Sitting in north-west corner of Central Japan, Kanazawa is a popular stop on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. Terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo via Nagano, along with Limited Express Thunderbird services running from Osaka and Kyoto via Fukui, Kanazawa is readily accessible and one of Central Japan’s most enjoyable cities.
Our ’25 Things To Do In & Around Kanazawa’ page highlights just some of the many things to do while in the area including the cities famous Kenrokuen Garden – regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in Japan – along with nearby Kanazawa Castle Park, several historic areas and an array of outstanding galleries and museums.
Being located so close to the northern coast, Kanazawa is also renowned for its seafood and fantastic dining scene. Of particular note for seafood-lovers, the Omicho Fish Market is only 15 to 20-minutes walk from Kanazawa Station. Open daily, the market is home to around 200 vendors selling some of Japan’s best seafood, which can be packed and taken with you or consumed at one of the many stalls and restaurants.
Travellers heading to Kanazawa might like to make use of either the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass or JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. Both passes cover major train services into Kanazawa including the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo and Nagano, along with the Thunderbird running from Osaka, Kyoto and Fukui. The JR East Pass can also be used to reach Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen however it is important to note that it doesn’t cover services – such as the Thunderbird – heading west of Kanazawa.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind. We hope this information inspires you to plan ahead and start thinking about your next visit to Japan.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Kanazawa and Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination. Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
