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Overview
Kanazawa City prides itself in the colours of Kenrokuen Garden throughout the four seasons, in the clear water of the Saigawa and Asanogawa rivers, in its abundant greenery, and in its refined traditional culture – and a the same time incorporates modern traditional elements as it continues to develop.
Located within the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture, 450 kilometres from Tokyo on the coastal plain beside the Sea of Japan, offering a mixture of colours and flavours all year round, which is beautifully showcased in the capital city of Kanazawa. Once a proud castle town the city is steeped in history and tradition which still exudes a refined edo-era atmosphere.
Kanazawa is the historic centre of gold leaf production and home to some of Japan’s most highly skilled traditional artisans, its impeccably maintained samurai period architecture and gardens are now renowned as some of the finest in the land.
To the south is the Kaga region, also characterised by rich farmland, and the rugged mountain ranges home to Mt Hakusan – a culturally sacred site and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Kaga was in fact considered so abundant in ancient times that it came to be known as ‘Kaga Hyakumangoku’. Today, the name Kaga Hyakumangoku has become synonymous with Ishikawa’s traditional culture, and thanks to the opening of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line, is easier to discover than ever before, making Kanazawa a must!
Kanazawa has plenty of sites to see including; Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenrokuen Garden, multiple museums, souvenir shops, the Nomura Samurai House, Oyama Jinja Shrine and plenty more.
Adventures & Attractions
Our recommended resort highlights.
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, is an old private garden. Along with Kairaku-en and Kōraku-en, Kenroku-en is one of the Three Great G
Kanazawa station
Probably the most striking part of Kanazawa Station is its massive wooden gate. Despite being considered an unattractive modern structure at first, Kan
Higashi Chaya District
A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, ch
21st Century Museum
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (金沢21世紀美術館, Kanazawa Nijūichiseiki Bijutsukan) opened in 2004 in downtown Kanazawa, just a few steps from K
Kanazawa Castle
From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranki
Omicho Market
Omicho Market (近江町市場, Ōmichō Ichiba) has been Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of co
- How to Reach Kanazawa
- Resorts & City Guide
By Air
Kanazawa's airport is located in the city of Komatsu, a 40 minute bus ride (1150 yen) from central Kanazawa. JAL and ANA operate several flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Komatsu Airport. Flight time is one hour.
By Train
Tokyo and Kanazawa are directly connected with each other by JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way ride takes 2.5 to 3 hours
By Car
It is possible to drive from Tokyo to Kanazawa but it is quite a long journey and you will have to pay toll fees for at least 5 different expressways. The cheapest route will cost 9,100 yen in toll fees but take around 7 hours and 30 minutes.
By Bus
The one way trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours and costs around 6000 to 8000 yen depending on the bus and date of travel. There are daytime and overnight buses. Discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, offer one way fares from around 4500 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
By Private Transfer
Private transfer is available from Komatsu Airport to Kanazawa