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.

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
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.

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.

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
Where to go

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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







































