Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa, Japan is a hidden gem on the west coast of Honshu island known for its beautifully preserved Edo-era architecture, traditional handicrafts, and gorgeous Kenroku-en garden.
Trip to Kanazawa, Japan
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon your arrival at the Kanazawa station, you can easily reach to your accommodation to check-in, get settled in and freshen up before starting your exploration. You can get a sense of the city by walking around the downtown area, where you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and street vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and traditional Japanese treats like wagashi (Japanese sweets). For dinner, try some of the local cuisines such as kaga ryori (traditional multi-course meal from the Kaga region) or jibuni (chicken soup with wheat gluten).
Day 2: Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden and Omicho Market
Start your day by visiting Kanazawa Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and was once the residence of a powerful samurai family. After exploring the castle, head over to the nearby Kenrokuen Garden, which is said to be one of the Three Great Gardens in Japan. Enjoy its picturesque landscape year-round, from cherry blossoms in the spring to snow covered landscapes in winter. Lastly, don’t miss out on Omicho Market, which has been around for over 280 years and is a paradise for seafood lovers.
Day 3: Kanazawa Art Museum and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Immerse yourself in the creativity of Kanazawa with a visit to the Kanazawa Art Museum and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The Kanazawa Art Museum houses a collection of over 2,000 works of art including Japanese painting, ceramics, and calligraphy. The museum is famous for its Ishikawa Collection of Kaga textiles and the Glass Pavilion, which showcases modern glass art. After lunch, you can spend your afternoon exploring the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can find quirky and unusual interactive exhibits such as the Leandro Erlich’s Swimming Pool and the Moriyama House.
Day 4: Higashichayagai Geisha District
Discover the beauty of the geisha culture in the Higashichaya district. Stroll the narrow streets lined with wooden teahouses, walk into a teahouse to observe an authentic geisha dance performance and participate in a tea ceremony. Wandering around this picturesque district will transport you back in time to the Edo period.
Day 5: Take a Day Trip to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Take a day trip to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 1.5 hours from Kanazawa, these traditional villages are famous for their unique thatched-roof farmhouses called gassho-zukuri. These structures are built to withstand the heavy snowfall in this mountainous region of Japan. The surrounding landscapes are simply breathtaking in all four season so make sure to bring your camera.
Day 6: Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District and Ninja Temple
Tour the historical Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District which is sprinkled with old homes of the samurai aristocracy who once lived there. One recommendation is to visit the Nomura House, a traditional samurai residence, and stroll through the beautiful garden, followed by visiting the Ninja Temple, which is unique in that it has hidden chambers, revolving walls often used for strategic escape, and some secret floors.
Day 7: Kanazawa Morning Markets
Don’t miss the Kanazawa morning market and one of its star treats, kaisendon (bowls of sushi rice topped with seafood). Grab a coffee and head for the stalls selling handmade crafts and quirky souvenirs to remember your trip. Finally, consider stopping at Kinryuji Temple or Teramachi, located in the heart of the city for a unique cultural experience.
