Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kanazawa?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kanazawa?

Many visitors spend one to two days in Kanazawa during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, find the best deals at the shops, and browse around the old town.

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and some people consider it a "Little Kyoto". The city has several traditional areas with preserved buildings. There are also museums and large markets to explore.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kanazawa? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Kanazawa?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Kanazawa has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the food, the quaint shops, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in Kanazawa

Don't miss Kenroku-en Garden during your trip to Kanazawa, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Kanazawa is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Kanazawa, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

The public transit in Kanazawa is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Shopping in Kanazawa is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kanazawa.

Is 4 days enough time in Kanazawa?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Kanazawa. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Kanazawa as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Kanazawa, Japan

How to spend 4 days in Kanazawa

If you have more than 4 days in Kanazawa, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Is 5 days enough time in Kanazawa?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Kanazawa at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the food, the quaint shops, and the historic old town. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Kanazawa

Having 5 days in Kanazawa will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

After you've explored most of Kanazawa, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

A few tour suggestions include:

[Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour ($68)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Kanazawa, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.