가나자 와 Day Guides
Kanazawa is a beautiful city filled with history, culture, and traditional charm. For your first day, two must-see spots are Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens, and Kanazawa Castle, a stunning historical site right next door. These places offer a peaceful and scenic introduction to the city, perfect for feeling Kanazawa’s unique atmosphere.
Let’s dive into how to enjoy your first day in Kanazawa!
If you are traveling from another city like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, take a morning train so you can arrive in Kanazawa before lunch.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station
About 2.5–3 hours
✅ JR Pass accepted
Take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Kanazawa Station
About 2–2.5 hours
✅ JR Pass accepted
Tip: Try to arrive in Kanazawa between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM so you have time to explore.
When you arrive at Kanazawa Station, you can store your luggage so it’s easier to move around.
✔ Coin lockers (available in various sizes)
✔ Luggage storage counters inside the station
✔ Many hotels offer early luggage drop-off even before check-in time
From Kanazawa Station, you can take a local bus or walk to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan.
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop)
Get off at Kenrokuen-shita Bus Stop
Time: 15–20 minutes by bus
Tip: You can use an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) or buy a 1-day Hokutetsu bus pass.
This is one of Japan’s most famous traditional gardens. It’s beautiful year-round and very peaceful.
Entry: ¥320
✔ Walk through the stone paths, bridges, and ponds
✔ See the famous Kotoji-toro Lantern
✔ Visit Kasumigaike Pond and Gankobashi Bridge
✔ Optional: Visit Seisonkaku Villa (a preserved samurai residence inside the garden)
Just across from Kenrokuen Garden is Kanazawa Castle. It was the home of the Maeda samurai clan and has been carefully restored.
✔ The large Ishikawa Gate
✔ Inside exhibits like Gojukken Nagaya (watchtower and storage room)
✔ Long stone walls and wide open green areas
✔ Optional: Climb the small hills for views of the city
There are many restaurants and cafés nearby with different types of food.
Katsura (near Kenrokuen) – Set meals with tempura, rice, and soup
Itchū-an – Local soba noodle house with a peaceful atmosphere
Tsubajin (luxury kaiseki option) – Historic restaurant serving multi-course meals
Los Angeles Café – Vegan-friendly burgers, salads, and smoothie bowls
Café N – Modern café with vegetarian lunch sets and matcha desserts
Fumuroya Café – Specializes in yuba (tofu skin) meals; has light vegetarian dishes
If you have time and want to explore something modern, visit this museum just a 5-minute walk from Kenrokuen.
✔ Unique modern art pieces and architecture
✔ The famous "Swimming Pool" installation
✔ Rotating exhibits and interactive displays
Take a short walk to explore traditional streets full of crafts and snacks.
Tatemachi Street – Trendy fashion and local boutiques
Korinbo District – Shopping and cafes near Kenrokuen
Shintenchi Street – Traditional shops selling crafts, tea, and sweets
Tip: Pick up local souvenirs like gold-leaf items, wagashi (Japanese sweets), or Kutani ceramics
Time for a break before heading to your hotel.
Kenrokuen Saryo – Traditional matcha and seasonal sweets
Curio Espresso & Vintage Design Café – Relaxed café with good coffee and light food
Chotto – Vegan-friendly café with herbal drinks and desserts
Kanazawa Higashiyama Shitsurae – Tea and gold-leaf desserts in a peaceful space
Head back to your hotel to check in, relax, and refresh.
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or a taxi if your hotel is not near the garden area.
If you're not too tired, enjoy a delicious dinner nearby.
Morimori Sushi (inside Omicho Market or Kanazawa Station) – Fresh, affordable sushi
Itaru Honten – Japanese pub-style meals with local sake
Shunsai Tsubaki – Seasonal kaiseki dinner using local ingredients
AIN SOPH. Journey Kanazawa – Fully vegan restaurant with curry, pasta, and desserts
Café Mojo – Vegetarian-friendly international dishes in a casual setting
