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Kanazawa, city of the samurai
This short excursion fits perfectly between two trips to or from Tokyo, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps, all just a few hours away by train or car. Kanazawa, a provincial city known for its beautiful park, gold leaf craftsmanship , and museums, is best explored over two nights, allowing you to take your time and appreciate its beauty.
We recommend the following program:
Day 1, Kanazawa: the castle and the samurai
First, drop off your belongings at the hotel, then head to Ōmichō Market, where you'll be captivated by its stalls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Depending on your appetite, grab a bite to eat right there in the market or dine in one of the restaurants upstairs. Just a short walk away, you'll find the castle and its fortifications. Models and explanations will help you learn more about Japanese fortifications . Next, pass through the castle's west gate, Nezumita-mon , to reach Oyama Shrine and its distinctive architecture. Afterward, visit a samurai residence in the Nagamachi district. In the evening, dine in a gourmet restaurant in the city center, where you can discover the region's local specialties.
For your accommodation, we will reserve, according to your preferences, a wellness hotel close to the train station and the city centre or a star-rated hotel a stone's throw from the gardens and the castle for a refined experience.
Day 2, Kanazawa: the gardens and the old town
Start your day with a visit to Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's famous Three Great Gardens . Take a break in one of the charming teahouses by the ponds and enjoy a cup of green tea with a small sweet. Outside the garden are three major museums: the Prefectural Museum of Art, the National Museum of Arts and Crafts, and the Prefectural Museum of History. You'll be spoiled for choice. Afterward, head to the Higashi Chaya district for lunch. The old town is full of cozy little restaurants of all kinds. Then, visit the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum . Comprehensive and informative, you'll learn a great deal about this local craft, renowned throughout Japan. In the late afternoon, you can choose to stroll among the houses in the district and browse the souvenir shops, relax in one of the teahouses, or head out for some shopping in the city center before relaxing at your hotel. The evening dinner will take place in the Kazuemachi district in a traditional setting on the banks of the Asano River .
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Day 3, Kanazawa: half-day of cultural activities before departure
Before continuing your tour, you can visit the famous 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art or opt for ninjas at the Ninja Weapons Museum and the Ninja Temple, Myōryū-ji Temple.
If you wish to include this excursion at the beginning of your tour, we can offer to link it with other Kansai excursions, the beating heart of Japan , or to the north with our Nature Getaway excursion to Karuizawa , or create a tailor-made excursion for you.
AYUMI Voyage advisors are available to offer you a tailor-made tour.
Request a customized quote
AYUMI Voyage excursions are suggestions that are not exhaustive and are intended to inspire you in creating your own tour of Japan with our travel advisors. Offers, itineraries, and optional services are entirely customized by the agency after consultation with you.
Circuit
Duration
3 days
2 nights
Place
Kanazawa
Walking time
Elevation gain
Ideal season
AYUMI Premium Trip:
recommended additional services
Booking your train ticket : Kanazawa is approximately two hours from Osaka and Tokyo. To ensure a comfortable journey, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Our advisors can handle this for you. In this case, we will send your tickets to your hotel or have them delivered directly to you by your guide.
Restaurant Reservations: The picturesque Kazuemachi district is one of Kanazawa's preserved neighborhoods, allowing visitors to experience Kanazawa as it once was. It offers an ideal setting for dinner in a traditional machiya (townhouse). A little further afield, the Higashi Chaya district boasts a more upscale and gastronomic offering. Our advisors will be happy to reserve a dinner for you at one of these establishments.