Ultimate Kanazawa One-Day Itinerary: Explore Kenrokuen, Samurai Districts & Geisha Houses
Kanazawa is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture where historic buildings and traditional culture remain. Kanazawa developed as a castle town ruled by a leader named Maeda during the Edo period, from approximately 1600 to the late 1850s. Kanazawa is known as a city in Japan where old buildings and traditional townscapes are preserved as they were.
Many tourist attractions are located near Kanazawa Station, where major trains and shinkansen pass through, so you can fully enjoy it even in one day. This time, we introduce a Kanazawa One-day Itinerary to fully enjoy Kanazawa.
How to Get to Kanazawa from Tokyo?
From Tokyo to Kanazawa, you can access by three methods: airplane, shinkansen, and highway bus.
If you go by airplane, you head from Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport. The advantage of airplanes is that you can travel cheaper than shinkansen. However, it takes time due to airport procedures and transfers.
Travel time: About 3 hours
From Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport: About 30 minutes to 1 hour
Flight time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
From Komatsu Airport to Kanazawa Station: About 45 minutes
Price: About 12,000 yen
Shinkansen is a convenient and fast method. Although the price is higher than others, you can board immediately on the same day if seats are available. This is recommended for those who want to use time effectively.
Travel time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Price: About 14,000 yen
Highway bus is the most cost-effective way among the three methods. You can travel cheaper than any other transportation method, but instead the travel time is long, so it's recommended for those who don't mind long-distance travel.
Travel time: About 8 hours 30 minutes
Price: About 3,000 yen
Kanazawa's Attractions
Kanazawa is a city where historic buildings, traditional culture, and modern buildings coexist.
From beautiful Japanese gardens to museums displaying modern art, you can enjoy both traditional culture and new culture. Also, fresh seafood caught in the Japan Sea and seasonal cuisine using local specialties are attractive points of Kanazawa.
Kanazawa is also characterized by the fact that many traditional cultures remain. There are Kutaniyaki, which is colorful pottery, dyeing techniques called Kaga-yuzen, and crafts using thin gold plates, and many goods related to traditional crafts are sold.
Since tourist spots are concentrated in a relatively compact area, you can efficiently visit various places.
Route Overview of One-day Itinerary in Kanazawa
The Kanazawa One-day Itinerary model course we will introduce from now on is a course where you can efficiently enjoy Kanazawa's traditional culture, history, gourmet food, and contemporary art.
In the morning, you will experience art at a contemporary art museum, and for lunch, you will taste fresh seafood cuisine. In the afternoon, you will experience Japanese garden culture at popular tourist spots Kenroku-En and Kanazawa Castle Park, and stroll through the historic townscape of the tea house districts. Finally, you will enjoy local gourmet food and drinks in Kanazawa's famous entertainment district.
We will explain the attractions and recommended points of each spot, so please consider your itinerary by referring to this Kanazawa One-day Itinerary model route.
A Kanazawa One-day Itinerary to Savor Tradition, Culture, and Cuisine
10:00 AM: Experience Japanese Contemporary Art at "The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art"
Source:Wikipedia
First, let's experience Japanese contemporary art at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum features many interactive artworks that you can actually touch and experience. One particularly popular piece is Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool," which creates the mysterious experience of feeling like you're inside a swimming pool.
There are also many other artworks that you can enjoy with the same casual feeling as playing in a park. Even though I'm not well-versed in art, experiencing the works through touch made art feel very accessible to me.
The Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is thoroughly enjoyable not only for those interested in contemporary art, but also for those who don't usually visit museums.
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: (Exchange Zone) 9:00-22:00 (Exhibition Zone) 10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: (Exchange Zone) Year-end and New Year holidays (Exhibition Zone) Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays
Phone Number: 076-220-2800
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
12:00 PM: Enjoy Fresh Ingredients at Omicho Market
Next, let's enjoy fresh ingredients at Omicho Market. Omicho Market is a lively market beloved as the kitchen of Kanazawa citizens.
At Omicho Market, approximately 170 shops line the narrow pathways, selling fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan and locally produced vegetables, along with restaurants where you can taste seafood dishes.
Popular seafood bowl restaurants sometimes have long lines, so make sure to allow plenty of time for your visit.
Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone Number: 076-231-1462
Official Website: http://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Kaisendon Yutaka Suisan
Source:Tabelog
Kaisendon Yutaka Suisan is a seafood bowl specialty restaurant that prides itself on exceptionally fresh seafood.
The owner personally purchases fish directly from Kanazawa Port every morning, and the seafood bowls luxuriously feature the finest ingredients of the day, including medium fatty tuna, salmon, and sweet shrimp. They vary their cutting techniques depending on the type of fish, maximizing the flavor of each seafood ingredient, which is my recommendation point for Kaisendon Yutaka Suisan.
Among the many menu items at Kaisendon Yutaka Suisan, the luxurious seafood bowl featuring over 15 types of fresh seafood is particularly popular. It has a cake-like appearance and is perfect for those who want to enjoy various types of seafood.
Address: 31 Jikken-machi, Omicho Market, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: 7:00-15:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone Number: 090-3293-0032
Official Website: https://yutaka-oumicho.com/
Kaisendon Hirai
Source:Tabelog
Kaisendon Hirai is a seafood bowl restaurant operated by a high-end Japanese restaurant. They pride themselves on meticulous work that never compromises on taste, with carefully prepared premium ingredients arranged on top of the bowl. The delicate seasoning and beautiful presentation characteristic of Japanese cuisine are my recommendation points.
Kaisendon Hirai's popular menu item is the special seafood bowl featuring only premium ingredients such as tuna, crab, and sea urchin. They also offer smaller mini-bowls, so those worried about finishing their meal or families with children can dine with peace of mind.
In addition to seafood bowls, you can also enjoy Japanese cuisine and Ishikawa local sake, making it recommended for those who want to taste Japanese dishes beyond seafood bowls. For those who don't like raw fish, they also offer bowls topped with tempura (vegetables and seafood fried in batter) and eel bowls, allowing people with various preferences to enjoy dining together.
Address: 29 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City
Operating Hours: 11:00-21:00, Wednesday 11:00-15:30, Saturday 10:30-21:00, Sunday and holidays 10:30-21:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone Number: 076-234-0448
Official Website: http://www.kaisen-hirai.com/
Mori Mori Sushi Omicho
Source:Ohmicho Ichiba
Mori Mori Sushi Omicho is famous as the originator of conveyor belt sushi in Kanazawa. Conveyor belt sushi refers to restaurants that serve sushi on small plates delivered via belt conveyor. Mori Mori Sushi has gained attention from gourmet enthusiasts nationwide as a high-quality conveyor belt sushi restaurant unique to regional areas.
The attractive point of Mori Mori Sushi Omicho is that the fish freshness is outstanding since it's located inside the market. The particularly popular 3-piece set allows you to taste and compare three types of toppings selected from the finest ingredients that arrived that day, one by one.
Mori Mori Sushi Omicho has both counter seats where you can watch the craftsmen make sushi up close and table seats where you can relax, making it easy to use whether you're traveling solo or in a group.
This restaurant is perfect for those who want to choose and eat their favorite sushi from various types.
Address: 88 Aokusa-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 8:00～16:30
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 076-262-7477
Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/gourmet/shop73401/
1:30PM: Enjoy Elegant Nature and Kanazawa Traditions at Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park
After filling your stomach at Omicho Market, enjoy beautiful nature and Kanazawa traditions at Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park as part of your perfect Kanazawa One-day Itinerary.
Kenroku-en is a Japanese garden that earned the highest 3-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. You can enjoy different scenery each season - spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes - so you can feel the garden's beauty no matter what season you visit.
Since Kanazawa has well-established kimono rental shops, taking commemorative photos in kimono with the beautiful Japanese garden as a backdrop is one of my recommended ways to enjoy the experience.
Since Kenroku-en is an extremely popular tourist destination, early morning or evening hours are recommended if you want to stroll quietly. The entire garden is illuminated at night, so visiting at night is also an option for those who want to feel a fantastical atmosphere.
Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: (March 1 - October 15) 7:00～18:00, (October 16 - End of February) 8:00～17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 076-221-6453
Official Website: http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Kanazawa Castle Park is a park built on the site where a castle once stood. The turrets and long houses were faithfully reconstructed in 2001 based on old drawings and historical materials from that time.
The Ishikawa-mon Gate and Tsurumaru Soko within the Kanazawa Castle Park grounds are recognized as nationally valuable historical buildings, so please take time to observe them carefully. Additionally, at Gyokuseninmaru Garden, which features characteristic scenery of ponds and stone walls, you can enjoy leisurely garden strolling.
If you're interested in Japanese history and historical architecture, or want to visit spots where you can feel Japan's traditional culture, please visit Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park as a set.
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City
Business Hours: (March 1 - October 15) 7:00～18:00, (October 16 - February 28) 8:00～17:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
4:00PM: Enjoy Traditional Streetscapes and Tea Houses in Higashi Chaya District
After touring the gardens, enjoy strolling through traditional streetscapes and gourmet experiences in Higashi Chaya District. Higashi Chaya District is an area lined with characteristic two-story tea houses featuring latticed doors. The architecture is photogenic, and just walking around allows you to physically feel Kanazawa's unique history and culture.
In Higashi Chaya District, traditional craft shops, sweet shops, and cafes housed in renovated old buildings line the streets. Spending elegant time tasting matcha and Japanese sweets at cafes is my favorite way to enjoy the time.
You can also enjoy shopping for souvenirs such as products using Kanazawa's characteristic gold leaf and crafts by local artisans. This area is recommended for those interested in historical streetscapes and culture.
Address: 1-7-7 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City
Business Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: Varies by store
Official Website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
If you're interested in Kanazawa's Historic District, we recommend getting guided by a local guide. You can enjoy tours that explore historic sites within Kanazawa city, which has over 300 years of history, together with local guides.
This tour offers a wide range of experiences including tasting local ingredients at Omicho Market, learning about Japanese history at Kenroku-En and Kanazawa Castle Park, and experiencing traditional Japanese confectionery making.
The attractive points of the tour are that you can learn about hidden spots that only local guides know, and hear interesting stories that aren't found in guidebooks. If you want to deeply understand Kanazawa's history and culture, please consider participating.
Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour area: Around central Kanazawa
Start time: 10:00
Other Recommended Historic District in Kanazawa: Nishi Chaya District
Nishi Chaya District is one of the teahouse districts known as one of Kanazawa's three chaya districts. You can enjoy streetscapes with two-story teahouses lined up, preserving the atmosphere of old Japan as it was.
Currently, about 4 teahouses are still operating, and if you're lucky, you might hear the sounds of shamisen or taiko drums, or catch sight of geiko (women who have mastered traditional Japanese performing arts) on the move.
Nishi Chaya District also has cafes and shops that have renovated old buildings in a modern style, allowing you to enjoy strolling through the streets in a calm atmosphere. Compared to Higashi Chaya District, it's smaller in scale with fewer tourists, so it's recommended for those who want to quietly savor the atmosphere of the teahouse district.
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10199.html
Other Recommended Historic District in Kanazawa: Kazue Machi Chaya District
Kazue Machi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's three chaya districts, an area where teahouses and restaurants line up. The streetscape unique to Kanazawa, created by lattice doors and narrow alleys, has been selected as a nationally preserved precious building complex.
When I visited Kazue Machi Chaya District in the evening, I could hear shamisen music and felt the charm. As it gets darker, the area transforms into a fantastical space illuminated by street lights, which is also a highlight.
Compared to Higashi Chaya District and Nishi Chaya District, it has lower recognition, so you can spend time leisurely with fewer people around. It's especially recommended for those who want to enjoy traditional streetscapes at a relaxed pace.
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_52358.html
6:00 PM: Enjoy Bar Hopping in Katamachi Area
When night comes, let's enjoy bar hopping in Katamachi Area. Katamachi Area is an entertainment district in central Kanazawa with thousands of restaurants and bars lined up.
From French, Italian, and ethnic cuisine restaurants to high-end Japanese restaurants, izakaya, and dining establishments where you can experience traditional crafts and art, there are shops packed with attractions.
Official website: http://www.e-katamachi.com/
Kappou Tanaka
Source:Official website
Kappou Tanaka is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and carefully selected local sake in a calm atmosphere.
You can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients either à la carte or as course meals. The attractive point is that you can also enjoy local sake carefully selected by the owner who holds advanced qualifications as a Japanese sake specialist.
The restaurant is popular for dishes using fresh seafood purchased from the market every morning, and I especially recommend the fluffy grilled fish. Also, they have an extensive selection of local sake centered on Ishikawa Prefecture and Hokuriku region from across the country, and you can taste award-winning sake from competitions, so please try enjoying seafood and sake together.
This is recommended for those who want to choose their favorite seafood and sake from numerous menu options.
Address: 2-30-7 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 17:30-22:00
Closed: Sundays, holidays, year-end and New Year, Obon
Phone number: 076-233-1855
Official website: https://kappou-tanaka.gorp.jp/
Itaru Mainstore
Source:Tripadvisor
Itaru Mainstore is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) that has been featured extensively on television programs and travel magazines. It's constantly bustling with both locals and tourists, and is so popular that reservations are booked up to two months in advance.
At Itaru Mainstore, you can enjoy dishes and alcoholic beverages that make abundant use of fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. I particularly recommend the sashimi (raw fish slices) platter featuring seafood caught just that day. In winter, you can also enjoy yellowtail and crab dishes.
The interior of Itaru Mainstore is lively and bustling, making it perfect when you want to dine in a vibrant atmosphere. If you want to experience authentic Japanese izakaya culture or thoroughly enjoy fresh seafood, definitely give this place a visit.
Address: 3-8 Kakinoki-batake, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:30-23:30
Closed: Sundays (When Sunday and national holidays are consecutive, closed on Monday)
Phone: 076-221-4194
Official Website: https://nodoguro-itaru.com/
appare
Source:Official website
appare is an izakaya with the concept of spreading Kanazawa's charm to the world. This restaurant takes pride in its dishes made with ingredients from the three Hokuriku prefectures, including Noto beef and other Hokuriku brand meats, as well as Kaga vegetables, paired with local sake.
The attractive point of this establishment is that it offers hearty menu items that make the most of Hokuriku ingredients, such as luxurious sashimi platters, Kanazawa oden (various ingredients simmered in soy sauce-based broth), and beef cutlets made with Noto beef.
Additionally, appare's local sake selection consists entirely of carefully chosen beverages that the owner selected after visiting 37 breweries throughout Ishikawa Prefecture, making it perfect for sake enthusiasts who want to drink carefully curated local sake. If you want to enjoy delicious Hokuriku ingredients and local sake all at once, be sure to visit appare.
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Katamachi 2-2-15, Hokkoku Building B1F
Business Hours: 16:00-24:00 (Fri/Sat/before holidays until 25:00)
Closed: None (irregular closures a few times per year)
Phone: 076-256-0182
Official Website: https://appare-kanazawa-ekimae.com/
Enhance Your Kanazawa One-Day Itinerary with Food Hopping Tours
To deeply enjoy Kanazawa's exquisite food as part of your Kanazawa one-day itinerary, consider utilizing a food hopping tour. The Kanazawa Night Gourmet Tour is a tour that visits three restaurants and bars where you can savor the unique flavors of Kanazawa.
During the tour, you can enjoy Kanazawa's distinctive cuisine, such as sashimi and fried dishes made with seafood caught in nearby waters, along with delicious alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the sake tasting experience conducted under a master with extensive knowledge of alcohol allows you to sample 3-5 types of Japanese sake and experience drinking culture.
The attractive point of this tour is that all drinks and meal costs are included, so you can participate empty-handed without worrying about your budget. If you want to experience Kanazawa's food culture or efficiently visit multiple dining establishments, definitely make use of this option.
Meeting Point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg.
Tour Area: Around central Kanazawa
Start Time: 18:00
Recommended Spots to Incorporate Into Your Kanazawa One-Day Itinerary Based on Your Preferences
Here, I'll introduce recommended tourist spots to incorporate into your Kanazawa one-day itinerary, divided into two genres based on your preferences. I've selected spots for those who want to delve deeper into Kanazawa's traditions and history, and for those who want to thoroughly savor the local food culture.
Recommended Spots for Those Interested in Kanazawa's Traditions and History
Myouryuji (Ninja Temple)
Source:Wikipedia
Myouryuji is a temple with various mechanisms that is affectionately known as the "Ninja Temple." While it appears to be an ordinary temple from the outside, the interior has a maze-like complex structure.
Despite its two-story appearance, it actually has seven levels, with 23 rooms and 29 staircases. The unique point is that many mechanisms and contraptions are hidden throughout, such as hidden doors behind decorations and hidden staircases that appear when floor boards are removed.
When I visited, I enjoyed it with the exciting feeling of exploring a mysterious mansion.
Note that temple tours require a guide and advance reservations are mandatory. If you want a unique experience at a spot where you can feel Japanese culture, definitely give it a visit.
Address: 1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Check official website or inquire by phone
Phone: 076-241-0888 Reservation desk (8:30-17:00) English available
Official Website: http://www.myouryuji.or.jp/index.html
Oyama Shrine
Source:Official website
Oyama Shrine is a shrine built in 1873 that combines Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles. It's popular as a spot where visitors can receive power for victory luck, career advancement, marital harmony, fertility, and safe childbirth.
The main highlight is the gate with stained glass embedded on the top floor, which has been designated as nationally historically valuable. The gate is illuminated at night, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Since it's located along the road from Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park leading to the downtown area, it's a convenient point that tourists can easily visit during their sightseeing. Oyama Shrine is recommended for those interested in Japanese shrines or who want to see beautiful architecture.
Address: 11-1 Oyama-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Amulet office and goshuin stamp reception hours)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 076-231-7210
Official Homepage: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/
Recommended Spots for People Who Want to Enjoy Kanazawa's Local Food
Otome Sushi
Source:Tabelog
Otome Sushi is a Michelin two-star sushi restaurant located in the back alleys of the "Katamachi Area," Kanazawa's premier entertainment district. It's also known as one of Hokuriku's representative sushi restaurants and is famous for being a place where reservations are extremely difficult to obtain.
Otome Sushi only offers omakase courses featuring sushi carefully prepared by craftsmen using seasonal ingredients that are at their most delicious at the time. The sushi menu isn't fixed, and the appealing point is that you can eat the most delicious fish available on the day you visit.
In addition to sushi, they have a full selection of side dishes that pair well with alcohol and dessert menus, so you can spend time relaxing. This restaurant is recommended for those who want to taste the highest quality sushi or see the techniques of sushi-making craftsmen up close.
Address: 4-10 Kikura-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: (Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat) 12:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, and holidays
Phone Number: 076-231-7447
Official Homepage: None
Turban Curry Main Store
Source:Tabelog
Turban Curry Main Store is a long-established curry specialty restaurant founded in 1971 (Showa 46). Their rich curry made with over 20 spices and local ingredients is popular as a Kanazawa specialty.
The curry rice at Turban Curry Main Store is characterized by its abundant toppings. Among them, the popular menu items include katsu and shredded cabbage essential to Kanazawa curry, topped with two wieners and hamburger. The freshly fried, crispy katsu is satisfying enough to eat on its own. Since all menu items are voluminous, make sure to come hungry when you visit.
This restaurant is recommended for those who want to experience Kanazawa's specialty dishes or enjoy hearty, filling meals as part of their Kanazawa One-day Itinerary.
Address: 1-1-48 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Unashin Building 1F
Business Hours: (Weekdays) 11:00-15:00, 17:30-20:00 (Weekends and holidays) 11:00-20:00
Closed: New Year holidays
Phone Number: 076-265-6617
Official Homepage: http://www.turbancurry.com/
