🛑 Tired of Kyoto’s Crowds?
If you want to see Geisha, Samurai districts, and beautiful gardens without pushing through thousands of tourists, Kanazawa is your paradise.
It is called “Little Kyoto,” but that is wrong. It is “Samurai City.” From Gold Leaf Ice Cream to a real Ninja Temple, this city is incredibly photogenic and cool.
Your Guide: “I am Hachi-Sensei. I will teach you how to survive the ‘City of Rain’ and how to book the tricky Ninja Temple!”
🚌 Coming from Shirakawa-go?
The bus from Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa takes only 75 minutes.
Did you check the mountain village guide?
📶 Don’t Get Lost! (Essential Item)
You need Google Maps to survive Kanazawa’s winding streets. Free WiFi is weak. Buy an eSIM!
Day 1: The Samurai Town Walk
Kanazawa is compact. You can visit most spots by the “Kanazawa Loop Bus.”
1. 🌳 Kenrokuen Garden (One of the Top 3 in Japan)
This is the main boss. It is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
2. 🏯 Kanazawa Castle Park
Right next to the garden. The massive white walls and lead tiles (which could be melted into bullets!) are impressive.
3. 🏊 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Famous for the “Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich. You can stand under the water without getting wet.
Booking Alert: “To enter the bottom of the pool, you often need a reservation or wait in a long line. The outdoor area is free!”
🥷 The “Ninja Temple” (Myoryuji)
This is the highlight. From the outside, it looks like a simple 2-story building. Inside, it is a 4-story military fortress with hidden staircases and trick doors.
⚠️ The “Impossible” Reservation
- Problem: You must call them (in Japanese) to book.
- Solution: Ask your Hotel Concierge or the Kanazawa Station Tourist Info Center to call for you.
- Rule: Arrive 10 mins early or you will be denied entry!
✨ Higashi Chaya & Gold Ice Cream
Higashi Chaya District is the Geisha area. Beautiful wooden teahouses line the streets.
🍦 The “Gold Leaf” Experience
Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. You must eat the “Gold Leaf Soft Serve” at Hakuichi (箔一).
🏨 Where to Stay: Hachi-Sensei’s Top 2 Picks
1. Onyado Nono Kanazawa
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“No Shoes Allowed! The entire hotel is Tatami mats. It feels like a real Samurai home. Plus, the Free Ramen at night is a lifesaver!”
2. SOKI KANAZAWA
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“So Stylish! Located right next to Omicho Market, so you can have fresh sushi for breakfast! They have a Coin Laundry, which is rare for such a stylish hotel.”
🧘 Day 2: The “Zen” Morning (Why Stay?)
Don’t rush to Kyoto yet. The morning in Kanazawa is magical. The crowds are gone, and you can experience true Zen.
🏯 Nagamachi Samurai District (Nomura Clan)
Walk through the narrow streets lined with mud walls. Enter the “Nomura-ke Samurai Residence”.
Why here? It has a small but perfect garden. It was ranked as one of the best gardens in Japan by the Michelin Green Guide (2 stars). It is much quieter than Kenrokuen.
📍 Map: Nomura-ke💧 D.T. Suzuki Museum (The Mirror Garden)
This is Hachi-Sensei’s secret favorite. A museum dedicated to Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki.
The “Water Mirror Garden” is breathtaking. Just sitting there and looking at the water ripple will wash away your travel fatigue. It is pure art.
📍 Map: D.T. Suzuki Museum🍣 Final Lunch: Omicho Market
Before you get on the train, have the best Sushi of your life.
- Kaisen-don: Rice bowl topped with fresh Sashimi.
- Snow Crab (Winter): The crab here is legendary.
🎒 8 Iron Rules for Kanazawa
1. ☔ The “City of Rain”
It rains A LOT. Bring a folding umbrella. Hotels usually lend them for free.
2. 🚌 Use the Loop Bus
There is no subway near the spots. Use the “Kanazawa Loop Bus”.
3. 🚅 The “Tsuruga Trap” (To Kyoto/Osaka)
Warning: No direct train to Kyoto! You MUST take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Thunderbird Express.
4. 💴 Cash is Still King
Market stalls often accept Cash Only.
5. 🍦 Ice Cream Manners
Do NOT walk and eat in the Higashi Chaya district. Eat inside the shop.
6. 📶 Connectivity
You need maps to find the Ninja Temple. Free WiFi is weak.
7. 🍽️ Dinner Reservations
Restaurants are small. Book in advance or you will be a “Dinner Refugee.”
8. 🛅 Coin Locker Nightmare
Lockers are always full. Use “Crosta” baggage service or drop bags at your hotel.
🚀 Select Your Next Level
Kanazawa is cleared. Where will your adventure continue?
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