KANAZAWA

3 hours 5 minutes by Shinkansen bullet train (direct via Hokuriku Shinkansen) - ¥14,180 - directions

Kanazawa, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, and beautiful gardens. It was a prominent castle town during the Edo period, and today, it preserves its historical charm while embracing modernity.

✦ Kenroku-en Gardens - As seen in Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens

14 minutes by taxi (by via Mitsui Garden Kanazawa and drop luggage with the front desk) - directions
Open: 7:00am–6:00pm
Closed: No Closures

Justifiably classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries.

Cost: Adult ¥320

Kaga-Yuzen Kimono Center

directions
Open: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: Wednesdays

The history of Kaga Yuzen dyeing dates back 500 years, to when Umezome (plain dyeing) was the distinctive dyeing technique of the Kaga district. In the mid 17th century, pattern and picture dyeing were introduced to produce elegant designs, and those techniques evolved into today’s Kaga Yuzen dyeing technique. In 1712, Yuzensai Miyazaki, a noted designer of fans, came to Kanazawa from Kyoto as a designer and dyer of the Tarodaya dyeing house. With his outstanding skill in dyeing using paste, he contributed greatly to the development of Kaga Yuzen dyeing. Kaga Yuzen dyeing flourished in Kanazawa under the patronage of the feudal lords of the Kaga district, and the city produced many outstanding dyers and designer.

• Kaga-Yuzen Dyeing Experience

  Try you hand at Kaga-Yuzen. Kaga Yuzen uses five basic colors; indigo, crimson, ocher, dark green and royal purple, and the designs depict beautiful elements of nature such as flowers, birds and landscapes. The dyeing style is characterized by the technique of shading from the outside to the inside of the patterns, and by realistic motifs such as plants and flowers with leaves bitten by insects.

  Duration: 20 ~o 60 minutes
  Cost: ¥1.650 ~ ¥2,750 - dependant on item and dying method chosen
  You can book ahead of time (recommended) - booking link

✦ Kanazawa Castle - Seaat of the powerful Maeda Clan

directions
Open: 7:00am ~ 6:00pm
Closed: No Closures

Kanazawa Castle is a historic landmark that once served as the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Originally built in 1580, the castle has been reconstructed several times due to fires and other damage. Today, its impressive stone walls, restored gates, and wooden structures like the Ishikawa-mon Gate and Gojikken Nagaya storehouse offer a glimpse into feudal architecture.

Cost: Entry to the Hishi Yagura, Gojuken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura : Adult ¥320 / Child (6~17) ¥100

Explore Nagamachi - Samurai District

Nagamachi is a historic samurai district known for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. Once home to middle and upper-class samurai, the area features narrow lanes, earthen walls, stone-paved streets, and traditional residences like the Nomura-ke Samurai House. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful neighborhood and get a glimpse of samurai life in feudal Japan.

• ✦ Nomura-ke - Samurai Residence and Museum

1.2km / 17 minutes on foot from Kanazawa Castle - directions
Nearby parking lot - directions
Open: 8:30am ~ 5:30pm
Closed: No Closures

Nomura-ke is the former residence of the Nomura family, an influential samurai clan in Kanazawa during the Edo period. Located in the Nagamachi Samurai District, this traditional house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the samurai class. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved rooms, elegant fusuma sliding doors, and stunning Japanese gardens with koi ponds and stone lanterns, often regarded as one of the most exquisite in Japan.

Cost: Adult ¥550

• Enjoy Tea and sweets in the Tea Rooms on the 2nd Floor overlooking the garden

• Walk Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District

  directions
  The Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District in Kanazawa is a preserved samurai neighborhood where stone-paved lanes, earthen walls, and historic residences reflect the lifestyle of samurai during the Edo period. Once home to middle and high-ranking samurai of the Kaga Domain, the area features several restored houses and museums, including the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence.
  

  • Hondaya - Tabelware Shop

    directions

    Open: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
    Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays

    Honda-ya Tableware Shop is a charming boutique that specializes in everyday-use Japanese tableware, featuring original designs by owner Masako Honda. These unique pieces are crafted by artisans from various regions, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Notably, some items creatively combine Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani porcelain, resulting in distinctive and practical designs.

🍺Kanazawa Chuo Mishokugai - Bar Alley 

500m / 7 minutes on foot from Nagamachi Bike Yashiki District - directions

Open: Monday ~ Saturday 5:00pm ~ 11:00pm / Sunday 6:00pm ~ 9:00pm
Closed: No Closures

Kanazawa Chuo Mishokugai is a hidden gem nestled in the backstreets of the Katamachi district, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Japan's Showa era. This compact alleyway is lined with approximately 20 tiny bars and eateries, each exuding a retro charm with low ceilings and vintage decor. Most establishments accommodate only a handful of patrons, fostering an intimate and friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can engage in casual conversations over local dishes and drinks.

Head to Kanazawa Accommodation

• Hotel Details

  Mitsui Garden Kanazawa - directions
  Contact:
  Address:

  Check-in: 23rd August after 3:00pm
  Check-out: 25th August before 11:00am