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.
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Kanazawa 1,5-day itinerary Kenroku-En, Kanazawa Castle, chaya districts Evening arrival |
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Where to stay |
Kanazawa Station or Higashichaya |
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Day 1 |
Destinations:
How to get around:
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Day 2 (morning) |
Destinations:
How to get around:
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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.
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