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Category: City Guide

  • What to Do in Kanazawa: A 2-Day Itinerary for Food & History

    What to Do in Kanazawa: A 2-Day Itinerary for Food & History

    When planning our Japan itinerary, Kanazawa wasn’t initially on the top of our list. But as we mapped out our route from Kyoto to Tokyo, this lesser-known gem in Ishikawa Prefecture stood out as the perfect stopover. And it turned out to be exactly that—a charming town rich in history and beauty, ideal for a short 2-3 day visit.

    Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa offers a condensed, genuine glimpse into historic Japan without the overwhelming crowds. The city is famous for its gold leaf production (kinpaku), and you’ll see its shimmering touch everywhere—a constant reminder of the city’s deep-rooted artisanal heritage. If you’re wondering is Kanazawa worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes.

    For our stay, we booked The Sanraku Hotel Kanazawa. It was a lovely 5-star hotel—impeccably clean with fantastic staff. However, we were missing a few amenities that we would usually expect in this category.

    Getting to Kanazawa

    Getting to Kanazawa is straightforward, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass. The city is a major stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible.

    • From Tokyo: The direct Shinkansen ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
    • From Kyoto/Osaka: You’ll need to take a combination of the Thunderbird limited express train and Shinkansen, which takes just over 2 hours.

    Must-See Sights in Kanazawa: A Walking Itinerary

    Kanazawa is incredibly walkable. Here are the sights you shouldn’t miss.

    Kanazawa Castle & Kenroku-en Garden

    Start your exploration at Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. While a reconstruction, its impressive gates and turrets give you a real sense of feudal Japan.

    Right next door is Kenroku-en, rightfully known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Every path leads to a picture-perfect view of its ancient ponds, stone lanterns, and charming teahouses. Plan for at least a couple of hours to soak it all in.

    A view of the historic Kanazawa Castle under a dramatic, cloudy sky.
    The iconic ancient pine trees of Kanazawa Kenroku-en Garden, with branches held up by traditional yukitsuri supports.

    Omicho Market: The City’s Kitchen

    A short walk from the castle is Omicho Market, while not as large as markets in bigger cities (like the famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto), its authentic vibe is its main draw. It’s the best place in Kanazawa to try fresh seafood, regional produce, and street food snacks.

    Explore the Historic Geisha and Samurai Districts

    No trip to Kanazawa is complete without walking through its preserved historical districts.

    • Higashi Chaya District: This is the city’s main geisha district, with beautiful latticed wooden teahouses that now serve as cafes and artisan shops.
    • Nagamachi Samurai District: Wander past the mud-walled residences where samurai once lived. You can even enter the Nomura-ke, a restored samurai house, to see how they lived.

    Best Restaurants in Kanazawa: From Hidden Ramen to DIY Sushi

    The food scene in Kanazawa was a major highlight of our trip. Here are our top recommendations.

    Dinner & Unique Food Experiences

    • Aburaya: This was a top find for authentic, cheap eats. A tiny ramen spot in the basement of an office building, you order from a cash-only machine in the back. It’s a no-frills, delicious, and genuine local experience.
    • Sushi Rekireki Omicho: Hands down, the best sushi experience we had in Japan. You must book in advance. We chose the omakase menu, where the chef presents a flawless course-by-course journey of the freshest fish. It’s a culinary event you won’t forget.
    • Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil: This concept is brilliant and so much fun. You build your own sushi from a huge list of high-quality ingredients. It’s interactive, creative, and a perfect activity for a date night. We loved it.
    The chef's counter at Sushi Rekireki Omicho, showing a platter of fresh fish prepared for an omakase meal.
    A colorful spread of ingredients for build-your-own temakizushi in small dishes at Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil.

    Breakfast & Coffee Shops

    • townsfolk coffee: The perfect place to start your day. We had a wonderful breakfast here before exploring the nearby samurai district.
    • PETRA BAKE & COFFEE: Located right at the corner of Omicho Market, it’s an ideal spot to grab a quality coffee and pastry before diving into the market’s buzz.
    • SWAY COFFEE ROASTER: For coffee aficionados, this modern cafe serves up an excellent brew in a sleek, contemporary setting.
    A breakfast spread at townsfolk coffee, featuring two lattes with heart-shaped art, a cardamom bun, and sliced bread.
    The counter at Petra Bake & Coffee, with its distinctive neon sign and a display of fresh baked goods.
    A tray from Sway Coffee Roaster holding a hot latte, an iced coffee, and a grilled panini.

    Final Thoughts: Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?

    Absolutely. Kanazawa was an unexpected highlight of our Japan travels. It packs an incredible amount of culture, history, and outstanding food into a compact, accessible city. While sights like Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto are stunning, the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of Kanazawa offered a welcome change of pace. It’s the perfect addition to any itinerary, beautifully bridging the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto.

  • 5 days in Kyoto

    5 days in Kyoto

    We recently completed our first Japan trip and I want to take you along with us to show you the highlights of each of our stops.

    Arrival: From Nagoya to Kyoto via Shinkansen

    We landed late at night in Nagoya and hopped on the legendary Shinkansen straight to Kyoto Station. Our first experience with Japan’s rail system – clean, fast, and punctual. In under two hours, we were in the cultural heart of Japan.

    Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Kyoto, was conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and just a few minutes from the subway.

    Getting Around Kyoto: What You Need to Know

    Let’s start with the practical part: how to get around Kyoto. The city has a massive central hub – Kyoto Station – and just two main subway lines. Most of your travel will likely involve buses, which operate on a zone-based system. Subways are distance-based.

    Tip: Grab a prepaid  IC card (like Suica or ICOCA). It works across most trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan – even in Tokyo or Osaka.

    IC cards are rechargeable cards that can be used to conveniently pay fares on public transport – they can also be used on vending machines, shops and restaurants. You can get physical cards at the airport or simply download the app. As foreigner you can’t reimburse money in the app so make sure to spend it at the airport.

    If you’re staying near the city center, consider walking. Kyoto is surprisingly walkable, and exploring the side streets gives you a glimpse into everyday life far from the tourist hotspots.

    Breakfast Spots 

    Totaro – A charming little café known for its Japanese-style sweet breakfast and matcha. Think delicate rice dumplings (dango) and cozy vibes. It opens at 10 AM, and even then, there’s usually a small queue. There’s no seating – just standing tables – but it’s worth the wait.

    Kissa Kishin – If you’re craving a more Western-style breakfast, this one hits the spot. It’s a favorite among international travelers and serves French toast, brioche, and good coffee. It’s located a bit outside the city center, so a bus or Uber is your best bet.

    Lorimer – A spot for the traditionalists. Here you can experience a classic Japanese breakfast with various sizes and dishes like grilled fish and pickled sides. We chose the smaller version, and it was just right to start the day.

    Totaro
    Kissa Kishin
    Lorimer

    Lunch & Dinner: Ramen Dreams Come True

    Men-ya Inoichi – This is where Instagram and real life collide. The ramen here is truly exceptional, but be warned: it’s popular. You take a number, go away for a couple of hours, then return and wait again. All for 20 minutes of ramen bliss. If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, be prepared to wait – but it’s worth it. Plan ahead and explore the city while you wait.

    Comorebi – Our second ramen stop, and honestly our favorite. A cozy little place with excellent ramen, great local beer, and warm hospitality. We didn’t have to wait when we arrived, but by the time we left, a line had already formed. Still, we never felt rushed. A true hidden gem.

    Mama Pizza – If you’re craving pizza in Kyoto, Mama Pizza is the spot to go. Located a bit outside the city center and near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, it’s the perfect place to refuel after a stroll through one of Kyoto’s most scenic areas. The surrounding neighborhood is peaceful and picturesque, making it well worth the detour.

    Men-ya Inoichi
    Comorebi 
    Mama

    Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

    Nijō Castle – A beautiful historical site that’s less crowded than Kyoto’s other landmarks but just as impressive. It has a wonderful maintained garden and is beautiful to walk around, just the inner building can be full especially with bigger tourist groups blocking the small hallways.

    Nishiki Market – A must-visit for any foodie. This crowded street market is filled with street food, fresh seafood, and local specialties. It’s a great place to snack and explore at the same time.

    Kiyomizu-dera – Probably the most touristy place we visited, but undeniably beautiful. The streets leading up to the temple are packed, so try visiting during a weekday or early morning for a calmer experience. Once you’re there, the view is worth it.

    Nijō
    Nishiki Market
    Kiyomizu-dera

    Cherry Blossoms as we travelled during cherry blossom season here are some additional tips if you want to find the best places to take some pictures. There is a website tracking the level of bloom during bloom season with daily updates. If they are at full bloom be quick, they only last about two weeks. If you are not keen on seeing these beautiful trees I would advise to travel sometime else, hotels will be cheaper and it will be less crowded.