The best 3 Days in Kanazawa itinerary
Kanazawa is sometimes known as “little Kyoto”. It’s a great addition to any Japan itinerary, and is perfect for a 2-night/3-day stay. In this 3-day Kanazawa Guide, you can find some of the best ‘must-visit’ places in this small City as well as learn about some of the best places to eat in Kanazawa.
Kanazawa is one of Japan’s smaller cities, located in Ishikawa Prefecture just north of Kyoto and roughly 2.5 hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen. It is most well known for its preserved Higashi Chaya District as well as its castle and pristine gardens.
As with any smaller city in Japan, it is still relatively undiscovered and is not normally included on the normal 2-week tourist trail. So if you are tired of the crowds, then I would definitely recommend the visit, even if it’s just for 1 day.
Quick Links
How to get to and around Kanazawa?
Like the majority of Japan, Kanazawa is well connected to major cities via the large rail network.
From Tokyo: 2.5hrs Shinkansen direct to Kanazawa
Price: ¥14,580 (reserved seat)From Osaka & Kyoto: 2hrs JR Thunderbird and Shinkansen, simple transfer in Tsuruga
Price: ¥9,610 (reserved seat)Highway Bus: Highway Buses are a cost-effective way to travel around Japan. They are simple to use but do often take 2-3X times as long as the Shinkansen.
Getting around Kanazawa: Kanazawa does not have a network of trams or metro; instead, they have a robust bus network, which can get you anywhere in the city. You can view it here.
Day 1
Arrival in Kanazawa & visit to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Gardens
Hotel View from Hotel Amanek Kanazawa
Arrive in the city from your previous destination via the Shinkansen. I recommend staying in Kanazawa’s downtown, known as Katamachi, where you can find a good mix of budget to high-end accommodation. Drop off your bags at the hotel and head to Kanazawa Castle.
Here are a few travel trips as well as a few hotel recommendations:
You can use the luggage forwarding in Kanazawa Station to your hotel for same-day delivery.
Hotel Amanek Kanazawa, the best luxury budget hotel in Katamachi
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, a newly built luxury hotel, is located near the station. (luxury perks when booking with us)
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, 5-star luxury hotel in the centre of the city.
Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle
Built in 1583, Kanazawa Castle is one of Japans best preserved castles, being home to the prestigious Meada Clan, Lords of Kaga it was second in terms of wealth during the Edo Period. The castle is currently still being rebuilt, with new parts slowly being reopened and restored.
The castle grounds are free to enter and is open all year round, you can also visit the rebuilt Turrets and Storehouse for a fee of 320 yen.
Kenrokuen Gardens
Kenrokuen Gardens, Kanazawa
Possibly Kanazawa’s most visited attraction is the famed Kenrokuen Gardens, often being ranked in the top 3 in the nation. Opened in 1871, Kenrokuen offers a variety of nature with something blooming in each season. The grounds are filled with something for everyone, from water features to idyllic tea houses dotted around the garden.
Make sure to visit either the Cherry Blossom Season or Autumn for some amazing scenes.
Admission is 320 yen per person, and the garden is open all day.
Head to the official site for more details to plan your visit.
Dining around Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle
The local area is filled with unique dining venues which are ideal for any type of budget. The pedestrian streets surrounding Kenrokuen are filled with shops and traditional dining spots, perfect for an evening meal.
Here are some of my recommendations:
Sakuratei, A wonderful Japanese Kaiseki restaurant located just next door to Kenrokuen.
Fusion21, located in the 21st Century Museum, serving a mix of modern Japanese and European.
Iwashigumi, a highly-rated Izakaya serving a variety of fish dishes, especially sardines.
Umi & Tsuchi, a fine dining French and Japanese Fusion restaurant
Day 2
Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya and 21st Century Museum
Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya
Often, the main reason why Kanazawa is known as “Little Kyoto”. Higashi Chaya is a well-preserved Geisha district in the East of the city. Stroll around the district and get lost in the quaint alleyways; it’s the perfect spot to snap a few pictures.
You will find a variety of stores selling all sorts of goods, including gold, pastries, as well as tea houses. You can also try gold leaf ice cream or gold leaf sushi.
There is no extra fee to enter. I recommend around an hour here to soak it all in.
Omicho market
Looking for Lunch?
Hungry for Lunch?
Just a 15-minute walk from Higashi Chaya is Omicho market, located in the centre of the city. It is famous for its fresh seafood products due to Kanazawa’s location next to the Sea of Japan.
There is a great mix of products you can buy with over 170 stalls; there is something for everyone. Stop by Mori Mori Sushi for the quintessential Conveyor Sushi experience. Or head to Omicho Kaisendon for a fresh seafood bowl
The market is open daily from 9 AM wile 5 PM; however, many stalls close earlier at 3 PM as well as on Wednesdays and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
21st Century Museum
21st Century Museum, Kanazawa
Located 20 minutes walk from Omicho market is the 21st Century Museum, a famed collection of all things modern. The Museum is also a community centre, so some areas are free to enter, while some exhibits are paid for.
I recommend seeing Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool” as well as James Turrell’s “Blue Planet Sky”
Exhibits are open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and admission is around ¥1,400 (varied by exhibits on display)
Day 3
Day trips
Japan’s Snow Monkey Park located near Nagano
Kanazawa is a great hub for daytrips in the surrounding area. Why not take one before moving on to your next destination?
Shirakawa-go (UNESCO)
1 hour by bus
A charming village in the mountains of Japan, a must-see in winter or autumn.Takayama
2.5 hours by bus
Famed for its sake breweries, Takayama Jinya, and morning markets.Nagano
1 hour by Shinkansen
Snow Monkeys, local soba and Zenko-ji temple.
Kanazawa or Kyoto
Asanogawa Bridge, Kanazawa
Both cities are amazing on their own right; however, it depends on the length of your Japan trip.
If your trip is under 7 days, then I would skip Kanazawa and head straight to Kyoto; both are similar cities in terms of culture; however, Kyoto has many more attractions and world-famous spots, which are touristy for a reason. If you are not a fan of crowds, I recommend visiting from January to mid-March.
If your trip is over 10 days, then I recommend stopping in Kanazawa on your way to Kyoto or Osaka, even if it’s for a day trip; it’s a wonderful contrast from the bustle of Kyoto and is perfect if you enjoy exploring on foot.