Direct answer
Kanazawa is a compact, culturally rich city on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast—famous for Kenrokuen Garden, samurai and geisha districts, crafts (gold leaf, Kutani pottery), fresh seafood, and well-preserved Edo-era streets. Plan at least 2–3 days to see highlights and enjoy local food.
Visa / Entry requirements
- Short stays: Most visitors require a valid passport and, depending on nationality, a visa. Check Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for up-to-date visa requirements for your country.
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport meets Japan’s entry requirements (commonly valid for the duration of stay).
- Immigration card & customs: You’ll complete landing cards on arrival or via e-Gates if eligible. Declare items as required.
Best time to visit
- Spring (late March–May): Cherry blossoms—pleasant temperatures but can be crowded.
- Autumn (October–November): Excellent foliage, clear skies, comfortable weather—my top pick.
- Winter (December–February): Cold, possible snow—beautiful snowy gardens and fewer tourists; ideal if you like seafood and onsen nearby.
- Summer (June–August): Rainy season in June, hot and humid in July–August; festivals run in summer.
Safety tips
- Kanazawa is very safe—low crime rates. Standard precautions (watch belongings in crowds) are sufficient.
- Earthquakes: Japan is seismically active. Know basic earthquake safety (drop, cover, hold on) and check hotel evacuation routes.
- Weather hazards: In winter expect icy sidewalks; wear appropriate footwear.
Local customs & etiquette
- Bowing: Common greeting—no handshake required, but it’s fine to offer a light bow.
- Shoes: Remove shoes where requested (temples, traditional ryokan, some restaurants).
- Quiet public behavior: Keep phone calls low-volume on public transport.
- Dining: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice; don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. Tipping is not customary.
- Photography: Be polite and avoid disturbing residents in quiet neighborhoods (e.g., Higashi Chaya District).
Currency & money
- Currency: Japanese yen (JPY). Cash is widely used—many small shops, markets, and some restaurants are cash-first.
- Cards & ATMs: Major cards accepted at hotels, department stores, and many restaurants. Use ATMs at 7-Eleven, post offices, and major banks for foreign cards.
- Exchange: Exchange some cash before arrival or at airport counters; city has currency exchange and ATMs.
Transportation within Kanazawa
- By air/rail: Kanazawa is served by JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (from Tokyo ~2.5–3 hrs). Noto and local airports offer connections.
- Local transit: Compact city—efficient bus network (Kanazawa Loop Bus for major sights), taxis, and walking are best.
- IC cards: IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.) work on many buses and shops—convenient but check limited-area buses.
- Bicycles: Bike rentals are a great way to explore.
- Driving: Narrow streets and limited parking in historic areas—public transit usually easier.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Kenrokuen Garden: Arrive early to avoid crowds; consider evening illumination events in autumn/winter.
- 21st Century Museum: Popular modern museum—reserve timed-entry tickets on busy days if offered.
- Higashi, Nishi Chaya & Nagamachi: Walk these districts for tea houses, samurai homes, and atmosphere—go early/late for better light and fewer visitors.
- Omicho Market: Excellent fresh seafood and local produce—try kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) for breakfast or lunch.
- Crafts & souvenirs: Buy gold leaf items, Kutani ware, and local sweets (wagashi). Look for workshops where you can try gold-leaf application.
- Food specialties: Kaisen-don, crab (in season, winter), nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), local sushi, and sake.
- Accommodations: Stay near Kanazawa Station for convenience or in Higashi Chaya/Nagamachi for historic atmosphere. Consider a ryokan or machiya stay for traditional experience.
- Day trips: Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Noto Peninsula, and Fukui’s Tojinbo cliffs are accessible from Kanazawa.
- Language: English signage is common at major sites; having a translation app or basic Japanese phrases helps in smaller shops.
Practical checklist
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing (coastal climate can be changeable).
- Carry some cash and an unlocked smartphone with maps or a pocket Wi-Fi / SIM.
- Reserve popular restaurants or museum time slots in advance for peak season.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases: hello (konnichiwa), thank you (arigato gozaimasu), excuse me (sumimasen).
Enjoy Kanazawa’s blend of refined tradition and accessible culture—plan for slow exploration and savoring local food and crafts.