Now, The Japan Concierge won’t hear a bad word said about Kyoto. The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to some of the nation’s greatest historical and cultural treasures. But Kyoto’s amazing reputation as a must-visit destination comes hand in hand with a lot of visitors – especially in peak periods. We love to visit Kyoto in the quieter months when you can truly engage with this magical city.

We’re often asked, where else in Japan offers the same rich cultural experience without the large number of tourists (90 million in 2019 alone) associated with Kyoto?

The Japan Concierge is a bit in love with Kanazawa. This hidden gem offers a Kyoto-like experience while also being compact, easy to navigate, and relatively quiet as it tends to cater more to local visitors. In our view, Kanazawa delivers in spades on overall cultural experience, a stunning food scene and incredible Edo period character.

Located on the west coast of the main island of Honshu, Kanazawa is just over two hours away from Tokyo on the Thunderbird train. Renowned for its preserved Edo-period districts, such as Higashi Chaya and Nagamachi Samurai District, where traditional tea houses and samurai residences can be found. Strolling through these historic streets feels like stepping back in time and you could be forgiven for expecting to see samurai or geisha at every turn.

Like Kyoto, Kanazawa has a cultural precinct outside of the city itself. We love the (long) walk from the station but if you want to preserve your energy, there are buses and taxis aplenty. Kanazawa’s sights are all within walking distance of each other and can be seen within a day if pressed for time. It’s worth staying a night or two if your schedule allows as there is so much to discover in this gorgeous city.

We love to start our journey through Kanazawa at the famed Omicho Market. Dating back to the Edo period, Omocho is the perfect spot to grab a bite on route to the Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. The Kenrokuen Gardens are simply spectacular, and not to be missed. Featuring stunning landscapes, meticulously pruned trees, and tranquil ponds, they are quite possibly one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. The adjacent castle and grounds have been painstakingly restored and a must see. While stunning at any time of year, the gardens truly come to life during Japan’s cherry blossom season.

Additionally, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art showcases modern masterpieces from both Japanese and international artists, providing a refreshing contrast to the more traditional art scene found in Kyoto.

One of the best parts of a visit to Japan is surely the food, and Kanazawa certainly delivers on the culinary side, offering a food experience that rivals even Kyoto's renowned food culture. Being so close to the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa boasts amazingly fresh seafood, including snow crab and deliciously fresh sashimi. We adore Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf-covered sushi, a delicacy unique to this city.

The excellent restaurant precinct adjacent to the station offers all manner of restaurants and local specialities. And if you are looking for a nightcap to end the evening, you can’t go past the bar at the top of the Nikko Hotel for a step back in time to Japan’s bubble era glamour.

Kanazawa offers a relaxed experience for visitors. The nearby Hakusan National Park provides breathtaking hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and hot springs where you can relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re seeking solitude, culture or adventure, Kanazawa's natural beauty will leave you awe-inspired.

Kanazawa is a true hidden gem that offers a unique and excellent alternative to more well-known destinations like Kyoto. It is steeped in character and culture and a few days in this amazing city will leave you feeling truly relaxed and reinvigorated. With its rich cultural heritage, artistic treasures, gastronomic delights, and serene natural landscapes, Kanazawa is the ideal choice for those looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience. So, when planning your trip to Japan, be sure to add a couple of days in Kanazawa to your itinerary and discover a side of Japan that few visitors experience.

If this sounds perfect for you, please reach out. We’d love to help plan your Kanazawa adventure.