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Kanazawa: Gardens, Geisha Districts, and Crafts

This Kanazawa travel guide covers the former Maeda-clan castle town and its main draws: Kenroku-en garden, the Higashi Chaya teahouse district, Omicho Market, and the gold-leaf crafts the city still produces.12 For culture-focused travelers deciding whether Kanazawa is worth visiting, the core sights sit within walking distance or a short bus ride of each other, which makes a one- or two-day stop workable.3

Confirm current details with official sources

Fees, rules, and requirements can change. Confirm current details at the Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Management Office site and the Kanazawa City Tourism Association's Visit Kanazawa site.

Overview​

Kanazawa was the castle town of the Kaga Domain, whose rulers built a great garden and invested in the arts.12 The city is reached from Tokyo by a direct Shinkansen, but from Kyoto and Osaka only with a change of trains at Tsuruga.45

Most fees and hours here are set by individual operators: the prefecture for the garden and castle, the city for its museum and accommodation tax, and each teahouse, stall, and workshop for its own.678 A figure for one venue does not tell you what another charges.

Why Kanazawa earns a stop​

Under Maeda Toshiie and his successors, rulers of the Kaga Domain, Kanazawa became one of the largest castle towns in feudal Japan, with over 100,000 residents at its peak.9 The Maeda clan built Kenroku-en, an 11.4-hectare garden outside Kanazawa Castle that ranks with Kairakuen and Korakuen as one of Japan's three great gardens.1

The Nagamachi samurai district escaped large-scale fires, including the World War II firebombing that damaged Tokyo and Osaka, and keeps its narrow Edo-period streets, water channels, and restored samurai houses.9 That record applies to Nagamachi specifically; it is not a claim about the whole city.

The Maeda clan also funded workshops for skilled artisans, and gold leaf, Ohi ware, Kutani ware, and Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing grew out of that patronage.2 Today over 99% of Japan's gold leaf is made in Kanazawa.2

The city also keeps its 茶屋街 (chaya-gai, "teahouse districts"), where geiko entertain invited guests in お茶屋 (ochaya, "teahouses").10

Kanazawa versus Kyoto: an honest comparison​

Kanazawa is often weighed against Kyoto by travelers who want gardens and teahouse streets. It is not crowd-free: the city tourism association notes that Higashi Chaya draws crowds in the daytime, while evenings bring fewer visitors and lantern light (as of October 2026; confirm current details with the Kanazawa City Tourism Association).10

For the Kyoto side of the decision, Kyoto Neighborhoods: Higashiyama, Arashiyama, and Downtown covers that city's main districts.

Getting to Kanazawa​

From Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen​

Two Hokuriku Shinkansen services run from Tokyo. The fastest, the Kagayaki, has reserved seats only; the Hakutaka also has unreserved cars (as of April 2026; confirm current services with JR East or JR West).11

Kagayaki trains take about 2 hours 24 minutes to 2 hours 41 minutes from Tokyo to Kanazawa (as of 10 October 2026).4 Hakutaka trains take about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours (as of April 2026).11 JR East's 14 March 2026 timetable revision shortened some Kagayaki runs, so journey times in older guides may be out of date (as of February 2026).12

An adult reserved seat from Tokyo to Kanazawa costs ¥14,600 in the regular season, according to JR West (as of 7 August 2026).13 The fare varies by season: on JR West's Shinkansen e-ticket price table, adult reserved-seat prices rise ¥400 on peak dates and ¥200 on busy dates and fall ¥200 on off-peak dates (as of March 2026).14

JR East raised its ordinary fares by 7.8% on average on 14 March 2026, under a revision the transport ministry approved on 1 August 2025, and left Shinkansen surcharges unchanged.1516 Tokyo to Kanazawa fares quoted before that date may be out of date.

Ekitan's fare search showed ¥14,800 for a Kagayaki reserved seat on Saturday 10 October 2026 (as of 10 October 2026).4 Check the exact fare for your travel date on JR's own fare search before you budget.

Booking Shinkansen Tickets and Reserved Seats explains how to reserve.

From Kyoto and Osaka via Tsuruga​

There is no direct train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kanazawa. Since March 2024 the Thunderbird limited express runs only between Osaka and Tsuruga, and travelers change there to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.5 At Tsuruga, the Shinkansen and conventional-line platforms are in the same station premises.5

The Thunderbird has reserved seats only and no onboard sales (as of August 2026).5 Osaka to Tsuruga takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, with more than ten round trips a day (as of August 2026).5 The fastest Kanazawa to Kyoto connection in a search for 10 October 2026 took 1 hour 44 minutes, including an 8-minute change at Tsuruga from the Tsurugi Shinkansen to the Thunderbird (as of 10 October 2026).17

The trip runs in this order:
Two trains mean two separate charges

The discount for changing between a Shinkansen and a conventional-line limited express was abolished for travel from 16 March 2024, so you pay the Thunderbird and Shinkansen charges separately at the full rate (as of August 2026).5 Budget for both, and allow time to move your luggage between platforms at Tsuruga.

Visitors entering Japan as a 短期滞在 (tanki taizai, "Temporary Visitor") with a foreign passport can buy JR West's HOKURIKU One-way Ticket, which covers the Thunderbird and the Hokuriku Shinkansen; Kyoto City to Kanazawa costs ¥6,500 for an adult (as of October 2026).18 It is sold as an e-ticket exchange order outside Japan. Japanese nationals and anyone without Temporary Visitor status cannot use it.18

For how Kanazawa fits a wider regional loop, Chubu and Hokuriku Orientation: Japan's Mountain Heartland covers the region as a whole.

Getting around the city​

Hokutetsu (Hokuriku Railroad) runs the Castle Town Kanazawa Loop Bus (城下まち金沢周遊バス) from Kanazawa Station. The single adult fare has been ¥220 since a fare revision on 1 April 2026, so older guides quoting a lower fare are out of date (as of October 2026).19

ItemAmount or detailAs ofNotes
Single ride, adult (junior high and up)¥220Revision effective 2026-04-0119
Single ride, child (elementary)¥110Revision effective 2026-04-0119
One-day pass, adult / child¥800 / ¥4002026-1019Not sold on board; buy at ticket counters or hotels in advance
Right Loop8:30–18:00, about every 15 minutes2026-1019From Kanazawa Station East Exit, stop 7
Left Loop8:38–17:58, about every 20 minutes2026-1019
PaymentHokutetsu's ICa card, nationwide IC cards, contactless credit cards, digital tickets2026-1019

The city's own itinerary gives these times between the main sights (as of October 2026):3

LegTimeAs of
Kanazawa Station (East Exit) to Omicho MarketAbout 8 minutes on the Left Loop2026-10
Omicho Market to KorinboAbout 4 minutes on the Left Loop, then about 5 minutes on foot to Nagamachi2026-10
Nagamachi to the 21st Century MuseumAbout 12 minutes on foot
21st Century Museum to Kenroku-en (Mayumizaka entrance)About 2 minutes on foot
Kenroku-en (Katsurazaka exit) to Kanazawa Castle ParkAbout 1 minute across Ishikawa Bridge
Kanazawa Castle Park to Higashi ChayaAbout 14 minutes on foot from the Otemon Gate, or about 2 minutes on the Left Loop from Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle2026-10

For cycling, Bike Share, Rental Bikes, and E-Scooters for Visitors covers the options for visitors.

Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park​

Admission, hours, and early-morning entry​

Kenroku-en and the paid areas of Kanazawa Castle Park are run by Ishikawa Prefecture, which sets its own fees and hours. The table below reflects the official pages (as of October 2026; confirm current figures with the Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Management Office).620

ItemAmount or detailAs ofNotes
Adult (18 and over)¥3202026-10620
Child (6–17)¥1002026-106
Groups of 30 or more, adult / child¥250 / ¥802026-106
Seniors 65 and overFree2026-106Proof of age required; the English page names the passport
Hours, 1 March to 15 October7:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)2026-1020
Hours, 16 October to end of February8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)2026-1020Winter hours start 16 October
Kenrokuen+1 ticket¥5002026-10621Kenroku-en plus one other cultural facility in the city; ask which facilities qualify when you buy

The prefecture's English page says seniors over 65 enter free "with the presentation of the passport," so a foreign visitor 65 or older can use a passport as proof of age (as of October 2026).6

Early-morning free entry​

Kenroku-en opens free of charge every morning before regular hours, not only on select days (as of October 2026).620 Only two gates are open during this window, Renchimon-guchi (蓮池門口) and Zuishinzaka-guchi (随身坂口), and early visitors must leave 15 minutes before regular opening.620

PeriodFree early windowLast entryAs of
1–31 March5:00–6:456:302026-1020
1 April to 31 August4:00–6:456:302026-1020
1 September to 15 October5:00–6:456:302026-1020
16–31 October5:00–7:457:302026-1020
1 November to end of February6:00–7:457:302026-1020
Use the free morning window to beat crowds

The early-morning entry costs nothing and runs every day. Arrive at one of the two open gates, walk the garden before the paid hours begin, and leave by the time stated for the season.20

The garden is also free on set days: about seven days at cherry-blossom season (late March to early April), about three days around the Hyakumangoku Festival in early June, during Obon (14–16 August), on Culture Day (3 November), and over the year-end and New Year period (31 December to 3 January) (as of October 2026).20

Kanazawa Castle Park​

The castle park grounds are free and follow the same seasonal hours as Kenroku-en (as of October 2026).21 The reconstructed interiors (Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura) are paid, open 9:00–16:30 with last entry at 16:00, and cost ¥320 for adults and ¥100 for children; seniors 65 and over enter free with a passport (as of October 2026).21

Possible dual pricing​

Ishikawa Prefecture is studying dual pricing for Kenroku-en, with different fees for residents and for visitors from outside the prefecture or abroad. The prefecture's proposed June 2026 supplementary budget included ¥10 million for an expert committee, with no implementation date set (as of 30 May 2026).22 The official fee pages showed no change notice as of 10 October 2026, but the ¥320 fee could change.620

What each season looks like​

Every year, the garden ties up its trees with ropes against snow damage, a practice called 雪吊り (yukitsuri, "snow ropes"), starting with the Karasaki Pine.23 In 2025 the work began on 1 November and was due to finish in mid-December, with about 800 ropes on the Karasaki Pine alone (as of 27 October 2025).23

The autumn light-up pairs the yukitsuri with autumn color. Remaining 2026 dates are 7, 14–15, 21–22, and 28–29 November, 18:00–20:45, and Kenroku-en is free during light-up hours (as of October 2026).24

In spring, the roughly seven free-entry days at cherry-blossom season shift each year with the bloom (as of October 2026).20

The Chaya Districts: Higashi, Kazue-machi, and Nishi​

Kanazawa's chaya districts are working entertainment quarters, not themed streets. These terms come up on signs and in tourist information:

TermReadingMeaning
茶屋街chaya-gaiTeahouse district, an entertainment quarter of ochaya10
お茶屋ochayaTeahouse where geiko entertain invited guests10
一見さんお断りichigen-san okotowari"No first-time guests without an introduction"10
ひがし茶屋街Higashi Chaya-gaiEastern Teahouse District
主計町Kazue-machiKazue-machi district
にし茶屋街Nishi Chaya-gaiWestern Teahouse District
食べ歩きtabearukiEating while walking25

Higashi Chaya is an outdoor townscape with no gate or admission fee, and most shops there open 10:00–17:00 (as of October 2026; confirm current details with the Kanazawa City Tourism Association).10

Visiting a teahouse interior by day​

Working ochaya keep the ichigen-san okotowari custom: you cannot enter without an introduction from a trusted patron.10 Evening entertainment is therefore not something a visitor can book directly.

A few historic teahouses open their buildings to daytime visitors. Each sets its own fees, hours, and closing days, so the figures below apply only to the named venue (as of the dates shown).

VenueAdultChildHoursClosedAs of
Kaikaro (懐華樓), building tour, Higashi¥750¥500 (elementary and under); infants free10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)Irregular; check the calendar2026-1026
Shima (志摩), Important Cultural Property, Higashi¥500¥300 (junior high and under)9:30–17:30 (Dec–Feb to 17:00)Open daily2026-0527
Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum (西茶屋資料館), NishiFreeFree9:30–17:00Open daily2025-0628

Shima's figures come from a third-party travel directory last updated in May 2026, not from the teahouse itself, so confirm them before you go (as of May 2026).27 Kaikaro needs no reservation for individuals, but groups of ten or more should book (as of October 2026).26

The Nishi Chaya Museum recreates Taisho-era teahouse rooms on the site of a former teahouse.28

Photography and conduct in a working district​

Eating while walking is prohibited inside the Higashi Chaya preservation district; eat on the premises of the shop where you bought the food (as of 28 September 2026).1025 The prefectural tourism site gives protecting the townscape as the reason.25

Eating on the move is not allowed in Higashi Chaya

The ban covers the Higashi Chaya preservation district specifically. If you buy a snack or sweet there, finish it on the shop's premises before you walk on.1025

Kyoto's rules for Gion, covered in The Gion Photography Controversy: What Changed and Why It Matters to Visitors, are Kyoto's own and should not be assumed to apply in Kanazawa. What does apply here is that ochaya are private businesses that admit guests by introduction only.10

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art​

Free zones versus ticketed exhibitions​

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art has a free public zone and a ticketed exhibition zone (as of October 2026; confirm current details with the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa).29

ItemDetailAs of
Public zoneFree; 9:00–22:002026-1029
Exhibition zoneTicketed; 10:00–18:00 (Friday and Saturday to 20:00)2026-1029
Weekly closure (exhibition zone)Mondays (next weekday if Monday is a holiday)2026-1029
Year-end full closure29 December 2026 to 1 January 20272026-1029
General admission¥450–¥1,200 depending on the exhibition; discounts for students, seniors, and groups of 20 or more2026-1029
ChildrenElementary through high school free for collection exhibitions; a ticket must still be issued2026-1029
Special exhibitionsTimed-entry web tickets to spread visitors2026-1029

Only special exhibitions use timed-entry tickets; the museum as a whole is not timed-entry.29

The collection exhibition 「歩く、とどまる」 runs until 18 October 2026, and the next, 「今日から明日へ 作品を継承すること」, runs from 31 October 2026 to 18 April 2027 (as of 10 October 2026).30 No collection exhibition runs between them, and The Swimming Pool's underground space is closed for the changeover from 19 to 30 October 2026 (as of 10 October 2026).3130

The whole museum closes from May 2027

The entire facility closes from 6 May 2027 to March 2028 for large-scale renovation, and the city will announce reopening details later (as of October 2026).7 A trip in that window cannot include the museum.

Reserving The Swimming Pool​

The Swimming Pool is a work whose underground space is entered from inside the exhibition zone. Reservations are same-day only: the museum is not currently accepting advance reservations, and booking opens at 9:00 on the day of your visit (as of October 2026).3231

The English page says reservations run 9:00–17:30, to 19:30 on Fridays and Saturdays (as of October 2026).32 You need a ticket for either the collection or the special exhibition, and visitors may stay in the underground space for five minutes or less.3231

The process works like this:3231
Only the underground view needs a slot

The museum as a whole is not timed-entry. Only The Swimming Pool's underground view uses same-day slots, and only special exhibitions use timed tickets.3229 The underground space cannot be visited during the changeover closure from 19 to 30 October 2026.31

Sites in Japan That Require Advance Booking covers other venues with reservation systems.

Omicho Market and Hokuriku Seafood​

What to eat and when to go​

近江町市場 (Ōmichō Ichiba, "Omicho Market") has been part of Kanazawa's food culture for over 300 years, since the Edo period.33 Hours vary by shop, and the two official tourism sites give different headline windows: 9:00–16:00 according to Visit Kanazawa and 9:00–17:00 according to Ishikawa Travel (as of October 2026; confirm current hours with the individual shop).3334

The two sites also differ on size: more than 170 stores according to Visit Kanazawa, over 180 stalls and restaurants according to Ishikawa Travel (as of October 2026).3334 Visit Kanazawa lists the New Year holidays as closed days, while Ishikawa Travel says closed days vary by store (as of October 2026).3334

Omicho Ichibakan, a refurbished building inside the market, holds restaurants and shops (as of October 2026).33 Crab, yellowtail, and shrimp from the Sea of Japan are sold around November, which is the market's busiest season (as of October 2026).33

Ishikawa's snow crab season opens on 6 November, and two names are worth knowing:3536

TermReadingMeaningSeason (as of January 2026)
加能ガニKanō-ganiIshikawa brand name for male snow crab6 November to 20 March35
香箱ガニKōbako-ganiFemale snow crab, short season6 November to 29 December35

The prefectural fisheries bulletin confirms the 2025 season opened on 6 November with landings of both.36

Market manners​

Many stalls serve their produce for eating on the spot, much like small restaurants (as of October 2026).34 Eat where the stall serves you.

Eating and Drinking While Walking: The Norms and the Exceptions covers the general norms. The eating-while-walking ban described above is a rule for the Higashi Chaya preservation district.1025

Gold Leaf and Kanazawa's Craft Culture​

Gold leaf: seeing it and trying it​

Over 99% of Japan's gold leaf is made in Kanazawa.2 The leaf is beaten from a gold alloy containing silver and copper between special papers until it is about 1/10,000 mm thick.2

The Yasue Gold Leaf Museum (安江金箔工芸館) shows the craft, and many shops offer hands-on sessions decorating jewelry boxes, postcards, and chopsticks.2 Each workshop sets its own prices and booking rules.

Kinpakuya Sakuda's main store in the Higashiyama area is one example. Its prices include materials and rise from January 2027 (as of October 2026; confirm current prices with Kinpakuya Sakuda).37

ItemCurrent priceFrom January 2027As of
Chopsticks¥1,760¥1,9802026-1037
Pencils (2)¥1,760¥1,9802026-1037
Round plate¥2,310¥2,7502026-1037
Cherry-blossom box¥2,530¥2,9702026-1037
Square box¥2,640¥3,1902026-1037
Compact mirror¥2,640¥3,3002026-1037
Small oval plate¥2,640¥3,0802026-1037
Plum box¥2,750¥3,3002026-1037
Hand mirror¥2,750¥3,5202026-1037
Free rack¥2,970¥3,8502026-1037

Sessions last about 60 minutes and start at 9:00, 10:30, 13:00, and 15:00, with up to 30 people each; reservation is required (as of October 2026).37 Book on the web by 16:00 the day before, or by phone 9:00–17:00 (as of June 2026).38

Kutani ware, Kaga Yuzen, and where to see the crafts​

These terms cover the city's headline crafts:

TermReadingMeaning
金箔kinpakuGold leaf2
九谷焼Kutani-yakiKutani ware, Ishikawa porcelain2
加賀友禅Kaga YūzenHand-dyed silk practised in Kanazawa2
大樋焼Ōhi-yakiKanazawa tea-ceremony pottery2

Kutani ware was first made in the mid-1600s at kilns in what is now Kaga City, and is known for bold colors in the aote and iroe palettes.2

Kaga Yuzen has been practised in Kanazawa for about 500 years and is built on five base colors. Kaga Yuzen Kaikan and Nagamachi Yuzenkan offer viewing, dyeing experiences, or kimono rental.2

To see many crafts in one place, the Ishikawa Prefectural Traditional Arts and Crafts Museum (いしかわ生活工芸ミュージアム) at Kenroku-machi 1-1 exhibits 36 types of Ishikawa's traditional crafts, with craftspeople demonstrating on the first floor on weekends (as of October 2026).39

ItemDetailAs of
Hours9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:45)2026-1040
First floorFree2026-1040
Second floorAdult ¥260; 65 and over ¥210; high school and under ¥100; preschool free2026-1040
ClosedThird Thursday of each month, April to November; every Thursday, December to March (except holiday Thursdays)2026-1040

One Day or Two? Pacing Kanazawa​

Most of the decision comes down to whether you sleep in Kanazawa and which time-bound sights you want. The tree below follows the booking rules and travel times cited in this guide.

A one-day route​

Visit Kanazawa's own itinerary runs in this order: Kanazawa Station, Omicho Market by Left Loop bus, Nagamachi, the 21st Century Museum, Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park, then Higashi Chaya.3 Each leg after Omicho is a short bus ride or walk, as the table under Getting around the city shows.

A day trip from Tokyo is feasible but long: the Kagayaki takes about 2 hours 24 minutes to 2 hours 41 minutes each way (as of 10 October 2026; confirm current timetables with JR East or JR West).4 How Far Is a Reasonable Day Trip in Japan? covers how to judge that trade-off.

What a second day adds​

A second day gives room for the things a single day squeezes out:

  • The Swimming Pool. Same-day reservation from 9:00 and an exhibition ticket are required, and it is unavailable from 19 to 30 October 2026 (as of October 2026).3231
  • Higashi Chaya after dark. The one-day itinerary reaches it in the daytime, when it draws crowds; the city tourism association says evenings bring fewer visitors and lantern light (as of October 2026).103
  • A gold-leaf workshop. At Sakuda, book by 16:00 the day before (as of June 2026).38
  • More time in Nagamachi. Edo-period streets and samurai houses, with earthen walls covered in straw mats in winter.9
  • Nishi Chaya and Kazue-machi. The Nishi Chaya Museum is free (as of June 2025).28
  • The prefectural crafts museum. Craftspeople demonstrate on the first floor on weekends (as of October 2026).39

From 6 May 2027 to March 2028 the 21st Century Museum is closed entirely, so a second day in that window cannot include it (as of October 2026).7

Where to base yourself​

Kanazawa Station is the Hokuriku Shinkansen stop, and the loop bus leaves from its East Exit, stop 7.194 Staying near the station keeps the arrival and departure simple.

Korinbo is a Left Loop stop about 4 minutes from Omicho and a short walk from Nagamachi (as of October 2026).3

For luggage on arrival or departure days, Luggage Forwarding in Japan: How Takkyubin Courier Services Work and Coin Lockers: Sizing, Cost, and the Real Risk of None Available cover the options.

The Noto Peninsula After the 2024 Earthquake​

The Noto Peninsula, which stretches about 110 km in a straight line from Kanazawa City to its tip, was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1 January 2024 and by heavy rains that began on 21 September 2024.41 Visit Kanazawa says restoration and reconstruction are still under way but that the impact on tourism has largely subsided, and it warns that road and bus conditions change constantly (as of October 2026; confirm current conditions with Visit Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture tourism site).41

Status differs town by town, so nothing below applies to "Noto" as a whole. These terms appear in updates:

TermReadingMeaning
輪島朝市Wajima AsaichiWajima Morning Market42
和倉温泉Wakura OnsenHot-spring town in Nanao City43
総湯sōyuCommunal public bathhouse of an onsen town43
のと里山海道Noto Satoyama KaidōMain expressway from Kanazawa into Noto4441

What has reopened and what has not​

The six hardest-hit municipalities are Suzu, Wajima, Noto Town, Anamizu, Shika, and Nanao, and the prefectural tourism site says recovery there "will require considerable time" (as of February 2026).45 Conditions are changing month to month; check before you travel.

Area or facilityStatusAs of
Wakura Onsen (Nanao City), ryokan11 of 19 member ryokan reopened, including Okuda-ya (9 July 2026) and Shirasagi no Yu Noto Kaishu (16 July 2026); Biwanso and Hotel Kaibo on provisional operation since late 20252026-0743
Wakura Onsen, Soyu public bathOperating2026-084346
Noto RailwayOperating2026-0847
Notojima AquariumOperating; dolphin shows resumed March 2025, sea-lion shows in July2026-0846
Express buses, Kanazawa to SuzuTransfer required at Noto Satoyama Airport; some local routes may be suspended or rerouted2026-084641
Noto Satoyama AirportReopened 7 July 2026 after a Pokémon-themed rebranding2026-0748
Nanao City lodgingTwo properties to resume taking tourists in July 20262026-0748

Hakui, Nakanoto, and Hodatsushimizu show recovery progress, and Keta Taisha and Myojoji temple are running normally (as of February 2026).45

Roads​

Visit Kanazawa reports that road restoration has made significant progress and that travel times to Oku-Noto have largely returned to pre-disaster levels (as of August 2026).4647 Some sections are still closed or need detours, and drivers still meet bumps, uneven surfaces, and alternating one-way traffic.4647

The national road office ran weeknight closures on the Noto Satoyama Kaido between Anamizu IC and Tokuda-Otsu JCT/IC from 1 to 19 September 2026, and noted all-day alternating one-lane traffic on some sections (as of 3 August 2026).44 Those night closures have ended, but lane restrictions continue; check before driving.

Wajima Morning Market​

The market has not returned to its original street on a regular basis, and its status is best read source by source. After the earthquake and fire, members set up a "Wajima Asaichi Caravan" in Kanazawa's Kanaiwa district, and a permanent stall runs inside a supermarket in Wajima City (as of November 2025).42

On 13 September 2026, about 30 vendors set up tents on the morning-market street for one day, the first time since the earthquake, while land readjustment continues in the area (as of 13 September 2026).4950 A commercial facility of four buildings with 14 shops is planned to open in the Honmachi and Asaichi area in spring 2027; that is a facility in the area, not necessarily the market itself (as of 13 September 2026).50

Some official pages for the market have not been updated since the earthquake; see Good to know below before relying on listed hours.51

Deciding whether to add Noto from Kanazawa​

Treat Noto as a separate decision from Kanazawa. Routes in are by car on the Noto Satoyama Kaido, by train on the JR Nanao Line and Noto Railway, or by express bus from Kanazawa Station.41

Visit Kanazawa publishes model routes that are accessible now from Kanazawa (as of August 2026):4647

  • Half day: the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and Keta Shrine.
  • Half day to full day: Notojima and the Nanao area.
  • Full day: Chirihama to the Noto Kongo coast.
  • Full day by train: Kanazawa to Anamizu via the JR Nanao Line and Noto Railway, under 3 hours.
  • Tip of the peninsula: a circuit of over 300 km, with one overnight recommended.

Before driving, check the Ishikawa road-information site (石川みち情報ネット); Hokutetsu and the prefecture's travel-support site also post updates (as of August 2026).4647 Visit Kanazawa titles its Noto page "Travel for Support!", framing a visit to reopened inns, shops, and attractions as support for the region.41

Good to know​

Kanazawa adds its own accommodation tax​

Kanazawa City charges its own accommodation tax per person per night, with two tiers and an exemption for cheaper stays, for stays from 1 October 2024 (as of October 2026; confirm current rates with Kanazawa City).8 This is a Kanazawa City rule, not a regional one, so it does not tell you what lodging elsewhere in Ishikawa or Hokuriku charges.

Room charge per person per night (excluding tax)TaxAs of
Under ¥5,000None2026-108
¥5,000–¥19,999¥2002026-108
¥20,000 and over¥5002026-108

The taxable amount is the room-only charge plus related service charges; meals, consumption tax, hot-spring tax, and transport are excluded.8 Japan's Accommodation Tax, City by City compares other cities.

Pack for rain in every season and snow in winter​

Kanazawa's normal annual precipitation is 2,401.5 mm, based on 1991–2020 averages. December is the wettest month at 301.1 mm, followed by January at 256.0 mm and November at 250.8 mm.52

Kenroku-en's yukitsuri ropes go up from early November to protect its trees from snow damage.23 What to Pack for Japan: Weather, Footwear, and Cash-Carrying Norms covers footwear and rain gear.

Check closing days before you lock a date​

The 21st Century Museum's exhibition zone closes on Mondays, and the whole museum closes from 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 (as of October 2026).29 The Swimming Pool's underground space also closes for changeover from 19 to 30 October 2026, and the whole museum then closes from 6 May 2027 to March 2028 (as of October 2026).317

The prefectural crafts museum closes every Thursday from December to March and on the third Thursday from April to November (as of October 2026).40 Kaikaro closes on irregular days, so check its calendar (as of October 2026).26 Omicho's closed days vary by stall.34

Sakuda's gold-leaf workshop prices rise from January 2027, so chopsticks go from ¥1,760 to ¥1,980 (as of October 2026).37 A booking made for early 2027 should use the new price.

Official pages are not always current. The prefecture's English tourism page for the Wajima Morning Market still lists pre-earthquake hours with no earthquake notice; use Visit Kanazawa's dated Noto page instead (as of 10 October 2026).5146

Weekends and holidays change the crowd picture​

Higashi Chaya is crowded in the daytime and quieter in the evening (as of October 2026).10 Omicho is busiest around November, in crab season (as of October 2026).33

Kenroku-en's free early-morning window runs every day and is the simplest way to see the garden before the crowds (as of October 2026).20 Crowd-Avoidance Tactics That Actually Work: Timing, Not Just Destination covers timing in more depth.

Rail pass math for a Kanazawa leg​

Whether a regional pass or the national JR Pass pays off for a Tokyo to Kanazawa to Kyoto routing depends on the exact itinerary, and Chubu and Hokuriku Logistics: Passes, Buses, and Loop Routes works through the numbers. Visitors eligible for JR West's HOKURIKU One-way Ticket should compare it against separate Thunderbird and Shinkansen fares.18

For a side trip to Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Edo-Era Streets and Gassho Villages covers the route.

See also​

References​

Footnotes​

  1. Nippon.com. "Japan's Three Great Gardens" (Japan Data). 2020-03-26. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00672/japan%E2%80%99s-three-great-gardens.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. 観光庁 (Japan Tourism Agency). 多言語解説文データベース, 「技術、洗練と伝統：石川県の工芸」. https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/common/001554458.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13

  3. Visit Kanazawa. "First Time in Kanazawa? A Classic One-Day Course Covering the Must-See Highlights" (itinerary page with point-to-point travel times). https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/itineraries/detail_9.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  4. 駅探 (Ekitan). 東京駅から金沢駅までの新幹線（かがやき）の料金・時間・時刻表. Fare search displayed for 2026-10-10. https://ekitan.com/transit/shinkansen/section/sf-2590/st-6223/kagayaki ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  5. Ekitan (English). "THUNDERBIRD Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets." Updated 2026-08-03. https://ekitan.com/en/article/thunderbird ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  6. 石川県 金沢城・兼六園管理事務所 (Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Management Office). "Kenrokuen Garden: Information (hours, fees)." English page. https://shiro-niwa.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kenrokuen-garden/e/info.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11

  7. 金沢市 (Kanazawa City). 「金沢21世紀美術館休館のお知らせ」. https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/news/31027.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  8. 金沢市 市民税課 (Kanazawa City, Citizen's Tax Division). 「金沢市宿泊税制度変更のご案内〈令和6年10月から変更〉」. https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/shiminzeika/gyomuannai/1/4/26669.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  9. 観光庁 (Japan Tourism Agency). 多言語解説文データベース, "Nagamachi District." https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/common/001559613.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  10. 金沢市観光協会. 「これで完璧！はじめてのひがし茶屋街楽しみ方ガイド」. https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/higashi ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13

  11. Ekitan (English). "Shinkansen Tokyo to Kanazawa." 2026-04-01. https://ekitan.com/en/article/tokyo-to-kanazawa-shinkansen ↩ ↩2

  12. JR東日本 (JR East) 公式メディア. 「【JR東日本ダイヤ改正】2026年3月14日(土) 新幹線・首都圏の特急・在来線の主な改正内容紹介」. Updated 2026-02-27. https://media.jreast.co.jp/articles/5625 ↩

  13. 西日本旅客鉄道株式会社 (JR West). NEWS RELEASE 「北陸～長野・首都圏における「e チケット早特」の発売・見直しについて」 (PDF; 所定額 table, adult, regular season, ordinary reserved seat). 2026-08-07. https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/2026/08/07/items/260807_00_press_hokuriku_eticket.pdf ↩

  14. JRおでかけネット (JR West). 「別紙1 新幹線eチケットのおねだん・特定額 ＜2026年3月14日購入分から＞ 普通車指定席用」 (PDF; seasonal adjustment note). https://tickets.jr-odekake.net/shohindb/view/consumer/tokutoku/download.html?fileId=20260330154528444&newwindow=true ↩

  15. 国土交通省 (MLIT). 報道発表資料 「東日本旅客鉄道株式会社の旅客運賃の上限変更認可について」. 2025-08-01. https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tetsudo02_hh_000217.html ↩

  16. 東日本旅客鉄道株式会社 (JR East). 「運賃改定の詳細について ～2026年3月14日に運賃改定を実施します～」 (press release PDF). 2025-10-08. https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2025/20251008_ho03.pdf ↩

  17. 駅探 (Ekitan). 金沢駅から京都駅 運賃・経路検索. Search displayed for 2026-10-10. https://ekitan.com/transit/fare/sf-6223/st-5198 ↩

  18. JR西日本 (JR West). "HOKURIKU One-way Ticket." https://www.westjr.co.jp/travel-information/en/tickets-passes/oneway/hokuriku/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  19. 北陸鉄道 (Hokuriku Railroad, Hokutetsu). 「城下まち金沢周遊バス」. https://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/tourism-bus/castle-town/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  20. 石川県 金沢城・兼六園管理事務所. 「利用案内」(兼六園). Japanese page. https://shiro-niwa.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kenrokuen-garden/info.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16

  21. 石川県 金沢城・兼六園管理事務所. "Kanazawa Castle Park: Information (hours, fees)." English page. https://shiro-niwa.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/english/info.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  22. 北陸中日新聞 (Hokuriku Chunichi Shimbun). 「兼六園 二重価格を検討 石川県6月補正予算案 有識者ら協議へ」. 2026-05-30. https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1259085 ↩

  23. 石川県 金沢城・兼六園管理事務所. 「兼六園の雪吊りについて」(資料提供). 令和7年10月27日 (2025-10-27). https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kisya/r7/documents/1027_10_kouennryokuti1.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  24. 金沢市観光協会 (Kanazawa City Tourism Association). 「金沢城・兼六園四季物語～秋の段～（金沢城・兼六園ライトアップ）」. https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html ↩

  25. 石川県観光連盟 ほっと石川旅ねっと (Ishikawa Prefecture official tourism site). 「ひがし茶屋街界隈おすすめスイーツ7選｜食べ歩きマナーと楽しみ方」. 2026-09-28. https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/blog/detail_263.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  26. 懐華樓 (Kaikaro). 「建物見学」. https://www.kaikaro.jp/building-tour/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  27. Guide to Japan (gltjp.com; ©Arukikata Co., Ltd. / ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.). "National Important Cultural Asset Ochaya SHIMA." Last updated 2026-05-08. https://www.gltjp.com/en/directory/item/12713/ (limitation: third-party travel directory, not the teahouse's own site) ↩ ↩2

  28. Guide to Japan (gltjp.com). 「金沢市西茶屋資料館」. Last updated 2025-06-30. https://www.gltjp.com/ja/directory/item/13536/ (limitation: third-party travel directory, not the museum's own site) ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  29. 金沢21世紀美術館. 「来館のご案内」. https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=7&d=1 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11

  30. 金沢21世紀美術館. 「展覧会」(exhibition list). https://www.kanazawa21.jp/exhibition/ ↩ ↩2

  31. 金沢21世紀美術館. 《スイミング・プール》鑑賞について. Japanese page. https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=120&d=1 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7

  32. 金沢21世紀美術館 (21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa). "Make Reservations to Experience The Swimming Pool." English page. https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=120&d=1&lng=e ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  33. Visit Kanazawa (金沢市観光協会, English site). "Omicho Market." https://visitKanazawa.jp/en/shops/detail_10030.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7

  34. Ishikawa Travel (石川県観光連盟, English site). "Experience local culinary culture at Kanazawa's largest fresh food market" (Omicho Market). https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/spots/omicho-market ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  35. 星野リゾート (Hoshino Resorts) 旅のガイド. 金沢のカニ (Kanazawa crab guide). 2026-01-19. https://hoshinoresorts.com/guide/area/chubu/ishikawa/kanazawa/kani/ (limitation: lodging operator's travel guide, not a fisheries authority; only the 6 November opening is confirmed by the prefectural fisheries bulletin) ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  36. 石川県水産総合センター (Ishikawa Prefecture Fisheries Research Center). 「石川県漁海況情報」558号. 2025-11-28. https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/suisan/center/gyokaikyou/documents/2025-11-28.pdf ↩ ↩2

  37. 金箔屋さくだ (Kinpakuya Sakuda). 「金箔貼り体験」. https://goldleaf-sakuda.jp/trial/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13

  38. Visit Kanazawa. "Gold Leaf Workshop" (Kinpakuya Sakuda Main Store activity page). https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/activities/detail_617.html ↩ ↩2

  39. いしかわ生活工芸ミュージアム 石川県立伝統産業工芸館. 「フロアガイド」. https://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/floor_guide/ ↩ ↩2

  40. いしかわ生活工芸ミュージアム 石川県立伝統産業工芸館 (Ishikawa Prefectural Traditional Arts and Crafts Museum). 「ご利用案内」. https://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/information/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  41. Visit Kanazawa. "Travel for Support! Accessible Now to Noto from Kanazawa" (trip-ideas page). https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/trip-ideas/detail_491.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6

  42. 政府広報オンライン (Government of Japan). Highlighting Japan, Vol. 209, November 2025, article on the Wajima Morning Market. https://www.gov-online.go.jp/hlj/en/november_2025/november_2025-04.html ↩ ↩2

  43. 和倉温泉観光協会・和倉温泉旅館協同組合 (Wakura Onsen Tourism Association and Ryokan Cooperative). 「和倉温泉ご宿泊情報について」. https://www.wakura.or.jp/brochure/brochure-3739/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  44. 国土交通省 北陸地方整備局 金沢河川国道事務所 (MLIT Hokuriku Regional Development Bureau, Kanazawa River and National Highway Office). 「能越自動車道・のと里山海道（穴水IC～徳田大津JCT）集中工事のため、夜間通行止めを実施します」(記者発表資料). 令和8年8月3日 (2026-08-03). https://www.hrr.mlit.go.jp/press/2026/8/260803kanazawa.pdf ↩ ↩2

  45. 石川県観光連盟 ほっと石川旅ねっと. 「【能登半島の今】能登の現状と今行ける能登を紹介します（令和6年2月取材、令和8年2月更新）」. https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/feature/detail_239.html ↩ ↩2

  46. Visit Kanazawa. "Travel for Support! Accessible Now to Noto from Kanazawa" (feature page). Information as of August 2026. https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/feature/detail_491.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  47. 金沢市観光協会. 「観光に行って応援！ 金沢発着・今行ける能登【2026.8更新】」. https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_491.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  48. TTG Asia. "Noto Peninsula tourism rebuild gathers pace." 2026-07-28. https://www.ttgasia.com/2026/07/28/noto-peninsula-tourism-rebuild-gathers-pace/ ↩ ↩2

  49. 共同通信 (Kyodo News), via 熊本日日新聞 (Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun). 「輪島朝市通り、テントで出店復活 にぎわい再興へ、能登地震後初」. 2026-09-13. https://kumanichi.com/articles/2035462 ↩

  50. Dtimes. 「輪島本町・朝市エリアに28店舗が集結！未来へつなぐ輪島のにぎわいプロジェクト"復活のはじまり市"」. 2026-09-13. https://dtimes.jp/post-1370550/ ↩ ↩2

  51. Ishikawa Travel (石川県観光連盟, English site). "Large, energetic daily market in operation for over 1,000 years" (Wajima Morning Market). https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/spots/wajima-morning-markets/ ↩ ↩2

  52. 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency). 平年値（年・月ごとの値）金沢, 1991–2020. https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/nml_sfc_ym.php?prec_no=56&block_no=47605&year=&month=&day=&view= ↩