Last Updated: 01 June 2023

Kanazawa is an interesting city rich in cultural treasures and sightseeing places. The city lies along an indirect route between Tokyo and Kyoto and it certainly deserves a through visit. Ideally worth a two to three-day visit, Kanazawa can be visited with satisfaction even when you allocate one day and a half for it.

In this page we outline the programme for a short but rewarding visit to Kanazawa. We assume you will choose to reach the city from Tokyo around noon. Obvious modifications can render this programme suitable to different travel arrangements.

Kanazawa 1,5-day itinerary

Together with Kyoto, Kanazawa was one of the few cities that were not ravaged by the devastating 1945 bombings. As a consequence, Kanazawa has a number of small quarters where you can appreciate the beauty and harmony of Japanese traditional architecture.

Numerous are also temples and shrines, some of which of distinctive architecture and of historical importance.

At the centre of the city are Kenroku-En, a large landscape garden, widely considered as a masterpiece of this art, and the city’s castle, an elegant military architecture, part of which has been carefully reconstructed.

Kanazawa can easily be reached by high-speed train from Tokyo in around 3 hours. Limited express trains link Kanazawa to Kyoto and Osaka in 2,5 - 3 hours.

Itinerary: Kenroku-En, Kanazawa Castle, chaya districts

Finding a hotel near Kanazawa Station makes things easier. A much more interesting option is to stay near Higashichaya, a picturesque and fascinating district, close to Kenroku-En and the castle.

Morning arrival

If you reach Kanazawa in the morning, you can check in at your hotel and spend some hours between the station, Omicho Market and Korimbo area. You can then visit Nagamachi samurai district and Nishichaya and even get to Teramachi if you like making the most of your time. A full day is then dedicated to Kenroku-En, Kanazawa Castle and Higashichaya.

Related articles:

Tokyo 3 day itinerary

Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

Japan 10-day itinerary

Last Updated: 01 June 2023

If your journey to Japan lasts less than two weeks you will often choose to stay in Tokyo for three or four days. As one half-day is spent for the transfer between Tokyo and Osaka (or Kyoto), the effective duration of the stay in Tokyo often amounts to three and a half days.

Having three days and a half to visit Tokyo is not an ideal solution but it is possible to make the most of it without risking to make things too hasty.

Tokyo 3,5-day itinerary

Dedicating three full days to the visit of Tokyo can be a reasonable choice if you are pressed for time. Each day can be dedicated to a relatively small area of the city. This gives plenty of margins for improvisation and makes the organisation of the itineraries easier. 

A classic three-day itinerary revolves around three main areas: 1) Ueno and Asakusa, 2) Chiyoda and Bunkyo, 3) Shibuya and Shinjuku. With an additional half-day you may choose to include more sightseeing places in the areas mentioned above or add other neighbourhoods.

Itinerary: Asakusa, Ueno, Chiyoda, Bunkyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Sumida

If you reach Tokyo in the evening, you can get to your hotel, check in and spend some hours taking a walk in the neighbourhood you chose to be based at.

Morning arrival

If you reach Tokyo by noon, we suggest you leave your baggage at the station and begin your journey right away.

With the obvious modifications you can follow the programme described above. The easiest option is to switch the schedules of the first and fourth day.

Take into account of the opening hours of museums, gardens and other sites.

Another option is to spend time for a short visit to Kamakura, ancient capital famous for its outstanding religious architecture.

Related articles:

Main article: Tokyo 3-day itinerary

Itineraries along the subway lines: 

• Asakusa Line  |  Ginza Line  |  Hibiya Line  |  Mita Line  |  Chiyoda Line  |  Shinjuku Line  |  Oedo Line  |  Hanzomon Line  |  Fukutoshin Line

Tokyo 2,5-day itinerary  |  Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

Japan 10-day itinerary (first journey sightseeing programme)

Last Updated: 01 June 2023

If you travel to Japan for the first time and you have little time available (less than 2 weeks), you may opt for radical choices such as skipping very important destinations or devoting very little time to their visit.

Spending in Tokyo only two days is very common for first timers who have a particular interest for the traditional culture and as a consequence prefer allocating more time to Kyoto, Nara and Kanazawa. For short journeys this is perfectly reasonable.

Dedicating to Tokyo two full days can be rewarding, providing that you carefully organise your itinerary. Depending on when you reach the city and leave for Kyoto, you may find yourself to have a spare half-day to spend in the city.

Tokyo 2,5-day itinerary

A two-day itinerary in Tokyo usually revolves around Asakusa, Ueno and the city centre. If you wish to see the modern and contemporary visit you may add a visit to Shibuya and Shinjuku. If you are into the traditional culture you may add visits in Sumida and Bunkyo.

We assume that you choose to stay in either Ueno (and nearby Asakusa) or near Tokyo Station. If you are interested in the night life you may opt for Shinjuku.

Itinerary: Asakusa, Ueno, centre, Shibuya, Shinjuku

If you reach Tokyo in the evening, you can get to your hotel, check in and spend some hours taking a walk in the neighbourhood you chose to be based at.

Morning arrival

If you reach Tokyo by noon, we suggest you leave your baggage at the station and begin your journey right away.

With the obvious modifications you can follow the programme described above. The easiest option is to switch the schedules of the first and third day.

Take into account of the opening hours of museums, gardens and other sites.

Related articles:

Main article: Tokyo 3 day itinerary

Tokyo 3,5-day itinerary  |  Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

Japan 10-day itinerary (first journey; visits to Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto and Nara)

Last Updated: 01 June 2023

If you are thinking about spending three and a half days in Kyoto, you are most likely pressed for time and you should plan your visit so as to minimise losses of time and inconveniences.

In this page we present an itinerary that we believe can satisfy your needs.

The programme minimises transfers and difficulties in planning all aspects of your stay without sacrificing the enjoyment of the experience.

Contents

• Three and a half days in Kyoto (how to allocate the available time; suggested places to visit)

• Evening arrival (suggested itinerary)

• Morning arrival (suggested itinerary)

• Where to stay (recommended areas)

Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

A three-day itinerary in Kyoto usually revolves around Higashiyama, the southern part of Sakyo, Kita and Ukyo. As time is very limited, you will most likely visit the centre only during the evenings.

The core of the cultural city, Higashiyama, deserves at least one full day. The same applies to Arashiyama, a historical scenic site where natural and cultural landscapes create a dimension of perfect harmony. Another full day can be spent to visit historic temples and shrines in the north-western part of the city (i.e. Kita, Ukyo and Kamigyo). The remaining half-day can be spent to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most impressive shinto shrines. The site is always open and particularly atmospheric at dawn or sunset, which makes it an ideal choice for early morning and late afternoon visits. The shrine is very close to Kyoto Station, which makes it a perfect destination if you are planning to leave Kyoto around noon.

If you are to reach Kyoto around noon, while organising your schedule you should take into account that most temples, shrines, museums close around 17:00 (often at 16:30 in winter).

Evening arrival itineraries

If you reach Kyoto in the evening, you can get to your hotel, check in and spend some hours taking a walk around Gion or Ponto-cho, some of Kyoto’s most atmospheric areas at night.

Morning arrival itineraries

If you reach Kyoto by noon, we suggest you leave your baggage at the station and begin your journey right away.

Where to stay

An aspect you should consider carefully when you accept the idea of such a short stay in Kyoto is to find a convenient location from which you can easily the parts of the city that you wish to visit.

For the programme we have described above we suggested considering three options:

• Kyoto Station area (Shimogyo and Minami);

• Gion (including nearby Nakagyo);

• Kamigyo (north-west of the city centre).

Kyoto Station: a pragmatic solution

Staying near Kyoto Station is the most practical choice, very suitable for such a short stay. In the immediate vicinity of the station you can find hotels and hostels of any kind. Drawbacks are the relatively dull atmosphere.

Gion Station: the most fascinating neighbourhood

Staying in Gion is the best choice possible if you want to find yourself amid the beauty and harmony of ancient architecture. The area offers plenty of chances for pleasant walks, something that you will definitely enjoy during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons where crowds become an issue.

Kamigyo: the atmosphere of the ordinary city

If you don’t manage to find a suitable accommodation in Gion or you have to stick to a tighter budget we suggest that you consider finding a place to stay in Kamigyo.

In Kamigyo are numerous guest-houses, most of which are family-run and offer basic accommodation in a pleasant traditional setting. Though you will not find the most fascinating ryokan here, Kamigyo is a perfect balance between convenience of the location and value of the cultural experience. Kamigyo is situated along the itineraries between Kita (where Kinkaku-Ji is located) and the city centre.

The area is very tranquil and pleasant and most guest-houses rent bicycles. Getting around by bicycle is one of the best ways to enjoy and explore the city of Kyoto.

Related articles:

Main article: Kyoto 3 day itinerary

Kyoto 2,5-day itinerary

Itineraries along the Keihan Main Line:  Southern Higashiyama  |  Northern Higashiyama and Sakyo 

Western Kyoto:  Itineraries along the JR Sagano Line

Japan 10-day itinerary (recommended programme and seasonal variants)