Kanazawa is home of the Kenroku-en, the best-rated gardens in Japan. What else can be visited in 24h?
Kanazawa is the capital of the Ishikawa prefecture in Japan. Compared to other major cities, it is small, with less than 500.000 inhabitants making it very easy to move around. The main attractions are at a walking distance, and getting to the city is very easy, as it is possible to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo. But more about this later on. Keep reading to discover my one day Kanazawa itinerary!
Kanazawa is home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, making the visit worth it. Although it is a very popular spot, excepting the spring and autumn months, it is possible to walk the city without encountering endless groups of tourists. The city is very close to the sea and eating some fresh fish at any of the local restaurants is highly recommended.
How to get there
Getting to Kanazawa is very easy. If you have a JR Pass, you are in luck. Multiple Shinkansen cover the Tokyo-Kanazawa route every day, connecting both cities in less than 3 hours. Similarly, going from Kyoto to Kanazawa is very easy. The limited express Thunderbird train connects the two cities, being the trip a bit less than 2 hours. Being a very well connected city, spending one night in Kanazawa when switching between the Tokyo area and the Kyoto/Osaka area, is a really good option.
Where to sleep
Kanazawa is a small city (for the Japanese standards). Although it receives tourists, most of them stay only for a night or two, being the capsule hotels, hostels and guest houses very good options. However, it is possible to experience a more authentic stay in Kanazawa, when comparing with Kyoto, Osaka or Tokyo. There are multiple local and small guesthouses, with a typical Japanese style, that offer shared or private rooms at a very affordable price.
What to see
Well connected, not very expensive and less touristic. Everything seems welcoming. But is it worth to visit Kanazawa? I would recommend a one-night stay in Kanazawa. There are enough attractions for two days, yes, but from my experience, 24 hours are enough to discover the city. What are Kanazawa’s main attractions, and how can be explored in 24 hours?
Tsuzumi-mon Gate
The first interesting thing to see in Kanazawa is its train station, and more specifically, its impressive Tsuzumi-mon Gate. A large red gate, standing in front of the modern train station. It has become a tourist attraction since it has become quite popular on Instagram during the last years.
This is the starting point for any traveller that gets to Kanazawa, and a must to any one day Kanazawa itinerary. I recommend walking as much as you can, as this is the best way to grasp the essence of the city. If you get there after lunch, a good option for the afternoon would be to visit the Kenroku-en gardens.
Kanazawa Castle
Although it is not Japan’s most beautiful castle, Kanazawa castle is a nice place to start your adventure. In fact, it is located just next to Kenroku-en Gardens. Therefore, I recommend crossing its terrain to reach the gardens. Depending on the time of the year, the castle might look very different than the image below. The occasional snow during winter and the beautiful spring and autumn colours transform the environment. If you want to know more about Japanese castles, visit my Japan Castles guide!
Kenroku-en gardens
Japan is famous for many things. Its food, culture and futuristic buildings are well-known around the globe. But if there is one thing Japanese people are proud of it has to be their gardens. Every single detail matters and plants, water and structures are organized in a unique and harmonious way. No matter the season of the year, there is always something beautiful to see in a Japanese garden.
Kenroku-en gardens are considered the best gardens in Japan. And although when I was there it was pouring rain, late February and cloudy, yes, they deserve this title. According to the Chinese landscape theory, there are six essential attributes that make a perfect garden, and the Kenroku-en has all of them. In fact, the name Kenroku-en means “Garden of the Six Sublimities”. A beautiful mixture of water, teahouses, trees, open spaces and viewpoints is what one can expect from these gardens.
A small fee of 320 yen is charged to access the gardens. I would save a good 2-3 hours to get lost, explore and admire the most impressive tourist attraction of Kanazawa. For more information, check http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/
Higashi Chaya District
After visiting the Kenroku-en gardens, it is time to relax. Most accommodations are close to the Higashi Chaya District, the old Geisha district of Kanazawa. The most interesting part is the main street, with wooden houses, full of shops and people, but conserving a typical Japanese style. When it rains, the street becomes an ideal place for street photography. Umbrellas in Japan always add something special to the images.
It is not common to see geishas, but if you do, please be respectful. Don’t get close, remember that they are working. To take photos, if you deem it acceptable, use a zoom lens, and don’t be annoying. Some cities are taking actions to prosecute those that are being disrespectful, and it is a duty of all tourists to know where their limits are.
The old district is a good area to have dinner. Some restaurants can be pricey, consider walking a few minutes to find restaurants that are located in not so touristy areas, equally good, and cheaper. Kanazawa is a seaside city, those that love fish will find fresh and reasonably priced fish meal options. After dinner, it’s time to get some rest.
Omicho Fish Market
This is the last spot to visit in this one day Kanazawa itinerary. Waking up in Kanazawa is a wonderful experience for those that like food. There is only one main touristy spot left to visit, the Omicho Fish Market. Open seven days a week (with more or less activity depending on the day), it is a unique place, perfect to get lost, try some new food, and observe the locals.
Photography is permitted, however, some stands indicate politely that it is a no-photo area, so again, be respectful. Most Japanese cities have a Fish Market, but Kanazawa’s is one of the most authentical that can be visited. Others, such as Kyoto’s and Tokyo’s has become a very touristic place, whereas in Kanazawa it is still possible to observe a more traditional market, without lots of touristic stands. Take the elevator to the second floor, and enjoy the aerial view of the market, it is a perfect place to take some nice photos, and if anyone is still hungry, there are lots of restaurants!
After the Omicho Market, it is time to walk to the train station, cross the Tsuzumi-mon Gate for one last time and continue with our trip.
I hope you enjoyed my one day Kanazawa itinerary. If you want to see more of my work in Japan or any other of my trips, visit my Instagram! If you have any question, or you want to use my photos, contact me via the contact form or aniolvisuals@gmail.com.