One Day in Kanazawa | The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

Are you in Tokyo or Kyoto with an itch for a day trip to a historic, Japanese gem? Then you’re in the right place! If you are fascinated by Japanese culture, Samurai history, craftsmanship, etc… Kanazawa is the perfect day trip. While I’d advise visiting for at least 2 days, one day in Kanazawa is still worth it!😍

Kanazawa is the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, known as the Kaga Domain during the Edo Period. Back then, the Maeda Clan ruled and the Kaga Domain was the wealthiest in Japan. The Maeda Clan was a wealthy Samurai family who ruled for 300 years and is responsible for many of Kanazawa’s wonders.

In other words, Kanazawa is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to experience a more historic and quiet side of Japan, and dive deeper into the Samurai history.

Without furtherado, here is how to spend the perfect one day in Kanazawa City!😍👇

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How to Spend One Day in Kanazawa, Japan

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🏠 Staying the night? Here are the best affordable Kanazawa stays!

✨ Itineraries & Guides: 18 Best Things to Do, Two Days in Kanazawa, Gluten Free Restaurants

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Omicho Market

A storefront in Kanazawa features a large red crab model above the entrance. Traditional Japanese lanterns hang below the crab, while wooden glass doors and colorful signs with food menus complete the inviting scene. Omicho Market is a must visit when you're spending one day in Kanazawa, or a day trip!

First thing, when you step outside of the Kanazawa Station, admire the Tsuzimimon Gate! Second thing, start a quick 15 minute walk towards your first stop: Omicho Market.

Dating back to the Edo period, Omicho Market is about 300 years old, and is Kanazawa’s largest food market. As a quick fun fact, this market is often nicknamed Kanazawa’s Kitchen. With more than 180 stalls, here you’ll finding the freshest seafood, street food, to Japanese sweets, home goods, and so much more.

Visiting this market is the perfect opportunity to try out some delicious, traditional foods. As a celiac, I had limited options, but I can confirm that the crab and the strawberry Daifuku (mochi) were phenomenal!😍

It is also the perfect opportunity to dive deeper, experience the bustling market life, and surround yourself with locals living their regular days. Opening at 9 AM, this market is busiest in the mornings.

Respectful Tourist Note: In the Omicho Market, some stalls have signs that prohibit photography and videos. Please respect the locals, as you are a guest, and do not take pictures/videos when you see these signs.

Kanazawa Castle Park

A traditional Japanese castle, Kanazawa Castle, with white walls and gray roofs set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a cloudy sky. The surrounding grounds feature well-manicured lawns, flowering bushes, and a few scattered trees, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Kanazawa Castle and Kanazawa Castle Park is a must visit when you're spending one day in Kanazawa, or a day trip!

Just a few steps away from the Omicho Market are the incredible Kanazawa Castle and the Kanazawa Castle Park.

The Kanazawa Castle was the residence of the Maeda Clan, a Samurai family of high-ranking officials that ruled the Kaga Domain. While you cannot enter this 16th-century castle, you can enter the turrets and the storehouse for only 310 yen ($2).

The Kanazawa Castle Park is a vast area full of wonders to admire, from architecture to Japanese gardens, and endless cherry blossoms. This is a public park in which you’ll find many people taking leisurely walks, or even sitting on the grass and taking in the views.

Some highlights to admire in the Kanazawa Castle Park, besides the castle, are the moats, Kahoku-mon Gate, and the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden.

As you walk through the park, make your way towards the Kenrokuen Garden, which is Kanazawa Castle’s outer park.

Kenrokuen Garden

The Kenrokuen Garden, “garden of the six sublimities”, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and Kanazawa’s most famous highlight.

This garden dates back as early as the 17th century, but continued to expand throughout time as the Maeda family ruled.

The Kenrokuen is considered the perfect Japanese garden and one of the most beautiful in the country. Here you will find several wonders, including rare cherry blossoms, the mesmerizing Karasaki Pines, artwork, historic tea houses, and more.

Read my Ultimate Guide to the Kenrokuen Garden to make the most of your visit!🌸

The Kenrokuen only costs 320 yen, roughly $2, and has an average visit of 1-2 hours.

This is a very beautiful and serene garden. I highly recommend slowing down and taking all of its beauty in.

Walk Around Higashi Chaya District

A street lined with traditional wooden buildings adorned with red lanterns. Several people, including a group in light blue shirts, are walking or standing in the street. Trees with spring foliage can be seen in the background. The sky is overcast, capturing what two days in Kanazawa might feel like. The Higashi Chaya District is a must visit when you're spending one day in Kanazawa, or a day trip!

Now that you’ve visited one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, it’s time to visit another of Kanazawa’s wonders!

When you search up Kanazawa, the Higashi Chaya District is one of the first pictures you see. This historic Geisha district is the largest of Kanazawa and the most famous one.

The Higashi Chaya District is a quick 16 minute walk from the Kenrokuen Garden. You could take a bus from the Kenrokuen and cut down on time, but they don’t pass by often.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Now that you’ve seen the Geisha District, it’s time to visit the Samurai District!😍

The Nagamachi District is on the opposite side of the Higashi Chaya District, closer to Kanazawa station, and is a 30 minute walk. Unless you want to keep walking, I recommend taking a bus for a 10-ish minute commute. A bus ticket will be around 210 yen, roughly $1.5.

As you walk through this beautiful district, you’ll immerse yourself in traditional samurai architecture and enjoy a historic neighborhood. Here you will find many restaurants, artisan shops, along with houses and a beautiful, small river.

Haven’t had lunch? Here are two of the Best Restaurants in Nagamachi District!

Nomura-ke Samurai Residence

Located within the Nagamachi district, is the incredible Nomura-ke Samurai Residence!

The Nomura family was a family that served the Maeda Clan from the 16th to the 19th century. Being a wealthy family, this place shows you what the residences of wealthier Samurai families looked like.

Some common features found in Samurai residences are Tatami rooms, stone pavements, and earthen walls. In this residence, you’ll see the Nomura family’s beautiful garden, their armor and swords, historic tea house, and more.

A general entry ticket for adults is 550 yen, 400 yen for 15 – 17 year olds, and 250 yen for 7 – 14 year olds. These entry tickets are roughly $3.78, $2.75, and $1.72.

Get a Pick Me Up at Cubby Hole!

Just a few steps from the Nagamachi District is the cutest, hidden gem of a cafe – Cubby Hole.

This is the perfect place to get delicious drinks, such as their phenomenal matcha latte. If you have tried matcha outside of Japan and didn’t enjoy it… I BEG you to try the authentic stuff in Japan!

I am a major matcha-lover, and nothing could have prepared me for how insanely delicious matcha in Japan is. There’s no bitterness, it’s on the sweeter side, and just… UGH, so freaking good.😭

Note: This place is only open from Saturday to Tuesday, starting at 7 AM to 4 PM.

A small, modern white building with a glass door and two windows. A sign reading “CUBBYHOLE” is above the entrance. The cafe has potted plants, a bench, and a chalkboard menu. A sign on the door reads "OPEN." The sky is clear and blue. This is a must visit when you're spending one day in Kanazawa, or a day trip!

A white card pinned to a pale gray wall with a red pushpin. The card features a blue illustration of mountains at the bottom and the text "I PRAY FOR YOUR HAPPINESS." handwritten above the illustration. — Note pinned above their stairs. I share this sentiment.❤️

Want to have a Hassle-Free Day? Book a Tour!

If you want to be guided around Kanazawa and learn more about the city with a guide, then this tour is perfect for you!

During this highly-rated, private tour, your a local guide will bring you around Kanazawa and teach you about this wonderful city. This tour brings you to all of Kanazawa’s main attractions, but is also customizable to your interests.

Book your private tour today!😍👇

How to Best Reach Kanazawa as a Day Trip & FAQs

Kanazawa Day Trip from Kyoto

The best way to get to Kanazawa from Kyoto is via the Shinkansen Bullet Train. While it’s a more expensive method, the bullet train commute is the fastest and lasts 2 hours. If you have a JR Pass, this is a great trip to use it!

From the Kyoto Station, you will take the JR Thunderbird until you reach Tsuruga Station. Then, from Tsuruga Station, you’ll take the Horuriku Shinkansen Tsurugi 40. This commute is under 2 hours and should cost around 8,000 yen, roughly $55.

To get these tickets, simply head to one of the JR Ticket Offices or ticket machines in the Kyoto Station. Being a popular day trip, I highly recommend booking these tickets in advance.

Important Shinkansen Note. Make sure to ALWAYS keep all your Shinkansen tickets when traveling, because you’ll need them to both enter and exit the train station. This is a general note for all tickets.

Kanazawa Day Trip from Tokyo

Similarly to Kyoto, best way to get to Kanazawa from Tokyo is via the Shinkansen. Being farther away, this bullet train commute, remaining the fastest method, lasts 3 hours. If you have a JR Pass, this is another great trip to use it!

You can take a direct bullet train, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, from the Tokyo Station or Omiya Station. This commute is around 2 to 2.5 hours, and costs around 14,380 yen – roughly $100.

As mentioned above, you can easily book your tickets at a JR Ticket office or ticket machines within the stations. This is a popular day trip, so make sure to book at least a day or two in advance!

Read Everything You Need to Know about the JR Pass, and learn whether you need it!

Need to book the Japan Rail Pass, book it seamlessly with Klook and get some freebies.😍

Is one day in Kanazawa enough?

Spending one day in Kanazawa is certainly better than spending no days at all. In one day, you’ll be able to see Kanazawa’s main attractions and thoroughly enjoy them all.

How much time do you need in Kanazawa?

This depends on how many things you want to see and do! There are so many amazing things to do in Kanazawa, so I personally recommend staying at least 2 full days.

With 2 to 3 days in Kanazawa, you will have enough time to see all the wonders of this city and slow down to enjoy them.

Is Kanazawa a walkable city?

Yes! Kanazawa is an incredible, walkable city and you can reach everywhere by foot.

More Information on Kanazawa & Japan

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Street in Kanazawa, Japan, bustling with people. Traditional wooden buildings line the sides, adorned with red and white lanterns. A sign reads, "The Perfect Day Trip: Kanazawa, Japan. Read Now." The image promotes a travel blog at @lauradolcitravels / lauradolcitravels.com.

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One Day in Kanazawa Itinerary | The Perfect Day Trip