Kanazawa
Kanazawa is the Japan that escaped the bombs and the crowds — a former castle town on the Sea of Japan coast with one of the country’s three great gardens, preserved samurai and geisha districts, and a living tradition of gold leaf, lacquer, and craft. It is the cultured stop the Golden Route misses.
What Kanazawa is known for
Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three finest gardens; the Higashi Chaya geisha district; the samurai houses of Nagamachi; gold-leaf craft and the 21st Century Museum; superb seafood; and the ease of reaching it by Shinkansen.
What to know before you go
Kanazawa–Kyoto is no longer a direct train
The through service ended March 2024. It is now Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, then the Thunderbird express — around two hours ten in total. We arrange it.
It rewards a slower pace
The gardens and craft districts are best unhurried, not rushed as a half-day stop.
It pairs naturally with Takayama and Shirakawa-go
On a longer route through the Japan Alps and coast, rather than the standard city route.
Where Kanazawa appears in our trips
Kanazawa questions
Is Kanazawa worth visiting?
Yes — for Kenroku-en garden, preserved geisha and samurai districts, and craft traditions, it is one of Japan’s most rewarding cultural cities, and far less crowded than Kyoto.
How do you get from Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Since the direct train ended in March 2024, it is the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga and then the Thunderbird express, about two hours ten in total. We arrange the connection.
How long do you need in Kanazawa?
A full day to a day and a half does it justice; the gardens and craft districts reward an unhurried pace.
What is Kanazawa known for?
Kenroku-en garden, gold-leaf craft, preserved geisha and samurai quarters, and excellent seafood.
Plan your trip to Kanazawa
Tell us your dates and interests, and you’ll have an initial response within 24 hours, Monday to Saturday.
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