Japan's most underrated city. A Kyoto-like atmosphere without the crowds — samurai districts, geisha tea houses and Kenroku-en garden.
Kanazawa is what Kyoto was before mass tourism arrived. A city of preserved samurai districts, traditional craft workshops, geisha teahouses and one of Japan's three great landscape gardens — Kenroku-en — without the crowds. The locals call it 'Little Kyoto' and bristle at the comparison. It's its own city.
The seafood here rivals anywhere in Japan. Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan coast — snow crab, yellowtail, sweet shrimp — and the Omicho Market is where locals have been buying it for three centuries. Come hungry. Leave with a list of restaurants to return to.
Click any spot on the map to learn more
Ivan Shirokov
Author
"Kanazawa has everything Kyoto has — geisha districts, samurai neighborhoods, beautiful temples — but without the tour groups. One of my favorite cities in Japan to simply wander."
Kanazawa is on the Hokuriku Shinkansen — around 2.5 hours from Tokyo.
Garden
Kenroku-en — the complete garden guide
One of Japan's three great gardens — how to visit, best seasons and what to look for.
Culture
Higashi Chaya — geisha district guide
Kanazawa's beautifully preserved geisha district. Tea house tours, gold leaf crafts and matcha.
History
Nagamachi samurai district
Walk through preserved samurai residences — enter the Nomura Samurai House.
Central
Best hotels near Kenroku-en
Walk to Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle and Higashi Chaya — the best central location.
Coming Soon
Ryokan
Ryokan in Kanazawa
Traditional inns with kaiseki dinner featuring Kanazawa's legendary seafood and Kaga cuisine.
Coming Soon
Budget
Budget hotels in Kanazawa
Affordable guesthouses and hotels within walking distance of all major sights.
Coming Soon
Market
Omicho Market food guide
Kanazawa's central market where chefs shop. Best stalls for fresh seafood and sushi.
Seafood
Kanazawa seafood — snow crab and sushi
Kanazawa faces the Sea of Japan — snow crab, yellowtail and the freshest sushi outside Tokyo.
Coming Soon
Fine Dining
Kaga cuisine — Kanazawa's culinary tradition
Kaga is one of Japan's great regional cuisines. What makes it different and where to experience it.
Coming Soon
Shinkansen
Tokyo to Kanazawa — Hokuriku Shinkansen
2.5 hours on the Kagayaki. The Hokuriku Shinkansen makes Kanazawa very accessible.
Coming Soon
Day Trip
Day trip to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa
UNESCO thatched village 75 min by bus. Snow in winter makes it one of Japan's most magical sights.
Coming Soon
Onward
Kanazawa to Kyoto or Osaka
By Shinkansen via Tsuruga to Kyoto (2h) or limited express to Osaka (2h30).
Coming Soon