FAQ
Access
Q. Where is Kanazawa? How do I get there?
Kanazawa is located in central Japan, halfway between Tokyo and Osaka. You can reach the city in about 2.5 hours from either city by train.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen and limited express trains connect Kanazawa to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, travel becomes even more affordable.
Flying? Komatsu Airport, the nearest one, has direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda and Narita). From there, a bus takes you to Kanazawa in about 40 minutes.
As a regional hub, Kanazawa also offers easy day trips to places like Shirakawa-go and Takayama by highway bus.
Q. How to get around Kanazawa?
Most major tourist spots in Kanazawa are within a 2km radius of Kanazawa Castle Park. Due to the city’s narrow alleyways and limited parking, we recommend using local buses, sightseeing loop buses, or the public bike-sharing service "Machi-nori".
A convenient “ONE DAY PASS” is available for 800 yen (adults) / 400 yen (children), allowing unlimited rides within central Kanazawa on local buses, the Kanazawa Loop Bus, and the Kanazawa Flat Bus.
Other options include the Kanazawa Light-up Bus, operating on Saturday evenings, and the Kanazawa Shopping Bus, which runs on weekends and holidays.
Q. I'm coming to Kanazawa on a cruise. Is there a shuttle bus service to the city?
A local bus runs from Kanazawa Port to Kanazawa Station in about 30 minutes.
Some cruise lines may offer their own shuttle service, so please check with your cruise company.
Q. How to Get to Shirakawa-go and Takayama from Kanazawa?
Sightseeing buses, highway buses, and cabs are available from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go and Takayama area.
For information on sightseeing buses and cabs, please see the links below.
Shirakawa-go and Takayama One-day Bus Tours and Private Taxi Plans
Highway buses (unguided) are operated by the following companies.
Q. How to Get to Noto Peninsula from Kanazawa?
The Noto region was heavily affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, but while many public transportation services and tourist spots have resumed operation, some areas (Oku-Noto, Suzu region) are still in the process of recovery.
When traveling from Kanazawa to Noto, transportation options include driving or a combination of train and bus. While road conditions have mostly been restored, some roads in the Oku-Noto area remain closed to general vehicles. Rail services, including the JR Nanao Line and the Noto Railway, have resumed operations. As for bus services in the Oku-Noto region, some routes are running on temporary schedules, and others remain partially suspended.
Please refer to the following article regarding current Noto tourism.
Travel for Support! Accessible Now to Noto from Kanazawa
Tourist Information
Q. How many days do I need for sightseeing in Kanazawa?
To fully enjoy the major attractions in Kanazawa as well as nearby areas like Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where you can engage in a variety of sensory experiences, a stay of about three days and two nights is ideal. However, no matter how long you stay, a satisfying experience awaits you here.
Q. Where should I stay in Kanazawa?
In central Kanazawa, accommodations are mainly found around Kanazawa Station and the Korinbo/Katamachi area.
Stay near Kanazawa Station if you prefer easy access and a comfortable stay close to shops and dining, especially convenient for arrival or departure days.
Choose Korinbo/Katamachi area if you want to walk to major sights and enjoy the atmosphere of Kanazawa’s historic center.
Just outside central Kanazawa, there are three well-known hot springs: Yuwaku Onsen, Kanazawa Saigawa Onsen, and Fukatani Onsen. You can enjoy sightseeing in the city during the day, and then relax in a peaceful Onsen ryokan in the evening.
Stay at a Onsen Ryokan in Kanazawa: Traditional Japanese Hot Spring Retreat
Q. What should I eat in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa is known as a city of culinary delights. Don’t miss the chance to try fresh, seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan. Local specialties passed down since the Edo period (1603-1868), such as Jibuni (a stewed duck dish) and Hasu-mushi (steamed lotus root), are also popular.
For something more casual, Hanton rice and Kanazawa curry are comfort foods cherished by the people of Kanazawa.
One dish that has grown in popularity in recent years is Kanazawa oden hot pot, known for its light, delicate broth and unique local ingredients.
Kanazawa Cuisine: A Delight to the Senses
You can enjoy Kanazawa’s rich food culture at great value with the Gourmet Ticket Kanazawa BIMI. For more details, please see the link below.
Q. What activities should I experience in Kanazawa?
You can enjoy hands-on craft experiences such as gold leaf application and pottery painting, as well as cultural activities like tea ceremony, cooking workshops, and even geisha experiences. There are also tours available to nearby areas around Kanazawa.
You can search for experience plans at the link below.
Seasonal Events
Q. What is the biggest festival in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa’s biggest festival is the Hyakumangoku Festival, held over three days in early June.
On the second day, the city comes alive with the Hyakumangoku Parade—a large-scale procession that draws huge crowds and creates the most festive atmosphere of the year.
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Traffic restrictions are enforced throughout the city on the day of the parade.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds while sightseeing, please refer to the model course linked below.
Standard sightseeing course on the day of Hyakumangoku Parade
Q. When is the best time to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in Kanazawa?
Cherry blossoms usually start blooming in early to mid-April and reach full bloom about a week after they begin.
Autumn leaves in Kanazawa are typically at their best from late November to early December.
For more details, please check the seasonal feature pages below.
The Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Guide
The Best Autumn Foliage Scenery in Kanazawa
Q. When can I see light-up in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden are illuminated according to a fixed schedule throughout the year. Please check the link below for specific dates.
The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden
The Tsuzumi-mon Gate at Kanazawa Station is lit up every evening from sunset, and gas lamps create a nostalgic and magical atmosphere in the Higashi Chaya District at night. You can also explore various illuminated spots around the city by taking the "Kanazawa Light-up Bus", which runs every Saturday night.
Kanazawa Light-up Bus : For a nighttime stroll in Kanazawa!
Q. When can I see yukitsuri in Kanazawa?
Yukitsuri is a traditional method of protecting tree branches from heavy snow by suspending ropes from tall bamboo poles in a conical shape. It’s one of the most iconic winter sights in Kanazawa, especially in Kenrokuen Garden.
You can usually see yukitsuri from mid-November to early March.
If you visit between November 1 and mid-December, you may also be able to watch the installation work being done—an impressive seasonal tradition in itself.
Yukitsuri Installation at Kenrokuen Garden
Q. When can I see komogake in the Nagamachi Samurai District?
Komogake is a traditional way of protecting earthen walls with straw mats during the winter.
In the Nagamachi Samurai District, it adds a seasonal touch to the historic streets.
Installation usually begins in early November, and the komogake stay in place until around mid-March.
Geisha
Q. Where can I meet geisha?
The "Kanazawa Geisha Experience", where you can enjoy geisha performances and ozashiki party games, is held on designated Saturdays.
In addition, experience programs where you can meet geisha are listed at the following link.
Q. Is it possible to book a private group experience with a geisha?
Yes, a private group experience with geisha is offered at a place called Asanogawa Enyukai Hall.
Asanogawa Enyukai Hall
There is also a program where you can enjoy interaction with geisha at a traditional Japanese restaurant located inside Kenrokuen Garden.
Kenrokutei Geiko Dinner
If you are staying at a ryotei (luxury Japanese ryokan with meals), it may be possible to arrange for geisha to be invited through the establishment, provided you contact them in advance.
Q. What are the manners when meeting a geisha?
Geisha are bearers of traditional Japanese performing arts, having spent years mastering refined skills and graceful etiquette. In Kanazawa, you have the rare opportunity to experience this cultural heritage up close. To ensure a respectful and pleasant experience for everyone, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following manners:
1. Do not take photos without permission
Taking photos of geisha you happen to see on the street without their consent may be a violation of their portrait rights.
2. Please refrain from speaking to geisha on the street
They may be on their way to a performance or engagement, so we ask that you refrain from approaching them.
3. Take care not to soil the interior of teahouses
Teahouses are historic spaces. Please avoid entering barefoot—wear socks at all times. On rainy days, we recommend bringing an extra pair to help keep the space clean.
Useful Information
Q. Are there baggage delivery service from Kanazawa Station to the hotel?
Yes, the Tourist Information Center at Kanazawa Station offers this service for a fee.
Reservations are not required, but please come with plenty of time to spare as the reception desk may be crowded.
Delivery area: Kanazawa City, Noto area, hot springs in Kaga area, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture
[Hands-Free Travel] Baggage Delivery Service
Q. Where can I rent a wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are available for rent free of charge at the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center. Reservations can be made and it is possible to borrow one for a number of days. However, the number of wheelchairs is limited, so please contact them as soon as possible.
Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center
Also, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Higashi Chaya District, and Nagamachi Samurai District also offer free rentals for use only in the area of each facility.
The Ishikawa Barrier-Free Tour Center offers a rental service for a fee. This center can also deliver wheelchairs to designated locations. This organization is also available for consultation regarding barrier-free tours, so please contact them if you have any problems.
Ishikawa Barrier-Free Tour Center (Japanese only)
Q. How can I apply for a foreign language tour guide?
There are a variety of interpreter-guides in Kanazawa, including nationally certified “National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Net Kanazawa”, Kanazawa City-certified guides called “Kanazawa Visitor's Hosts (Kanazawa City Regional Guide Interpreters),” and volunteer guides.
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Net Kanazawa
Q. Where are SIM cards sold?
The following links introduce facilities where you can purchase SIM cards in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Among them, those with good accessibility near Kanazawa Station are "Familymart Kanazawa Refare store", "Lawson Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Port Exit Store" and "Travelex JAPAN Tis Kanazawa".
Q. Is free Wi-Fi available in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa City operates the public wireless LAN “KANAZAWA FREE Wi-Fi” service at major sightseeing spots.
