Kanazawa is an easy place to visit for first-time visitors, as various tourist facilities are concentrated in the center of the city. The entire city is compact, and many tourist attractions can be visited on foot. Historical buildings and elegant streets are scattered throughout, making it possible to visit many tourist spots without difficulty, taking breaks in between.
The sightseeing route introduced here is designed to help you enjoy Kanazawa at a leisurely pace. It is particularly suitable for couples traveling together and involves approximately 5,000 steps in total. Accommodation is located at Kenrokutei Oyado Inn near Kenrokuen Garden. The route includes Kenrokuen Garden, lunch at Paul Bocuse, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and the D.T. Suzuki Museum. All journeys can be made on foot, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time at leisure.
| Sightseeing Spot | Mode of Transport | Estimated Visit Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kenrokuen Garden | Walking (short walk from Kenrokutei Oyado) | About 40 minutes | One of Japan’s three most famous gardens. Enjoy beautiful scenery across all four seasons, with highlights like the Kotoji Lantern and Kasumigaike Pond. |
| 2. Lunch at Paul Bocuse | Walking (about 10 minutes) | Lunch time | A renowned French restaurant offering authentic cuisine with Kanazawa ingredients. Choose from 6,000 yen or 8,000 yen courses for a special dining experience. |
| 3. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa | Walking (about 5 minutes) | About 60 minutes | A contemporary art museum with interactive installations, most notably the Swimming Pool. Based on the concept of a “park-like museum open to the town.” |
| 4. D.T. Suzuki Museum | Walking (about 10 minutes) | About 30-40 minutes | A museum dedicated to the life and work of D.T. Suzuki, a Buddhist philosopher. The architecture embodies Zen principles, offering a serene and reflective environment. |
Start with Kenrokuen Garden, which is a short walk from the inn. Known as one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen is a place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all four seasons. The garden has a different look depending on the season you visit: cherry blossoms in spring, lush foliage in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow-covered trees in winter. The snowy winter scenery is particularly magical, and a stroll in the quiet morning hours is recommended. The park is dotted with sights such as the Kotoji Lantern and Kasumigaike Pond, and visitors are encouraged to take their time and enjoy the beauty of the area.
After enjoying Kenrokuen Garden to the fullest, walk to Paul Bocuse. Paul Bocuse is a restaurant named after the master of French cuisine, Paul Bocuse, where you can enjoy authentic French cuisine using ingredients unique to Kanazawa. For lunch, there are courses priced at 6,000 yen and 8,000 yen, both offering a substantial and special dining experience. After enjoying a leisurely meal together, head to the next sightseeing spot. Web site is here
After lunch at Paul Bocuse, walk to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, a few minutes away. This museum is known for its contemporary art exhibitions and is based on the concept of a “park-like museum open to the town.” Many installations are on display, the most famous of which is the Swimming Pool. This installation creates the magical sensation of being in a swimming pool, with water visible beneath the floor. Take your time to explore the museum and enjoy the fascination of contemporary art.
After leaving the museum, walk to the D.T. Suzuki Museum. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is a facility that exhibits materials related to D.T. Suzuki, a Buddhist philosopher from Kanazawa. The building itself expresses the spirit of Zen, with a simple yet very deep sense of tranquility and harmony. The scenery reflected on the surface of the pond and the time spent in the quiet space of the museum offer precious moments to forget the busyness of life and calm your mind. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Kanazawa’s culture and history while experiencing the thoughts of D.T. Suzuki.
On this route, all sights are located within walking distance of each other. Therefore, there is no need to consider special means of transport. As the journey between sights takes only a short time, you can enjoy Kanazawa at a leisurely pace. If you get tired of walking, you can stop at a café or take a break along the way.
How was the tour? The route introduced here is a luxurious sightseeing course that allows you to enjoy the attractions of Kanazawa in a relaxed atmosphere. As much of the tour is on foot, it is ideal for couples to spend quality time together while getting a feel for the city of Kanazawa. We hope you enjoy Kanazawa’s history, culture, and beautiful scenery to the fullest and create wonderful memories. We hope you have a wonderful experience on your Kanazawa sightseeing tour.
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