Welcome to Kanazawa Castle, the Historical Treasure of Ishikawa!
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
Access from Narita Airport
Accessing Kanazawa Castle from Narita Airport is quite simple. First, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen and head straight to Kanazawa Station. The total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours, providing a convenient and comfortable journey.
Access from Haneda Airport
From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the Yamanote Line to reach Tokyo Station. From there, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station. The travel time is also about 3.5 hours, allowing for smooth and easy travel in coordination with your flight schedule.
Access from Kansai International Airport
For travelers coming from Kansai International Airport, a combination of the Shinkansen and express trains is recommended. First, take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station, then transfer to the Thunderbird Limited Express to reach Kanazawa Station in about 2.5 hours. This makes accessing Kanazawa from western Japan very convenient.
Recommended Tourist Spots in Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle is a remarkable place where you can feel the history of the Kaga Domain. The expansive grounds of Kanazawa Castle Park offer beautiful landscapes throughout the seasons, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves. Within the castle, the samurai residences and stone walls are well preserved, allowing visitors to experience history as they stroll through the grounds.
Ishikawa Gate
The Ishikawa Gate, a symbol of Kanazawa Castle, features a stunning contrast of white walls and green tiles. Many tourists take photos in front of this beautiful gate. Passing through the gate, you can feel the atmosphere of the past.
Gyokuseninmaru Garden
Located on the south side of Kanazawa Castle, Gyokuseninmaru Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden created during the Edo period. It features seasonal flowers, ponds, and tea houses, making it an ideal place to spend a relaxing time. The garden’s historical scenery and natural harmony provide a calming experience.
Leisure Activities
Kenrokuen Garden
Adjacent to Kanazawa Castle is Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. The expansive garden features ponds, waterfalls, plum groves, and bamboo groves, offering scenic views throughout the year. The snow-covered trees in winter and cherry blossoms in spring are particularly noteworthy. Strolling through Kenrokuen provides a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
Higashi Chaya District
A short walk from Kanazawa Castle takes you to the Higashi Chaya District, where you can experience the atmosphere of the Edo period. The district features traditional townhouses, tea houses, souvenir shops, and cafes. It’s a wonderful place to leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the historic charm.
Recommended Food
Kaga Cuisine
When visiting Kanazawa, be sure to try Kaga cuisine. Using fresh seafood and mountain delicacies, Kaga cuisine is known for its beautiful presentation and delicate flavors. Particularly notable are the crab dishes in winter and bamboo shoot dishes in spring.
Kanazawa Oden
Kanazawa’s winter specialty is oden, a type of hot pot. Served with a unique sweet miso sauce, Kanazawa oden is a dish that warms you from the inside out. Enjoying oden at street stalls or specialty restaurants with locals is a must-try experience.
Japanese Sweets
Kanazawa is also famous for its Japanese sweets. Traditional confections such as namagashi and higashi are particularly popular. Enjoying these beautiful sweets with a cup of matcha during your stroll through Kanazawa Castle or Kenrokuen is highly recommended.
Popular Shops
Kanazawa Hyakubangai
Directly connected to Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Hyakubangai is the perfect shopping area for finding souvenirs. The area offers a wide range of local specialties and traditional crafts. From food items to various goods, you can find a variety of items to take home.
Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi Samurai District features traditional townhouses that now house cafes and restaurants. Enjoying delicious food and sweets while admiring the historic townscape is a unique experience. A visit to a townhouse cafe will surely be a memorable part of your trip.
Omicho Market
Known as Kanazawa’s kitchen, Omicho Market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and vegetables. The market is home to many sushi restaurants and seafood bowl shops where you can enjoy fresh local ingredients. Savoring Kanazawa’s flavors amidst the market’s vibrant atmosphere is a delightful experience.
A visit to Kanazawa Castle allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Kaga Domain. The beautiful scenery, delicious food, and warm interactions with locals will create unforgettable travel memories. We hope your journey to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is a wonderful experience.