Kyoto to Kanazawa 2025: Guide & Best Onward Routes to Shirakawago, Gokayama & More
Kanazawa developed as a castle town from the 17th to 19th centuries and has been known as a cultural city alongside Kyoto and Edo (the old name for Tokyo). The city still retains its Samurai district and Chaya district, and you can feel the atmosphere of bygone days through traditional crafts such as Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing and gold leaf crafts.
By combining Kyoto and Kanazawa in your itinerary, you can understand the charm of how Japanese culture has developed differently in each region while making comparisons. In this article, the author, who has visited Kanazawa many times, will introduce the attractions of Kanazawa in detail.
Table of Contents
-If You're Visiting Kyoto and Kanazawa, the Route via Kanazawa to Kanto-Side Tourist Destinations is Recommended
-4 Must-See Spots to Enjoy in Kanazawa as a Transit Destination
-3 Must-Visit Spots After Exploring Kyoto and Kanazawa - Author's Recommendations
If You're Visiting Kyoto and Kanazawa, the Route via Kanazawa to Kanto-Side Tourist Destinations is Recommended
The route from Kyoto to Kanazawa via Kanto-side tourist destinations is not only efficient for touring Japan's traditions and history but also excellent as a tourist route. From Kyoto to Kanazawa, access is easy by Limited Express Train, and by using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can smoothly travel to cities like Tokyo and Nagano.
By choosing this route, you can not only use travel time efficiently but also enjoy the different cultures and landscapes of various parts of Japan at each stopover. Let's look at the specific benefits of this travel route from three perspectives in detail.
Benefit 1: Efficiently Tour Historically Rich Cities in Japan
Kanazawa is sometimes called "Little Kyoto" because you can feel similarities with Kyoto in its streetscapes and atmosphere. The stone pavements of the tea house districts and traditional craft culture certainly remind one of Kyoto, but in reality, it has developed uniquely.
While Kyoto flourished with court culture centered on royalty and nobility, Kanazawa developed under powerful daimyo during the Edo period (1603–1868), becoming a city where samurai culture and traditional crafts took root. If you tour both cities in one trip, you can enjoy comparing the similarities and differences, gaining a better understanding of the diversity of Japanese culture.
For travelers interested in history and culture, actually walking and feeling these differences is one of the great attractions.
Benefit 2: Easy Access to Popular Tourist Destinations in the Hokuriku Region
Kanazawa is conveniently located as a base for Hokuriku tourism. It's possible to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama on day trips. You can also enjoy fresh seafood from Toyama Bay and the spectacular views of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, experiencing both nature and food culture.
By going via Kanazawa, travel becomes more efficient than visiting directly from Kyoto, allowing you to incorporate diverse tourist destinations while maintaining flexibility in your itinerary.
For those who want to experience history, nature, and gourmet food in one trip, using Kanazawa as a base is an ideal choice.
Benefit 3: Easy Access to the Kanto Side and Other Tourist Destinations
Kanazawa is directly connected to Tokyo by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making travel to the Kanto region very convenient.
By going from Kyoto to Kanazawa as a stopover, after enjoying history and culture, you can smoothly access the modern metropolis of Tokyo or nature-rich regions like Nagano and Matsumoto.
The scope of tourism expands dramatically, so even short-stay travelers can experience different aspects of Japan's charm in a short time—from "ancient capitals to modern cities" and "tradition to nature."
The flexibility to enjoy the journey itself while freely choosing your next destination is the greatest benefit of this route.
How to Travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa via Popular Hokuriku Tourist Destinations
From Kyoto to Kanazawa, the common route is to travel by Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. For Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, express buses departing from Kanazawa Station are convenient and take about 1-2 hours to arrive.
When heading to Matsumoto, you can use the Limited Express Shinano to enjoy the spectacular views of the Northern Alps during travel. For the Kanto region, including Tokyo and Nagano, the Hokuriku Shinkansen provides direct connections, allowing efficient use of time during travel.
By using Kanazawa as a transit point in this way, you can seamlessly travel to Hokuriku's traditional culture and nature, as well as to major cities in the Kanto region.
4 Must-See Spots to Enjoy in Kanazawa as a Transit Destination
Kanazawa is a destination where history and culture are condensed into remarkable spots. Even during a short stay, you can fully experience its charm. Rather than just passing through, please be sure to incorporate sightseeing into your itinerary, especially if you're traveling the popular Kyoto to Kanazawa route.
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en is one of The Three Great Gardens of Japan and represents Kanazawa's most famous garden. Within the garden, ponds, tea houses, and pathways are skillfully arranged, allowing visitors to enjoy landscapes where nature and architectural beauty harmonize perfectly.
The garden is particularly characterized by showing different charms each season: cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and traditional snow protection called Yukitsuri in winter. The time I recommend most is early morning. You can stroll in a quiet atmosphere with fewer people and monopolize the garden's beauty in the crisp air.
Located in the city center, it's easily accessible even for short visits. This is an unmissable tourist attraction for those who want to experience Japanese culture and natural beauty.
<Information>
Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 7:00-18:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle is a castle built as a stronghold by powerful samurai who ruled this region from the 17th to 19th centuries. It still stands majestically in the city center, and within its vast grounds, you can see stone walls and castle gates. From the castle walls, you can also glimpse the defensive ingenuity and architectural techniques of that era.
What was particularly impressive when I visited was being able to enjoy different expressions from various angles surrounding the castle. From the main gate side, you can feel its strength, while from the garden side, you can enjoy a calm atmosphere. Just walking around the perimeter allowed me to feel the historical atmosphere.
When visited together with the adjacent Kenroku-en, you can experience both Kanazawa's history and nature at once.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa-shi
Business Hours: 7:00-18:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa's representative tourist area that preserves the Japanese streetscape from about 200 years ago exactly as it was. Along the stone-paved streets, traditional houses with lattice doors line up, conveying the vestiges of Chaya where Geisha once entertained guests. Currently, they are used as cafes, restaurants, and shops handling traditional crafts.
When I visited, I was impressed by the sight of travelers strolling with Gold leaf ice cream in hand. Kanazawa is the center of Japan's gold leaf production. Gold leaf ice cream is a Kanazawa specialty featuring edible gold leaf adorning soft serve ice cream.
There are many photo-worthy spots, making it a perfect place for travelers who want to experience Japanese atmosphere.
<Information>
Address: 1-chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: 076-251-6777
Official Website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a lively market called "The Kitchen of Kanazawa" with about 300 years of history. The market has over 200 stores lined up, offering a wide range of items from fresh fish to vegetables, fruits, and local prepared foods.
What I particularly recommend is the seafood bowl made abundantly with fresh seafood. Since Kanazawa faces the Sea of Japan and has excellent fishing grounds nearby where cold and warm currents meet, the freshness of seafood is outstanding.
Located within walking distance from Kanazawa Station with good access, it's an easy spot to drop by during sightseeing. This is an indispensable place for travelers who want to experience Kanazawa's food culture all at once.
<Information>
Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 076-231-1462
Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
For Efficiently and Deeply Enjoying Kanazawa in a Short Period, Sightseeing with Local Guide Commentary is Recommended
If you want to thoroughly enjoy Kanazawa in limited time, whether you're on a Kyoto to Kanazawa journey or other travel route, participating in tours guided by local guides is recommended.
For example, the "Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour" visits three hidden renowned restaurants known only to locals, allowing you to savor local flavors alongside Japanese sake. On the other hand, the "Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour" covers standard spots like Omicho Market, Kenroku-en, and Higashi Chaya District.
You can taste fresh ingredients at the market, enjoy seasonal scenery in the garden, and experience Kanazawa's diverse attractions even in a short time. Both tours provide learning beyond mere sightseeing through commentary by guides who know the local area well.
Please choose the experience that suits your travel style.
<Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour>
Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
Tour area: Katamachi area
Start time: 18:00
<Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour>
Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour area: Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle Park, Higashi Chaya District
Start time: 10:00
3 Must-Visit Spots After Exploring Kyoto and Kanazawa - Author's Recommendations
When you extend your journey a bit further from Kanazawa, you'll encounter landscapes and cultural lifestyles that differ from both Kyoto and Kanazawa. Here are three spots that truly moved me when I actually visited them.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Gasshō-zukuri village settlements located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture. Gasshō-zukuri refers to an architectural style with thatched roofs that resemble hands pressed together in prayer.
This region is a heavy snowfall area where snow accumulation can exceed 170 centimeters in February. Therefore, the roofs are designed with steep slopes so that snow naturally slides off.
I visited during early summer when the fresh greenery was dazzling, and the scenery of Gasshō-zukuri houses spreading across lush green fields felt exactly like Japan's original landscape.
It's easily accessible from Kanazawa by express bus in about 1 hour and easy to incorporate into your itinerary, so please visit and experience its charm firsthand.
<Information>
Address: 1086 Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture (Shirakawa-go Tourism Association)
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 05769-6-1013 (9:00-17:00)
Official Website: https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/
Gokayama
Gokayama is a Gasshō-zukuri village settlement in the mountains of Toyama Prefecture, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Shirakawa-go.
Compared to Shirakawa-go, it's smaller in scale, but correspondingly has fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
I participated in a Washi papermaking workshop at a local craft studio. The Washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper) made carefully one sheet at a time using cold clear streams is a traditional craft that breathes with Gokayama's nature and people's lives. I was moved by being able to create something with my own hands.
It's accessible from Kanazawa by bus in about 1 hour. This is the perfect spot for those who want to experience Japanese traditional culture in a quiet environment.
<Information>
Address: 754 Kaminashi, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture (Gokayama General Information Center)
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 0763-66-2468
Official Website: https://gokayama-info.jp/
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano Prefecture that developed around the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle. Matsumoto Castle is characterized by its black exterior and has Japan's oldest surviving multi-storied wooden castle keep.
I climbed to the top floor of the castle keep, but steep wooden stairs continued throughout, requiring careful attention to footing. However, from the top floor, I could see the Alps mountains spread out before me, and the spectacular view made all the fatigue disappear.
In the castle town area, old storehouse-style buildings remain. Strolling through Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street lined with crafts and cafes is also an enjoyable experience.
From Kanazawa, it takes about 2.5 hours by connecting Shinkansen and local train lines. I recommend this as a destination where you can feel both history and nature.
<Information>
Address: 3-7 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (Matsumoto City Hall)
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 0263-33-9840 (Matsumoto City Citizens Division)
Official Website: https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/
Important Points When Traveling from Kyoto via Kanazawa to Other Tourist Destinations
When continuing your journey from Kyoto via Kanazawa to other destinations, careful attention to time allocation for sightseeing is necessary.
The key points are: the arrival time from Kyoto to Kanazawa, and the departure time from Kanazawa to your next destination.
For those who want to cover major tourist spots in Kanazawa: If you depart Kyoto in the morning and arrive in Kanazawa before noon, you'll have time to visit major tourist attractions like Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District. (4-5 hours)
For those who want to enjoy Kanazawa centered on walking around town and food: If you arrive in Kanazawa in the early afternoon, you can tour Omicho Market and Chaya Districts for 3-4 hours.
For those who want to stop by Kanazawa between moves: You can sightsee 1-2 places like dining at Omicho Market or strolling through Chaya District in about 2 hours.
Kanazawa is an attractive tourist destination. Please take time to enjoy your sightseeing.
To Enjoy Each City, Tour with Local Guides Who Know the Area Inside and Out!
If you're taking the trouble to visit Japan, you'll want to walk around understanding the unique background and culture of each place, not just looking at tourist spots.
For those who want to enjoy each location to the fullest, I recommend Magical Trip's tours with local guides.
- Local guides familiar with the area teach historical and cultural backgrounds in English
- Trusted track record with top ratings on TripAdvisor
- Special experiences that blend into the local community
With small groups and a homely atmosphere, you can taste "real local experiences" that aren't for tourists - that's what makes Magical Trip's tours special.
If you want to spend special memorable time, please check the tour details.