Komatsu Airport (KMQ) → Kanazawa Station
The closest airport to Kanazawa, with buses to Kanazawa Station timed to arrivals.
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Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): within 30 km of Fukushima Daiichi NPP and government-designated evacuation zones / rest of Japan: no advisory
Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).
checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Kanazawa Travel Guide
Kanazawa in Japan's Hokuriku region preserves old teahouse streets, samurai residences and Kenrokuen, counted among Japan's three great gardens. It's also known for fresh Sea of Japan seafood and gold-leaf crafts.
Plan your Kanazawa trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
✈ Kanazawa's air gateway is Komatsu Airport in neighboring Komatsu city. The airport bus to Kanazawa Station takes about 40 minutes. Check official transport information for timetables and fares.
Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Komatsu Airport (KMQ)
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →Seoul Incheon → Komatsu Airport (KMQ) flights →
At a glance
- Currency
- JPY (¥)
- Power & plugs
- 100V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- 日本語
- How long to stay
- 3 days (4 with Shirakawa-go)
Emergency numbers
- Police110
- Ambulance119
- Fire119
- Tourist hotline050-3816-2787
When to go
Cherry blossoms in April and autumn colors in October-November are the most beautiful. Winter brings frequent snow along with snowy scenery and winter seafood; summers are hot and humid.
Airport to the city
Kansai Airport (KIX) → Kanazawa
An airport with many international flights. Take the Haruka to Shin-Osaka (or Kyoto), the Thunderbird to Tsuruga, then change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for Kanazawa. Check official routes and fares.
Shinkansen from Tokyo
If you're coming via Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs straight from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station.
Getting around
Walking
You can walk from Kanazawa Station to Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya and Kenrokuen, though distances add up. Wear comfortable shoes.
City buses
Frequent buses link the station and main sights. Check official information on day passes.
Bike share
Bike-share docks are all over town, and every bike is electric-assisted, so slopes are easy.
Taxis
Handy with luggage or on rainy and snowy days; board at the station rank.
Where to stay
Around Kanazawa Station
Good for: First visit, transport
Shinkansen, airport buses and city buses all stop here, with many hotels.
Korinbo & Katamachi
Good for: Restaurants, evenings
The downtown hub with plenty of restaurants and bars, walkable to Kenrokuen.
Around Higashi Chaya
Good for: Old-town atmosphere
Near the old teahouse district and river, with stays in restored traditional houses; quiet in the evening.
Kenrokuen & castle area
Good for: Garden walks, museums
Garden, castle park and museums close together — lovely for early-morning walks.
Map of stays in Kanazawa
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Kanazawa in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Kenrokuen
A vast garden counted among Japan's three great gardens. In winter, ropes (yukitsuri) protect trees from snow. Go early for fewer crowds.
Kenrokuen · Photo: 663highland / CC BY-SA 3.0 Kanazawa Castle Park
Castle grounds next to Kenrokuen with reconstructed gates and turrets.
Higashi Chaya District
A street of old teahouses with wooden lattices, gold-leaf craft shops and cafés.
Omicho Market
A market with over 300 years of history, great for seafood rice bowls. Go in the morning when most stalls are open.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
A round glass contemporary art museum with free areas and paid exhibitions; popular works can have queues.
Nagamachi Samurai District
Old samurai residences with earthen walls and canals; some houses are open inside.
Nagamachi Samurai District · Photo: sergejf / CC BY 2.0 Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)
A temple full of hidden stairs and traps. Visits are by guided tour with advance phone reservation only — check official information.
Shirakawa-go day trip
Highway buses run to the thatched-roof village. Most require reservations, so book ahead via official information.
What to eat
Seafood rice bowls
Bowls piled with Sea of Japan seafood at Omicho Market. About ¥2,000-4,000.
Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch)
A rich white fish, grilled or as sushi; on the pricey side.
Kanazawa curry
Thick curry with a pork cutlet and shredded cabbage. About ¥800-1,200.
Kanazawa oden
Oden with local ingredients such as crab and shellfish, especially popular in winter. About ¥150-600 per piece.
Gold-leaf ice cream
Soft-serve topped with a sheet of gold leaf, sold widely in Higashi Chaya.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout ¥9,000-13,000 per day: business hotel, market food, buses
Mid-rangeabout ¥20,000-30,000 per day: nicer hotel, restaurants, admissions
Comfortabout ¥55,000+ per day: ryokan, kaiseki dining
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Airport to Kanazawa Station, a seafood bowl at Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya in the afternoon, then Korinbo in the evening.
- Day 2
Early Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park, the 21st Century Museum, then the Nagamachi Samurai District.
- Day 3
Shirakawa-go day trip (book the highway bus), then Kanazawa oden for dinner.
- Day 4
Myoryuji (booked visit), Kanazawa curry, then the airport.
Local tips
- Rain and snow are frequent. Carry an umbrella, and wear non-slip shoes in winter.
- Kenrokuen and Omicho Market are quieter in the morning; market stalls may close early in the afternoon.
- Myoryuji is by reserved guided tour only, and most Shirakawa-go buses need booking — check official information first.
- City buses link the sights well; compare passes if you'll ride several times a day.
- In the old teahouse districts, respect notices about private property and photography.
- Check official Japanese government information on entry procedures (such as online registration) before you travel.
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