Ultimate Kanazawa Guide: All you need to know
Capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s central Honshu island, Kanazawa offers tourists a glimpse into Japan’s fascinating history. Known as Little Kyoto, Kanazawa is one of only four places in Japan you can find Geishas (the others being Hakone, Tokyo and of course, Kyoto). If Geishas aren’t cool enough for you, Kanazawa is also famous for its Samurai District where you can wander the same streets that samurai once did.
Kanazawa can be included as part of a Japanese Alps itinerary or as an excursion from one of the major cities. Either way, it would be a shame to overlook this charming city.
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Contents
- How long should you spend in Kanazawa
- Where to stay
- How to get there
- How to get around Kanazawa
- Things to do in Kanazawa
How long should you spend in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa is quite a compact city. You could easily see the city’s highlights in a single day or if you prefer to take your time, enjoy it over the span of 2-3 days.
Where to stay
We stayed at Koko Hotel which was right next to the Samurai District. Here, the rooms were stylish and spacious with excellent WiFi. It was also nearby good transportation links as the Kanazawa Loop Bus stopped right outside.
Alternatively, you may choose to get a hotel nearer to the train station. You will then benefit from good transport links both around the city and for your onward journey.
How to get there
Kanazawa is a well-connected city despite its location on the west coast of Honshu. It can be easily accessed from large cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, as well as from the Japanese Alps via Takayama or Tayama.
Kanazawa train station is also one of the coolest train stations in the country as its glass dome (Motenashi Dome) and wooden gate (Tsuzumimon Gate) perfectly blend the traditional and contemporary; much like the city itself.
From Tokyo, there are two options. You could board the bullet train which takes 2.5 hours or catch the slower Hakutaka train which takes 3.5 hours. The bullet train is more expensive, costing around 14,000 yen per person. Tourists will benefit from getting the Japan Rail Pass to try and save money if frequently using the trains.
From Osaka or Kyoto, you can board the Thunderbird train. This train costs around 7,000 yen per person but is also covered by the JR Pass. Some trains run twice every hour and can get you to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours.
From Takayama or Shirakawa-Go there is a direct Nohi highway bus to Kanazawa. These run every few hours but can book up fast in the busy season (as we unfortunately experienced) so make sure you book your tickets in advance. If the bus is full, you can board a train to Toyama and then change onto a local train to Kanazawa.
How to get around Kanazawa
Kanazawa is easily walkable but there is a very convenient Kanazawa Loop Bus which will take you to the key sights of the city. As all the sights are located within the city itself, it is easy to board either the loop bus or a local bus to get to your desired destinations. The buses do not accept IC cards so please make sure you have some change to pay for your fare.
Things to do in Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya District
Price: Free
During the Edo period, “Chaya” Japanese tea houses were built for geishas to perform and entertain. In Kanazawa, there are three chaya districts with the Higashi Chaya District being the largest and most popular.
Here you will find well-preserved Edo period buildings, some of which remain tea houses, whilst others have been converted into shops to buy souvenirs. You will also find many gold leaf shops as Kanazawa is Japan’s largest producer of gold leaf. Why not stop and try some gold leaf ice cream?
Our highlight of this area was visiting the Ochaya Shima house (500 yen pp). This museum allows visitors to see inside a geisha house. Each room displays the various instruments, art and accessories from the geishas that used to perform within. For an additional 700 yen, you can also enjoy the tea room at the back of the property where you will be served some matcha tea and a fresh sweet overlooking the quaint garden.
This district was one of our favourite parts of the city as it allowed us to appreciate our surroundings, the history and the architecture without being overwhelmed by crowds.
Kazue-Machi Chaya District
Price: Free
On the south side of the Asano River only a five-minute walk from Higashi Chaya District, you will find Kanazawa’s second tea district, Kazue-machi Chaya. With its main street running alongside the river, this area provides pleasant surroundings for a short stroll.
These two tea districts create the perfect combo that will take up most of the morning, however, if you are keen to see a geisha we recommend exploring in the evening as they go between appointments.
Omicho Market
Price: Free
Omicho Market is a buzzing food market not far from Kanazawa Castle or the Kazue-machi Chaya District. It has been the largest, fresh seafood market in Kanazawa since the Edo period and continues to fill the hungry stomachs of locals.
There are a variety of food stalls here ranging from budget to more upmarket so this is the ideal place to stop for some lunch. We enjoyed some delicious udon noodles from one of the restaurants for around 500 yen each (£3pp). You can also find some cheap sushi options within this market or queue up at a popular stand serving seafood skewers.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Price: Free
Kanazawa Castle Park is an open green space providing tourists and locals with a calm oasis. Meandering around the park’s paths is free but you have to pay admission to see inside the castle itself. We stuck to appreciating it from the outside before heading into the park’s more wooded area to walk amongst the trees.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Price: up to 1400 yen (varies depending on exhibitions)
Just outside of the castle park, you will find the 21st-Century Museum of Contemporary Art. This is a very popular attraction in Kanazawa. One of the more famous exhibits is the “Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich where people appear to be standing underwater when viewed from above. To view from above is free but to enter the pool below is charged.
Kenroku-en Gardens
Price: 310 yen
One of the city’s must-visit spots is Kenroku-en Gardens. Unfortunately for us, when we visited between Christmas and New Year’s, it was shut. From what we have read and heard, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the city and can be enjoyed year-round.
From the park you can appreciate panoramic views across the city, find peace within the Japanese garden and contemplate next to a stream. We are gutted we missed out on this landscaping masterpiece so make sure you add it to your own Kanazawa itinerary.
Naga-Machi Samurai District
Price: Free
The Naga-Machi District is a charming area with cobble-stoned streets and former samurai houses. Taking in the atmosphere of this neighbourhood is the main thing to do. Some properties have been opened up as museums such as Nomura-Ki, an old samurai house, but be warned that most of the displays are in Japanese.
Also in this area, we highly recommend you check out Street Vendor. A small restaurant selling Kanazawa-style and regular hot dogs with delicious toppings. The restaurant was budget-friendly, the food was delicious and the owner was lovely. We couldn’t help going back for seconds and sampling the homemade lemonade too.
Thank you for reading our Kanazawa guide. If you have any more recommendations for things to do, please add them in the comments box below 🙂
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