Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best-preserved historic cities, spared the wartime bombing that struck many others. The result is a rich blend of samurai and geisha districts, a celebrated landscape garden, a reconstructed castle, and a striking modern station, all set against the cultural backdrop of the old Kaga Domain. This hub gathers our individual guides to help you plan a memorable visit.

Gardens and Castles

At the heart of Kanazawa lie Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great gardens, and the adjacent Kanazawa Castle, former seat of the wealthy Maeda clan. Together they form the green and historic core of the city and are the natural place to begin exploring.

Architecture and Day Trips

Beyond the centre, the city impresses with the dramatic Tsuzumi-mon gate at Kanazawa Station, while the surrounding region offers superb excursions, most famously to the UNESCO-listed thatched village of Shirakawa-go.

Planning Your Visit

The Hokuriku Shinkansen links Kanazawa with Tokyo in about two and a half hours, and a convenient loop bus connects the main sights. Two days lets you enjoy the gardens, castle, and old districts at a relaxed pace, with time for a day trip into the mountains.

Kanazawa rewards travellers seeking traditional Japan without the largest crowds. Explore our full set of guides below to plan the perfect trip.

Our Kanazawa Travel Guides

• Kenroku-en: Kanazawa’s Celebrated Garden
• Kanazawa Castle: The Maeda Clan Stronghold
• Kanazawa Station and the Tsuzumi-mon Gate
• Shirakawa-go: A Day Trip from Kanazawa

For our complete collection including hotels, see The Complete Kanazawa Guide.