Kanazawa, often called the “Little Kyoto of the North,” is a hidden gem on Japan’s west coast. Unlike many cities in Japan, Kanazawa was not bombed, making it one of the few cities that remains authentic and with many homes and buildings from the early 1900s. As a result, Kanazawa is known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, stunning gardens, and unique ninja history. We were fortunate to have time to spend the night, but if you only have one day in Kanazawa, you’ll want to make the most of it by visiting historic temples, samurai houses, and stunning gardens, while also indulging in the city’s renowned seafood and local specialties.
Morning: Ninjas, Samurai, and Hidden Secrets
Ninja Weapon Museum
Start your day with a visit to the Ninja Weapon Museum, where you’ll see an extensive collection of real ninja weapons, including shuriken (throwing stars), katana (samurai swords), and kunai daggers. This small but fascinating museum offers hands-on experiences, including ninja star throwing!
💰 Admission: ¥600
🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Near Nishi Chaya District
Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)
A short walk away is Myoryuji, also known as Ninja Temple. Despite its name, this isn’t a ninja training ground but rather a deceptively designed temple filled with secret passages, trapdoors, and hidden rooms, built to protect against enemy attacks. This was one of our favorite things in Japan! The boys loved the opportunity to see a real Ninja Temple and the tour guides were very sweet.
You must book a guided tour in advance, as entry is only allowed with reservations. We were able to call the day before from our hotel’s front desk and they helped translate to make the booking.
💰 Admission: ¥1,200
🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Reservations Required)
📍 Location: Teramachi District
Nomura Samurai House (Samurai District)
Step back in time at Nomura Samurai House, an authentic samurai residence that once belonged to a high-ranking warrior family. Inside, you’ll see intricate woodwork, a stunning Japanese garden, and displays of samurai armor and swords. We truly felt like we were living in samurai times wandering through the house and gardens.
💰 Admission: ¥500
🕒 Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Nagamachi Samurai District
Lunch at Omicho Market (近江町市場)
Nicknamed the “Kitchen of Kanazawa,” Omicho Market is the best place to try fresh seafood and Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf-covered sweets.
Best Places to Eat:
- Ikiikitei – Famous for its kaisendon (seafood rice bowls).
- Maimon Sushi – One of Kanazawa’s top sushi spots.
- Hakuichi Café – Try their gold leaf ice cream, a Kanazawa specialty!
📍 Location: Near Kanazawa Station
Afternoon: Shrines, Gardens & Castles
Oyama Shrine (尾山神社)
After lunch, visit Oyama Shrine, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the powerful samurai lord who ruled Kanazawa. The shrine is famous for its unique Dutch-style stained glass gate, an unusual feature in Japanese temples.
🕒 Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Near Kanazawa Castle
Kenroku-en Garden (兼六園)
No visit to Kanazawa is complete without exploring Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Designed to symbolize harmony and natural beauty, Kenroku-en features tranquil ponds, teahouses, and seasonal flowers. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms, summer for vibrant greenery, autumn for fiery red maples, and winter for snow-covered landscapes.
💰 Admission: ¥320
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mar–Oct), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Nov–Feb)
📍 Location: Next to Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle (金沢城)
End your historical day at Kanazawa Castle, a beautifully reconstructed samurai fortress with massive stone walls, elegant gates, and stunning wooden interiors. Climb the watchtower for panoramic city views.
💰 Admission: ¥320
🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Next to Kenroku-en Garden
Evening: Dinner & Kanazawa Nightlife
Dinner at Kuroyuri (黒百合)
Enjoy Kanazawa’s regional specialty, Jibuni, a duck stew simmered in soy sauce and broth, at Kuroyuri, a local favorite.
📍 Location: Inside Kanazawa Station
🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Explore Higashi Chaya District (東茶屋街)
Before heading back, take an evening stroll through Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa’s famous geisha district, lined with traditional teahouses and atmospheric lantern-lit streets.
What to Do:
- Enjoy matcha and wagashi (traditional sweets) at Shima Teahouse.
- Sip local sake at a bar like Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery.
Extra Time: Local Culture
Ishikawa Local Products Center
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Ishikawa Local Products Center. In addition to selling a number of local products, there are numerous crafting rooms in the building and you can make a variety of things, including Japanese Confections, Matcha Tea, Kaga Hachiman Okiagari Doll Painting, Gold Leaf Decoration and more.
The boys tried their hand at sandblasting and created individual stamps they brought home. They had to choose a design, sketch it out, create a template, sandblast it using a huge machine, clean it, and test it out. It was a great experience they’ll always remember, and they got to bring home a really special souvenir!
Why Kanazawa is a Must-Visit Destination in Japan
From hidden ninja traps to elegant samurai gardens, Kanazawa is a cultural treasure trove that offers a perfect one-day adventure. Whether you’re fascinated by Japan’s samurai heritage, exquisite gardens, or unique food scene, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of Kanazawa in just 24 hours.
🚅 How to Get to Kanazawa:
- From Nagano: Shinkansen (1.5 hours)
- From Tokyo: Shinkansen (2.5 hours)
- From Kyoto/Osaka: Thunderbird Limited Express (2–2.5 hours)
Planning a longer trip? Check out our itineraries for Tokyo, Osaka, Matsumoto and more!
