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Kanazawa

Kanazawa (Japan)

Practical information on Kanazawa

  • Park and garden
  • Place or Religious Monument
  • Castle and fortress
  • Essential
5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
2hrs 15min by train from Kyoto
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days

Reviews of Kanazawa

Marielle Awad Seasoned Traveller
74 written opinions

A town that blends the old with the new. The old part of town will give you an insight into traditional Japanese life, but without the hordes of tourists that you'll find in Kyoto.

My suggestion:
Kanazawa is less well known than Kyoto, but just as old and beautiful; it's well worth a visit. There's a host of sites you can explore: Japanese garden, castle...
My review
One of my favourite places in Japan. Kanazawa's old town has managed to maintain its traditional charm. Plus there are fewer tourists than in Kyoto. There are loads of places to visit: temples, a castle, park, samurai district, geisha houses, narrow lanes and canals... Some of the old buildings have been turned into restaurants or small boutiques selling traditional souvenirs. They've kept their charm, with sliding wooden doors and textile panels masking the interior.
You'll come across kimono-clad geishas in the geisha quarter and see them popping in and out of various tea houses. And, when evening falls, dinner time cabarets are held on an almost daily basis.
The town was once one of Japan's gold production centres. One of the geisha houses boasts a room and wall entirely covered in gold. You can also sample cakes and local specialities decorated with gold leaf.
Kanazawa Castle
Kenrokuen