bit to see inside, so I might skip it.
Be certain to cease by the Ishikawa Gate, which is among the oldest remaining items of the citadel that wasn’t destroyed by any of the newest fires. It dates again to 1788. This gate additionally leads into Kenroku-en Backyard, which is our subsequent cease.
Relying on how a lot time you could have in and round Kanazawa Citadel, you may additionally need to cease on the Former Takamine Household and Former Prosecutor’s Workplace Constructing. It’s situated north of the park and is free to go to. Not many individuals know this place is open to the general public, however it’s a beautiful, genuine Japanese home with tatami flooring and an attractive little backyard within the courtyard. Positively value a cease in case you’re close by!
6. Wander By Kenroku-en
One of many fundamental sights in Kanazawa is undoubtedly Kenrokuen. Classed as one of many three most stunning gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen is a must-visit when in Kanazawa. It’s divided into separate sections, showcasing various kinds of timber, vegetation and flowers. It doesn’t matter what month you’re visiting, there might be one thing at peak magnificence.
The backyard sits subsequent to Kanazawa Citadel, and was created by the Maeda household, who used to reside there. On Could 7, 1874, the gardens had been opened to the general public after the tip of the feudal domains.
The identify Kenrokuen (兼六園) interprets roughly to “Backyard of six components/qualities“. Following Chinese language panorama idea that claims it’s very tough to mix all six “glorious” components (spaciousness, artifice, watercourses, seclusion, antiquity and panoramas) in a single backyard. Kenroku-en, nevertheless, managed to mix all six components.
Be certain to depart sufficient time to discover the gardens, as a result of at 11.4 hectares, they’re massive! You’ll want not less than 1–2 hours. There’s a small entree payment of ¥320 per individual (¥100 for kids), however it’s positively value it.
Some notable spots in Kenroku-en:
- Kotoji Toro: Presumably one of the iconic spots in Kenrokuen, the Kotoji Toro is a uniquely constructed stone lantern with two legs. You could find it on the facet of Kasumigaike Pond. If you wish to stroll previous it, you’ll have to queue up for a couple of minutes, because it’s a preferred sight.
- Karasaki Pine Timber: Kanazawa will get heavy snowfall in winter, inflicting tree branches to simply snap beneath the load. With the standard yukitsuri (雪吊り) strategies, sturdy ropes are tied to the branches and supporting poles to stop them from breaking. It’s iconic to Kanazawa and Kenrokuen.
- Plum Grove: If you happen to’re visiting Kenrokuen throughout February or March, don’t miss the plum grove for one of the best blossoms. Regardless that sakura (cherry blossom) are the most well-liked flowers in Japan, individuals typically neglect in regards to the different sorts of blossom you may get pleasure from earlier, together with these plum blossoms.
- Meiji Monument: This huge bronze statue of Yamato Takeru could be discovered in the midst of the park. It was in-built 1880 and is claimed to be the oldest non-Buddhist bronze statue within the nation.
- Kenrokutei Tea Ceremony: One other teahouse inside Kenrokuen gives tea ceremonies you may be part of. You’ll study conventional tea ceremonies, and also you’ll get an opportunity to make your individual matcha. Be certain to ebook upfront as they don’t take bookings on the day.
- Shigure-tei Teahouse: For a beautiful place to calm down and revel in some tea, head over to Shigure-tei Teahouse. It’s open from 9 am to 4:30 pm and serves matcha and different inexperienced tea, served with conventional Japanese sweets.
Kenrokuen hosts particular illumination occasions in each season. I used to be fortunate to catch the spring illuminations throughout one in every of my visits, and it was superb! Entrance to the park is free throughout these occasions, and also you’ll get to see elements of Kenrokuen in a complete completely different mild.
7. Go to Higashi Chaya District (Geisha District)
Geisha are an enormous a part of Japanese tradition and historical past. Whereas most individuals will immediately consider Kyoto’s Higashiyama and Gion Districts, Kanazawa is residence to 3 well-preserved geisha districts: Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi. Prior to now, the teahouses had been discovered all throughout town, however they had been moved to those three districts in 1820.
Much like these in Kyoto’s leisure districts, the homes in Kanazawa are conventional picket teahouses, the place to this present day, geisha (or geiko, as they’re known as in Kanazawa) stay and work. The buildings look just about precisely as they might’ve seemed 200 years in the past.
Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋街) is the biggest of the three districts in Kanazawa. Because it’s such an attractive space, it does get fairly busy right here throughout the day, so put together for the crowds. It’s a pleasure to wander across the streets, browse the outlets and sit down for a meal or drink on this space. Listed below are a few of the spots to not miss:
- Higashi Chaya Kyukeikan Relaxation Home: This free-to-visit constructing was as soon as used as a pawnshop, however was renovated in 2003 to change into a relaxation cease for guests of Kanazawa. You possibly can take a look inside to see a tatami ground and a small backyard on the again. There may be often a volunteer to provide any additional details about the world too.
- Hakuza Hikari Kura Gold Home: Kanazawa is liable for roughly 99% of Japan’s gold leaf manufacturing. You could have already seen a few of it whereas exploring town, together with the gold leaf ice cream, which is offered just about all over the place in Kanazawa. A small store known as Hakuza Hikari-gura on the primary road sells quite a lot of gold merchandise, but in addition hosts the Golden Storehouse. The wall of this storehouse has been coated in 24K pure gold leaf.
- Utasu Jinja Shrine: This stunning shrine is value stopping by when within the district, despite the fact that it’s a couple of streets up from the primary space. It’s devoted to the god Utatsu (rabbit and dragon) as a result of, based on native legend, an outdated mirror with a rabbit and dragon sample was discovered within the river close by. There are some ninjas hidden across the temple grounds, too. Can you notice them?
- Higashiyama Syuraku: If you happen to like sake, make a cease at Higashiyama Syuraku. This sake store has over 120 varieties of sake from Ishikawa prefecture. There’s a tasting space, the place you may get a tasting set of three regionally brewed sake for a couple of hundred yen. You possibly can even go upstairs to get pleasure from your drink within the tatami room.
You could find one other one in every of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts not too removed from right here. In case you have any time leftover, it’s value strolling over to Kazuemachi Chaya District. It’s not very huge, however very atmospheric. Be certain to cease by the 2 slender alleyways (Akari-zaka and Kuragari-zaka) for a magical view.
8. Be a part of a Actual Geisha Night
Kanazawa, like Kyoto, is thought for its geisha tradition. The town is residence to 3 well-preserved chaya (or teahouse) districts, the place geisha entertain company and carry out to this present day. Whereas the variety of lively geisha has gone down dramatically over the previous few a long time, there are nonetheless round 40 geisha working in Kanazawa.
Usually, you’d should be invited by somebody already acquainted with the teahouse to witness and be a part of a geisha night. It’s solely reserved for a small, unique group of individuals.
However for many who dream of seeing a geisha efficiency, one teahouse in Kanazawa opens its doorways to guests for particular geisha evenings. Kaikaro Teahouse is the biggest teahouse within the metropolis and sits within the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa. It has been the place for geisha leisure for over 200 years.
The 90-minute-long present is hosted by the houselady, Woman Baba. Accompanied by a couple of actual geisha of the teahouse, Woman Baba offers you an perception into the world of geisha. The geisha will dance, sing and play the taiko and shamisen for the company, and witnessing this in actual life was an absolute dream come true.
Some members of the viewers even obtained invited onto the stage to hitch the geisha in some basic ingesting video games, typically performed at geisha dinners with their common company. Richard obtained an opportunity to play the taiko drums with one of many geisha, too.
You possibly can inform it’s geared toward vacationers visiting Japan, however that doesn’t take away the truth that it is a real geisha efficiency. The teahouse doesn’t host a lot of these evenings every single day, so you should definitely verify their web site for availability and ebook upfront if you wish to attend. They ebook up quick!
Kanazawa Day Two: Samurai and Ninjas
On our second day in Kanazawa, we head to a few of the different well-preserved districts in Kanazawa.
1. Discover Nagamachi Samurai District
This well-preserved district is the place the samurai lived in Kanazawa throughout the Edo Interval. The samurai lived not removed from Kanazawa Citadel, as they had been primarily the ruling army class, serving the Maeda Clan. Kanazawa was a affluent space throughout this time, which allowed the samurai who lived right here to construct massive homes, a few of that are nonetheless there at present.
On the finish of the Edo Interval, the clans misplaced their energy, which pressured the samurai who lived on this neighbourhood to depart or promote their houses. Nevertheless, most of this space has been properly preserved over the past century and a half.
Wandering across the slender cobblestoned streets, you’ll have the ability to cease off at some outlets, cafes and some of the homes that present what it was like residing right here throughout the Edo Interval. If you happen to solely have time to go inside one in every of them, we advocate going to Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence.
2. Go to Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence
The house of the Nomura household, who served the Maeda Clan throughout the Edo Interval, is an ideal instance of what these rich homes used to seem like. It offers you a glimpse contained in the lives of the samurai and their households.
What’s so particular about this home particularly is that it has been very properly preserved. Many different homes that had been offered on the finish of the Edo Interval had been both destroyed or drastically modified.
There’s a small payment (¥550 for adults, discounted tickets for college kids and youngsters) to enter, however it’s value going inside. There are some artefacts displayed in the home, together with a go well with of armour and weapons, however what stood out to me most was the upstairs tearoom and the internal backyard. It felt so peaceable.
3. Cease by Ishiura Shrine
Not removed from the subsequent cease on this Kanazawa itinerary is the oldest Shinto shrine within the metropolis: Isuiura Shrine. It’s believed that the shrine was initially constructed 1,500 years in the past, however it was moved to its present location in 1880.
Many individuals go to the shrine hoping to seek out their soulmate, however it’s additionally well-liked for its row of torii gates. There aren’t fairly as many as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, however it’s nonetheless very stunning to stroll by way of them.
4. Go to the Kanazawa twenty first Century Museum of Up to date Artwork
Kanazawa is residence to fairly a couple of museums, together with the Nationwide Craft Museum, the Prefectural Artwork Museum, the Honda Museum and the twenty first Century Museum of Up to date Artwork. If you happen to can solely go to one, we advocate going to the twenty first Century Museum of Up to date Artwork.
It’s fairly a preferred spot, attracting over a million guests yearly, and it’s with good motive. Some of the well-known items of artwork is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool“, the place you might be a part of the artwork, making it look like you’re underwater.
Costs differ relying on what exhibitions you need to go to, however it’s positively value going to see not less than a few of them. There are some free spots to go to across the museum, too.
If you happen to like discovering the Pokémon Manhole covers throughout Japan, the one one in Ishikawa Prefecture is situated very near the museum. I’ve added the situation on the map of this itinerary, however you may also discover it on the manhole cowl web site. You possibly can share your findings on our manhole cowl Fb group.
5. Take a Tour of Myouryuji, Kanazawa’s Ninja Temple
Myouryuji (妙立寺) goes by the nickname Ninja Temple due to the numerous traps, half flooring, secret passages and hidden rooms. Ninjas didn’t really stay on this home, however the best way the insides of this constructing had been cleverly designed to go across the constructing restrictions makes it really feel prefer it may’ve been the house of ninjas.
It’s an interesting constructing, particularly because it appears to be like like a reasonably common temple from the skin. As soon as inside, you’ll begin to see the community of hidden passageways and intelligent contraptions that had been put in place to maintain the temple and its individuals protected from assaults.
I received’t spoil an excessive amount of of what’s ready for you inside this home, because it completely blew me away. It’s one of many coolest locations I visited throughout my a number of journeys to Kanazawa, and I might extremely advocate you so as to add it to your itinerary as properly.
You possibly can solely enter the home on a tour, and all excursions are given in Japanese. However don’t fear! My Japanese is nowhere close to adequate to comply with a full tour, and we got a big folder with all the knowledge given throughout the tour in English. That method, we may stroll alongside the group on the tour and browse the knowledge in English. It turned out to be one in every of my favorite issues to do in Kanazawa, it was superb to see this home!
In addition they have booklets in several languages, however I might advocate going with the English one, as this one has far more in-depth info. We had two German individuals in our group, and the German booklet was solely about half the dimensions of the English one!
The excursions additionally ebook up shortly, so it’s greatest to order a ticket if potential. We obtained very fortunate and managed to purchase tickets after we confirmed up, however I’d advocate towards doing this as a result of it will be such a disgrace to overlook out. Tickets price ¥1,200.
6. Discover Nishi Chaya District
You could find one other one in every of Kanazawa’s three Geisha Districts not removed from Myouryuji. Nishi Chaya District is the smallest of the three, however it’s superbly preserved and positively value a fast go to after visiting Myouryuji.
Much like the opposite Geisha Districts, the primary road is lined with two-story picket teahouses. It’s a lot quieter than the extra well-liked Higashi Chaya District, so different, regardless of being quite a bit smaller. Within the night, you may generally hear the shamisen being performed inside the homes.
On the primary road, you could find the Dolls Museum and the Ninja Weapon Museum. The Ninja Weapon Museum, particularly, could be very a lot value a go to. I used to be a bit sceptical at first, pondering it could have been a bit too touristy, however it was really actually nice!
They’ve a big assortment of genuine samurai and ninja armour and weapons. The museum isn’t very massive, however it’s stuffed with cool artefacts. Throughout my go to, a member of employees defined every thing (in English) and gave us a lot additional details about the historical past of Kanazawa and the way samurai and ninja had been linked to this place. It was very attention-grabbing!
You may also strive throwing shurikens for a small additional payment, which we tried and was quite a bit more durable than anticipated!
The place to Keep in Kanazawa
When spending two days in Kanazawa, you’ll need to ebook a resort close to the primary sights. It’s greatest to remain in both downtown Kanazawa (for straightforward entry) or within the Higashi Chaya District (for a extra conventional environment). We’ve obtained a full information on the place to remain in Kanazawa, however listed here are our high picks:
In downtown Kanazawa, I’ve loved staying in Minn Kanazawa and Onyado Nono Kanazawa.
Minn Kanazawa is situated on one of many fundamental roads, near Kanazawa Citadel and inside strolling distance to the primary geisha districts. When staying right here, we went with the Double Room and it was unbelievable!
The room was very massive, greater than sufficient area to open our two suitcases. The mattress sat on a raised platform and was very snug. Regardless of not having chosen the Japanese-style room, I beloved the Japanese touches, just like the shoji-style home windows. On web site, you may also use the free washing machines and dryers, which is an enormous plus when travelling by way of Japan for a couple of weeks.
Onyado Nono Kanazawa sits on the identical highway as Minn Kanazawa and is a good different. The rationale we booked this resort was as a result of it comes with a free on-site onsen. The rooms have tatami flooring, and the resort gives numerous freebies, together with free ramen and ice cream at evening and free Yakult within the morning. There’s a manga library you may also use freed from cost. Whereas we did get pleasure from our keep right here, I’d in all probability ebook a bigger room than the common double, because it was simply too small to open our suitcases comfortably.
As Kanazawa is thought for its well-preserved geisha districts, you may also select to remain in a extra conventional lodging right here.
There are a number of ryokans (conventional Japanese inns) to remain in. Whereas they’re typically a bit costlier than a resort, it may be a novel expertise so as to add to your time in Japan. Maki No Oto Kanazawa, for instance, sits in the midst of the Higashi Chaya District and comes with every thing you want for a conventional and cozy keep.
Conclusion – Is Kanazawa Value Visiting?
Kanazawa is certainly value a go to, and one in every of our favorite cities in Japan. There may be a lot to see and do in Kanazawa, one go to might not even be fairly sufficient. With high spots like Kenroku-en, the outdated samurai districts and the three geisha districts, Kanazawa is a spot I need to hold re-visiting.
One other huge plus to Kanazawa is that it’s an awesome go to irrespective of the time of yr. The well-known Kenroku-en backyard has one thing to get pleasure from always. Go to in spring for sakura, go to in summer time for festivals, go to in autumn for autumn foliage and go to in winter for enormous quantities of snowfall (particularly fairly on Kanazawa’s pine timber with yukitsuri strategies).
Kanazawa can be a nice different to Kyoto. As elements of Kyoto are affected by overtourism, visiting Kanazawa as a substitute could be a nice concept. Whereas they’re clearly not the identical, each cities have well-preserved Geisha Districts. Kanazawa’s districts really feel much more genuine, as elements of Kyoto have began to really feel too touristy and a bit gimmicky.
Including Kanazawa to your Japan itinerary additionally offers you the prospect to see extra of Central Japan. You possibly can add stops like Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago and elements of the Nakasendo with out an excessive amount of hassle.