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Kanazawa Location Map: Where is Kanazawa Located in Japan?
If you're looking at a map of Japan for the first time, finding Kanazawa can be tricky. It's not Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto – the cities everyone knows.
With this Kanazawa location map you’ll see Kanazawa sits on Japan's west coast, facing the Sea of Japan. It's about halfway between Tokyo and Osaka, but on the opposite side of the country.
The city is in Ishikawa Prefecture, right in the middle of Japan's main island, Honshu. From Tokyo, it's about 450 kilometers northwest. From Osaka, it's 250 kilometers north.
Kanazawa City Map: District-by-District Maps
Alright, let's zoom in from the map of Japan to a map of Kanazawa itself. Most places tourists want to see are in just four main areas. At Asia Odyssey Travel, we always tell our clients to think of the city this way.
Let's look at the main areas you'll want to have on your city map.
The city is shaped like a triangle. Kanazawa Station sits at the top point, while the historic districts spread out below. A river runs through the middle, dividing the old samurai areas from the merchant quarters.
From Kanazawa Station, the city center is about 2 kilometers southeast. The famous Kenrokuen Garden and castle are right in the middle. East of the river, you'll find the old geisha district. West of the castle, there's the samurai district. And between the station and castle? That's where locals shop and eat at Omicho Market.
Kanazawa Tourist Map: Top Kanazawa’s Attractions on Map
Looking at a tourist map of Kanazawa is like looking at a treasure map. Most of the main attractions are within a 3-kilometer circle, so you won't spend your whole trip on buses.
Let's start with the big 3 that everyone comes to see. Kenrokuen Garden sits right in the city center – it's one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
Just next door, Kanazawa Castle tells the story of the powerful Maeda family who ruled here. And a 20-minute walk east brings you to Higashi Chaya, where geishas still entertain guests in old wooden tea houses.
What’s More? Our Asia Odyssey Travel guides often create custom maps based on your interests. History lovers might spend all day in the samurai and castle areas.
Art fans could visit four different museums. Foodies might skip museums entirely for markets and local restaurants. The key is knowing these places exist – then you can choose your own adventure. Taste Your Way Through Japan >>
Historic Sites & Castles
Except Kanazawa Castle Park, Oyama Shrine surprises visitors with its unusual gate. The Maeda family built it, mixing Western and Eastern styles in the 1800s.
In the Nagamachi samurai district, the Nomura Samurai House shows how warriors lived 200 years ago. The garden here is tiny but perfect. Nearby, the Shinise Memorial Hall was actually a old Chinese medicine pharmacy – now it displays traditional crafts.
Gardens & Parks
Kenrokuen Garden is the superstar. Right next to it, Gyokusen-inmaru Garden just reopened after restoration. It's smaller and quieter, perfect when Kenrokuen gets crowded.
For something locals love, head to Suzuki Daisetsu Museum. The modern building honors a famous Zen philosopher, but really, people come for the water garden. Find Your Zen in Japanese Gardens >>
Museums & Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is that round glass building everyone photographs. The swimming pool installation is famous, but there's always something new in the free zones.
- Suzuki Museum focuses on Zen Buddhism through architecture – the building itself is the main exhibit.
For traditional arts, visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, which displays local lacquerware and paintings. The Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum is tiny but fascinating – you can even try applying gold leaf yourself.
Locals actually recommend the Noh Theater Museum if you want to understand this ancient performance art. Discover Japan Architectural Wonders, Old & New >>
Traditional Districts
Higashi Chaya is the most famous geisha district, with wooden tea houses lining the main street. But Kazuemachi Chaya is where locals take visiting friends – it's smaller, quieter, and sits right by the river.
Nishi Chaya is the smallest of the three geisha districts, often empty of tourists even on weekends.
Markets & Shopping
Omicho Market is where everyone goes for fresh seafood and produce. Yes, it's touristy, but locals still shop here too – just look for the stalls without English signs. Taste Your Way Through Japan >>
For crafts, the Kanazawa Crafts Museum lets you see artisans actually working on gold leaf, lacquerware, and silk dyeing.
Outside the City Center
Myoryuji Temple (the Ninja Temple) requires a reservation but it's worth it – the building is full of hidden rooms and secret passages. It's about 4 kilometers from the center.
Utatsuyama Park sits on a hill overlooking the city. Locals come here for cherry blossoms and city views.
The Kanazawa Port area, about 5 kilometers from the station, has fresh seafood restaurants where local families go for special dinners.
Kanazawa Cherry Blossom View Spots Map (Spring)
rom late March to mid-April, the whole city turns pink and white. But here's the thing – timing is everything. The flowers only last about a week, sometimes less if it rains. That's why having a good map of viewing spots really matters.
The Famous Spots
Kenrokuen Garden has about 400 cherry trees of different varieties. The most photographed spot is near the Kotoji stone lantern, where cherry branches frame the pond.
Kanazawa Castle Park might be even better than Kenrokuen for cherry blossoms. The trees line the moats and castle walls, creating tunnels of pink flowers.
Along the Asano River, cherry trees stretch for nearly 2 kilometers. Start at Asanogawa Bridge and walk upstream. The trees lean over the water, dropping petals like pink snow.
Utatsuyama Park has over 1,000 cherry trees, but most tourists never make it here. The hilltop views show the entire city surrounded by pink clouds.
Ride the train 15 minutes to Higashi-Chaya Station and walk to the Saikawa River area. The cherry trees here are older and bigger than in the city center.
Best Time To Visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms 2025 | Sakura Season in Japan
Kanazawa Loop Bus Map: Navigating Kanazawa with Your Map
The Kanazawa Loop Bus is your best friend in this city. Seriously. It goes to every major tourist spot, runs every 15 minutes, and the drivers are super patient with confused visitors.
Check this Kanazawa Loop Bus Map, you’ll see The bus follows this circle, stopping at all the main attractions. There are two routes – Left Loop (clockwise) and Right Loop (counter-clockwise). Both visit the same places, just in opposite directions.
They're decorated with traditional designs – red for Right Loop, green for Left Loop. Each full loop takes about 45 minutes.
Key Stops You'll Use
Stop #1 is Kanazawa Station East Exit. This is where most journeys begin. From here, the Right Loop quickly reaches Omicho Market (Stop #3) in just 5 minutes.
Stop #4 is Musashigatsuji – the city center. Many hotels are near here. It's also where you change to other bus lines if needed. Think of it as the hub.
Stop #5 serves Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. This is where everyone gets off. The gardens entrance is just 1 minute walk from the bus stop. You'll use this stop a lot.
Stop #8 reaches Higashi Chaya district. The old geisha houses are a 3-minute walk from here. In the evening, this area is magical.
A single ride costs 210 yen. But here's the smart move – buy a one-day pass for 600 yen. Use it three times and you save money. The pass works on both Loop buses plus some city buses.
Which Direction Should You Take?
Look at where you want to go. Is it fewer stops on the Right Loop or Left Loop? Choose the shorter route.
- From Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen: Take Right Loop (4 stops).
- From Kenrokuen to Higashi Chaya: Take Right Loop (3 stops).
- From Higashi Chaya back to Station: Take Left Loop (7 stops) or Right Loop (8 stops) – almost the same.
Kanazawa Walking Map: A Map within a 2-kilometer Radius of Kanazawa Castle
Walking is the best way to see Kanazawa. Really. Within 2 kilometers of the castle, you can reach almost everything important. Let me show you on this Kanazawa Walking Map my favorite walking routes.
The Kanazawa Castle sits right in the city center. Think of it as your compass. Everything else spreads out from here. To the south is Kenrokuen Garden – literally just across a small bridge.
To the east, about 20 minutes walk, is Higashi Chaya district. To the west, 15 minutes away, is the samurai district. North takes you toward Omicho Market in 10 minutes.
Route 1: The Classic Morning Walk
Kenrokuen Garden → Kanazawa Castle → Omicho Market → Omicho Market → Asano River → Kazuemachi Chaya district
Spend an hour in the garden. Exit through the small gate near the castle. Cross the bridge to explore Kanazawa Castle (30 minutes is enough). From the castle's north exit, walk downhill to Omicho Market. This whole route is about 1.5 kilometers. Easy and mostly flat.
At Omicho, try the fresh sushi for early lunch. Then walk east along the main road. In 15 minutes, you'll reach the Asano River. Turn left and follow the river. Cherry trees line both banks.
Soon you'll see old wooden buildings – that's Kazuemachi Chaya district. Less crowded than Higashi Chaya but just as pretty.
Route 2: The Samurai District Route
Kanazawa Castle → Oyama Shrine → Nagamachi samurai district → Nomura House → Takada House
Route 3: The Art and Culture Walk
Kanazawa Castle → The 21st Century Museum → Ishikawa Prefectural Museum → Noh Theater Museum
Route 4: My Secret Walking Loop
Here's my favorite 2-hour walk: Castle → Oyama Shrine → Samurai District → W-zaka slope → 21st Century Museum → Kenrokuen Garden → back to Castle. Total distance: about 4 kilometers. You see history, art, gardens, and get a coffee break at W-zaka.
Kanazawa Itinerary Map: Are There Any Recommended Itineraries?
Yes! Kanazawa offers several excellent itinerary options, from quick day trips to multi-day adventures through central Japan's most beautiful regions.
Quick Overview of Kanazawa Itineraries
- 1 Day in Kanazawa: Start at Kenrokuen Garden in the morning, visit Kanazawa Castle, have lunch at Omicho Market, and spend your afternoon in the Higashi Chaya geisha district. This hits all the must-see spots.
- 2 Days in Kanazawa: Add the Nagamachi samurai district, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and take time to try gold leaf crafts or visit a traditional tea house. This gives you a complete Kanazawa experience without rushing.
- 3 Days in Kanazawa: Include the D.T. Suzuki Museum, Ninja Temple (book ahead!), and hands-on craft workshops. You'll have time to explore quiet neighborhoods and really feel the city's pace.
The Famous Central Japan Golden Route (4-5 Days)
Start in Kanazawa (1-2 days), then take a bus to Shirakawa-go (1 day), continue to Takayama (1-2 days), and finish in either Matsumoto or back to Kanazawa. This loop shows you everything from samurai districts to mountain villages to castle towns.
Day 1-2: Kanazawa (Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, Nagamachi samurai district ).
Day 3: Shirakawa-go (Gassho-zukuri Village, Wada House).
Day 4-5: Takayama (Miyagawa Morning Market, Old Sanmachi Suji district, Hida beef)
Optional Extensions:
Day 6-7: Nagoya (Ōsu Shopping Arcade, Nagoya Castle)
How to Get from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (All Transport Options)
Kanazawa Travel Map: What Else is on the Map Besides Attractions?
Your Kanazawa map needs more than just tourist spots. Here's a Kanazawa travel map what else to mark for a smooth trip.
Transportation Hubs
Kanazawa Station is your main hub.
Bus Terminals: The East Exit has tour buses to Shirakawa-go and Takayama. The West Exit has city buses including the Loop Bus for tourists.
Higashi-Chaya bus stop serves the geisha district. Hirosaka stop covers Kenrokuen Garden and the castle. Katamachi stop puts you in the nightlife area.
Where to Stay: Neighborhood Guide
Station Area: Best for first-timers. Hotels like APA, Dormy Inn, and Hotel Nikko are within 5 minutes' walk. You can drag your luggage easily and catch early trains.
Katamachi/Korinbo: The downtown core. More restaurants and bars nearby.
Higashi Chaya District: Stay in a renovated machiya townhouse for atmosphere.
Must-Mark Restaurants
Omicho Market (until 5 PM): Any stall with a line of locals. Morimori Sushi for conveyor belt sushi that's actually good. Ikiiki Tei for kaisendon rice bowls.
Kenrokuen Kotobukiya for gold leaf ice cream.
Oden Miyuki for hot pot stew (point at what others are eating).
Turban Curry for Japanese curry since 1971.
Fuwari in Anto mall for quality sushi.
Ramen Alley on the second floor has eight different ramen shops.
Otomezushi (reservation only) where the chef explains each piece in English.
Kappo Takada for kaiseki if you want to splurge ($100+ per person but worth it).
Kanazawa Transportation Maps: How to Get to Kanazawa?
Here’s there Kanazawa transportation maps you'll likely use.
From Tokyo to Kanazawa
Best Route: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) directly from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station.
Other Route: Kagayaki (fastest, 2.5 hours, no stops) or Hakutaka (3 hours, a few stops)
Time: 2.5-3h
Distance: 450 km (280 miles)Cost: About 14,000 yen ($95) one way
3 Ways from Tokyo to Kanazawa: Which is Better (2025)
From Osaka to Kanazawa
Best Route: Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station.
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes directDistance: 260 km (160 miles)Cost: About 7,500 yen ($50) one way
From Nagoya to Kanazawa
Best Route: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagoya, transferring at Maibara or Tsuruga.
Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes totalDistance: 250 km (155 miles)
Cost: About 8,000 yen ($54) one way
Nagoya to Kanazawa Train & Bus: Fastest & Direct Way (2025)
Discover Kanazawa & Japan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
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