2-day Kanazawa city and eatery tour

9:00 - 11:00

Explore the beautiful strolling garden of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you walk around Kasumiga-ike Pond and admire the iconic Kotoji-toro Lantern. Take in the seasonal beauty, especially the lush greenery in summer.

Tips: Visit early in the morning to capture the best light for photography at Kasumiga-ike Pond and Kotoji-toro Lantern. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Don't forget to bring water and sun protection, as July can be quite hot.

11:30 - 13:30

Explore the historical Kanazawa Castle and its beautiful surroundings. Start at the Ishikawa Gate, a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture, and then wander through the serene Gyokusen'inmaru Garden. Don't miss the water features, traditional bridges, and seasonal flowers that make this garden a photographer's delight.

Tips: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Check for any special events or exhibitions that might be happening during your visit.

14:00 - 15:00

15:30 - 16:30

Explore the historical Oyama Shrine, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie. Walk through the lantern-lined pathway, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and take in the beauty of the Koi Pond with its vibrant fish and Japanese garden. Don't miss the main gate, constructed in 1875, which is a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles.

Tips: Visit in the late afternoon to capture the soft light on the lantern-lined pathway. The Koi Pond offers great photo opportunities with reflections of the shrine. Be respectful of the shrine's cultural significance and observe any ongoing rituals or ceremonies.

9:00 - 10:00

Explore the historical Zuiryuji temple, a significant site of the Sōtō-school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Admire the intricate woodwork of the Main Gate (Sanmon) and take a peaceful stroll through the Zen garden and pond, capturing the serene atmosphere and beautiful temple architecture.

Tips: Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and better lighting for photography. Don't miss the chance to photograph the Main Gate (Sanmon) and the tranquil garden and pond. Check for any special events or ceremonies that might be taking place during your visit.

10:30 - 11:30

Explore the historical Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, a beautifully preserved samurai house that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Edo period. Wander through the elegant rooms, admire the traditional Japanese architecture, and enjoy the serene garden with its koi pond.

Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities. Don't miss the garden view from the main hall and try capturing reflections in the koi pond for stunning photos.

12:00 - 13:00

13:30 - 14:30

Explore the historic Naga-machi District, once home to samurai families. Walk through the narrow streets lined with earthen walls and visit the Nomura Samurai House to experience the lifestyle of a samurai. Capture beautiful photos at Kanazawa Castle Park and enjoy the traditional architecture and gardens.

Tips: Visit during the early afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos. Don't miss the Korinbo Shopping District nearby for a vibrant evening experience.

15:00 - 16:00

Explore the fascinating Myouryuji, also known as Ninja-dera, a Buddhist temple with deceptive defenses. Discover the hidden chambers, secret doors, and intricate traps that give the temple its nickname. Enjoy the unique architecture and historical significance of this Nichiren sect temple.

Tips: Visit during the scheduled time to avoid crowds and ensure a more personal experience. Photography may be restricted in some areas, so be sure to check for signs. The approach to the temple offers great photo opportunities, especially in the morning light.

9:00 - 12:00

Explore the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses that showcase a unique architectural style. Visit the Ogimachi Village Observation Deck for panoramic views of the village. Walk through the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen open-air museum to see detailed examples of these historic homes. Don't miss the Shiroyama Viewpoint for stunning vistas, especially during special illumination events.

Tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the village is best explored on foot. Check for any special events or seasonal festivals that might be happening during your visit.

12:30 - 13:30

14:00 - 15:00

Explore the traditional architecture of Wada House, a historic gassho-zukuri farmhouse. Take a stroll through the front garden to appreciate the picturesque setting and the traditional thatched roof. Inside, observe the unique perspective from the sliding doors, blending the interior with the natural beauty outside.

Tips: Visit during the early afternoon to capture the best lighting for photos. Don't miss the chance to take pictures from inside looking out through the sliding doors for a unique view of the garden and architecture.

15:30 - 16:30

Enjoy a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go and its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses from the observation deck. Walk along the pathway lined with lush greenery leading to the deck, and capture unique compositions of the village in the background. If you visit during special events, witness the magical village illumination at night.

Tips: Visit in the late afternoon to catch the soft, warm glow of the village as the sun begins to set. Check for any special events that might include night illuminations for a stunning view. Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up to the deck.