카나자와 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 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 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.
Japanese:
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
Vegan / Vegetarian-Friendly:
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
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:
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
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 sushi
Itaru Honten – Japanese pub-style meals with local sake
Shunsai Tsubaki – Seasonal kaiseki dinner using local ingredients
Vegan / Vegetarian:
AIN SOPH. Journey Kanazawa – Fully vegan restaurant with curry, pasta, and desserts
Café Mojo – Vegetarian-friendly international dishes in a casual setting
