Travel to Kanazawa by Train: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market & Stay at a Kaga Onsen Ryokan

Why Visit Kanazawa?

Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is a charming mid-sized city that blends old and new Japan. Known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, art museums, gold-leaf crafts, and fresh seafood cuisine, it offers a rich and rewarding cultural experience—with fewer crowds than Tokyo or Kyoto.

Kanazawa is also a convenient stopover if you're traveling between Tokyo and the Kansai region using the Hokuriku Arch Pass or a nationwide JR Pass.

Getting to Kanazawa by Train

Kanazawa is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo, Nagano, or Toyama.

From Tokyo:

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki or Hakutaka).

• Travel time: Around 2.5–3 hours.

• Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass.

From Kyoto or Osaka:

• Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto or Osaka Station.

• Travel time: Approx. 2 hours from Kyoto.

• Also covered by the JR Pass and Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple cities, consider purchasing a regional JR Pass to save on transportation costs.

Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki & Hakutaka

Kanazawa Station

What to Do in Kanazawa

🌸 Kenrokuen Garden – One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Gardens

Ranked among the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-see attraction in Kanazawa. With seasonal beauty year-round—cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-draped pines in winter—this garden offers timeless Japanese landscape design.

Highlights:

• The iconic Kotoji-toro Lantern beside the Kasumigaike Pond.

• Seasonal flower displays, waterfalls, and teahouses.

• Peaceful paths ideal for slow, scenic walks.

📍 Access: About 15 minutes by local bus from Kanazawa Station or 30 minutes on foot.

Kanazawa Castle Park

Kotoji-toro stone lantern in Kenrokuen

Shigure-tei Tea House

🐟 Omicho Market – The Kitchen of Kanazawa

A few blocks from Kanazawa Station, Omicho Market is the city’s lively central marketplace. With over 170 stalls, it’s the best place to taste fresh seafood, including snow crab, yellowtail, and sushi rice bowls (kaisendon).

Don’t miss:

• Trying a kaisendon breakfast at one of the market’s seafood restaurants.

• Sampling local street food like grilled oysters or fried squid.

• Browsing local produce, pickles, and sweets.

🕘 Visit in the morning for the freshest catch and fewer crowds.

Omi Cho Market

Kaisendon

Oysters and Scallops

Extend Your Journey: Stay at a Ryokan in Kaga Onsen

Just a short train ride from Kanazawa lies Kaga Onsen, a famous hot spring resort area known for its tranquil atmosphere and luxurious ryokan stays. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Getting to Kaga Onsen:

• Take the JR Limited Express from Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station (approx. 25 minutes).

• Many ryokans offer free shuttle service from the station.

• Covered by the Japan Rail Pass and regional JR passes.

Where to Stay:

Traditional ryokans in Kaga Onsen offer tatami-mat rooms, kaiseki meals, and indoor/outdoor onsen baths with natural hot spring water.

Some highly rated ryokans include:

• Hakusan Shobutei: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality and open-air hot springs at a reasonable price.

• Hoshino Resorts Kai Kaga: Luxurious art-filled ryokan known for exquisite kaiseki dining, artisan design, and serene onsen baths.

🛌 Tip: Book your ryokan early, especially during peak travel seasons. Many properties are available to reserve through affiliate-friendly hotel platforms.

Tatami Bedroom at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese Dinner

Ryokan Restaurant with Japanese Garden

Find a Hotel or Ryokan in Kanazawa or Kaga Onsen HERE!

Sample Itinerary: 2-Day Trip to Kanazawa and Kaga Onsen

Day 1 – Explore Kanazawa:

• Arrive by Hokuriku Shinkansen or Limited Express.

• Visit Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.

• Enjoy lunch and shopping at Omicho Market.

• Explore Higashi Chaya District (historic geisha area).

• Stay overnight in Kanazawa or head to Kaga Onsen.

Day 2 – Kaga Onsen Retreat:

• Travel to Kaga Onsen Station (25 min by train), which is overed by the Japan Rail Pass and regional JR passes.

• Check in to your ryokan and relax in the hot springs.

• Visit local artisans or take a stroll along Kakusenkei Gorge.

Travel Tips

• 🛤 JR Pass: Ideal if you're combining Kanazawa with other destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. Also consider the Hokuriku Arch Pass for Tokyo–Kanazawa–Kyoto travel.

• 🧳 Luggage forwarding is available from major train stations, allowing hands-free travel to your ryokan.

• 📱 Book accommodations early, especially ryokans, as they tend to have limited rooms and fill up fast.

Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?

Kanazawa is the perfect destination for travelers seeking traditional Japanese culture, beautiful scenery, and exceptional food—all accessible by train. Whether you're building a full Japan rail itinerary or planning a relaxing onsen getaway, Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, and a Kaga Onsen ryokan stay deliver an unforgettable experience.

✅ Use your JR Pass to reach Kanazawa effortlessly, and consider booking your hotel or ryokan stay in advance to secure the best deals and availability.

Maps - Kanazawa and Kagaonsen

Kanazawa station

Kaga Onsen Station