Kanazawa Day Trip Healing Journey

Japan Travel Diary 24: Ishikawa Prefecture Edition

Kanazawa is a charming small city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, a region in central Japan where modernity and tradition harmoniously coexist.

Today, I’d like to recommend a day trip itinerary for Kanazawa☺️.

Kanazawa is a very walkable city as most of the tourist attractions are clustered together🏃♀️.

📍Omicho Market (10:00 AM–11:00 AM)
Omicho Market is a place where you can enjoy kaisendon🍣. With restaurants lined up one after another, it’s a great spot to explore the market and then have a meal.

📍Kanazawa Castle (11:00 AM–12:00 PM)
If you visit in autumn, the castle is surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage🍁. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Omicho Market, making it easily accessible.

📍Kenrokuen Garden (12:00 PM–2:00 PM)
The highlight of Kanazawa travel. 🍀It’s one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, featuring a vast area beautifully landscaped.

📍21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (2:00 PM–4:00 PM)
A trendy museum with the famous 🌊swimming pool exhibit that’s popular on Instagram. It’s filled with a modern atmosphere.

📍Higashi Chaya District (5:00 PM–6:00 PM)
The farthest attraction from Kanazawa Station, this area is why Kanazawa is often called a "small Kyoto⛩️." The traditional-style buildings lined up here make it a perfect spot for photography.

You’ll also find gold leaf ice cream sold in various places, a signature treat for Kanazawa photo ops.

📍Kanazawa Travel Itinerary at a Glance
Kanazawa Station -> Omicho Market -> Kanazawa Castle -> Kenrokuen Garden -> 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art -> Higashi Chaya District

🚎How to Return to Kanazawa Station from Higashi Chaya District
From Higashi Chaya District, walk for 8 minutes to Kobashimachi Station, then take the KANAZAWA Flat Bus -> Get off at Kanazawa Station.

🏃♀️Nearby Cities Worth Visiting
Toyama, Kurobe Onsen Village