Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the coast along the Sea of Japan, and is nicknamed “Little Kyoto” for its strong tradition of arts and crafts, as well as for being one of the best-preserved cities in Japan.

Historically, the city of Kanazawa was one of the most powerful cities in Japan. During the Edo period the area was home to some of the country’s greatest cultural achievements rivalling Kyoto and Tokyo. Travellers to the city will find a wide variety of sights and experiences, especially during cherry blossom season.

Getting to Kanazawa (from Tokyo)

By train
Tokyo and Kanazawa are directly connected with each other by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way ride takes 2.5 to 3 hours, costs around 14,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass. Note that the latter will pay off for a round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa.

By bus
The one way trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours and costs about 8000 yen. There are daytime and overnight buses. Discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, offer one way fares from around 4500 yen.

By air
Kanazawa’s airport is located in the city of Komatsu, a 40 minute bus ride (1130 yen) from central Kanazawa. JAL and ANA operate several flights per day between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Komatsu Airport. Flight time is one hour. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kanazawa is about 25,000 yen, however, discount tickets for around 10,000 to 15,000 yen are usually available.

Instead from Tokyo, I visit Kanazawa from Kyoto by bus. The one way ride between Kyoto and Kanazawa takes about four hours and costs between 3500 and 4100 yen. There are daytime and overnight buses, operated by Hokutetsu and Nishinihon JR Bus.

All photo by @alexjourney.id