[2025 Kanazawa Attraction] Travel Guide for Kanazawa Station East Square (Updated Jun)

A gate perfect for the start of your journey✨Take a moving photo at the Tsuzumi Gate at Kanazawa Station📸 The Tsuzumi Gate, towering over Kanazawa Station, the gateway to Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a symbolic presence that fuses tradition and the future. The huge wooden gate, which is based on the motif of Kaga Hosho's drum, gently welcomes visitors🪘 When I actually visited, I couldn't help but stop and look up at the power and beauty of the Tsuzumi Gate. It is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere✨It's perfect for taking commemorative photos with your partner or as a starting point for a solo trip😊 Access is immediately after leaving the east exit of JR Kanazawa Station. This spot can be said to be the first face of Kanazawa that you see after arriving by Shinkansen or express bus🚄🚌 Of course, viewing and taking photos are free! Perfect for an absolutely free trip🎉 The next trip is to the story of Kanazawa, which begins at the Tsuzumi Gate. Come experience this moving moment📷 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTrip #CoupleTrip #SoloTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #IshikawaTrip #KanazawaStation #TsuzumiMon #TheStartOfTheTrip #PhotogenicSpot

My recent five-day trip to Kanazawa, a historic gem on Japan’s western coast, was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment I arrived, the city’s blend of traditional charm and modern elegance captivated me. The first day began with a stroll through **Kenrokuen Garden**, renowned as one of Japan’s "Three Great Gardens." The meticulously landscaped ponds, bridges, and seasonal flora—still tinged with late spring blooms—painted a serene backdrop. Nearby, **Kanazawa Castle** offered a glimpse into the region’s samurai legacy, its stone walls and restored towers standing as proud testaments to the past. Day two was dedicated to art and culture. The **21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art** amazed me with its innovative installations, particularly Leandro Erlich’s *Swimming Pool*, an optical illusion that left me grinning. Later, I wandered through the **Higashi Chaya District**, where latticed wooden teahouses echoed the Edo period. Sipping matcha in a century-old teahouse while listening to a geisha’s shamisen performance felt like stepping into a living postcard. Food became a highlight on day three. At **Omicho Market**, I savored fresh seafood bowls bursting with uni, crab, and melt-in-the-mouth tuna. Kanazawa’s gold leaf craftsmanship also dazzled me—I even tried gold-leaf ice cream, a decadent treat that sparkled as much as the city itself. The fourth day took me to **Nagamachi Samurai District**, where narrow lanes and earthen walls whispered stories of ancient warriors. A hands-on gold-leaf workshop allowed me to craft a delicate souvenir, blending history with creativity. Evenings were spent soaking in my ryokan’s hot spring bath, followed by kaiseki meals that transformed local ingredients into edible art. #kanazawatrip On the final morning, I revisited Kenrokuen, this time in the soft rain. The garden’s beauty took on a mystical quality, with mist clinging to pine trees and droplets gliding off stone lanterns. Kanazawa’s harmony of old and new, its warmth, and its understated elegance left an indelible mark. As I boarded the train to depart, I already longed to return—perhaps in autumn to see crimson leaves framing historic streets, or in winter to witness Kenrokuen draped in snow. Kanazawa isn’t just a destination; it’s a timeless experience waiting to be relived.

#cityplaybook Kanazawa is a beautiful blend of tradition and charm on Japan’s west coast, perfect for a relaxed yet cultural getaway. In spring, Kenroku-en—one of Japan’s top gardens—comes alive with cherry blossoms, making it a magical place to stroll. The old streets of Higashi Chaya District are full of history, and you can even rent a kimono to really feel like you've stepped back in time. Getting to Kanazawa is super easy too, thanks to the Shinkansen, which connects it smoothly to Tokyo and other major cities. It’s a great spot to soak in old-world vibes without the big-city rush.

## 🎌 Newbies traveling to Japan, how to use the JR Pass to get the most value? ### Review of the Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass that Toon actually uses, travel for 7 days, very worthwhile! Anyone who is going to travel to Japan and plans to visit many cities, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Kanazawa or Shirakawa-go, must know this pass — **JR Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass** Toon used this pass on her latest trip, traveling across cities for a full 7 days, so I would like to share my experience, along with an easy-to-understand method for choosing a JR Pass that is suitable for your trip! ### 🗺 Routes covered by the Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass (for beginners) 🚄 **Main cities that can be traveled for free with this pass:** * **Osaka** (including Shin-Osaka, Tennoji) * **Kyoto** * **Kobe** (Shin-Kobe, Sannomiya) * **Nara** * **Himeji** * **Okayama** * **Kanazawa** * **Toyama** * **Tsuruga** * **Fukui** 🚌 **You can use this pass to travel by bus to:** * **Shirakawa-go** (transfer to Nohi Bus from Kanazawa or pay extra) 🚉 **Trains that can be used to sit on:** * **Non-Reserved Seat** Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka ↔︎ Tsuruga ↔︎ Kanazawa ↔︎ Toyama) * **Limited Express (Limited Express such as Thunderbird, Haruka) * All JR local trains in the pass area are covered 📌 **Main stations for exchanging or issuing tickets:** * Shin-Osaka * Kyoto * Kanazawa * Osaka * Tennoji * Kobe --- ### ✅ How to choose the right JR Pass for your route There are many types of JR Passes. You should choose the one that fits your route. 📍 Example of choosing: * If you only travel to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara → **Kansai Area Pass** * If you travel further to Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go → **Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass** will cover more. --- ### 📆 Choose the right duration JR Passes are available from 1 day to 21 days. * Travel to multiple cities such as Osaka-Kanazawa-Himeji → Use 5-7 days, which is just right. * Travel only in the Kansai region (not too far) → Use 3 days is enough. --- ### 💸 Is it worth it? Compare the cost of each trip that you need to take * If you take the express train or Shinkansen many times → Very worthwhile * If you travel to one city and don't use many trains → Buying each trip may be more worthwhile --- ### 🛒 How to buy a JR Pass 1. Pre-order online from the JR website or partners 2. When you arrive in Japan, bring your passport to exchange for a real pass at a JR station such as Kyoto, Shin-Osaka --- ### 🪑 How to book a seat 1. Go to the automatic ticket vending machine (English available) 2. Scan the QR Code or enter the pass number + passport 3. Select the origin-destination, travel date and time 4. Select a seat → Confirm → Get a ticket with a seat! 📌 Free reservation is limited to 6 trips/pass. If more, you have to go to the Midori no Madoguchi counter --- ### ✨ Toon's impression from the trip Toon traveled to many cities such as Osaka, Kanazawa, Kobe, Kyoto, Himeji, and Shirakawa-go. If you buy separate tickets, it will definitely cost tens of thousands of yen. But using this pass is only 19,000 yen. You don't have to think much about traveling. It's easy to book a seat. It's very suitable for beginners. --- **Summary:** If you have a plan to travel across cities and focus on convenience, JR Pass is the best friend for traveling in Japan. 🇯🇵✨ #JapanNewbieTravel #HowToUseJRPass #TravelJapanByYourself #ReviewJapanOnBudget

#Spring0yenTrip Kanazawa was a fascinating city where good old traditions and modern charms were fused together. Walking around the city, I could feel the historical buildings and culture, and Kenrokuen was particularly impressive for its beauty. As I strolled through the vast gardens where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, I was soothed by the scenery surrounded by ponds and pine trees. Furthermore, walking around Kanazawa Castle, the atmosphere of an old castle town remained, and I was able to tour the town while feeling the history. In Higashi Chaya District, I was able to enjoy the charming streets and buy traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs, and I was able to feel the culture that is integrated into the town. I also visited the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can enjoy modern art, and felt the new charm of contemporary art. Kanazawa was a quiet yet lively city where historical charm and modern energy were fused together.

Arrived at one of the most beautiful train stations in Japan. Amazed by the architecture 😍 #kanazawastation #kanazawa #japan #solotrip