Best Things to Do in Kanazawa, Japan: Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
After exploring the historic streets of Takayama and the stunning mountain scenery of Matsumoto, we continued our journey through Japan to the beautiful city of Kanazawa. Often overlooked in favour of Kyoto, Kanazawa offers a perfect blend of traditional culture, beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, incredible seafood, and one of Japan’s most famous gardens.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or staying a few nights, this Kanazawa travel guide covers everything you need to know, from the city’s top attractions and best places to eat to where to stay and essential travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.
How to Get to Kanazawa
Kanazawa is well connected by Japan’s excellent rail network, making it an easy destination to reach from many of the country’s major cities. Whether you’re travelling from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or nearby destinations like Takayama, getting to Kanazawa is straightforward.
From Tokyo
The fastest way to reach Kanazawa is via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The direct journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, making Kanazawa a great option for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer Japan itinerary.
From Kyoto
From Kyoto, take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga, where you’ll transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for the final leg to Kanazawa. The total journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
From Osaka
Travelling from Osaka is similar to Kyoto. Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga before transferring to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The journey usually takes around 2.5 hours.
From Takayama
If you’re following the same route we did, travelling from Takayama to Kanazawa is a scenic experience. The direct Nohi Bus takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, passing through the Japanese Alps along the way. You can also travel by train via Toyama, although this takes longer. If you do plan on taking the bus make sure to book in advance. We ended up having to take the train as the bus was already sold out for our travel day.
From Matsumoto
Travelling from Matsumoto to Kanazawa requires a couple of train transfers, usually via Nagano or Toyama, and takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the route. It’s a comfortable journey with beautiful mountain scenery along the way.
Getting Around Kanazawa
Most of Kanazawa’s main attractions are located within a compact area, making the city easy to explore. The Kanazawa Loop Bus connects major sights including Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, and the Higashi Chaya District. Many visitors also choose to walk between attractions, while local buses and taxis are available for longer journeys.
Best Things to Do in Kanazawa
Kanazawa perfectly blends traditional Japan with modern culture. From strolling through beautifully preserved geisha districts and wandering peaceful gardens to sampling some of the country’s freshest seafood, there’s plenty to fill one or two days in the city. These are the attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Visit Kenroku-en Garden
Widely regarded as one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” Kenroku-en is Kanazawa’s most famous attraction. The beautifully landscaped gardens feature ponds, winding paths, seasonal flowers, traditional teahouses, and picturesque bridges. Every season offers something different, from cherry blossoms in spring to colourful autumn leaves and the famous snow-support ropes that decorate the trees in winter.
Explore Kanazawa Castle
Located next to Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle was once the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. Although much of the original castle was lost to fires over the centuries, several buildings have been carefully reconstructed. Wander through the impressive gates, stone walls, and spacious castle grounds while learning about Kanazawa’s samurai history.
It is worth noting this is currently under construction. Do your research prior to visiting to avoid disappointment.
Wander Through Higashi Chaya District
Step back in time as you explore Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s best-preserved geisha neighbourhood. Lined with beautifully restored wooden teahouses, the narrow streets are filled with traditional cafés, craft shops, and museums. Be sure to try one of Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf ice creams or browse local artisan stores selling handmade souvenirs.
We loved exploring all the little shops along these streets and hunting for the perfect souvinirs.
Discover the Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi Samurai District offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Former samurai residences, narrow stone streets, and traditional mud walls have been carefully preserved, creating one of the most atmospheric areas in the city. Don’t miss Nomura-ke Samurai House, where you can step inside an authentic samurai residence complete with beautiful gardens and historic artefacts.
Visit Omicho Market
Known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” Omicho Market has been serving locals for over 300 years. The bustling market is home to more than 170 stalls selling fresh seafood, seasonal produce, local delicacies, and street food. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast or sample Hokkaido-sized oysters, crab, and other seafood freshly caught from the Sea of Japan.
Omicho Market is the perfect spot to stop for lunch with endless options and local dishes to try. It can get busy so be prepared to wait in line for popular vendors.
Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
For something completely different, visit one of Japan’s leading modern art museums. The circular 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art features interactive exhibitions, rotating installations, and the famous “Swimming Pool” artwork that creates the illusion of visitors walking underwater.
Admire Kanazawa Station and Tsuzumi Gate
Often ranked among Japan’s most beautiful railway stations, Kanazawa Station is worth visiting even if you’re not catching a train. The striking wooden Tsuzumi Gate, inspired by traditional Japanese drums used in Noh theatre, contrasts beautifully with the station’s modern glass dome and has become one of Kanazawa’s most recognisable landmarks.
Experience Kanazawa’s Famous Gold Leaf
Kanazawa produces around 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, making it the perfect place to experience this unique local craft. You’ll find gold leaf decorating temples, sweets, souvenirs, cosmetics, and even soft serve ice cream. Many workshops also allow visitors to try applying gold leaf themselves, making for a memorable and uniquely Kanazawa experience.
What to Eat in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best foodie destinations, thanks to its location on the Sea of Japan and its reputation for exceptionally fresh seafood. Alongside local specialities and traditional sweets, you’ll find everything from bustling market stalls to fine dining restaurants. Here are a few dishes you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Fresh Sushi and Sashimi
With daily catches arriving from the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is famous for its incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi. Omicho Market is one of the best places to sample high-quality seafood at reasonable prices, with many restaurants serving generous sushi platters and seafood bowls.
Omicho Market has plenty sushi places to pick from. We tried snow crab, puffer fish and sweet shrimp.
Kaisen-don (Seafood Rice Bowl)
A kaisen-don is one of the city’s signature meals. A bowl of rice is topped with an assortment of fresh seafood, including tuna, salmon, shrimp, scallops, crab, sea urchin, and seasonal fish. It’s an affordable way to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Japan.
Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)
Considered a luxury fish in Japan, nodoguro is a local delicacy in Kanazawa. Known for its rich, buttery flavour, it’s often served grilled, as sushi, or lightly seared. Although more expensive than other fish, it’s well worth trying if you’re a seafood lover.
Kanazawa Curry
Unlike traditional Japanese curry, Kanazawa curry is thick, rich, and slightly sweeter. It’s typically served with shredded cabbage, a crispy breaded pork cutlet, and eaten using a fork or spork. The dark curry sauce has become one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
Gold Leaf Ice Cream
One of Kanazawa’s most Instagram-worthy treats is soft serve ice cream covered in edible gold leaf. Since Kanazawa produces around 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, you’ll find this unique dessert throughout the Higashi Chaya District and around Kenroku-en Garden.
Jibuni
Jibuni is Kanazawa’s traditional local dish, consisting of duck or chicken slowly simmered with vegetables in a savoury soy-based broth. Often served with seasonal ingredients and wheat gluten, it’s a comforting meal that’s especially popular during the colder months.
Wagashi (Traditional Japanese Sweets)
Kanazawa has a long history of producing beautifully crafted wagashi. These delicate sweets are often enjoyed alongside matcha tea and are made to reflect the changing seasons. Many traditional tea houses and sweet shops offer freshly made wagashi that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Local Sake
The surrounding Ishikawa Prefecture is home to several renowned sake breweries, producing smooth, high-quality rice wine using the region’s pure mountain water. Pairing local sake with fresh seafood is one of the best ways to experience Kanazawa’s food culture.
Where to Stay in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a compact city, making it easy to explore regardless of where you stay. Most visitors choose accommodation near Kanazawa Station for convenience or in the historic districts for a more traditional experience. Here are the best areas to stay during your visit.
Near Kanazawa Station – Best for First-Time Visitors
If you’re only spending one or two nights in Kanazawa, staying near the station is the most convenient option. You’ll have easy access to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, local buses, restaurants, and shopping centres. Many of the city’s top attractions, including Omicho Market and Kanazawa Castle, are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.
We stayed at Hotel My Stays Premier which was walking distance from the station area and offered a massive room and up market feel while remaining on a budget.
Higashi Chaya District – Best for Traditional Atmosphere
For a more memorable stay, consider booking accommodation near the historic Higashi Chaya District. This beautifully preserved geisha quarter is filled with traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, boutique hotels, and charming cafés. Staying here allows you to experience the district before the daytime crowds arrive.
Korinbo and Katamachi – Best for Food and Nightlife
Korinbo and neighbouring Katamachi form Kanazawa’s main shopping and entertainment district. You’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, izakayas, bars, and department stores, making it a great base if you want to enjoy the city’s food scene and nightlife after a day of sightseeing.
Traditional Ryokan – Best for a Unique Japanese Experience
Kanazawa has several traditional ryokan where you can experience Japanese hospitality. Many feature tatami mat rooms, futon beds, relaxing communal baths, and multi-course kaiseki dinners prepared with seasonal local ingredients. Staying in a ryokan is a fantastic way to experience Japanese culture beyond the city’s attractions.
Budget Accommodation in Kanazawa
Kanazawa has plenty of affordable accommodation, including modern hostels, guesthouses, and business hotels. Many budget options are located around Kanazawa Station, offering clean, comfortable rooms with excellent transport connections, making them ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kanazawa
Is Kanazawa worth visiting?
Absolutely. Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most underrated cities, offering a fantastic mix of history, culture, gardens, fresh seafood, and traditional neighbourhoods. With fewer crowds than Kyoto, it’s an excellent destination for travellers looking to experience a more authentic side of Japan.
How many days do you need in Kanazawa?
One full day is enough to see Kanazawa’s main attractions, including Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, and the Higashi Chaya District. However, spending two days allows you to explore at a slower pace, visit museums, and enjoy the city’s excellent food scene.
What is Kanazawa famous for?
Kanazawa is best known for Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, fresh seafood, traditional crafts, and producing around 99% of Japan’s gold leaf.
When is the best time to visit Kanazawa?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most popular times to visit thanks to pleasant temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Winter is also a wonderful time to visit if you’d like to see Kenroku-en Garden covered in snow. We visited in July and it was super hot ad sweaty!
Is Kanazawa expensive?
Kanazawa is generally more affordable than cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Accommodation, food, and attractions offer good value, and many of the city’s best sights can be explored on foot or by using the inexpensive local bus network.
Can you visit Kanazawa as a day trip?
Yes. Kanazawa makes an excellent day trip from nearby cities such as Toyama or Fukui, and it’s also possible from Kyoto or Osaka using the Hokuriku Shinkansen. However, staying overnight gives you more time to experience the city’s traditional districts after the day-trippers have left.
Is Kanazawa walkable?
Yes. Many of Kanazawa’s top attractions are located within walking distance of one another, including Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en Garden, and the Nagamachi Samurai District. For longer journeys, the Kanazawa Loop Bus provides an easy and affordable way to get around.
