Summary
Are you considering an additional city stop on your next visit to Tokyo? While Kyoto and Osaka are classic destinations, we recommend Kanazawa, a relatively lesser-known yet significant Japanese city, accessible via bullet train from the capital within 2.5 hours.
Located on the Sea of Japan along Honshū’s western coastline, Kanazawa is less imposing and less crowded than Tokyo. Furthermore, it is a favored destination for Japanese travelers seeking some of the best sushi in the country (often referred to as yellowtail paradise), along with craft sake and performances by geigi (the local term for geisha).
As the heart of the Ishikawa prefecture with a population exceeding 1 million, Kanazawa also serves as a gateway to the nearby hot spring paradise of Kaga and the historic lacquerware region of Komatsu.
The city is rich in charm, and here is how to maximize your experience in Kanazawa.
When should I go to Kanazawa?
Kanazawa showcases all four seasons, with temperatures varying from 40°F (4.5°C) to nearly 90°F (32°C) throughout the year. The optimal period to appreciate its gardens is during March to May, particularly as cherry blossoms peak from mid-March to early April. Additionally, fall (September to November) is also a favorable time, as the crowds diminish post-summer and the foliage turns vibrant. If cultural festivities interest you, the Hyakumangoku Festival serves as Kanazawa’s most significant yearly event, held during the first weekend of June, featuring a grand parade with lion dances and acrobatic displays by local firefighters.
How much time should I spend in Kanazawa?
A long three-day weekend offers sufficient time for a meaningful exploration of the city, enabling you to savor fresh sashimi at Ōmi-chō Market, wander through Kenroku-en Garden and the neighboring Kanazawa Castle, as well as attend multiple geigi performances. For complete relaxation, consider extending your visit to five or more days, indulging in stays at a traditional ryokan or a hot spring in the nearby Kaga area.
Is it easy to get in and around Kanazawa?
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) was extended from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2015, greatly enhancing accessibility to Honshū’s eastern coast. The train arrives at the state-of-the-art Kanazawa Station. Approximately 35 minutes southwest of the city lies Komatsu Airport, the main airport servicing the region.
Kanazawa is generally flat and easy to navigate on foot. Taxis are readily available and may be hailed from the street. The Kanazawa Loop Bus services about a dozen tourist attractions across the city, with departures every 15 minutes daily approximately from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, covering popular spots including Oyama-jinja Shrine and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Top things to do in Kanazawa
Stroll through one of Japan’s most renowned gardens and its neighboring castle
Kenroku-en Garden is hard to surpass in terms of beauty. Opened to the public in 1871, the gardens were cultivated over two centuries by the esteemed Maeda clan. Among its many delightful features are bookable teahouses for scenic refreshments, plum and cherry-blossom trees, charming arched bridges, and a small waterfall.
Access to Kanazawa Castle is available via a pedestrian bridge. Dating back to the late 1500s, its walls, moats, and reconstructed structures, driven by historical fires, are rich with stories. Guided walking tours, led by volunteers, are available daily from March through December.
Attend a geigi performance
In Kanazawa, they are referred to as geigi rather than geisha. Here, numerous geigi perform and engage with guests across three teahouse districts. The scenic Higashichaya district, with its wooden structures and lattice windows, is particularly noteworthy as it hosts geigi who entertain guests with music and games. Make sure to visit Ochaya Shima, a living geigi museum showcasing exhibits on hair ornaments and prized instruments, and for a unique treat, enjoy some ice cream adorned with gold leaf at Hakuichi.
Observe a fish auction and, naturally, indulge in sushi
The Ishikawa prefecture is regarded as Japan’s sushi and sashimi capital, and its main city, the Kanazawa Seafood Market, is at the center of this culinary scene. Local company JF Ishikawa provides daytime and night tours of the bustling market, which serves as a rugged port. During the tour, you can observe fishing boats dock, witness live auction action, and experience the cold of a massive freezer at -30°F (-34.5°C) where the fish are stored. This may not be the most glamorous environment, but it is an authentic Kanazawa experience. As part of your visit, the team can assist in making a reservation for you at a local restaurant to savor some of the fresh catch you’ve just seen.
Embark on a day trip to Kaga for hot-spring and ryokan relaxation
Just a 45-minute train journey from Kanazawa to the newly established Kagaonsen Station brings you to a distinctively different realm. It is advisable to allocate a full day here, and for the ultimate relaxation experience, consider an extended stay. Nestled at the base of Mt Hakusan, four hot-spring villages—Awazu, Katayamazu, Yamanaka, and Yamashiro—each offer rustic boutiques and eateries. For complete tranquillity, book accommodations at ryokans such as Araya-totoan in Yamashiro and Kayotei in Yamanaka, both of which feature in-house hot springs and elaborate traditional Japanese breakfast options.
Where to eat in Kanazawa
The day can begin at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design café, renowned for its artisan latte art beverages and breakfast options. For a more quaint setting, Cubby Hole serves delightful breakfast wraps in a stylish white-themed ambiance adorned with greenery.
For lunch, exploring the vendors at Ōmi-chō Market is an excellent idea, as the myriad of choices can entice you. Enjoy grilled anago (saltwater eel) on a stick, seafood-filled croquettes, or a steaming bowl of ramen at a sit-down establishment. The local Kanazawa curry, characterized by its sweet, chocolate hue and often topped with vegetables and fried protein, should not be missed. Recommendations for local favorites include Go Go Curry, Turban Curry, and Champion’s Curry.
In the evening, consider a visit to the sushi conveyor-belt establishment Kirari, located near Kanazawa Station, where a variety of fresh catches glide past, alongside made-to-order rolls available until midnight. For inventive cocktails, ascend to The Station Bar, which captivates with sake-infused ice cream and libations topped with gold leaf.
How much money do I need for Kanazawa?
Kanazawa is competitively priced compared to other Japanese urban centers. Thanks to a relatively weaker yen, it becomes even more affordable for international visitors. Debit and credit card transactions are commonly accepted, and mobile payment methods are widely available. However, it is prudent to carry some cash for minor expenses.
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Hostel room: ¥5400–7200 ($36–48)
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Basic room for two: ¥13450–19500 ($90–130)
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Self-catering apartment: ¥18000–24000 ($120–160)
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Kanazawa bus ticket: ¥210 ($1.40)
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Croquette and sashimi bites at Ōmi-chō Market: ¥250–1000 ($1.65–6.50)
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10-piece sashimi dinner for one: ¥1400–3000 ($9.35–20)
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Bottle of sake at dinner: ¥550-1200 ($3.65–8)
What are some eating etiquette rules to follow in Kanazawa?
One should refrain from eating or drinking while walking, especially in Ōmi-chō Market, where signs discourage such conduct, which is generally frowned upon in Japan. Instead, it is customary to stop—in a standing position if necessary—and savor the food before continuing.
