KANAZAWA, JAPAN Travel Guide | Happy Trip

KANAZAWA, JAPAN Travel Guide | Happy Trip

Often called “Little Kyoto”, Kanazawa offers beautifully preserved geisha and samurai districts, as well as one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. It remains less crowded and provides a more peaceful atmosphere than the major cities, yet is full of rich history, local art and delicious seafood. With multiple routes connecting Kanazawa to major cities, it’s possible to spend just one or two days here and still experience all the highlights. We recently traveled using the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass,
which covers the transportation to Kanazawa. Feel free to choose any pass that works best for your itinerary. We strongly suggest purchasing the One-Day Pass for getting around Kanazawa,
which provides unlimited bus rides around the city. We’ll explain all the details later in the video. Here are some of the places to explore during your trip to Kanazawa. Omicho Market is a must-visit for food lovers,
where you can sample fresh seafood and local snacks. For over 300 years, Omicho Market has been an essential part of Kanazawa. It offers everything from sushi to pickled vegetables and even wagyu beef. We tried some of the market’s offerings which we’ll share in another video. For now, we’ll focus on this delicious sushi spot and popular dessert place. We highly recommend this sushi restaurant. Every single item we ordered was fresh and of high quality. This was our absolute favorite! It had that perfect buttery softness! We also got to enjoy this delicious pudding. The pudding was incredibly smooth, with a velvety texture. Originally constructed in 1583, the castle has undergone
multiple reconstructions due to damage from a series of fires. This is a historic site centered around the former residence of the
powerful Maeda clan, who ruled during the Edo period. The construction relies on traditional wooden joint techniques,
showcasing expert craftsmanship without the use of nails. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits that highlight
the role of the castle’s defensive architecture. Galleries showcase artifacts offering a deeper understanding
of the castle’s heritage preservation. As you explore the castle’s spacious grounds,
you’ll eventually arrive to a picturesque garden. Originally created as a private space for feudal lords,
it has been carefully restored and is now a tranquil garden open to the public. Visitors can explore the landscape by following the trails,
crossing traditional bridges and enjoying the beautiful views from the pond. NEXT: One of the three great gardens of Japan… Kenrokuen Garden is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Spanning over 11 hectares, it was developed
by the Maeda family throughout several generations. According to Chinese literature,
it is recognized for embodying six essential attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, abundant water and magnificent views. The garden features iconic structures such as the Kotojitoro lantern. The lantern is distinguished by its two-legged design, reminiscent of the bridges that support the strings of a koto instrument. This fountain, considered the oldest in Japan still in active use,
features water that reaches an elevation of approximately 11 feet. Strolling through the garden,
visitors can enjoy stunning views that extend across the landscape. In addition to its natural beauty,
the garden includes a souvenir shop and classic tea houses. Oyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie
and was relocated to its current site in 1873. The shrine’s main gate is a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese
and European architectural styles, featuring Dutch stained glass windows. It remains an active place of worship
and is open to visitors year-round with no admission fee. Adjacent to the shrine is a garden with restored ponds,
stone bridges and beautiful landscapes. NEXT: The three Geisha districts of Kanazawa… In Higashi Chaya, the main street is lined
with teahouses made of traditional wooden architecture. Some of these are open to the public, including Shima,
a teahouse designated as an important cultural property. The district regularly hosts geisha performances,
especially during special seasonal events. Visitors can also browse specialty stores, craft shops,
cafés and gold leaf stores throughout the district. Kazuemachi offers a quieter, more intimate experience,
often described as a hidden gem. The district is lined with preserved wooden teahouses that still function as exclusive venues for geisha performances, along with restaurants and charming cafés. It is located along the Asano River, opposite of Higashi Chaya District. The district is also known for its two narrow lanes:
the “Dark Slope” and the “Lighted Slope”. Kuragari-zaka (Dark Slope)
The dark slope has limited exposure to sunlight,
which keeps the path in shadow even during daylight hours. Akari-zaka (Lighted Slope)
In contrast, the lighted slope features a gently lit slope
that complements its calm, beautiful alley. Nishi Chaya is the smallest of Kanazawa’s three geisha districts. This district is centered around a single street lined with
traditional wooden teahouses that have been meticulously preserved. NEXT: A samurai neighborhood preserved in the city center… The Nagamachi Samurai District offers a rare opportunity
to step back into Japan’s Edo period. This area used to be the residence of samurai from both middle and high ranks,
which is why it is commonly known as the samurai district of Kanazawa. The district’s long history is evident in its well-preserved appearance. Many of the earthen walls (tsuchi-kabe) remain intact and are still covered with straw mats (komogake) in winter to protect them from cold weather. Visitors will find restored samurai homes, beautiful gardens,
water canals and a selection of souvenir shops. A notable attraction is the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, a restored estate that showcases the lifestyle of a prosperous samurai family. The residence features a meticulously maintained garden, which has earned recognition in the Michelin Green Guide. On the second floor, visitors can enjoy matcha in a tea room
overlooking the traditional Japanese garden. Kutani Ware, a traditional style of Japanese porcelain,
is one of Kanazawa’s most iconic crafts. Known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs,
it has been produced in the region since the 17th century. Our Kutani ware was purchased here
which is considered the first Kutani pottery shop in Japan. You can explore workshops and galleries
where this beautiful pottery is made and sold. Kanazawa has made a name for itself through gold leaf production. It’s the source of nearly 99% of Japan’s gold leaf! You’ll often come across gold leaf products in cosmetics,
desserts, local snacks and even arts and crafts. Get the most out of your trip with the convenience and benefits
by using the Kanazawa One-Day Pass. This is a highly recommended option for those who want to explore the city effortlessly with unlimited bus rides for one full day. The One-Day Pass is available for sale online and at multiple locations in Kanazawa. Use the rear door to get on and show your one-day pass
to the driver when you get off at the front door. Use this guide to locate bus stops near the top attractions featured in this video. Thanks for watching and we’ll see you on the next video.

Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most underrated travel spots, filled with cultural treasures and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re exploring the famous Kenrokuen Garden or getting lost in charming old samurai districts, this Kanazawa travel guide will help you uncover the best things to do in Kanazawa.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
Things To Do / Places To Explore In Kanazawa:

01:02📍Omicho Market
-If you’re looking to shop near Omicho Market, check out Kanazawa M’za.

01:59📍Kanazawa Castle Park
-Free Admission to Castle Park grounds
-Admission Fees inside the Castle: www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/info/

02:50📍Gyokusen’inmaru Garden
-Located within the grounds of Kanazawa Castle Park.
-Free Admission.

03:12📍Kenrokuen Garden
-Kenrokuen Plus One Ticket: Visit www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/ for more details.
-Just a 5–10 minute walk from Kanazawa Castle Park or Gyokusen’inmaru Garden.

04:27📍Oyama Shrine
-Free Admission.

05:08 The three Geisha Districts of Kanazawa
-Free admission, though specific facilities within the district may charge a fee.
📍Higashi Chaya District
📍Kazuemachi District
📍Nishi Chaya District

06:55📍Nagamachi Samurai District
-Admission Fees: http://www.nomurake.com/access/

08:21 Kutani Ware
-We bought our Kutani Ware at Kaburaki / Kanazawa Kutani Museum. (Free Admission)
-Visit their catalog: https://kutani.net

08:47 Gold Leaf

09:07 How To Get Around (Kanazawa One-Day Pass)
-We purchased our one-day pass at the Hokutetsu Bus Musashi Ticket Office, located inside the Kanazawa M’za mall near Omicho Market. For more details on other available ticket locations, please refer to our video.
______________________

Music Used:
Somnia Variation 3 relax and sleep – Reed Mathis
Last Cappuccino in Rio – Chris Haugen
In the Temple Garden – Aaron Kenny
Yearning – Nat Keefe
Swaying Silhouettes – Nathan Moore
______________________

❗️Must-have tickets for your trip to KANAZAWA❗️

📌Explore Japan with UNLIMITED use of “JR Pass”
BOOK here: https://click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_id=19&aff_id=361

📌UNLIMITED travel across regions with “Regional JR Passes”
BOOK here: https://click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_id=20&aff_id=361

📌Get UNLIMITED Pocket WiFi in Japan!
BOOK here: https://click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=361
—————————
Book via KLOOK!
Use code “HAPPYTRIPKLOOK” to get a 5% discount on travel essentials like hotels, guided tours, and SIM cards.

📌VASARA Kimono and Yukata Rental in Kanazawa
▪️Add some local flair to your Kanazawa visit with a kimono or yukata experience.
BOOK here: https://tinyurl.com/2h7ha385

📌Hotel Forza Kanazawa
▪️We really like this hotel! It’s just a 2-minute walk from Omicho Market.
BOOK here: https://tinyurl.com/4cyx795u
______________________

Note: The details shown in this video reflect our experience at the time of filming. We recommend contacting the establishment featured for the latest updates. The bus schedule, entrance fees and fares are subject to change at any given time. We’ve included affiliate links, which may help support the channel if you choose to use them.