Kanazawa
Matthew Baxter
Kanazawa (金沢) is one of the major cities in central Japan, and is a good place to take a rest, fill up one some cheap food and continue on your adventure.
Wait! It also has the best Japanese garden we have ever been to. Spend a day here and take your time in this special city.
Budget travel tips
- Get yourself a One Day Pass from the tourist information center in the station for unlimited use of the local bus network for one day (Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen). Using this pass will mean you can probably do everything in one day.
- Food options, especially at night, can be surprisingly limited for such as large city. Not many budget options are available, so pick up dinner from a supermarket or convenience store when you see one.
- Pick up the free map from the tourist information center in the station
Things to do
Kenroku-en Garden
Considered one of the great three traditional Japanese gardens, this place just has to be visited. Stunning moss filled gardens, beautifully manicured gardens and rock formations…the list goes on.
Open: 7:00-18:00 (8:00-17:00 from Oct 16 to end of Feb)
Price: Adults 310 yen, Children 100 yen
Kanazawa Castle Park
A rather grand Japanese castle, with a large garden for a nice walk or two. Paying to go inside is not essential if you are visiting other castles in Japan.
Open: 9:00-18:00
Price: Free (310 yen to access inside areas)
Nishi Chaya District
Old Japanese tea street, full of many different restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes. Pop into a few to see if there are some free samples on offer.
Ninja Temple (Myoryuji Temple)
See how the cunning Ninja protected themselves from intuders in this interetsting temple, full of traps, secret escape holes and trick doors. Note English tour guides not available, but translated text is.
Open: 9:00-16:30 (16:00 in December to February)
Price: Adults 800 yen, Children 600 yen (preschoolers not allowed)
Teramachi Temple area (FREE)
This is where the Ninja Temple is located. There are dozens of other small temples around here to check out, most of which are free. A nice way to get away from the crowds.
Higashi Chaya and Kazue-Machi Chaya Districts
Traditional neighborhoods known for selling top quality tea. Lots of cool buildings to take photos of. You can even splash out on ice cream with gold leaves on top!
Omi-cha Market
Fascinating market, well known for selling top quality fish. Staff are very accommodating, even if you don’t have a clue how to eat things or what they are!
Naga-Machi Buke Yashiki District
Take a relaxing walk along an old-style canal and enjoy some samurai houses.
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Guest House Ochakare
Very friendly and helpful staff and super clean rooms. Short walk from the station and a shared kitchen. Check prices at Booking.com.
More at Booking.com
