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Kanazawa station in Spring

Getting Around Kanazawa: Transport Guide

Kanazawa is a compact and easy-to-navigate city. Most key attractions are within walking distance, but local buses, trains, and taxis provide quick and convenient connections across town and to surrounding regions. This guide helps you choose the best way to get around during your stay.

Walking Around Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a highly walkable city. Many of its most popular attractions are within a 1.5 km radius, making it easy to explore on foot without needing taxis or buses. The streets are clean, safe, and well-signposted in English, with interesting stops along the way—including cafés, shops, and side streets full of charm.

Walking Times Between Kanazawas Key Attractions 

Here’s how long it typically takes to walk between Kanazawa’s main highlights:​

  • Kanazawa Station → Omicho Market – approx. 10 minutes

  • Omicho Market → Kanazawa Castle – approx. 10 minutes

  • Kanazawa Castle → Kenrokuen Garden – approx. 5 minutes (they are next to each other)

  • Kenrokuen Garden → 21st Century Museum – approx. 2 minutes (same block)

  • Kenrokuen Garden → Higashi Chaya District – approx. 15–20 minutes (pleasant walk through the castle park or down the hill past Oyama Shrine)

  • Higashi Chaya → Kazue-machi Chaya – 5 minutes (across the Asano River)

  • Kazue-machi → Nagamachi Samurai District – approx. 20 minutes (or 10–15 via taxi or loop bus)

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Tip: The longest walk between popular areas is roughly 25 minutes, and most sightseeing clusters are closer than that.

Suggested Self-Guided Kanazawa Walking Route (Full Day)

  1. Start: Kanazawa Station

  2. Walk to Higashi Chaya District to explore the cobblestone Edo era streets

  3. Walk to Omicho Market for late breakfast or early lunch

  4. Head to Kanazawa Castle → continue to Kenrokuen Garden

  5. walk through the red brick Stop at the 21st Century Museum or D.T. Suzuki Museum nearby

  6. Walk through the castle park and down to Higashi Chaya District

  7. Optional detour: Kazue-machi Chaya or back to the station by loop bus

 

Total walking time: Approx. 60–70 minutes (split over 4–5 segments with breaks)

Kanazawa Walking Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes—some streets have cobblestones or slopes

  • Sidewalks are well-maintained but can be narrow in older districts

  • Water fountains, toilets, and shaded benches are available near major sites

  • Morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photos

  • Most districts are well-lit and safe in the evening, especially around Chaya districts and Korinbo

Prefer a Guided Walking Tour?

Join one of our walking tours for local insight and hidden spots you might miss on your own.

Kanazawa Local Buses & Loop Bus

Kanazawa's bus network is well organised, punctual, and designed to make sightseeing easy. The most convenient option for visitors is the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which operates in clockwise and counter-clockwise routes with stops near all major attractions. Standard city buses also connect the suburbs and lesser-known neighbourhoods.

Kanazawa Loop Bus (JR West / Hokutetsu)

A compact sightseeing loop service covering major attractions like Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, and the 21st Century Museum.

  • Two routes: Right Loop (clockwise) and Left Loop (counter-clockwise)

  • Runs every 15–20 minutes from 9:00 to 18:00

  • Flat fare: ¥210 (adult) / ¥100 (child)

  • One-day pass available: ¥500 from Kanazawa Station, tourist info centres, or on the bus

  • Stops are announced in English and Japanese

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Tip: Great for pacing your day or reducing walking between more distant attractions.

City Buses (Hokutetsu)

Beyond the loop, standard city buses cover more extensive routes throughout Kanazawa.

  • Connect to residential areas, temples in Teramachi, and train stations

  • Can be used to access Kenrokuen at night, less common sights, or local accommodations

  • Use the same IC card or pay with cash (exact change only)

  • Routes and schedules available in English via Hokutetsu’s website or at Kanazawa Station

IC Cards Accepted

Some Kanazawa buses support most national IC cards, including:

  • Suica (JR East)

  • ICOCA (JR West)

  • Pasmo, Kitaca, Toica, and others

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Tip: Just tap your card on entry and exit. For single rides with no IC card, prepare exact change in coins.

Bus Route Maps & Apps

  • Route maps and schedules available at Kanazawa Station and tourist offices

  • Google Maps works well for real-time routes and timings

  • Consider using NAVITIME or Jorudan for multilingual transit support

Suggested Use for Travellers

  • Short on time? Use the loop bus to reduce walking

  • Cold or rainy day? Buses keep you dry and comfortable

  • Want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas? Try local buses to reach temples, onsen, or residential cafés

Kanazawa Taxis & Ride Services

Taxis in Kanazawa are clean, safe, and easy to find—making them a reliable option for short distances, early mornings, late nights, or when you're carrying luggage. While more expensive than buses, they’re a convenient choice if you’re travelling as a group or visiting areas not served by public transport.

Taxis in Kanazawa

Availability:
Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station, major hotels, and tourist sites. You can also hail them on the street or call from your accommodation.

 

Fare structure:

  • Base fare: around ¥670–¥700 for the first 1.2 km

  • After that, ¥80–¥90 per 250m

  • Short city rides generally cost ¥800–¥1,500

  • Night-time rates (after 22:00) may apply

 

Payment:

  • Most taxis accept cash and IC cards (Suica/ICOCA)

  • Increasingly support credit cards and QR payment apps, but not guaranteed

 

Language tip:

  • Most drivers speak little English—show your destination on your phone or a printed address

  • Having a Google Map pin ready helps

Taxi Booking Apps

  • DiDi – available in Kanazawa, with English support

  • JapanTaxi (also branded as MOV in some regions) – app-based bookings, works well but may require Japanese navigation

  • Alternatively, have your hotel or guide call a taxi for you

When to Use a Taxi

  • Early morning or after 6pm, when bus service is less frequent

  • Travelling with luggage (e.g. from hotel to Kanazawa Station)

  • Going to harder-to-reach locations (e.g. outlying onsen or temples)

  • In bad weather when walking is inconvenient

Example Taxi Costs from Kanazawa Station

  • To Kenrokuen Garden: approx. ¥1,000

  • To Higashi Chaya District: approx. ¥1,200

  • To Omicho Market: approx. ¥900

  • To a central hotel: ¥700–¥1,500 depending on distance

Suggested Use for Travellers

  • Short on time? Use the loop bus to reduce walking

  • Cold or rainy day? Buses keep you dry and comfortable

  • Want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas? Try local buses to reach temples, onsen, or residential cafés

Trains for Regional & Long-Distance Travel

While trains aren’t used for travel within Kanazawa city, Kanazawa Station is a major hub for exploring the wider Hokuriku region and beyond. From here, you can easily reach destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Toyama, Fukui, and the Noto Peninsula by train. It’s also the starting point for many scenic day trips.

Shinkansen & Limited Express Routes

Kanazawa Station is the western terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, offering high-speed connections eastward and smooth transfers to Kansai and Chubu regions.

To Tokyo:

  • Hokuriku Shinkansen

  • Approx. 2.5–3 hours

  • Reserved and unreserved seats available

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To Kyoto / Osaka:

  • Limited Express Thunderbird

  • Approx. 2 hours to Kyoto, 2.5 to Osaka

  • Comfortable and efficient with scenic coastal views

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To Nagano / Karuizawa:

  • Via Hokuriku Shinkansen

  • Approx. 1.5–2 hours

Kanazawa Local & Regional Train Lines

For shorter, regional trips:

Toyama:

  • 25–30 minutes by Shinkansen

  • Alternative: Local trains (slower, more scenic

 

Fukui:

  • 45–60 minutes via Limited Express

  • Easy day trip for Eiheiji Temple, Tojinbo Cliffs, Dinosaur Museum

 

Nanao Line (JR West):

  • Connects Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen and the Noto Peninsula

  • Slower local trains, but great for travellers with flexible schedule

 

IR Ishikawa Railway:

  • Local line replacing part of the JR Hokuriku Main Line

  • Serves suburbs and links with Nanao Line

Ticket Info & IC Card Use

Shinkansen and Limited Express: reserved seat tickets recommended during peak seasons

Tickets available from:

  • JR ticket machines

  • Midori-no-Madoguchi counters

  • Online via JR East, JR West, or smartEX apps

 

IC Cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.):

  • Usable on local trains but not valid for Shinkansen fare itself

  • For Shinkansen, use a paper ticket or mobile reservation with QR

Luggage & Seat Tips

  • Shinkansen trains have designated oversized luggage spaces (reserve in advance if you have large suitcases)

  • Most Limited Express and Shinkansen trains have reserved and unreserved cars

  • Free Wi-Fi and clean toilets onboard

Travel Apps & Info Tools

  • Japan Travel by NAVITIME – route planning in English

  • Jorudan / Hyperdia – accurate train times and connections

  • Google Maps – works well for local train info

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Where to Stay

Where To Stay: Resting in Kanazawas Embrace

Imagine arriving in Kanazawa after a journey on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the station’s sleek modern design a stunning gateway to an ancient city. Now it’s time to choose your home base. Kanazawa offers something for everyone, whether you crave luxurious indulgence, traditional charm, or a cozy retreat.

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For an authentic Japanese experience, step back in time at a ryokan. Picture sliding open shoji doors to a serene tatami room at Motoyu Ishiya, nestled amidst tranquil gardens. As the evening sets in, soak in a steaming onsen bath, followed by a kaiseki dinner featuring local ingredients like seasonal seafood and Kaga vegetables.

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For those who prefer the familiarity of a hotel, Kanazawa delivers in style. Stay at the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, where modern design meets local artistry, or the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, with panoramic views from its top-floor restaurant. If you're traveling on a budget, boutique options like The Share Hotels Hatchi offer beautifully designed spaces that blend affordability with Kanazawa’s unique aesthetic.

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If you’re seeking more flexibility, machiya townhouses are an excellent option. These traditional wooden homes, available as vacation rentals, allow you to immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s heritage. Imagine waking up in your own historic home in the Higashi Chaya District, surrounded by cobblestone streets and teahouses.

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