Kanazawa Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend Your First Day in Kanazawa Visiting Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle
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!
Take a Train to Kanazawa Station
If you are traveling from another city like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, take a morning train so you can arrive in Kanazawa before lunch.
From Tokyo:
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station
About 2.5–3 hours
✅ JR Pass accepted
From Kyoto or Osaka:
Take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga Station then hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen 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.
Drop Off Your Luggage at Kanazawa Station
When you arrive at Kanazawa Station, you can store your luggage so it’s easier to move around.
Luggage Options:
✔ Coin lockers (available in various sizes)
✔ Luggage storage counters inside the station
✔ Many hotels offer early luggage drop-off even before check-in time
Take a Bus or Walk to Kenrokuen Garden
From Kanazawa Station, you can take a local bus or take a casual 30 minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan.
How to Get There:
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.
Explore Kenrokuen Garden
This is one of Japan’s most famous traditional gardens. It’s beautiful year-round and very peaceful.
Entry: ¥320
What to Do:
✔ 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)
Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
Just across from Kenrokuen Garden is Kanazawa Castle. It was the home of the Maeda samurai clan and has been carefully restored.
What to See:
✔ 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
Eat Lunch Near the Garden and Castle
There are many restaurants and cafés nearby with different types of food.
Manseitei – Traditional set meals such as tempura, soba, and udon inside a stunning old building.
Sushi Haru – Upscale omakase sushi restaurant with only 10 seats.
Nanahoshi Curry (Vegetarian-Friendly) – Reasonably well priced curry meals close to the garden.
Love for All (Vegan/Gluten-Friendly) – Western Japanese fusion with amazing vegan and gluten options.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
If you have time and want to explore something modern, visit this museum just a 5-minute walk from Kenrokuen.
What’s Inside:
✔ Unique modern art pieces and architecture
✔ The famous "Swimming Pool" installation
✔ Rotating exhibits and interactive displays
Walk Through Kanazawa's Old Shopping Streets
Take a short walk to explore traditional streets full of crafts and snacks.
Areas to Explore:
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
Take a Tea or Dessert Break
Time for a break before heading to your hotel.
Tea Houses & Cafés:
Sui.Coffee +Veg (Vegan Friendly) – Relaxed cafe with vegan options such as falafel sandwiches and vegan cakes.
Curio Espresso & Vintage Design Café – Relaxed café with good coffee and light food
Kakurezato Coffee – Great coffee spot with amazing pies.
Kanazawa Higashiyama Shitsurae – Take your afternoon tea up a level at this afternon tea spot with gold-leaf desserts.
Check In to Your Hotel
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.
Dinner in Kanazawa
If you're not too tired, enjoy a delicious dinner nearby.
Local Specialties:
Morimori Sushi (inside Omicho Market or Kanazawa Station) – Fresh, affordable conveyorbelt sushi
Itaru Honten – Japanese izakaya restaurant serving up with local sake
Tsubajin – For those with deep pockets, venture to Tsubajin which is among the oldest ryotei restaurants in the region.
Vegan / Vegetarian:
Hatakenoko (Vegetarian-friendly) – Locally sourced and home grown veggie dishes for great prices
Slow Luck －vegetable bal－ (Vegan-Friendly) – Western Japanese fusion with great vegetarian and vegan options
