A historical and cultural food tour
Ishikawa Prefecture, where you can still experience old Japan in its castle towns, is one of the most popular prefectures among Japanese people.
With abundant hot spring resorts and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, it offers diverse experiences.
Kanazawa City, in particular, is packed with attractions such as Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, samurai residences, and teahouse districts, allowing visitors to vividly experience the past’s atmosphere.
Day 1: Explore the Drum Gate motenashi Dome, Higashi teahouse districts, and Kenrokuen Garden.
Morning
I’ll start my trip by exploring the impressive Drum Gate motenashi Dome at Kanazawa Station.
After that, I’ll check into my hotel and leave my luggage so I can explore the city freely.
Drum Gate
The Drum Gate is a symbol of Kanazawa Station.
Supported by two massive pillars, it stands at a height of 13.7 meters and is designed to resemble the traditional Japanese drums used in Noh and Kaga Hojyo performances.
When visiting Kanazawa Station, be sure to check out the impressive Drum Gate at the Kenrokuen Exit before heading to your destination.
Motenashi Dome
As you approach the Kenrokuen Exit, you’ll be greeted by a striking geometric glass ceiling.
This unique structure, known as the “Omotenashi Dome,” is designed to symbolize the spirit of hospitality in Kanazawa, a city known for its frequent rain and snow.
The dome, comprised of 3,019 individual glass panels, creates a bright and welcoming space for visitors, protecting them from the elements.
Both the gate and the dome serve as symbols of Kanazawa, embodying the city’s long-standing traditions and the warm hospitality of its people.
Afternoon
Higashi Teahouse Districts and Kazuetyo Teahouse Districts
Rent a kimono and stroll through the charming streets.
Higashi Teahouse Districts, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, preserves the atmosphere of a former teahouse district.
Today, it’s home to many renovated traditional houses that now serve as souvenir shops and restaurants.
Due to its picturesque scenery, some people mistakenly believe it’s a theme park, but it’s essentially a shopping district. There are no opening hours or admission fees, although most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We recommend visiting Higashi Teahouse Districts together with Kazuetyo Teahouse Districts, located across the Asano River.
If you just want to see the streets, it will take about an hour.
However, if you stop by interesting shops or try the popular gold leaf soft cream, two hours will quickly pass.
In addition to the main streets, there are hidden cafes and select shops in the surrounding alleys, so we recommend exploring the area.
Access
The location of the “Hashiba-cho” bus stop varies greatly depending on the bus route.
If you get off at a different stop, head towards Asano River Bridge first.
It takes about 7 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station to Hashiba-cho bus stop.
Top 5 things to do in Higashi Teahouse Districts
- Taking a kimono walk around town
- Going to have some wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and matcha (powdered green tea) at a cafe
- Going to immerse myself in the traditional teahouse culture
- Enjoy Shopping
- Experiencing gold leaf application, traditional performing arts, crafts, tea ceremony, and incense appreciation
Immerse yourself in the classic ambiance of Kanazawa and create lasting memories.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and is often called a “national treasure among gardens.”
Its breathtaking seasonal scenery attracts visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Beloved by residents and tourists from all over Japan, Kenrokuen has earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, making it a popular destination for international visitors.
The garden has seven entrances: Katsurazuka Gate, Sakuragaoka Gate, Kamisaka Gate, Kodachino Gate, Zuishinzaka Gate, Mayumizaka Gate, and Hasuikeguchi Gate.
You can enter or exit from any of these gates. If you plan to visit Kanazawa Castle Park, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, museums and art galleries in Honda no Mori, or Higashi Chaya District, it is convenient to use the nearest gate as your starting point or goal.
Access
If you’re taking the Jokamachi Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station, we recommend the clockwise route. It’s faster and drops you off closer to the entrance at Kenrokuen Garden. Get off at stop number 6, “Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa-jo (Ishikawa-mon mukai)”. If you choose the counterclockwise route, get off at stop number 9, “Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa-jo (Shiratori-ji mae)”.
Day 1 Recommended Gourmet
Higashi Teahouse Districts
Buemon
From 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, we operate as a soba noodle restaurant, “Buemon.”
Starting at 6:30 PM, we transform into a bar, “so-bar Otoy.”
For lunch, we recommend the “Kaga Boucha Soba and Tempura Set.” This set features Kaga Boucha soba, a type of soba noodle with a subtle roasted green tea aroma, served with a variety of tempura. We recommend enjoying the Kaga Boucha soba simply with salt to fully appreciate the taste of the buckwheat noodles.
Higashiyama Robert Dumas
Housed in a beautifully renovated traditional teahouse, our restaurant offers a unique French dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Our creative seafood-centric tasting menus are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them the perfect choice for a ladies’ lunch, a couple’s anniversary dinner, or any special occasion.
With a focus on seasonal ingredients, our menu is constantly evolving, offering a luxurious and original dining experience.
Hakuichi Higashiyama Branch
This is the original store that created Kanazawa’s iconic gold leaf soft serve ice cream.
Here, you can find a variety of souvenirs, from small gifts to authentic crafts.
Crepe Kimiya
We offer a variety of crepes, from classic options like strawberry and banana to Japanese-inspired flavors such as strawberry and azuki beans or mochi and azuki beans.
Enjoy your crepe in our shop or take it to go.
Kenrokuen Area
Jibuni
Jibuni is a traditional dish from Kaga.
Chicken and vegetables are coated in wheat flour and simmered in a flavorful dashi broth until the sauce thickens. The dish is finished with a dollop of wasabi, which you mix in as you eat.
The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the sharp flavor of the wasabi, creates a truly unforgettable taste.
Gold leaf gourmet
Gold leaf, a traditional craft of Kanazawa, is used to create visually stunning sweets.
Soft serve ice cream, confectionery, coffee, and more are adorned with gold leaf, making them popular treats.
Matcha
Matcha is a fine green tea powder made by grinding tea leaves on a stone mill.
Unlike steeped tea, matcha allows you to consume the entire tea leaf, providing a more concentrated and flavorful experience.
Enjoying matcha with traditional Japanese sweets in Kanazawa is a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.
Kaga cuisine
Kaga cuisine is a traditional regional cuisine of Kaga that incorporates a wide variety of seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood and mountain vegetables.
Known for its beautiful presentation and colorful dishes, Kaga cuisine has been passed down through generations.
It is said to have evolved from the influences of Kyoto’s kaiseki cuisine and Edo cuisine while developing its own unique characteristics.
Day 1 Recommended Accommodations
Uan Kanazawa
Located near the moat of Kanazawa Castle, our hotel offers modern accommodations with a spacious layout that allows you to experience the atmosphere of Kanazawa.
Relax and unwind with our complimentary amenities, including freshly brewed Kaga roasted green tea, traditional Japanese sweets, and a nightly serving of soba noodles, all available in our lobby lounge.
Access
Take a bus from Kanazawa Station, platforms 8, 9, or 10 (Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen-guchi Bus Terminal) and get off at Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market. 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA
Centrally located in Kanazawa, our luxury hotel offers easy access to popular tourist attractions.
All 215 guest rooms, including 13 suites, are spacious (at least 32 square meters) and feature stylish black-themed interiors with headboards inspired by traditional Japanese folding screens.
Each room is equipped with a large-screen TV and a bathroom with a rain shower, providing a comfortable and elegant retreat. Guests can also enjoy our exclusive club lounge and a beautiful seasonal courtyard.
Access
Take a bus from platforms 3, 7, 8, 9, or 10 (East Exit) of JR Kanazawa Station and get off at Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market. 4-minute walk from the bus stop.
SOKI KANAZAWA
SOKI offers a journey to rediscover your true self and experience the beauty of nature.
The name “SOKI” means “plain vessel,” representing a place where you can appreciate the essence of things in their natural state, savoring the local nature, climate, and ingredients.
After exploring the city, our hotel provides a relaxing stay where you can rejuvenate and gain new insights.
Within a 15-minute walk, you can visit major tourist attractions such as Higashi Teahouse Districts, Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, as well as experience the unique food and crafts that make Kanazawa so special.
Access
A 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Station.
Alternatively, take a bus from platform 6 at Kanazawa Station and get off at Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market.
1-minute walk from the bus stop.
Savor Kanazawa: A Gastronomic and Artistic Day
Day 2: Kanazawa Castle Park, Omicho Market, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Morning
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park, designated as a national historic site, boasts a magnificent landscape that rivals Kenrokuen Garden.
The park’s iconic structures, including the Hishiya, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsukuriyagura towers, are not only stunning on the outside but also feature interiors that faithfully reproduce traditional construction methods.
The spacious and well-maintained park is perfect for strolls.
You can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the castle view at the on-site cafe.
For a more authentic experience, visit the Gyokuseninmaru Garden.
At Gyokusenan, you can enjoy matcha tea with seasonal sweets. The park also features newly reconstructed structures such as the Kahoku Gate, Imori Moat, and Hashizume Gate, as well as important cultural properties like Ishikawa Gate, Sanjukken Nagaya, and Tsurumaru Warehouse.
Exploring the park’s diverse stone walls is another enjoyable activity.
Access
Take a local bus from the Kanazawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal to the Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle bus stop.
Afternoon
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a bustling marketplace loved by locals as the city’s kitchen.
Underneath its arcade, around 170 shops sell fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more, as well as ready-to-eat meals.
Not only locals but also professional chefs from restaurants and ryokan visit the market to purchase high-quality ingredients.
Tourists also flock to the market to enjoy seafood bowls and sushi made with fresh fish from the Sea of Japan.
One of the highlights of visiting the market is interacting with the shopkeepers while savoring local delicacies.
Access
12 minutes walk from JR Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit).
5 minutes by local bus from JR Kanazawa Station.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
©金沢市
Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a popular tourist spot that Kanazawa is proud of.
It aims to be a place where anyone can visit anytime and encounter various things.
In particular, Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool” is a must-see. This work is a hot topic as it allows people to meet each other on the ground and underground through the pool.
Inside the museum, you can appreciate many exhibits that stimulate your senses.
With an attractive museum shop and restaurant, it is recommended to plan extra time for a leisurely visit.
Access
A 1-minute walk from the “Hirosaka・21st Century Museum” bus stop, served by the Kanazawa Castle Town Loop Bus, Hokutetsu Bus, and Nishi Nippon JR Bus.
A 1-minute walk from the “Kanazawa 21st Century Museum・Kenrokuen” bus stop of the Machi Bus.
Day 2 Recommended Gourmet
Omicho Market
Omicho Seafood Donya Hirai Ichibakan Branch
If you’re visiting Omicho Market and looking for a delicious seafood bowl, Hirai is a must-try.
Always crowded with customers, Hirai is one of the most popular seafood bowl restaurants in the market.
With 20 different types of seafood bowls and seasonal dishes, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
The seafood bowls are generously topped with fresh seafood sourced directly from Omicho Market, making them both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
Sushi Restaurant Genpei
As one of the oldest sushi restaurants in Omicho Market, with nearly 60 years of history, this establishment is a must-visit.
The experienced sushi chef and his son work side by side at the counter, allowing customers to order as little as two pieces of their favorite sushi, making it perfect for those exploring the market.
In addition to individual pieces, there are three types of sushi platters: Kurikara (5 pieces + roll), Ebisu (10 pieces), and Daikoku (10 pieces). You can choose the platter that best suits your taste and budget.
Market Meal Amatsubo
In addition to our popular seafood bowls and oden, we also offer a variety of a la carte dishes and local specialties. Our oden broth is made with a simple yet flavorful combination of kombu and bonito dashi, seasoned only with sake and salt. As it contains no additives, it is safe for children to enjoy.
Sensai Enishi
Our most popular signature dish is the “Million Stone Nodoguro Hitsumabushi”.
Enjoy it in three stages: first as a Nodoguro (black throat croaker) bowl, then with sea urchin and condiments, and finally as an ochazuke (tea over rice).
This allows you to savor the flavors of the Nodoguro in different ways throughout the meal.
Kanazawa Pudding Tei
Our most popular item is the Yuzen Pudding, which beautifully represents the elegance of Kanazawa’s traditional Yuzen dyeing technique using colorful fruits.
Our second most popular item is the Kanazawa Pudding, a smooth and luxurious pudding made with premium ingredients like Madagascar vanilla beans.
After exploring Omicho Market, Kanazawa Pudding-tei is a hidden gem where you can take a break and enjoy a delicious treat.
Transportation Options and Travel Times to Major Cities
Kanazawa Station to Tokyo Station.
Hokuriku Shinkansen about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Kanazawa Station to Nagoya Station.
Shirasagi, Hokuriku Shinkansen, about 2 hours 20-50 minutes.
Kanazawa Station to Osaka Station.
Shirasagi, Thunderbird, Hokuriku Shinkansen about 2 hours 30-3 hours 20 minutes.