Our first bullet train ride in Japan whisked us off to Kanazawa in just over three hours—a smooth, quiet ride that kicked off the next leg of our adventure. Nestled in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast, Kanazawa is known for its gold-leaf crafts, traditional teahouse districts, and thriving local markets.

It took a bit of time to familiarize ourselves with the local transit system (no Suica or Pasmo here—cash and exact fare only!), but once we settled in, Kanazawa offered a refreshing mix of history, hospitality, and hidden food gems that left a lasting impression.

Quick Snapshot: Kanazawa at a Glance

Location: Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Getting There: 3-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo
Time Spent: 3 days
Weather: Hot! 35°C+ and yet… everyone wears long pants
Transit Tip: No Suica/Pasmo cards—carry coins or exact change

Cultural Impressions from Our Stay

Across two cities in just a few days, we noticed a few things that remained consistently impressive about Japan—and Kanazawa was no exception:

• The cleanliness is next-level. Public washrooms and streets are spotless. (Canada used to be this clean—35 years ago!)
• It feels incredibly safe. We walked around late at night and never felt uneasy.
• The people are unfailingly polite and respectful. You can feel the calm everywhere.
• Fashion game? Strong. Even in extreme heat, men were still dressed in full-length pants.
• So. Many. Food choices. You’ll spend as much time trying to pick something as you do eating it.
• Department stores are thriving—it’s a shopper’s paradise.
• Everything is aesthetically beautiful. You’ll want to buy it all (even things you don’t need!).

Points of Interest in Kanazawa

Omicho Market

This bustling seafood market is best visited in the morning or around noon. We arrived late in the day when it was winding down, so many vendors had already closed shop. If you want to see the full energy and variety (think fresh sashimi, grilled skewers, and seasonal produce), go early!

We kicked off our second visit on one of our full days in Kanazawa with an early morning stop at Omicho Market, and this time, we came hungry! Known for its fresh seafood, produce, and unique local eats, the market was bustling and lively—exactly what we missed on our first afternoon visit.

We sampled all kinds of croquettes—crab, octopus, shrimp, and a few mystery ones —plus deep-fried fish paste we initially mistook for tofu (oops), Ayu sweetfish, sea urchin, and skewers of eel and Wagyu beef. There’s no shortage of flavor or food adventure here, and if you love street-style bites, you could spend a whole morning just eating your way through the stalls.

Higashi Chaya District

One of Kanazawa’s preserved geisha districts, this area offers a step back in time. Teahouses and boutiques line the peaceful streets, many selling local gold-leaf crafts Kanazawa is famous for. When we visited, it was nearly deserted—possibly because it was a weekday—but it made for a serene stroll. With the sun filtering through traditional latticework and barely another tourist in sight, it felt like time had slowed down.

Kanazawa Castle + Kenroku-en Garden

From the market, we wandered through Kanazawa Castle, a partially restored Japanese castle, on our way to one of the city’s crown jewels: Kenroku-en Garden. This garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan—and for good reason. It’s scenic, serene, and filled with ancient pine trees propped up by wooden supports, gentle streams, koi-filled ponds, and beautifully curated paths.

It was a hot and humid day, and we welcomed a break with a refreshing soft serve ice cream—matcha flavor, of course! It hit the spot and gave us just enough energy to keep going. We passed a few ice cream shops offering the gold leaf wrap but were too full to attempt a second serving of ice cream within the same hour. It was a decision my husband regrets. But, it sure saved us some money as each cone can cost about $10 each.

Myoryuji Temple (Ninjadera Temple)

Later, we made our way on foot to Myoryuji Temple, often referred to as the Ninja Temple. Despite the nickname, it has nothing to do with ninjas—but everything to do with stealth. Built with trap doors, secret passageways, and hidden staircases, this temple was designed to outsmart enemies and protect its occupants.

The 45-minute tour is in Japanese only, but they provide an English booklet to guide you. Just a heads up—no photography or translation apps are allowed inside, so you’ll need to be fully present and soak it all in with your eyes (and memory).

Hidden Gem: Ramen Worth Traveling For

Ramen Wakadaisho ラーメン若大将

We stumbled across this tiny, unassuming ramen shop and were so glad we did. With seating for maybe 10 people total—a table for four, a table for two, and a small counter—everything appeared to be run by one incredibly hardworking man.

The ramen? One of the best bowls we had during our trip. The noodles were perfectly cooked, the broth rich and flavourful, and the pork slices were thick, tender, and generously portioned.

No takeout here—you’ll need to dine in, and trust me, it’s worth it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Authentic, affordable, and absolutely delicious.

We didn’t get to try the famous gold leaf ice cream, which is a specialty here, but we did enjoy a few more local favorites:

• Sweet potato desserts (a regional staple)
• Kanazawa curry (rich, savory, and comforting)
• A variety of karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
• And of course, sushi—because how could we not?

At this point, I probably should’ve done a weigh-in before I left Kanazawa

What We Loved (or Found Fascinating)

Kanazawa felt like a beautiful pause between bigger cities—less crowded, steeped in tradition, and filled with small surprises if you slow down to look. It’s a great stop for travelers who enjoy culture, history, and incredible food without the hustle of more tourist-heavy destinations.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’d arrive earlier for Omicho Market and plan to visit on a weekend to catch Higashi Chaya at its livelier moments.

Kanazawa Travel Tips

• Carry coins and small bills—many buses and local systems don’t accept IC cards.
• Visit markets and popular areas earlier in the day for the best experience.
• Book local food spots in advance if you have must-try places in mind—many small restaurants fill up fast or operate on limited hours.
• If you like crafts or unique souvenirs, look for gold-leaf items—they’re a Kanazawa specialty.

Have you been to Kanazawa or is it on your travel list? Let me know in the comments—or stay tuned for our next stop in Japan!