Kanazawa is dotted with tourist attractions that offer a rich history and culture, many of which are concentrated in areas easily accessible by bicycle. For this reason, the ‘Machi-nori’ bicycle rental service is an ideal means of enjoying sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the structure and appeal of Machi-nori, as well as a model sightseeing route, and give you some tips on how to get the most out of your Kanazawa sightseeing experience.
Kanazawa has a wide range of tourist attractions spread throughout the city, many of which are within walking or cycling distance of each other. Major tourist attractions such as the famous Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, and the ruins of samurai residences are all within cycling distance, making it very convenient for tourists to get around. Cars and taxis can cause parking problems and expensive fares, while buses are convenient but often require many transfers. The shared cycle service provided by the city of Kanazawa, called Machi-nori, allows you to get around Kanazawa efficiently and make the most of your time.
Machi-nori is a convenient system that allows you to rent a bicycle from a designated port and return it anywhere, using an electrically power-assisted bicycle. As you can easily use the bicycles while touring around the tourist attractions, you can enjoy Kanazawa’s cityscape even more. Next, let’s take a closer look at the structure and rules of Machi-nori.
Machi-nori is a shared cycle service where you rent a bike at a dedicated port in Kanazawa and return it at any other port. There are more than 50 ports located throughout the city, with easy access to major tourist attractions. All bicycles are electrically assisted, making it easy to travel up hills and over long distances.
Machi-nori offers two membership and non-membership plans, which tourists can choose according to their frequency of use and length of stay.
The membership plan is ideal for those who want to use the bikes multiple times during their visit. You can easily register as a member via the website or smartphone app and pay using a credit card. The one-time membership costs ¥165 for the first 30 minutes, with an additional charge of ¥110 per 30 minutes thereafter. With a maximum daily fee of ¥2,200, you can spend the whole day sightseeing without worrying about the fee limit.
The non-member plan is suitable for those who only want to use the bike for one day of sightseeing. The fee is ¥1,650 (including card fee) and can be paid by cash or credit card. With a smartphone, you can purchase a pass on the dedicated website or at the Machi-nori office. You can borrow and return a bicycle as many times as you like throughout the day, so you can enjoy sightseeing without worrying about time.
Flow of use and points to note
To use the bicycles, press the ‘START’ button on the dedicated control panel and authenticate with your IC card or smartphone. You can then unlock the bicycle and start sightseeing. To return the bicycle, lock it manually at the port and press the ‘ENTER’ button on the operation panel. Be sure to check that the return has been completed and do not miss the ‘RETURN’ sign to avoid any problems.
This section introduces a model route for efficient sightseeing in Kanazawa. This plan covers all the major sightseeing spots in Kanazawa and makes the most of the Machi-nori service. The accommodation for this tour is set at the Kenrokutei Oyado, which is convenient for sightseeing.
Depart from Kenrokutei Oyado(Our Accommodation) and start sightseeing.
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Rent a bicycle at Machi-nori rental port ‘12 Kenrokuen’ and start sightseeing. [ google map ]
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First, go sightseeing in Higashi Chaya District. Take a stroll through the teahouse district full of Edo period atmosphere and enjoy the historic townscape. [ google map ]
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Next, move on to Omicho Market to taste the freshest local seafood. Enjoy Kanazawa’s unique dining experience, including seafood rice bowls and sushi. Our recommended restaurant in Omicho Market is “OMICHO SHOKUDO” (近江町食堂) [ google map ]
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After enjoying the market, head to the ‘Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District’ for a walk through the streets where you can feel the life of the samurai in the past. Enjoy the atmosphere of the samurai residences and immerse yourself in history. [ google map ]
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When you have finished sightseeing, return to Rental Port ‘12 Kenrokuen’ and return your ‘Machi-nori’. You will realize how efficiently you have been able to sightsee so far by bicycle. [ google map ]
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Return to the inn for a short rest. You will recover from the fatigue of the journey. (Our Accommodation)
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For dinner, enjoy fresh Kanazawa sushi at the sushi restaurant “ATSUSHI” near the Kenrokutei Oyado. This is a great way to experience Kanazawa’s unique culinary culture and conclude a fulfilling day. [ google map ]
The main attraction of this route is that you can cycle around the city efficiently while making the most of the distances between tourist attractions.
We hope that we have conveyed the appeal of Machi-nori as a means of getting the most out of Kanazawa. By cycling, you can move smoothly between tourist attractions and enjoy Kanazawa’s cityscape while feeling the breeze. The appeal of Machi-nori is that you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Kanazawa while exploring the historic cityscape and tasting fresh food.
When you visit Kanazawa, please experience sightseeing using Machi-nori. You will discover small things you can only find on a bicycle and enjoy seeing the city from a different perspective than on foot. We hope you will make use of Machi-nori to enjoy all that Kanazawa has to offer.
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