Kanazawa is a city of tradition and art called “Little Kyoto”.
The streets of the Edo period remain as they were after avoiding the bombings of World War II, and the alleys are like a trip back in time. From Kenrokuen’s tranquil garden, Higashi Chayagai’s traditional tea house, to a world-class 21st century art museum. Begin your emotional journey as a couple in Kanazawa, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
Kanazawa Station Tsuzumi Gate, Kenrokuen Garden, kaiseki lunch, Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum of Art, conveyor belt sushi
The symbol of Kanazawa Station, selected as one of the 14 “most beautiful stations in the world.” The two huge wooden pillars in the shape of a traditional drum (tsuzumi) and the glass dome “Motenashi Dome” are impressive. A must-have photo spot for couples as soon as they arrive.
One of Japan's three great gardens and a key attraction in Kanazawa. This is a circuit-style garden created by the Maeda family of the Kaga clan over a period of approximately 180 years. A spectacular view that changes in each season, including Kasumigaike Pond, Kotoji Lantern (a symbol of Kanazawa), and Yukizuri (Snow Bridge) that protects branches when it snows.
Kanazawa is famous for Kaga cuisine. Enjoy a refined kaiseki course using seasonal ingredients at a ryokan restaurant near Kenrokuen. Jibuni (stewed duck meat) and dishes using Kaga vegetables are unique to Kanazawa.
Kaga Domain Castle, right across from Kenrokuen. The Hakujo Wall (white lead wall) and moat are impressive, and the restored Hishiyagura (ridged watchtower) and Gojukan (50-kan Nagaya) are the essence of wooden architecture. A great place to take a walk and relax in the large grassy square.
A circular glass art museum designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool" installation is world famous. A photo taken looking up from underneath the pool is guaranteed to be the photo of a couple's life. Distinguish between free zones and paid exhibitions.
The most popular conveyor belt sushi in Kanazawa. The freshness of seafood delivered directly from the East Sea (Sea of Japan) is incomparable to that of Tokyo. The winter-exclusive Nodoguro (red roe), Kannuri (mid-winter yellowtail), and Kani (crab) sushi are special dishes that can only be tasted in Kanazawa.
15 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen. Unlimited travel to major tourist attractions with the "Hokutetsu Bus 1-Day Pass" (800 yen).
Higashi Chayagai traditional tea house, gold leaf craft experience, Nodoguro lunch, Nagamachi samurai residence, Omicho market, Kaga cuisine dinner
A street of tea houses (geishas) created by the Kaga Domain in 1820. The sight of two-story, grid-patterned wooden buildings lined up is a time travel to the Edo period. One of the three best-preserved chaya-gai in Japan. Shima (志摩) is an important cultural property that reveals the inside of an actual teahouse.
Kanazawa accounts for 99% of Japan's gold leaf production. At Hakukokan, you can experience putting gold leaf on plates, chopsticks, postcards, etc. A one-of-a-kind souvenir that couples make and gift to each other. Gold leaf cosmetics and gold leaf castella are also popular.
The best seafood izakaya in Kanazawa. "Nodoguro" (赤魚鯛) is the highest quality fish from the East Sea and is a must-eat dish in Kanazawa. The sizzling salt-grilled meat has an overwhelming flavor of fat that melts in your mouth. The lunch-only Nodogu set menu is the best value for money.
The street where the mid-level warriors of the Gaga clan lived. The earthen walls and waterway remain, allowing for a quiet and dignified walk. The interior of the Nomura House is open to the public, and the harmony of the sound of water and mossy stones in the small garden is beautiful.
A traditional market with 300 years of history, called “Kanazawa’s kitchen.” You can find seafood, Kaga vegetables, and fruits delivered directly from the East Sea at over 170 stores. Enjoy a food tour where you can taste crab legs, sea urchins, ikura (salmon roe), etc. right at the street stalls.
A restaurant that reinterprets Kanazawa's traditional "Kaga cuisine" in a modern way. Enjoy a course of local dishes that can only be tasted in Kanazawa, such as jibuni (simmered duck and sudarefu), kaburazushi (fermented sushi wrapped in turnips), and hasumushi (steamed lotus root).
Higashi Chayagai is quiet in the morning and good for taking pictures. Reservations are recommended for the gold leaf experience. Nagamachi → Omicho Market can be reached on foot.
Myoryu-ji (Ninjadera), Katamachi shopping, Champion curry lunch, airport/station
A unique temple called “Ninja Temple”. Although it has two floors on the outside, it has a complex structure of four and seven floors on the inside. There are 23 secret devices including hidden rooms, trap stairs, secret passages, and drop shafts. A masterpiece of defensive architecture designed by the Gaga Domain to protect against enemy invasion.
Kanazawa's largest downtown area. Tatemachi Street is an emotional alley filled with stylish select shops, galleries, and cafes. Ideal for shopping for traditional crafts such as Kanazawa's specialty Kutaniyaki pottery and Kaga Yuzen dyeing accessories.
A representative brand of “Kanazawa Curry (Kanazawa Curry)” originating in Kanazawa. Dark brown curry served with shredded cabbage on a stainless steel plate. “Major Curry” topped with pork cutlet is our signature dish. The challenge menu is also fun, which is free if you eat everything within 55 minutes.
Komatsu Airport: About 40 minutes by limousine bus from Kanazawa Station (1,300 yen). Hokuriku Shinkansen: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Kanazawa Station to Tokyo, Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes by Thirdbird to Osaka.
Advance reservations for Ninjadera are required (by phone). Katamachi is Kanazawa's largest shopping district. 40 minutes by limousine bus to Komatsu Airport.