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    Geisha and Samurai in a medieval castle town

    A thriving historical centre and the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.

    At its heart is a 17th century castle surrounded by ancient neighbourhoods and reconstructed streets. Discover the Nagamachi samurai district and the Chaya geisha entertainment quarter, which exist pretty much exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. Kanazawa is one of the few Japanese towns where the geisha tradition remains alive, making it a popular spot for those wishing to explore this fascinating tradition.

    Kanazawa has a horde of other cultural attractions such as the Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjikken Longhouse, but its unchallenged main attraction is Kenroku-en Garden. Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and considered by many as the most beautiful of them all, making Kanazawa the drawcard of the Ishikawa region.

    A word from one of our experts

    Higashi Chaya in Kanazawa is the largest of Japan’s historical geisha districts. I recommend visiting a traditional tea house and learning the art of making matcha tea from a teamaster.

    Rachel O Leary headshot
    Rachel O Leary

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Kanazawa

    There are many incredible places to stay in Kanazawa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Trip inspiration

    Get inspired with our Kanazawa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan

    14-Day Trip

    A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan

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    14-Day Trip

    A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan

    Immerse yourself in the unique cultures and history of two fascinating nations
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    Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan

    9-Day Trip

    Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan

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    9-Day Trip

    Classic Japan Explorer: A Luxury Introduction to Japan

    Discover a fusion of modern and ancient on a tour of Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
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    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Kanazawa adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Hakone thumbnail

    Hakone

    Endowed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a town with water at its heart.

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    Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 

    Hiroshima has emerged from its nuclear past as a thriving and internationally minded community.

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    Ise Shima National Park thumbnail

    Ise Shima National Park

    From its magnificent vistas, to its peaceful coves, to it’s stark mountains and dense forest, the park is a cultural and culinary landmark in Japan.

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    Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park thumbnail

    Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    Jigokudani is the ultimate and privileged location to watch snow monkeys interact, bond and just chill out.

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    Kyoto thumbnail

    Kyoto

    Kyoto is where you’ll find ancient and contemporary Japan collide in a fascinating cultural hub.

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    Matsumoto thumbnail

    Matsumoto

    The charming town of Matsumoto offers an attractive departure point for hikes in the beautiful deep mountain domain of Kamikochi.

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    Mount Fuji thumbnail

    Mount Fuji

    Mount Fuji is Japan‘s highest mountain, a picture-perfect snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

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    Mount Koya thumbnail

    Mount Koya

    Revered as a dwelling place of the gods since ancient times, Mount Koya rises mysteriously from the Kii peninsula.

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    Naoshima Island thumbnail

    Naoshima Island

    Its laid back pace, beaches and bright weather give it a wonderfully Mediterranean atmosphere, but it’s art enthusiasts more so than sun-seekers that flock here.

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    Okinawa

    With a dreamy subtropical climate and some of the best beaches in Japan, most come to Okinawa for its sunny weather and beachside relaxation.

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    Osaka thumbnail

    Osaka

    Osaka is a full bodied metropolis brimming over with contemporary architecture, animated nightlife and delicious street food.

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    Sado Island thumbnail

    Sado Island

    Sado is a rural summer getaway of rocky coasts, green hills and quaint fishing ports far away from the frenzy of the mainland.

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    Shikoku thumbnail

    Shikoku

    A wonderful place to appreciate some of Japan’s most beautiful natural scenery and sacred sites.

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    Takayama thumbnail

    Takayama

    Takayama's remote location means that it’s remained somewhat isolated from the rest of Japan, creating and conserving a unique cultural character.

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    Tokyo thumbnail

    Tokyo

    A city of excitement and bright neon lights set against the backdrop of the vast and towering Mount Fuji.

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    Yamashiro and Yamanaka thumbnail

    Yamashiro and Yamanaka

    For more than a thousand years, Japanese holiday makers have been coming here to sooth body and mind in their warm therapeutic waters.

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    Meet your Asia team

    When to visit Japan

    Japan is a year-round destination. Visit in March and April to catch the cities cloaked in cherry blossom and from October to November to see the maple trees explode in clouds of orange and red.

    Cherry blossoms

    March–April

    Autumn leaves

    November–December

    See Mount Fuji

    November–February

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

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    Plan your trip to Kanazawa

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Kanazawa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start Planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline