Are you planning your Kanazawa itinerary for your trip to Japan?
This charming city, often called “Little Kyoto”, is a hidden gem that’s well worth your time.
Kanazawa has both traditional and modern attractions.
It offers a unique view of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. You won’t find the overwhelming crowds you might see in more popular tourist spots.
In just two days, you can explore Kanazawa’s many wonders.
From strolling through one of Japan’s finest gardens to visiting an ancient castle, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Kanazawa has something special for you.
It’s perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
What to See and Do in Kanazawa: A Two-Day Adventure
Kanazawa offers a wealth of experiences spread across its charming neighbourhoods.
Unlike some Japanese cities, its attractions are scattered, making for an exciting exploration.
Don’t worry about long walks between sights – the local bus is your friend.
Here’s our advice for your 2-day Kanazawa itinerary.
Day 1:
- Start at the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest
- Visit nearby Kanazawa Castle Park
- Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- Wander through the Higashi Chaya District
Day 2:
- Begin at Omicho Market for breakfast
- Discover the D.T. Suzuki Museum
- Try a traditional tea ceremony
- Admire Japanese architecture in the Nagamachi Samurai District
Top Tips:
- Buy a day pass for the Hokutetsu loop bus (£4.50) for easy travel between sights
- Bring cash for buses as IC cards aren’t accepted
- Try Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf ice cream
Kanazawa’s flat terrain makes walking pleasant, but don’t hesitate to hop on a bus if you’re pressed for time.
Day 1: Marvelling at Craftsmanship and Savouring Local Cuisine
Gaze in Wonder at the Impressive Drum-Shaped Gate
As you exit JR Kanazawa Station’s south side, you’ll be greeted by an enormous gate that’s hard to miss.
This striking structure has brown pillars that resemble intertwined drum strings.
It pays homage to Kanazawa’s rich artistic heritage.
The gate symbolises the city’s commitment to traditional crafts and creative tourism.
UNESCO recognized this in 2009.
Observe the Clever Water Clock Display
While you’re at the station, keep an eye out for a unique water feature.
This clever clock uses tiny water spouts to display the time and spell out ‘Kanazawa’ in both English and Japanese.
It’s a delightful bit of ingenuity that’s easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention!
Be Amazed by Clever Architectural Tricks
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the fascinating temple nicknamed “Ninja-dera”.
Despite its name, this structure was never actually associated with ninjas.
Instead, it earned its moniker due to its many secret passages, trick doors, and underground escape tunnels.
One tunnel is rumored to lead to Kanazawa Castle!
The temple is believed to have been built for a lord who wanted multiple ways to defend against potential attacks.
It’s a brilliant showcase of Japan’s exceptional carpentry skills.
Important details:
- Tours last 1 hour and are conducted in Japanese
- English guidebooks are available
- Pre-booking is essential
- Cost: 1000 JPY for adults
- Cash only
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- Remove your shoes before entering (tatami flooring inside)
- No photography or video allowed
- Not suitable for pre-school aged children
Tip: Consider picking up an omamori (charm) as a lovely souvenir of your visit!
Day 2: Uncover Samurai and Geisha Heritage
Be Amazed by Kanazawa’s Magnificent Castle
Start your morning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Kanazawa Castle.
This sprawling fortress was the seat of power for the Maeda Clan for 14 generations.
Fires have taken their toll over the centuries.
But, much of what you’ll see today has been painstakingly rebuilt to match its mid-19th century appearance.
Don’t miss the imposing Ishikawa-mon Gate and the well-preserved Gojukken Nagaya Storehouse.
As you wander the grounds, you’ll be struck by the sheer scale of the structures.
Take a moment to explore the beautifully landscaped Gyokuseninmaru Garden next to the castle ruins.
Visiting during cherry blossom season?
The area around Ishikawa-mon Gate is especially beautiful.
As you examine the castle walls, keep an eye out for unique markings left by the masons who transported stones from Mt Tomuro, over 8 kilometres away.
These carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the castle’s construction techniques.
Lose Yourself in Kenroku-en’s Beauty
Adjacent to the castle lies Kenroku-en, widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden.
Once the private outer gardens of Kanazawa Castle, this exquisite space opened to the public in 1874.
Moss-lined paths and trickling streams create a soothing sound.
You’ll see why people love Kenroku-en.
The garden is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk and a bit of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).
Keep your eyes peeled for these hidden gems:
- The iconic Kotojitoro Lantern overlooking Hisago-ike Pond
- “Turtle Island” in Kasumiga-ike Pond, shaped like a turtle for good luck
- Ganko-bashi bridge, designed to resemble a flock of flying geese
- Japan’s oldest fountain, powered solely by natural water pressure
Fun fact: Workers are hired to clean moss and sediment from the pebbles at the bottom of the streams, ensuring the garden always looks its best!
Step into the World of Geisha in Higashi-chaya
Transport yourself to another era in the beautifull Higashi-chaya district.
This area is one of a few geisha districts outside Kyoto.
It offers a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of geisha culture.
Wander the pedestrian-only streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and flowing canals.
You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period.
Pop into the numerous shops specialising in ceramics, pottery, and traditional handicrafts.
Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District
Step back in time as you wander the streets of the Nagamachi Samurai District.
This preserved neighborhood was home to rich samurai families during the Edo period (1603-1867).
As you stroll along the narrow lanes, you’ll be struck by the distinctive yellow mud walls topped with dark tiles.
These walls are a testament to the area’s history and the harsh local climate.
In late autumn, you might spot workers carefully covering the walls with bamboo to protect them from winter damage.
Watch for large stones at footpath corners.
They were used to knock snow off geta (traditional wooden shoes) in winter.
Peek into Samurai Life at Nomura Clan Residence
For a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Kanazawa’s samurai elite, head to the Nomura Clan Samurai Residence.
This home, perfectly preserved, once belonged to a powerful samurai family.
They served the ruling Maeda clan for three centuries.
As you explore the residence, you’ll encounter:
- A small museum showcasing samurai armour and artefacts
- Traditional tatami flooring
- An in-house shrine
- Intricate artworks on shoji (sliding doors) depicting nature scenes
- Decorative wooden animal carvings on shoji handles
Don’t miss the chance to relax on the oversized wooden verandah overlooking a stunning landscaped garden.
Watch the vibrant orange koi fish swimming in the pond as you soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Extend Your Stay: More Kanazawa Experiences
If you have more than two days in Kanazawa, consider these additional attractions:
- Participate in a private tea ceremony hosted by a tea master in a historical teahouse near Kanazawa Castle
- Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. It has cutting-edge exhibitions and installations, including the famous “swimming pool.” It lets you see underwater without getting wet.
- Explore the Kazuemachi Nishi-chaya district, another well-preserved geisha and samurai neighbourhood
Day Trips from Kanazawa
If you’re looking to venture beyond the city, consider these popular day trip options:
- Shirakawa-go: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Gokayama: Explore another picturesque village with thatched-roof houses, less crowded than Shirakawa-go
- Takayama: Discover the well-preserved old town and sample local sake in this charming mountain city
Where to Dine in Kanazawa
Kanazawa’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers.
As you arrive at the railway station, you’ll find plenty of spots to grab a delicious lunch.
The station area boasts a variety of eateries serving local sushi, bento boxes, and international dishes.
For a lively atmosphere, head to the Katamachi district.
This busy area near Kanazawa Castle has many restaurants.
Seafood enthusiasts won’t want to miss Omicho Fish Market.
Here you can savour some of Japan’s freshest seafood and sample mouthwatering sushi.
Want a unique treat?
Try the gold leaf ice cream!
Kanazawa is a leading producer gold leaf in Japan.
And you can taste this shiny treasure in dessert form.
At about 900 yen, it’s a quirky experience for your taste buds.
Top spots to try:
- JR Kanazawa Station eateries
- Katamachi district restaurants
- Omicho Fish Marke
- Gold leaf ice cream vendors
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, as Kanazawa can get busy.
Getting to Kanazawa: Your Transport Options
From Tokyo to Kanazawa
You can reach Kanazawa from Tokyo in under 3 hours via the speedy JR Hokuriku Shinkansen.
This bullet train whisks you to your destination in comfort.
If you’re on a budget, consider the overnight coach.
It’s cheaper but takes 7-8 hours.
Travelling from Takayama
From Takayama, you’ve got two main choices.
The JR Hida Limited Express train is a scenic option, taking about 2 hours 15 minutes with a change at Toyama.
For a more direct route, hop on a highway bus.
Arriving from Kyoto or Osaka
The JR Thunderbird Limited Express connects Kyoto and Osaka to Kanazawa in under 3 hours.
It’s a comfy ride that lets you sit back and enjoy the views.
Remember, if you’ve got a JR Pass, it might cover some of these journeys.
Upon arrival at Kanazawa Station, you can explore the city using local buses or the bike-sharing system, Machi-nori.
Is Kanazawa a must-see? Wrapping up your two-day visit
The simple answer is yes.
And a well-planned Kanazawa itinerary ensures you don’t miss its highlights.
Walk through its samurai and geisha districts, visit Kenrokuen Garden, and enjoy fresh seafood at Omicho Market.
Two days give you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
Stay in a ryokan for a unique experience, and don’t miss local treats like sake and wagashi.
Respect the locals, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Japan’s culture.
Pack your bags and enjoy this unforgettable city!