Kanazawa Castle - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Kanazawa Castle

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kanazawa Castle, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kanazawa Castle and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kanazawa Castle, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Kanazawa Castle for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a historic castle located in the city of Kanazawa, Japan. It was originally built in 1583 by the powerful Maeda Clan and has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fires and wars. The current castle was reconstructed in 2001 and features traditional Japanese architecture, including a beautiful white-walled castle keep and a surrounding moat. Inside, visitors can see exhibits on the castle's history and the life and culture of the Maeda Clan. The castle is also surrounded by a beautiful garden called Kenrokuen, which is considered one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan.

What to visit in Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a beautiful castle that is rich in history and culture. Here are some of its popular tourist attractions with info for each: 1. Gojikken Nagaya (Storehouses of the fifty houses): These are an impressive set of traditional storehouses that were built during the Edo period. They were used to store weapons and other equipment that were necessary for the castle's defense.
2. Tsuzuki Yagura (Watchtower): This is one of the watchtowers of the castle and is said to be the tallest in Japan. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the castle and the surrounding areas.
3. Hashizume-mon Gate: This is the main entrance of the Kanazawa Castle and is a very impressive stone gate. The gate was designed in a way to protect the castle from invaders.
4. Hishi Yagura (Diamond-shaped Watchtower): This watchtower is named after its unique diamond shape and is considered to be a national treasure of Japan. It was built in 1592 and has been preserved for more than 400 years.
5. Seisonkaku Villa: It is a stunning villa that was built for Maeda Nariyasu's mother. The villa is located right next to the castle and features a beautiful traditional Japanese garden.
6. Kenroku-en Garden: It is one of the most famous gardens in Japan and is located in the vicinity of Kanazawa Castle. The garden features a wide range of trees and plants, as well as a beautiful pond. It is considered to be one of the three most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan.
7. Ishikawa-mon Gate: This is another impressive gate that is located in the south of the castle. It was also used as an entrance for the castle guards.
Overall, Kanazawa Castle is an impressive and historically rich castle with many beautiful attractions worth visiting.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Kanazawa Castle

The best time to visit Kanazawa Castle in Japan is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring (March to May), you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for the castle. In autumn (September to November), the foliage around the castle and the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden turns into a beautiful orange and red hue, making it a perfect time for sightseeing and photography. However, be prepared for large crowds during these peak seasons, particularly during the cherry blossom season.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. There are several ways to get to Kanazawa Castle: 1. By train: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa Station. From there, take the Hokutetsu Bus (Kenrokuen Shuttle) to Kanazawa Castle Park.
2. By bus: Take the Hokutetsu Bus (Kenrokuen Shuttle) from Kanazawa Station to Kanazawa Castle Park.
3. By car: Kanazawa Castle is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station. There are several public parking lots available near the castle.
4. On foot: From Kanazawa Station, it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to Kanazawa Castle.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kanazawa Castle, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kanazawa Castle

Here are some typical foods of Kanazawa Castle in Japan and a short description of each: 1. Gold leaf ice cream: This is a popular dessert that features soft serve ice cream topped with edible gold leaf flakes. The gold leaf is a speciality of Kanazawa, making this dessert a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
2. Kaga vegetables: Kaga vegetables are locally-grown vegetables that are known for their freshness and flavour. These vegetables are commonly used in traditional Kaga cuisine and can be found in various dishes ranging from pickles to soups to stews.
3. Noto beef: Noto beef is a high-quality, premium beef that is raised in the Noto peninsula of Ishikawa prefecture. This beef is known for its tender texture and rich flavour, making it a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and in particular, Kanazawa.
4. Jibuni: Jibuni is a traditional Kanazawa dish made with chicken or duck and a variety of vegetables. The dish is cooked slowly over low heat with soy sauce, sugar, and umami-rich dashi stock. The result is a hearty and flavourful stew that is perfect for cold weather.
5. Tofu: Kanazawa is known for producing some of the best tofu in Japan, with several small-scale tofu shops in operation around the city. The tofu is made using locally-grown soybeans and mineral-rich water from the Hakusan mountain range, resulting in a smooth and silky texture. 6. Kaga cuisine: Kaga cuisine is the traditional cuisine of Kanazawa, consisting of a variety of dishes that showcase the region's fresh and seasonal ingredients. This cuisine is known for its delicate flavour and beautiful presentation, with dishes often garnished with edible flowers and other decorative elements.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Kanazawa Castle an expensive destination for tourists?

The cost to visit Kanazawa Castle in Japan is moderate, and it is worth every penny. The admission fee to the castle grounds is 310 yen (approximately $3 USD) per person, and an additional 540 yen (approximately $5 USD) for admission into the castle keep. It is worth noting that there are other areas within the castle grounds that have separate admission fees, such as the Kenroku-en Garden and the Seisonkaku Villa, so it is important to budget accordingly if you plan to visit those areas as well. Overall, while Kanazawa Castle may not be the cheapest attraction in Japan, it is certainly a worthwhile destination for history lovers and fans of traditional Japanese architecture.

Where to find accomodation in Kanazawa Castle

It is best to find accommodation in the areas of Kanazawa Station or Korinbo when visiting Kanazawa Castle. Both areas are well-connected to the castle and offer a variety of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to suit different budgets. Kanazawa Station area is more convenient for those arriving by train, while Korinbo is closer to the city center and offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
You can check hotel prices at Kanazawa Castle here:
Booking.com

Is Kanazawa Castle a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Kanazawa Castle in Japan is generally a safe place for tourists. Crime against tourists is relatively low in Japan, but it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions when visiting any tourist destination. It is recommended to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, keep your valuables close at hand, and avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. In addition, follow any rules or regulations posted around the castle grounds and respect any cultural customs or traditions that may be observed.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kanazawa Castle.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kanazawa Castle the most?

Kanazawa Castle is a historical attraction located in Kanazawa, Japan, and is a great destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. It can be enjoyed by all types of travelers, including families, couples, and young people.
Families with children can enjoy exploring the castle grounds and learning about the history of the area. The castle offers a number of educational activities and interactive exhibits that are perfect for children of all ages.
Couples seeking a romantic getaway will enjoy the beautiful gardens and stunning architecture of Kanazawa Castle. The castle is particularly beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Finally, young people looking for fun and adventure can enjoy exploring the castle's many trails and hiking routes. There are also a number of shops and restaurants in the area that are perfect for young people looking for a night out.
Overall, Kanazawa Castle is a great destination for anyone looking to explore Japanese history and culture. Regardless of your age or interests, there is something at Kanazawa Castle to enjoy.

How to get around Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is situated in the center of Kanazawa city and can easily be accessed by public transportation, such as buses and taxis. Visitors can also choose to walk or bike to the castle if they prefer. Once at the castle, walking is the most convenient way to explore its various attractions and viewpoints. There are also rental bikes available nearby for those who prefer to cycle around the castle grounds.

What to see around Kanazawa Castle

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Kanazawa Castle in Japan: 1. Shirakawago - A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri-style houses.
2. Takayama - A beautifully preserved town well-known for its historic streets and architecture.
3. Hakusan National Park - A popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, featuring stunning alpine landscapes.
4. Kaga Onsen - A hot spring resort town offering relaxation in traditional Japanese-style hot springs and traditional ryokans.
5. Noto Peninsula - A scenic peninsula located in Ishikawa prefecture, known for its rugged coastlines, stunning beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.
6. Nanao - A coastal city with a thriving fishing industry, offering fresh seafood and beautiful beaches.
7. Awazu Onsen - A charming hot spring town with a relaxing atmosphere and historic hot springs.
These are just a few of the many beautiful places to explore in a day trip from Kanazawa Castle in Japan.
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