Curator’s statement
Kanazawa, located right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, is renowned for its seafood and offers a charming and less touristy alternative to Kyoto. Kanazawa is about 2.5 hours away by Shinkansen train from either Osaka or Tokyo. Gran class is available on certain trains and makes the journey ultra luxurious. Kanazawa is often referred to as Little Kyoto because of the well-preserved Edo-era neighborhoods. There are also samurai districts with traditional samurai houses and museums.
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Things to do in Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya District with cute little shops and tea houses is not to be missed.
Kinpakuya Sakuda - 99% of gold in Japan comes from Kanazawa (translates to Marsh of Gold) so try making your own gold leaf souvenir.
Nagamchi Samurai District was where samurai and their families used to live. There are museums as well. The neighborhood where it's preserved samurai houses with distinctive earthen walls, it’s a historic neighborhood that makes you feel like you’re in a different era in Japan.
Omicho Market - Fresh food market in a series of covered streets. They have a great array of local produce and seafood as well as sake shops and restaurants.
Day Trips:
A side trip for some onsen bliss is a must from Kanazawa. Just an hour train ride away lies Kaga, a well-preserved traditional little town with quaint local artisanal shops and restaurants. Among the beloved ryokans is Beniya Mukayu, seamlessly blending modern comforts with timeless Japanese aesthetics. Its private outdoor onsen guarantees serene relaxation at any hour. Don't pass up the delectable winter snow crab feast, and their breakfast is an indulgence not to be missed either.
Places to eat & drink in Kanazawa
Ika Bondo - An excellent place for fresh sashimi bowls. Try the amiebi & ikura don (sweet shrimp and salmon roe over rice) of course topped with gold leaves.
Sasami - Very popular local place for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Everything is delicious; don’t miss the meatballs.
Ramen Taiga - Very yummy ramen place; try the squid ink one, so unique.
Syusui Daigo - A great place to rest your feet and do some sake tasting.
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Travel Advisor
Wenyi Leong
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Cindy Rhee guide, Guide to Exploring Kyoto, Japan.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan.