Planning on visiting Kanazawa soon? This 2 day Kanazawa itinerary shows you the best route through the main highlights of the city.
Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is slowly getting more attention, and rightfully so! With the New Golden Route and Hokuriku Shinkansen (covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass) connecting Kanazawa with Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa is easier to visit than ever before. And it should really be on your next itinerary!
With three well-preserved geisha districts, samurai houses, traditional crafts, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and so many local delicacies, two days may not even be quite enough to see everything this city has to offer. Spending two days in Kanazawa is a great starting point, though, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting to come back soon!
Having visited Kanazawa a few times now, both in spring and autumn, I’ve got a good idea of what to recommend visiting if you’re planning your first trip here. Here is our two day Kanazawa itinerary for first time visitors.
In This Travel Guide
Stay: Booking.com
Connectivity: Journey Japan eSIM | Wireless Japan Pocket WiFi
Transport: Individual Shinkansen Tickets | JR Passes | Airport Transfer
Experiences: Klook | GetYourGuide
My Camera Gear: Fuji Film XT-5 | Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 | DJI Mini 4 Pro
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
Take me to a random hidden spot in Japan
Here is a quick overview of this Kanazawa itinerary, including an interactive map with the highlights, hotel recommendations and some spots we loved for dinner.
Most likely, you’ll arrive in Kanazawa at JR Kanazawa Station. Unfortunately, there is no metro in Kanazawa, and most of the main sights aren’t located near the station (or near each other, for that matter). There is a bus route that loops around the city, or you can use a taxi. When using taxis, it’s best to download the Go Taxi app.
I’ve created this itinerary by dividing the days in a way so you won’t have to travel too far between each spot. During my time in Kanazawa, I spent most of my time walking. However, when arriving in Kanazawa with luggage, it’s easiest to get a taxi to your hotel to avoid any issues.
Click here for the interactive Google Maps
Ideally, you’ll spend two full days in Kanazawa to follow this itinerary. That way, you’ll have enough time to properly see all the sights and follow the route below. That means that two or three nights would be ideal, depending on what time you can arrive in Kanazawa.
We have a more in-depth guide on the best areas and hotels in Kanazawa, but here is a quick overview of our top picks:
Here is the perfect Kanazawa itinerary for first-time visitors:
We’ve broken up this itinerary into two parts to minimise travelling from one side of Kanazawa to the next. On the first day of this itinerary, we stick to the areas around Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en and one of the three Geisha Districts. Feel free to swap the days around if that works better for you!
Most travellers will arrive in Kanazawa at Kanazawa Station using the bullet train. Using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can get to Kanazawa from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours.
As briefly mentioned earlier, Kanazawa does not have a metro. To get around the city, you can walk or use the bus that loops around the city. Taxis are also readily available, which is what I would recommend using to get from the station to your hotel to drop off your luggage after arriving.
Kanazawa Station, and particularly the Tsuzumi-mon Gate just outside the station, are a great first impression of what’s to come. This impressive gate resembles the traditional drums used in Noh theatre. Because of it, Kanazawa Station is often listed as one of the most beautiful stations in the world.
For over 300 years, this market has been the place to get fresh seafood. There are over 170 vendors inside Omicho Market, selling anything from seafood, meats and local produce to kitchen tools, coffee and sweets.
Visiting this market in the morning is best, as it gets quite busy around midday for lunch (especially in the restaurants surrounding the market!). It opens from 9 am, and there are more than enough spots to grab some breakfast around here.
There is a bakery near the next stop on this Kanazawa itinerary, which could also be a great breakfast spot if you can’t find anything at the market. Either way, it’s definitely worth having a walk around Omicho Market, even if it’s just to look at all the fresh seafood!
As the station is a bit far from the main sights in the city, it’s worth getting a taxi to your hotel to drop off your luggage before you start exploring Kanazawa. Alternatively, you can use the bus that loops around the city.
Our first day in Kanazawa starts at Oyama Shrine and its garden. You can find the entrance just across the road from the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Centre (worth stopping by in case you need any more info or a map of the city).
The gate was designed by a Dutch architect, which is why some parts of it appear quite European. It wasn’t always placed here, as it used to stand in front of Kanazawa Castle before it was moved to this shrine. The shrine itself is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie of the local Maeda Clan. Inside, you can also find a lovely little garden with a pond and connecting bridges.
If you’re looking for a quick snack before starting your day exploring Kanazawa, stop by COYA bakery (not far from Oyama Shrine and Oyama Shrine Garden). They offer coffees and baked treats, all very delicious!
From Oyama Shrine, head towards the next garden on our list today: Gyokuseninmaru garden. It’s located on the Kanazawa Castle grounds, which we are visiting after this, making it a great next stop.
Gyokuseninmaru gardens used to be private for the lords, but they have been opened up to the public. The traditional garden is very beautiful, featuring a small bridge and a waterfall. It’s a bit small, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.
On Fridays, Saturdays and days before public holidays, you can enjoy an impressive light show at this garden and Kanazawa Castle. If you happen to stay in a hotel near this garden on one of the days of the light show, it’s worth going for a second quick visit after dinner.
[IMG alt="Gyokuseninmaru Garden
"]https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Gyokuseninmaru-Garden.jpg[/IMG]
Kanazawa Castle was once home to the Maeda Clan, who ruled over the area that is now Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. Dating back to 1583, the castle has burned down a few times over the centuries, but has slowly been rebuilt.
Visiting the Castle Park is free, making it a great place to walk around the castle and see some of the buildings up close. There is a fee to enter the castle, but there isn’t a lot to see inside, so I would skip it.
Make sure to stop by the Ishikawa Gate, which is one of the oldest remaining pieces of the castle that wasn’t destroyed by any of the most recent fires. It dates back to 1788. This gate also leads into Kenroku-en Garden, which is our next stop.
Depending on how much time you have in and around Kanazawa Castle, you may also want to stop at the Former Takamine Family and Former Prosecutor’s Office Building. It’s located north of the park and is free to visit. Not many people know this place is open to the public, but it’s a lovely, authentic Japanese house with tatami floors and a beautiful little garden in the courtyard. Definitely worth a stop if you’re nearby!
Former Takamine Family and Former Prosecutor’s Office Building
One of the main attractions in Kanazawa is undoubtedly Kenrokuen. Classed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen is a must-visit when in Kanazawa. It’s divided into separate sections, showcasing different types of trees, plants and flowers. No matter what month you’re visiting, there will be something at peak beauty.
The garden sits next to Kanazawa Castle, and was created by the Maeda family, who used to reside there. On May 7, 1874, the gardens were opened to the public after the end of the feudal domains.
The name Kenrokuen (兼六園) translates roughly to “Garden of six elements/qualities“. Following Chinese landscape theory that claims it’s very difficult to combine all six “excellent” elements (spaciousness, artifice, watercourses, seclusion, antiquity and panoramas) in a single garden. Kenroku-en, however, managed to combine all six elements.
Make sure to leave enough time to explore the gardens, because at 11.4 hectares, they are large! You’ll need at least 1–2 hours. There is a small entree fee of ¥320 per person (¥100 for children), but it’s definitely worth it.
Some notable spots in Kenroku-en:
Kenrokuen hosts special illumination events in every season. I was lucky to catch the spring illuminations during one of my visits, and it was amazing! Entrance to the park is free during these events, and you’ll get to see parts of Kenrokuen in a whole different light.
Geisha are a big part of Japanese culture and history. While most people will instantly think of Kyoto’s Higashiyama and Gion Districts, Kanazawa is home to three well-preserved geisha districts: Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi. In the past, the teahouses were found all across the city, but they were moved to these three districts in 1820.
Similar to those in Kyoto’s entertainment districts, the houses in Kanazawa are traditional wooden teahouses, where to this day, geisha (or geiko, as they are called in Kanazawa) live and work. The buildings look pretty much exactly as they would’ve looked 200 years ago.
Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋街) is the largest of the three districts in Kanazawa. As it’s such a beautiful area, it does get quite busy here during the day, so prepare for the crowds. It’s a joy to wander around the streets, browse the shops and sit down for a meal or drink in this area. Here are some of the spots not to miss:
You can find another one of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts not too far from here. If you have any time leftover, it’s worth walking over to Kazuemachi Chaya District. It’s not very big, but very atmospheric. Make sure to stop by the two narrow alleyways (Akari-zaka and Kuragari-zaka) for a magical view.
Utasu Jinja Shrine
Kanazawa, like Kyoto, is known for its geisha culture. The city is home to three well-preserved chaya (or teahouse) districts, where geisha entertain guests and perform to this day. While the number of active geisha has gone down dramatically over the last few decades, there are still around 40 geisha working in Kanazawa.
Normally, you’d have to be invited by someone already familiar with the teahouse to witness and be part of a geisha evening. It’s only reserved for a small, exclusive group of people.
But for those who dream of seeing a geisha performance, one teahouse in Kanazawa opens its doors to visitors for special geisha evenings. Kaikaro Teahouse is the largest teahouse in the city and sits in the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa. It has been the place for geisha entertainment for over 200 years.
The 90-minute-long show is hosted by the houselady, Lady Baba. Accompanied by a few real geisha of the teahouse, Lady Baba gives you an insight into the world of geisha. The geisha will dance, sing and play the taiko and shamisen for the guests, and witnessing this in real life was an absolute dream come true.
Some members of the audience even got invited onto the stage to join the geisha in some classic drinking games, often played at geisha dinners with their regular guests. Richard got a chance to play the taiko drums with one of the geisha, too.
You can tell it’s aimed at tourists visiting Japan, but that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a genuine geisha performance. The teahouse doesn’t host these types of evenings every day, so be sure to check their website for availability and book in advance if you want to attend. They book up fast!
On our second day in Kanazawa, we head to some of the other well-preserved districts in Kanazawa.
This well-preserved district is where the samurai lived in Kanazawa during the Edo Period. The samurai lived not far from Kanazawa Castle, as they were essentially the ruling military class, serving the Maeda Clan. Kanazawa was a prosperous area during this time, which allowed the samurai who lived here to build large houses, some of which are still there today.
At the end of the Edo Period, the clans lost their power, which forced the samurai who lived in this neighbourhood to leave or sell their homes. However, most of this area has been well preserved over the last century and a half.
Wandering around the narrow cobblestoned streets, you’ll be able to stop off at some shops, cafes and a few of the houses that show what it was like living here during the Edo Period. If you only have time to go inside one of them, we recommend going to Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence.
The home of the Nomura family, who served the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, is a perfect example of what these wealthy houses used to look like. It gives you a glimpse inside the lives of the samurai and their families.
What’s so special about this house in particular is that it has been very well preserved. Many other houses that were sold at the end of the Edo Period were either destroyed or drastically changed.
There is a small fee (¥550 for adults, discounted tickets for students and children) to enter, but it’s worth going inside. There are some artefacts displayed in the house, including a suit of armour and weapons, but what stood out to me most was the upstairs tearoom and the inner garden. It felt so peaceful.
Not far from the next stop on this Kanazawa itinerary is the oldest Shinto shrine in the city: Isuiura Shrine. It’s believed that the shrine was originally built 1,500 years ago, but it was moved to its current location in 1880.
Many people visit the shrine hoping to find their soulmate, but it’s also popular for its row of torii gates. There aren’t quite as many as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but it’s still very beautiful to walk through them.
Kanazawa is home to quite a few museums, including the National Craft Museum, the Prefectural Art Museum, the Honda Museum and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. If you can only visit one, we recommend going to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
It’s quite a popular spot, attracting over one million visitors every year, and it’s with good reason. One of the most famous pieces of art is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool“, where you are part of the art, making it seem like you’re underwater.
Prices vary depending on what exhibitions you want to visit, but it’s definitely worth going to see at least some of them. There are some free spots to visit around the museum, too.
If you like finding the Pokémon Manhole covers across Japan, the only one in Ishikawa Prefecture is located very close to the museum. I’ve added the location on the map of this itinerary, but you can also find it on the manhole cover website. You can share your findings on our manhole cover Facebook group.
Myouryuji (妙立寺) goes by the nickname Ninja Temple because of the countless traps, half floors, secret passages and hidden rooms. Ninjas didn’t actually live in this house, but the way the insides of this building were cleverly designed to go around the building restrictions makes it feel like it could’ve been the home of ninjas.
It’s a fascinating building, especially as it looks like a pretty regular temple from the outside. Once inside, you’ll start to see the network of hidden passageways and clever contraptions that were put in place to keep the temple and its people safe from attacks.
I won’t spoil too much of what’s waiting for you inside this house, as it absolutely blew me away. It’s one of the coolest places I visited during my multiple trips to Kanazawa, and I would highly recommend you to add it to your itinerary as well.
You can only enter the house on a tour, and all tours are given in Japanese. But don’t worry! My Japanese is nowhere near good enough to follow a full tour, and we were given a large folder with all the information given during the tour in English. That way, we could walk alongside the group on the tour and read the information in English. It turned out to be one of my favourite things to do in Kanazawa, it was amazing to see this house!
They also have booklets in different languages, but I would recommend going with the English one, as this one has way more in-depth information. We had two German people in our group, and the German booklet was only about half the size of the English one!
The tours also book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve a ticket if possible. We got very lucky and managed to buy tickets when we showed up, but I’d recommend against doing this because it would be such a shame to miss out. Tickets cost ¥1,200.
You can find another one of Kanazawa’s three Geisha Districts not far from Myouryuji. Nishi Chaya District is the smallest of the three, but it’s beautifully preserved and definitely worth a quick visit after visiting Myouryuji.
Similar to the other Geisha Districts, the main street is lined with two-story wooden teahouses. It’s much quieter than the more popular Higashi Chaya District, so a good alternative, despite being a lot smaller. In the evening, you can sometimes hear the shamisen being played inside the houses.
On the main street, you can find the Dolls Museum and the Ninja Weapon Museum. The Ninja Weapon Museum, in particular, is very much worth a visit. I was a bit sceptical at first, thinking it may have been a bit too touristy, but it was actually really great!
They have a large collection of authentic samurai and ninja armour and weapons. The museum isn’t very large, but it’s filled with cool artefacts. During my visit, a member of staff explained everything (in English) and gave us so much extra information about the history of Kanazawa and how samurai and ninja were linked to this place. It was very interesting!
You can also try throwing shurikens for a small extra fee, which we tried and was a lot harder than expected!
When spending two days in Kanazawa, you’ll want to book a hotel near the main sights. It’s best to stay in either downtown Kanazawa (for easy access) or in the Higashi Chaya District (for a more traditional atmosphere). We’ve got a full guide on where to stay in Kanazawa, but here are our top picks:
In downtown Kanazawa, I’ve enjoyed staying in Minn Kanazawa and Onyado Nono Kanazawa.
Minn Kanazawa is located on one of the main roads, close to Kanazawa Castle and within walking distance to the main geisha districts. When staying here, we went with the Double Room and it was incredible!
The room was very large, more than enough space to open our two suitcases. The bed sat on a raised platform and was very comfortable. Despite not having chosen the Japanese-style room, I loved the Japanese touches, like the shoji-style windows. On site, you can also use the free washing machines and dryers, which is a big plus when travelling through Japan for a few weeks.
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Onyado Nono Kanazawa sits on the same road as Minn Kanazawa and is a great alternative. The reason we booked this hotel was because it comes with a free on-site onsen. The rooms have tatami floors, and the hotel offers lots of freebies, including free ramen and ice cream at night and free Yakult in the morning. There is a manga library you can also use free of charge. While we did enjoy our stay here, I’d probably book a larger room than the regular double, as it was just too small to open our suitcases comfortably.
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As Kanazawa is known for its well-preserved geisha districts, you can also choose to stay in a more traditional accommodation here.
There are multiple ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) to stay in. While they are often a bit more expensive than a hotel, it can be a unique experience to add to your time in Japan. Maki No Oto Kanazawa, for example, sits in the middle of the Higashi Chaya District and comes with everything you need for a traditional and comfortable stay.
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Kanazawa is definitely worth a visit, and one of our favourite cities in Japan. There is so much to see and do in Kanazawa, one visit may not even be quite enough. With top spots like Kenroku-en, the old samurai districts and the three geisha districts, Kanazawa is a place I want to keep re-visiting.
Another big plus to Kanazawa is that it’s a great visit no matter the time of year. The famous Kenroku-en garden has something to enjoy at all times. Visit in spring for sakura, visit in summer for festivals, visit in autumn for autumn foliage and visit in winter for huge amounts of snowfall (especially pretty on Kanazawa’s pine trees with yukitsuri techniques).
Kanazawa is also a great alternative to Kyoto. As parts of Kyoto are suffering from overtourism, visiting Kanazawa instead can be a great idea. While they’re obviously not the same, both cities have well-preserved Geisha Districts. Kanazawa’s districts feel even more authentic, as parts of Kyoto have started to feel too touristy and a bit gimmicky.
Adding Kanazawa to your Japan itinerary also gives you the chance to see more of Central Japan. You can add stops like Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago and parts of the Nakasendo without too much trouble.
Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is slowly getting more attention, and rightfully so! With the New Golden Route and Hokuriku Shinkansen (covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass) connecting Kanazawa with Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa is easier to visit than ever before. And it should really be on your next itinerary!
With three well-preserved geisha districts, samurai houses, traditional crafts, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and so many local delicacies, two days may not even be quite enough to see everything this city has to offer. Spending two days in Kanazawa is a great starting point, though, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting to come back soon!
Having visited Kanazawa a few times now, both in spring and autumn, I’ve got a good idea of what to recommend visiting if you’re planning your first trip here. Here is our two day Kanazawa itinerary for first time visitors.
In This Travel Guide
- Kanazawa Itinerary Overview & Map
- Self Guided Two Day Kanazawa Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Kanazawa
- Conclusion – Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?
Kanazawa Itinerary Overview & Map
Here is a quick overview of this Kanazawa itinerary, including an interactive map with the highlights, hotel recommendations and some spots we loved for dinner.
Most likely, you’ll arrive in Kanazawa at JR Kanazawa Station. Unfortunately, there is no metro in Kanazawa, and most of the main sights aren’t located near the station (or near each other, for that matter). There is a bus route that loops around the city, or you can use a taxi. When using taxis, it’s best to download the Go Taxi app.
I’ve created this itinerary by dividing the days in a way so you won’t have to travel too far between each spot. During my time in Kanazawa, I spent most of my time walking. However, when arriving in Kanazawa with luggage, it’s easiest to get a taxi to your hotel to avoid any issues.
Click here for the interactive Google Maps
Ideally, you’ll spend two full days in Kanazawa to follow this itinerary. That way, you’ll have enough time to properly see all the sights and follow the route below. That means that two or three nights would be ideal, depending on what time you can arrive in Kanazawa.
We have a more in-depth guide on the best areas and hotels in Kanazawa, but here is a quick overview of our top picks:
| Best For… | Hotel | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| Great location, large rooms, very comfortable beds, great value for money | Minn Kanazawa | Check Availability |
| Mix of modern and traditional, onsite onsen and daily free ramen & ice cream | Onyado Nono Kanazawa | Check Availability |
| Mix of modern and traditional, on-site onsen and daily free ramen & ice cream | Maki No Oto Kanazawa | Check Availability |
Self Guided Two Day Kanazawa Itinerary
Here is the perfect Kanazawa itinerary for first-time visitors:
Kanazawa Day One: Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en and Geisha District
We’ve broken up this itinerary into two parts to minimise travelling from one side of Kanazawa to the next. On the first day of this itinerary, we stick to the areas around Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en and one of the three Geisha Districts. Feel free to swap the days around if that works better for you!
1. Arrive at Kanazawa Station
Most travellers will arrive in Kanazawa at Kanazawa Station using the bullet train. Using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can get to Kanazawa from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours.
As briefly mentioned earlier, Kanazawa does not have a metro. To get around the city, you can walk or use the bus that loops around the city. Taxis are also readily available, which is what I would recommend using to get from the station to your hotel to drop off your luggage after arriving.
Kanazawa Station, and particularly the Tsuzumi-mon Gate just outside the station, are a great first impression of what’s to come. This impressive gate resembles the traditional drums used in Noh theatre. Because of it, Kanazawa Station is often listed as one of the most beautiful stations in the world.
2. Walk Through Omicho Market
For over 300 years, this market has been the place to get fresh seafood. There are over 170 vendors inside Omicho Market, selling anything from seafood, meats and local produce to kitchen tools, coffee and sweets.
Visiting this market in the morning is best, as it gets quite busy around midday for lunch (especially in the restaurants surrounding the market!). It opens from 9 am, and there are more than enough spots to grab some breakfast around here.
There is a bakery near the next stop on this Kanazawa itinerary, which could also be a great breakfast spot if you can’t find anything at the market. Either way, it’s definitely worth having a walk around Omicho Market, even if it’s just to look at all the fresh seafood!
3. Visit Oyama Shrine & Oyama Shrine Garden
As the station is a bit far from the main sights in the city, it’s worth getting a taxi to your hotel to drop off your luggage before you start exploring Kanazawa. Alternatively, you can use the bus that loops around the city.
Our first day in Kanazawa starts at Oyama Shrine and its garden. You can find the entrance just across the road from the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Centre (worth stopping by in case you need any more info or a map of the city).
The gate was designed by a Dutch architect, which is why some parts of it appear quite European. It wasn’t always placed here, as it used to stand in front of Kanazawa Castle before it was moved to this shrine. The shrine itself is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie of the local Maeda Clan. Inside, you can also find a lovely little garden with a pond and connecting bridges.
If you’re looking for a quick snack before starting your day exploring Kanazawa, stop by COYA bakery (not far from Oyama Shrine and Oyama Shrine Garden). They offer coffees and baked treats, all very delicious!
4. Explore Gyokuseninmaru Garden
From Oyama Shrine, head towards the next garden on our list today: Gyokuseninmaru garden. It’s located on the Kanazawa Castle grounds, which we are visiting after this, making it a great next stop.
Gyokuseninmaru gardens used to be private for the lords, but they have been opened up to the public. The traditional garden is very beautiful, featuring a small bridge and a waterfall. It’s a bit small, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.
On Fridays, Saturdays and days before public holidays, you can enjoy an impressive light show at this garden and Kanazawa Castle. If you happen to stay in a hotel near this garden on one of the days of the light show, it’s worth going for a second quick visit after dinner.
[IMG alt="Gyokuseninmaru Garden
"]https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Gyokuseninmaru-Garden.jpg[/IMG]
5. Visit Kanazawa Castle & Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle was once home to the Maeda Clan, who ruled over the area that is now Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. Dating back to 1583, the castle has burned down a few times over the centuries, but has slowly been rebuilt.
Visiting the Castle Park is free, making it a great place to walk around the castle and see some of the buildings up close. There is a fee to enter the castle, but there isn’t a lot to see inside, so I would skip it.
Make sure to stop by the Ishikawa Gate, which is one of the oldest remaining pieces of the castle that wasn’t destroyed by any of the most recent fires. It dates back to 1788. This gate also leads into Kenroku-en Garden, which is our next stop.
Depending on how much time you have in and around Kanazawa Castle, you may also want to stop at the Former Takamine Family and Former Prosecutor’s Office Building. It’s located north of the park and is free to visit. Not many people know this place is open to the public, but it’s a lovely, authentic Japanese house with tatami floors and a beautiful little garden in the courtyard. Definitely worth a stop if you’re nearby!
Former Takamine Family and Former Prosecutor’s Office Building
6. Wander Through Kenroku-en
One of the main attractions in Kanazawa is undoubtedly Kenrokuen. Classed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen is a must-visit when in Kanazawa. It’s divided into separate sections, showcasing different types of trees, plants and flowers. No matter what month you’re visiting, there will be something at peak beauty.
The garden sits next to Kanazawa Castle, and was created by the Maeda family, who used to reside there. On May 7, 1874, the gardens were opened to the public after the end of the feudal domains.
The name Kenrokuen (兼六園) translates roughly to “Garden of six elements/qualities“. Following Chinese landscape theory that claims it’s very difficult to combine all six “excellent” elements (spaciousness, artifice, watercourses, seclusion, antiquity and panoramas) in a single garden. Kenroku-en, however, managed to combine all six elements.
Make sure to leave enough time to explore the gardens, because at 11.4 hectares, they are large! You’ll need at least 1–2 hours. There is a small entree fee of ¥320 per person (¥100 for children), but it’s definitely worth it.
Some notable spots in Kenroku-en:
- Kotoji Toro: Possibly one of the most iconic spots in Kenrokuen, the Kotoji Toro is a uniquely built stone lantern with two legs. You can find it on the side of Kasumigaike Pond. If you want to walk past it, you may have to queue up for a few minutes, as it’s a popular sight.
- Karasaki Pine Trees: Kanazawa gets heavy snowfall in winter, causing tree branches to easily snap under the weight. With the traditional yukitsuri (雪吊り) techniques, strong ropes are tied to the branches and supporting poles to prevent them from breaking. It’s iconic to Kanazawa and Kenrokuen.
- Plum Grove: If you’re visiting Kenrokuen during February or March, don’t miss the plum grove for the best blossoms. Even though sakura (cherry blossom) are the most popular flowers in Japan, people often forget about the other varieties of blossom you can enjoy earlier, including these plum blossoms.
- Meiji Monument: This large bronze statue of Yamato Takeru can be found in the middle of the park. It was built in 1880 and is said to be the oldest non-Buddhist bronze statue in the country.
- Kenrokutei Tea Ceremony: Another teahouse inside Kenrokuen offers tea ceremonies you can join. You’ll learn about traditional tea ceremonies, and you’ll get a chance to make your own matcha. Make sure to book in advance as they don’t take bookings on the day.
- Shigure-tei Teahouse: For a lovely place to relax and enjoy some tea, head over to Shigure-tei Teahouse. It’s open from 9 am to 4:30 pm and serves matcha and other green tea, served with traditional Japanese sweets.
Kenrokuen hosts special illumination events in every season. I was lucky to catch the spring illuminations during one of my visits, and it was amazing! Entrance to the park is free during these events, and you’ll get to see parts of Kenrokuen in a whole different light.
7. Visit Higashi Chaya District (Geisha District)
Geisha are a big part of Japanese culture and history. While most people will instantly think of Kyoto’s Higashiyama and Gion Districts, Kanazawa is home to three well-preserved geisha districts: Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi. In the past, the teahouses were found all across the city, but they were moved to these three districts in 1820.
Similar to those in Kyoto’s entertainment districts, the houses in Kanazawa are traditional wooden teahouses, where to this day, geisha (or geiko, as they are called in Kanazawa) live and work. The buildings look pretty much exactly as they would’ve looked 200 years ago.
Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋街) is the largest of the three districts in Kanazawa. As it’s such a beautiful area, it does get quite busy here during the day, so prepare for the crowds. It’s a joy to wander around the streets, browse the shops and sit down for a meal or drink in this area. Here are some of the spots not to miss:
- Higashi Chaya Kyukeikan Rest House: This free-to-visit building was once used as a pawnshop, but was renovated in 2003 to become a rest stop for visitors of Kanazawa. You can have a look inside to see a tatami floor and a small garden at the back. There is usually a volunteer to give any extra information about the area too.
- Hakuza Hikari Kura Gold House: Kanazawa is responsible for approximately 99% of Japan’s gold leaf production. You may have already seen some of it while exploring the city, including the gold leaf ice cream, which is sold pretty much everywhere in Kanazawa. A small shop called Hakuza Hikari-gura on the main street sells a variety of gold products, but also hosts the Golden Storehouse. The wall of this storehouse has been covered in 24K pure gold leaf.
- Utasu Jinja Shrine: This beautiful shrine is worth stopping by when in the district, even though it’s a few streets up from the main area. It is dedicated to the god Utatsu (rabbit and dragon) because, according to local legend, an old mirror with a rabbit and dragon pattern was found in the river nearby. There are some ninjas hidden around the temple grounds, too. Can you spot them?
- Higashiyama Syuraku: If you like sake, make a stop at Higashiyama Syuraku. This sake shop has over 120 types of sake from Ishikawa prefecture. There is a tasting area, where you can get a tasting set of three locally brewed sake for a few hundred yen. You can even go upstairs to enjoy your drink in the tatami room.
You can find another one of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts not too far from here. If you have any time leftover, it’s worth walking over to Kazuemachi Chaya District. It’s not very big, but very atmospheric. Make sure to stop by the two narrow alleyways (Akari-zaka and Kuragari-zaka) for a magical view.
Utasu Jinja Shrine
8. Join a Real Geisha Evening
Kanazawa, like Kyoto, is known for its geisha culture. The city is home to three well-preserved chaya (or teahouse) districts, where geisha entertain guests and perform to this day. While the number of active geisha has gone down dramatically over the last few decades, there are still around 40 geisha working in Kanazawa.
Normally, you’d have to be invited by someone already familiar with the teahouse to witness and be part of a geisha evening. It’s only reserved for a small, exclusive group of people.
But for those who dream of seeing a geisha performance, one teahouse in Kanazawa opens its doors to visitors for special geisha evenings. Kaikaro Teahouse is the largest teahouse in the city and sits in the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa. It has been the place for geisha entertainment for over 200 years.
The 90-minute-long show is hosted by the houselady, Lady Baba. Accompanied by a few real geisha of the teahouse, Lady Baba gives you an insight into the world of geisha. The geisha will dance, sing and play the taiko and shamisen for the guests, and witnessing this in real life was an absolute dream come true.
Some members of the audience even got invited onto the stage to join the geisha in some classic drinking games, often played at geisha dinners with their regular guests. Richard got a chance to play the taiko drums with one of the geisha, too.
You can tell it’s aimed at tourists visiting Japan, but that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a genuine geisha performance. The teahouse doesn’t host these types of evenings every day, so be sure to check their website for availability and book in advance if you want to attend. They book up fast!
Kanazawa Day Two: Samurai and Ninjas
On our second day in Kanazawa, we head to some of the other well-preserved districts in Kanazawa.
1. Explore Nagamachi Samurai District
This well-preserved district is where the samurai lived in Kanazawa during the Edo Period. The samurai lived not far from Kanazawa Castle, as they were essentially the ruling military class, serving the Maeda Clan. Kanazawa was a prosperous area during this time, which allowed the samurai who lived here to build large houses, some of which are still there today.
At the end of the Edo Period, the clans lost their power, which forced the samurai who lived in this neighbourhood to leave or sell their homes. However, most of this area has been well preserved over the last century and a half.
Wandering around the narrow cobblestoned streets, you’ll be able to stop off at some shops, cafes and a few of the houses that show what it was like living here during the Edo Period. If you only have time to go inside one of them, we recommend going to Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence.
2. Visit Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence
The home of the Nomura family, who served the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, is a perfect example of what these wealthy houses used to look like. It gives you a glimpse inside the lives of the samurai and their families.
What’s so special about this house in particular is that it has been very well preserved. Many other houses that were sold at the end of the Edo Period were either destroyed or drastically changed.
There is a small fee (¥550 for adults, discounted tickets for students and children) to enter, but it’s worth going inside. There are some artefacts displayed in the house, including a suit of armour and weapons, but what stood out to me most was the upstairs tearoom and the inner garden. It felt so peaceful.
3. Stop by Ishiura Shrine
Not far from the next stop on this Kanazawa itinerary is the oldest Shinto shrine in the city: Isuiura Shrine. It’s believed that the shrine was originally built 1,500 years ago, but it was moved to its current location in 1880.
Many people visit the shrine hoping to find their soulmate, but it’s also popular for its row of torii gates. There aren’t quite as many as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but it’s still very beautiful to walk through them.
4. Go to the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Kanazawa is home to quite a few museums, including the National Craft Museum, the Prefectural Art Museum, the Honda Museum and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. If you can only visit one, we recommend going to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
It’s quite a popular spot, attracting over one million visitors every year, and it’s with good reason. One of the most famous pieces of art is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool“, where you are part of the art, making it seem like you’re underwater.
Prices vary depending on what exhibitions you want to visit, but it’s definitely worth going to see at least some of them. There are some free spots to visit around the museum, too.
If you like finding the Pokémon Manhole covers across Japan, the only one in Ishikawa Prefecture is located very close to the museum. I’ve added the location on the map of this itinerary, but you can also find it on the manhole cover website. You can share your findings on our manhole cover Facebook group.
5. Take a Tour of Myouryuji, Kanazawa’s Ninja Temple
Myouryuji (妙立寺) goes by the nickname Ninja Temple because of the countless traps, half floors, secret passages and hidden rooms. Ninjas didn’t actually live in this house, but the way the insides of this building were cleverly designed to go around the building restrictions makes it feel like it could’ve been the home of ninjas.
It’s a fascinating building, especially as it looks like a pretty regular temple from the outside. Once inside, you’ll start to see the network of hidden passageways and clever contraptions that were put in place to keep the temple and its people safe from attacks.
I won’t spoil too much of what’s waiting for you inside this house, as it absolutely blew me away. It’s one of the coolest places I visited during my multiple trips to Kanazawa, and I would highly recommend you to add it to your itinerary as well.
You can only enter the house on a tour, and all tours are given in Japanese. But don’t worry! My Japanese is nowhere near good enough to follow a full tour, and we were given a large folder with all the information given during the tour in English. That way, we could walk alongside the group on the tour and read the information in English. It turned out to be one of my favourite things to do in Kanazawa, it was amazing to see this house!
They also have booklets in different languages, but I would recommend going with the English one, as this one has way more in-depth information. We had two German people in our group, and the German booklet was only about half the size of the English one!
The tours also book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve a ticket if possible. We got very lucky and managed to buy tickets when we showed up, but I’d recommend against doing this because it would be such a shame to miss out. Tickets cost ¥1,200.
6. Explore Nishi Chaya District
You can find another one of Kanazawa’s three Geisha Districts not far from Myouryuji. Nishi Chaya District is the smallest of the three, but it’s beautifully preserved and definitely worth a quick visit after visiting Myouryuji.
Similar to the other Geisha Districts, the main street is lined with two-story wooden teahouses. It’s much quieter than the more popular Higashi Chaya District, so a good alternative, despite being a lot smaller. In the evening, you can sometimes hear the shamisen being played inside the houses.
On the main street, you can find the Dolls Museum and the Ninja Weapon Museum. The Ninja Weapon Museum, in particular, is very much worth a visit. I was a bit sceptical at first, thinking it may have been a bit too touristy, but it was actually really great!
They have a large collection of authentic samurai and ninja armour and weapons. The museum isn’t very large, but it’s filled with cool artefacts. During my visit, a member of staff explained everything (in English) and gave us so much extra information about the history of Kanazawa and how samurai and ninja were linked to this place. It was very interesting!
You can also try throwing shurikens for a small extra fee, which we tried and was a lot harder than expected!
Where to Stay in Kanazawa
When spending two days in Kanazawa, you’ll want to book a hotel near the main sights. It’s best to stay in either downtown Kanazawa (for easy access) or in the Higashi Chaya District (for a more traditional atmosphere). We’ve got a full guide on where to stay in Kanazawa, but here are our top picks:
In downtown Kanazawa, I’ve enjoyed staying in Minn Kanazawa and Onyado Nono Kanazawa.
Minn Kanazawa is located on one of the main roads, close to Kanazawa Castle and within walking distance to the main geisha districts. When staying here, we went with the Double Room and it was incredible!
The room was very large, more than enough space to open our two suitcases. The bed sat on a raised platform and was very comfortable. Despite not having chosen the Japanese-style room, I loved the Japanese touches, like the shoji-style windows. On site, you can also use the free washing machines and dryers, which is a big plus when travelling through Japan for a few weeks.
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Onyado Nono Kanazawa sits on the same road as Minn Kanazawa and is a great alternative. The reason we booked this hotel was because it comes with a free on-site onsen. The rooms have tatami floors, and the hotel offers lots of freebies, including free ramen and ice cream at night and free Yakult in the morning. There is a manga library you can also use free of charge. While we did enjoy our stay here, I’d probably book a larger room than the regular double, as it was just too small to open our suitcases comfortably.
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As Kanazawa is known for its well-preserved geisha districts, you can also choose to stay in a more traditional accommodation here.
There are multiple ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) to stay in. While they are often a bit more expensive than a hotel, it can be a unique experience to add to your time in Japan. Maki No Oto Kanazawa, for example, sits in the middle of the Higashi Chaya District and comes with everything you need for a traditional and comfortable stay.
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Conclusion – Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?
Kanazawa is definitely worth a visit, and one of our favourite cities in Japan. There is so much to see and do in Kanazawa, one visit may not even be quite enough. With top spots like Kenroku-en, the old samurai districts and the three geisha districts, Kanazawa is a place I want to keep re-visiting.
Another big plus to Kanazawa is that it’s a great visit no matter the time of year. The famous Kenroku-en garden has something to enjoy at all times. Visit in spring for sakura, visit in summer for festivals, visit in autumn for autumn foliage and visit in winter for huge amounts of snowfall (especially pretty on Kanazawa’s pine trees with yukitsuri techniques).
Kanazawa is also a great alternative to Kyoto. As parts of Kyoto are suffering from overtourism, visiting Kanazawa instead can be a great idea. While they’re obviously not the same, both cities have well-preserved Geisha Districts. Kanazawa’s districts feel even more authentic, as parts of Kyoto have started to feel too touristy and a bit gimmicky.
Adding Kanazawa to your Japan itinerary also gives you the chance to see more of Central Japan. You can add stops like Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago and parts of the Nakasendo without too much trouble.