Kanazawa: Little Kyoto

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Advisor - Wenyi Leong
Curated By

Wenyi Leong

  • Japan

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

Tsuzumimon Gate Kanazawa_Station
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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Where to stay in Kanazawa

Beniya Mukayu

Nestled on a hill overlooking Yamashiro Onsen town in Kaga region, this tranquil ryokan (and Relais & Châteaux member) offers traditional, Zen-inspired design, serene hot springs and kaiseki cuisine.

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Experience modern luxury in the heart of Kanazawa at Hyatt Centric, where comfort meets culture.

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Kinjohro

Kinjohro: A traditional ryokan in Kanazawa, where tranquility and elegance await

Kanazawa Machiya Inn

Kanazawa Machiya Inn: Step back in time in a charming machiya, your home away from home in Kanazawa's historic district

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Things to do in Kanazawa

Higashi Chaya District

  • 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

Sashimi Bowl

  • 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.

Advisor - Wenyi Leong

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.