Next up on my Japan City series of the Chubu area is the lovely Kanazawa!

The city of Kanazawa is a place I wished I would have went to a lot sooner than I did because after visiting, I already wished I could go back. It had the historic feel of Kyoto but without being as touristy and busy. It’s like if Kyoto had a sibling. Kanazawa can do what Kyoto can, but just to a smaller degree but that doesn’t minimize how much enjoyment you can have there. It has a historic old town, beautiful gardens and a favourite of mine, a castle (well, just the grounds, the castle is gone T_T). I just can’t get enough of castles!

Here’s the location (via Google maps):

Access via Train(s)

From Osaka

Shin-Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station (via Tsuruga)
- Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga; transfer to Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tsurugi) - 2hr30min - ¥9,810

From Tokyo

Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station
- Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa - 2hr53min - ¥14,780

My Top 3 recommendations to enjoy while visiting Kanazawa would be:

Kanazawa Castle Park

Located in the heart of the city, the castle park area provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a nice stroll outside while envisioning what the area would have looked back long time ago. While there is no main castle to enter and see, it’s still a pleasant experience for those that enjoy spending time anywhere a castle is/was. For me, there is just a sense of a rich history where so many stories were told. It’s impactful to be standing in these spaces.

It’s in close proximity to many lovely parks/gardens and shopping markets. So, if you do decide to go and find it’s not your ideal place, at least there are many backup options for you to pivot to next.

Access & Details:

Kenroku-en

One such place that is very close to the castle grounds, in case you wanted to stay in the area or the castle was a bust (lol), then Kenroku-en is a very beautiful Japanese garden to lose yourself in and transport your soul into another world.

It’s deemed one of three ‘perfect’ gardens in Japan. I think expecting it to be perfect thought sets the expectations a tad too high. It’s a lovely garden and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there but just like anything else in life nothing can or will be perfect.

Heading here when we did, early November, was such a great call to see the variety of colours in the trees. I think fall in Japan is my favourite time, and seeing these colours constantly reminds me why that’s the case.

When we visited, it wasn’t extremely busy and Mindy and I were able to lose ourselves in the garden at times to feel like the place was ours. I would happily go back to his garden if the opportunity arrived. There is something about embracing the peace and tranquillity that Japanese gardens bring to your soul.

Access & Details:

Higashi Chaya District

If you are looking for a little taste of Kyoto without visiting Kyoto and dealing with the crowds there, then I think Kanazawa could fulfill that requirement for you. While the area isn’t as big or perhaps as grand as Kyoto, the atmosphere with certainly transport you back in time.

While I think I personally didn’t spend enough time in the area to really appreciate all that it had to offer because I didn’t go inside any of the teahouses, just being there was enough for me. If I go back though, I’m definitely making a bigger effort to stop for tea and experience that side of the neighbourhood.

I think my nerves just get the best of me sometimes and that overwhelmed feeling drives me to avoid certain scenarios. Don’t be like me if you visit; go have some tea!

Mindy and I did find a cool park nearby and climbed a hill that overlooked the general area. Since it was later in the day, mixed with the sunset, yah, it was a beautiful spot view the surrounding area and soak up a wonderful day in Kanazawa.

Access & Details:

Google Maps

A Random Honourable Mention

This is a bit of a random recommendation, but if you love gyoza and are looking to visit a random part of the city, try visiting the Seventh Dumpling Shop. They have a gyoza called the ‘White Gyoza’. It’s fried and super super tasty.

And then after (or before), you can go the Aeon department store across the street and hangout. It’s a very local spot and will get you out of the touristy areas of the city.

Access & Details:

Closing

I hope you found these little suggestions useful if you ever find yourself in Kanazawa. If you do go, please let me know! I would love to hear your story and find out what you most loved to see, do and/or eat during your adventure there. Cheers!