Gardens of Kenrokuen
Ranked as one of Japan’s three great gardens, Kenrokuen changes with every season — plum and cherry blossom, irises, then maples. It is the reason many travellers add Kanazawa to a Honshu route.
Visit Kanazawa, Japan
Muromachi legend tells of a farmer digging for potatoes along the northwest coast of Japan’s main island. In their place, he found flakes of gold in the boggy ground, and Kanazawa (translated as ‘marsh of gold’) was born. Flanked by rivers on two sides and backed by hills, it was a natural site for a fortress and, over the years, Kanazawa flourished into a wealthy castle town.
Things to see and do in Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya district
Lantern-lit teahouses and gold-leaf workshops still occupy the streets of this preserved geisha quarter. It is a quieter counterpart to Kyoto’s Gion.
Omicho Market
Kanazawa’s covered market is the place for sushi and seafood from the Sea of Japan. Specialists often rate the city’s sushi as some of the finest outside Tokyo.
Around Kanazawa
The castle ruins, contemporary art museum and Ninja-dera temple sit within an easy walk of one another, so two or three nights is usually enough without rushing.
Best time to visit Kanazawa
The gardens are at their best from March to May, when the trees begin to blossom but the city is at its busiest. November is the peak month for maple colour, while December to early February is crisp and quiet, with occasional snow.
Suggested itineraries featuring Kanazawa
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kanazawa, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created around you.
Places near Kanazawa
Photos of Kanazawa
Our expert guides to exploring Kanazawa
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kanazawa, these guides will help you make the most of your time there.
Three days of Japanese arts and culture in Kanazawa
Ever since the Edo-era ruling clan invited artisans from across Japan to work in Kanazawa, the city has quietly become one of Japan’s pre-eminent cities of culture. Japan specialist Rebecca suggests a three-day itinerary to see the best of the city.
Gardens of Japan
From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.
Japan’s bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide
Japan has long been celebrated for its high-speed train innovations. Japan specialist Phil explains why, for him, Japan’s bullet trains are an ideal way to see the country. He shares his experiences riding the trains through Japan and how to incorporate them into your trip.
Accommodation choices for Kanazawa
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Kanazawa · First Class
Sai No Niwa
Kanazawa · First Class
Sumiyoshiya Ryokan
Kanazawa · Medium
UAN Kanazawa
Kanazawa · Medium
Ideas for experiencing Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Gardens of Kenrokuen
Kanazawa’s number one attraction, ranked by the Japanese as one of the top three gardens in Japan, is a must-see for any visitor to Kanazawa.
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