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.
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.
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.
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.
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