Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and is located in the central region of Japan’s Honshu Island. The city is known for its tea and geisha districts from the Edo Period, restored residences and one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens. And Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf production as the city has been manufacturing gold leaf for over 700 years. The name, Kanazawa, actually means “marsh of gold”.
I feel like not many people know about Kanazawa because it is not anywhere near the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route like most first time travellers take. But at one point, Kanazawa was Japan’s second-largest city (after Kyoto) and its cultural achievement rival Kyoto and Tokyo.
So, if you want to get off the beaten path and get out of the busy cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, then you must visit Kanazawa. In this post, I included a one and two-day Kanazawa itinerary for anyone who has never been to the city. Keep reading and find out how you can see Kanazawa efficiently as a solo traveller.
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What you need to know before visiting Kanazawa
Before starting your Kanazawa itinerary, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of tips on how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are a few additional travel tips that you may find useful for your Kanazawa trip:
- Kanazawa can be visited all year round. But the best seasons are Spring (March to May) for cherry blossom season and mild weather and Fall (September to November) for fall foliage and great weather.
- Coin luggage lockers are available at the Kanazawa Train Station.
- Kanazawa is a safe city for solo female travellers. I spent several weeks in the city and walked around by myself both day and night and felt completely safe.
- Plan your solo trip to Kanazawa with the following festivals and events:
- Kaga-Tobi Dezome-Shiki Festival (January) – watch firefighters in traditional outfit perform acrobatics on tall ladders.
- Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (first weekend in June) – see the annual parade featuring lion dancing and acrobatics at Kanazawa’s biggest annual festival.
- Kanaiwa Summer Festival (first Friday to Sunday of August) – the three-day festival is held at Onominato Shrine.
How to get to Kanazawa, Japan
Plane
Komatsu Airport (KMQ) is the nearest airport to Kanazawa. However, only a few domestic flights (Haneda, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Naha) and international flights (Seoul, Taipei and Shanghai) fly to KMQ.
International travellers may arrive in Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) near Tokyo then travel to Kanazawa via train and Shinkansen (bullet train).
Another option is arrive in Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) near Nagoya, then travel to Kanazawa via train and bus.
Train
Kanazawa Station is connected by several train lines including Hokuriku Shinkansen, which connects Kanazawa with Toyama and Tsuruga to west and Nagano and Tokyo to the east. If you are coming from Tokyo, the Shinkansen to Kanazawa takes less than three hours.
If you are coming from the west like Kyoto and Osaka, take the Thunderbird train to Tsuruga Station and Shinkansen to Kanazawa.
While you are at the train station, don’t miss the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, a giant gate modelled on a traditional drum.
How to get around Kanazawa on your own
It is possible to walk around Kanazawa and see all the best tourist sites. But it is a big city and some things are quite far from each other. I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
And if you are following my itinerary, you should walk between each attraction as the city is quite beautiful to see on foot.
If you are staying longer or don’t want to walk too much, there are a few public buses in Kanazawa. The Kanazawa Loop Bus takes you around the city in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction from Kanazawa Station bus stop #7. It costs ￥210 for each trip.
Or you can get a Kanazawa City One-Day Pass for￥800 at the Tourist Center. You can take any Kanazawa Loop Bus, Kanazawa Flat Bus and Local-Line Bus in one day.
How many days in Kanazawa as first-time solo traveller
If you are wondering how many days you should spend in Kanazawa, you’ll have to see my summary below.
You can technically see all the best highlights in Kanazawa in one day. But I highly recommend staying for at least one more day to spend your second day in Kanazawa and see all the museums with a day pass.
Kanazawa Itinerary: 1 and 2 Day Itinerary Summary & Map
Here is how to use this Kanazawa itinerary guide.
If you are only in Kanazawa for one day, follow the one day in Kanazawa itinerary.
And if you are in Kanazawa for two days, follow the itinerary for both days.
Here is a quick summary of my 1 to 2-day Kanazawa itinerary:
1 Day in Kanazawa: Best Things to Do in Kanazawa (red pins)
- Omicho Market
- Higashi Chaya District
- Kazuemachi Chaya District
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Edomachidori Avenue
- Kanazawa Castle – Gokukken Nagaya
- Honmaru-enchi Park
- Gyokuseninmaru Park
- Oyama Shrine
- Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District
- Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
- Katamachi
- Tatemachi
2 Days in Kanazawa: Best of Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport (purple pins)
This is a choose your own adventure with the Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport. Pick 6 to 8 museums from the list below:
- Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
- Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum
- Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
- Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum
- Kanazawa Literary Hall
- The Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima’s House
- Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts
- Kanazawa Folklore Museum
- Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum
- Kaga Honda Museum
- D. T. Suzuki Museum
- Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum
- Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
- Great People of Kanazawa Memorial Museum
- Kanazawa Noh Museum
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
- The Fourth High School Memorial Museum of Cultural Exchange, Ishikawa
- Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum
- Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall
- Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum
- Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture
Kanazawa 1 Day Itinerary: Best Things to See in Kanazawa
1. Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a busy indoor food market with over 200 shops and stalls selling meat, produce, prepared food and the freshest seafood from the Sea of Japan. The market was established during the Edo Period and has been an essential part of the city for 300 years.
Many seafood vendors sell sashimi so that you can try it on the spot. Look for local specialties like Nodoguro (black-throat seaperch) a type of whitefish, Hokuriku Shrimp (Gasu ebi), shrimp with brown shell and sweet meat and Kano Crab (snow crab), which is best grilled or boiled and eaten with dipping sauce.
Or if you are hungry, find a sit-down restaurant like Izakaya Sashimiya Omicho or Ichiba Sushi and try Kaisen-don (fresh seafood over a bowl of rice) for breakfast. And if you have never been to a sushi train restaurant, Mori Mori Sushi is excellent for trying local Kanazawa sushi.
Omichi Market can be quite busy in the morning so prepared for the crowd (but it gets even busier during lunch hour).
Address: 50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: free
2. Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District is one of three tea districts in Kanazawa. As the largest of the three districts, the historical area has many old-fashioned streets with chaya (teahouse) where guests were entertained by geisha. Today, there are occasional geisha performances that you can attend.
Also, Higashi Chaya District is designated as a Japanese cultural asset, so make sure to take your time wandering around the well-preserved historical townscape. Look for teahouses, sake breweries, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Here are a few specific attractions to look for as well:
- Geisha House Shima – a Geisha house with several tatami rooms and an inner garden in traditional Ochaya-style architecture. The teahouse is open to the public.
- Ochaya Art Museum – a museum with a teahouse inside.
- Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum – learn about the gold leaf history in Kanazawa. It is included in Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport.
- Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery – the oldest sake brewery in Kanazawa. They use groundwater from Mt Hakusan to make Junmai sake.
- Hosenji Temple – see the row of red torii gates and an aerial view of the area on the way to Utatsuyama Park.
- Utatsuyama Park – a hilly park at Mt Utatsu with numerous temples and hiking paths.
- Souvenir shops – buy gold-leaf souvenirs; Kanazawa is responsible for 98% of Japan’s gold leaf production.
Address: 1 Chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
3. Kazuemachi Chaya District
On the other side of Asano River between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka Bridge is the Kazuemachi Chaya District. It is also a tea district with Japanese teahouses with an Edo Period-esque atmosphere.
But what is most interesting to see in Kazuemachi Chaya District is the main street that run alongside Asano River. The row of historic teahouses is beautiful with the traditional landscape and it is especially gorgeous during cherry blossom season.
And there are two picturesque spots great for photos. While you are wandering the small alleyways, look for Kuragari Zaka Stairs, a stairway and alley which connects to the Owari-cho area. It is also referred as the “dark hill”.
And south of the “dark hill” is あかり坂 on Google Maps (which translates to “light hill”). There is an engraved pillar at the base of the staircase. But the highlight is the stair and alley – it’s an excellent spot for photo. I tried to take a few on my tripod (see main photo) but it doesn’t quite capture the moment. It is so much nicer in person.
Address: 2-5 Kazuemachi, Kanazawa | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
4 & 5. Kenrokuen Garden and Edomachiodori Avenue
Kenroku-en or Kenrokuen Garden is considered to be one of three of Japan’s best garden and is designed to be beautiful every season. Cherry blossom trees, plum trees, and maple trees are planted which gives the Kenrokuen Garden a different look every season.
While you are wandering in the garden, look for Kotoji Stone Lantern in Kasumigaike Pond. The stone lantern is considered to be the symbol of Kanazawa. You will see the image of the stone lantern everywhere in the city including manhole covers, signages, etc.
There are several teahouses in Kenrokuen Garden but the most picturesque is the Uchihashi-tei Tea House by Kasumigaike Pond. Another one is at Hisago-ike Pond next to Kaiseki Pagoda and Midori-taki Waterfall.
There is a souvenir store selling snacks like dangos near the Kotoji Stone Lantern. But I highly recommend walking out to the Edomachiodori Avenue and get a soft serve ice cream with gold leaf from Kenjotei Tea House. Gold leaf crafting has been a specialty of Kanazawa for centuries.
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa | Hours: 7am-6pm (March 1 to October 15); 8am-5pm (October 16 to February 28/29) | Admission: ￥320 or ￥500 for combo ticket with Kanazawa Castle
6, 7 & 8. Kanazawa Castle – Gojukken Nagaya, Hommaru-enchi Park and Gyokuseninmaru Park
Most buildings in Kanazawa Castle Park are reconstructed based on how the castle looked like in the 1850s as many of them were destroyed by multiple fires and earthquake. In fact, only Ishikawa-mon Gate and two storehouses survived.
Today, you can visit the restored Gojukken Nagaya (long storehouse with turrets) and see the reconstructed interior. Also, you can see the rebuilt Kahokumon Gate (former main gate entrance) and Nezumitamon Gate. It is free to enter each gate plus you can see the displays about the history and construction of the gates.
You can also wander around Hommaru-enchi Park and see Ushitora Yagura Remains, other castle ruins and a viewpoint.
While on the way to Oyama Shrine (which is next on the itinerary), check out Gyokuseninmaru Garden, a reconstructed garden with a pond and a teahouse. During the evenings, the garden shimmers with glowing lights.
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa | Hours: 9am-4:30pm | Admission: ￥320 or ￥500 for combo ticket with Kenrokuen Garden
9. Oyama Shrine
The Oyama Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine was built in 1599 on Mount Utatsu and later moved to its present location. And on the premise, there are a few buildings, whimsical sculptures and a garden with pond and a trail around it.
But what is so fascinating about Oyama Shrine is the unusual entry gate as you leave the premise. The eastern entry gate stands 25m tall and has three levels. The first story has Japanese and Chinese design influences while the upper stories have Dutch-style stained glass windows. Interesting fact – the entry gate used to function as a lighthouse.
Address: 11-1 Oyamamachi, Kanazawa | Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm | Admission: free
10 & 11. Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District and Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
Between 16th to 19th century, samurai and their families lived in the Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District near Kanazawa Castle. Luckily, many of these houses were not affect by fires in the past.
Today, the entire area is preserved to look like the old residential neighbourhood from the Edo Period. You can see old homes with earthen walls and water canals while meandering through a maze of narrow cobblestone streets. Also look for souvenir shops and cafes in the samurai district.
The highlight of the area has to be the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence (8:30am-5:30pm; ￥550). Tour inside the restored residence and see coffered ceilings made with Japanese cypress, paintings on sliding door panels, and the tranquil interior garden with pond. It is the best place to see the interior of an old samurai home.
Address: 1 Chome-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free
12 & 13. Katamachi and Tatemachi
Katamachi is a big commercial district with many boutique shops, upscale department stores, cafes, restaurants, pubs, karaoke bars and clubs. The main street, Katamachi Street or highway route 157, is a very old street and it can be traced back to Edo Period.
South of Katamachi street is Tatemachi, a pedestrian shopping street lined with 200 shops and eateries. The shopping street has small independent fashion boutique stores and cafes.
Katamachi district is the perfect neighbourhood to end your day in Kanazawa. You can pick up all your souvenirs and try traditional Kanazawa food for dinner. Here are some suggestions on what to eat and where to find these specialties:
- Oden – simmered seafood and vegetables including sazae (whelk), kuruma-fu (wheel-shaped cake) and akamai (boiled fish paste) at Miyuki or Takasago
- Kani-men – Kobako crab in a shell with soup. Available in winter only at Itaru Honten or Amatsubo
- Kanazawa curry – deep-fried pork fillet, shredded cabbage and rice with curry that is slightly sweet and rich. Try one at Turban Curry Honten.
- Hanton Rice – “one plate meal” with fried white fish and fried shrimp over omelette and ketchup rice. Grill Otsuka is famous for it.
Kanazawa 2-Day Itinerary: Best of Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport
If you are staying for another day in Kanazawa, purchase the 1-Day Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport for￥520 (or if you are staying longer, get the 3-day pass for ￥830). There are 23 places to visit. I listed 21 below, as two are outside the city. The pass is available at the information centre or one of the facilities below.
Each of these attractions costs between ￥100 to ￥310 individually. If you buy a 1-day pass, you can comfortably see 6 to 8 places depending on your speed and interest. I visited eight museums, which are listed in bold below. The pass can really save you some money.
List of Museums for Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport
Here is the full list of attractions within the city for the Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport. I listed them in the order in which you should see them. It is impossible to see them all, so pick and choose the ones you would like to visit.
- Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
- Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum
- Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
- Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum
- Kanazawa Literary Hall
- The Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima’s House
- Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts (discount)
- Kanazawa Folklore Museum
- Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum (discount)
- Kaga Honda Museum (discount)
- D. T. Suzuki Museum
- Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum
- Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art (discount)
- Great People of Kanazawa Memorial Museum
- Kanazawa Noh Museum
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
- The Fourth High School Memorial Museum of Cultural Exchange, Ishikawa (discount)
- Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum
- Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall
- Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum
- Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture
My recommendations for using Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport
It sounds daunting to visiting that many museums in one day. But most museums are very small and can be easily seen in 30 minutes or so. I didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.
I highly suggest planning your route before visiting the museums. Select the museums you are interested in, see them, and plan an efficient route. Also, check the hours of operation so you won’t be disappointed.
Many of my choices were art and architect museums (because of my interest in interior design). I thoroughly enjoyed them all. In particular, I highly recommend going to 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa and see the popular swimming pool exhibit. Reserve a spot in adavnced so you can see the exhibit below the water.
Other Things to Do in Kanazawa Japan
There are so many things to do in Kanazawa that choosing what to do in just two days is difficult. But if you are staying longer or want to switch activities in the Kanazawa itinerary, here are some suggestions (blue pins on map):
- Nishi Chaya District (24 hours) – the smallest of the three traditional geisha district in Kanazawa but there are interesting museums like the Doll Museum and the Ninja Weapon Museum
- Myoryuji Temple (9am-4pm) – or Ninjadera, but the temple has nothing to do with ninja except for the ninja-like defences and escape routes in the building. Tour are in Japanese only but English guidebook is available.
- National Crafts Museum (9:30am-5:30pm; closed Mondays; ￥1,000) – see large collections of Japanese crafts from the Meiji period to the present day.
- Ohi Museum (9am-5pm; ￥1,000) – see unique pottery made by hand for the past 350 years
Day Trips from Kanazawa
If you are in Kanazawa for a few days and want to venture outside the city, consider adding a few excursions which are easy to get to by either bus or train. These are some popular day trip ideas from Kanazawa (green pins on map):
- Shirakawa-go – take a day trip to Shirakawa-go on your own or join a day tour to see the famous steep thatch-roofed farmhouses in the UNESCO village.
- Toyama – eat fresh seafood in the capital of Toyama Prefecture, or stay longer and visit the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
- Takaoka – see Takaoka Daibutsu, ride the Doraemon tram and attend annual festivals like Takaoka Mikuruma-yama Festival and Tonami Tulip Fair.
Where to stay in Kanazawa as a solo traveller
If you are in Kanazawa for only a few days, find a hotel that is central to all the local attractions. I highly recommend staying near Kanazawa Station or Omicho Market.
Here are some suggestions on places to stay while in Kanazawa:
- Blue Hour Kanazawa ($) – a modern hostel near Kanazawa Station that is excellent for budget solo travellers. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
- Hotel Torifito Kanazawa ($$) – I like this 3-star hotel near Kanazawa Station as I could walk to most places. The single room is a bit small but clean. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
- Korinkyo Kanazawa ($$$) – I found this hotel while wandering in the Katamachi neighbourhood. It’s not close to the train station, but the hotel looks modern chic, and the reception area looks interesting (I thought it was a sake brewery). Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
Is Kanazawa worth visiting as a solo traveller
I feel like a lot of people don’t know about Kanazawa but I definitely think it is worth visiting especially if you want to get off the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route. It is a bit off the beaten path (although the city was quite busy when I visited in April).
Plus, going to Kanazawa is super easy from Tokyo. It is only a 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride. And if you are going to Kyoto, it is only two hours away.
I hope you will venture out of the popular Japanese cities and see other parts of Japan like Kanazawa. Let me know if you have tried this itinerary or have any suggestions to make it better.
Ready to plan your trip to Kanazawa? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Kanazawa accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook for the best tours around Kanazawa.
Thank you for reading my solo Kanazawa itinerary
I have many posts on Japan so you might also like:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
- One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Chubu region
- Nagoya Day Trip Itinerary: What to see in one day
- Nakasendo Trail Guide: 1 to 3-Day Itinerary for hiking on your own
- Best things to do in Matsumoto: 1-day itinerary
- Takayama 2-day itinerary for first time solo travellers
- Shirakawa-go Solo Guide: How to get there & Itinerary
- Toyama 1-Day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
- Karuizawa Itinerary: 1 or 2 Days
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
