Five days in Ishikawa: how should you divide your stay?
For Kenrokuen, Nagamachi and an extra day resting at the onsen hotel, spend two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka. Three city nights and one onsen night give a day each to the market, Kenrokuen and Higashi Chaya, followed by a final night at the onsen. The three-city-night itinerary excludes Nagamachi. Transport and admission costs below exclude accommodation and meals. Airport travel and check-in time are separate.
Choose an itinerary for 5 days / 4 nights
Two city nights, two hot-spring nights
Stay two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka for the garden, samurai district and an extra restful hot-spring day. Move to the hot-spring accommodation after city sightseeing, then walk nearby riverside paths or relax at the hotel on the full day there.
Two city nights, two hot-spring nights →5 days / 4 nights BThree city nights, one hot-spring night
On this five-day trip, visit the market, garden and traditional teahouse district on separate days before a hot-spring night. Stay three nights in Kanazawa and give Higashi Chaya its own day. To add Nagamachi, see the optional route on the garden day below.
Three city nights, one hot-spring night →Two city nights, two hot-spring nights
Stay two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka for the garden, samurai district and an extra restful hot-spring day. Move to the hot-spring accommodation after city sightseeing, then walk nearby riverside paths or relax at the hotel on the full day there.
Day 1 · Omicho Market and your Kanazawa accommodation
Choose a seafood lunch and browse fish, vegetable and fruit shops at Omicho Market on arrival. Afterwards, stay near Kanazawa Station.
- Kanazawa Station east plaza → Omicho Market, on foot or Left Loop bus
Walk about 12 minutes from Kanazawa Station's east plaza to Omicho Market. By bus, take the Left Loop from east-side stand 7 and get off at Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market outside Ichibakan. The adult single fare is JPY 220; add bus fares to the walking-based return cost below if you use them.
Omicho Market: official tourism guideHokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresHotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQ
- Omicho Market → Open restaurant and market shops
General market guidance is around 9 am–4 pm, but restaurants and shops have their own hours. Have lunch at an open business and browse in the afternoon. Meals and shopping cost extra. More shops tend to close on Wednesdays.
- Omicho Market, outside M'za Kuromonkoji → Kanazawa Station, then accommodation nearby
Retrace your walk to the east plaza, or take a station-bound Right Loop bus from Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market outside M'za Kuromonkoji. The Right Loop has several stops around the market; use the correct one rather than your outward Left Loop stop. Choose dinner at an open restaurant near the station.
Hotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQHokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares
Market businesses have different opening days and closing times. If arriving late, have dinner near the station. You can visit the market the following day, but must also rearrange Kenrokuen and your station departure. Today's market transport is JPY 0 if walking both ways, or JPY 440 for an adult using one Left Loop and one Right Loop bus. Meals and accommodation are excluded.
Day 2 · Kenrokuen and Nagamachi, then your accommodation
Walk among Kenrokuen's ponds and trees, then explore Nagamachi's earthen-walled lanes. See both the garden and historic district before returning to the same Kanazawa accommodation.
- Station east-side stand 7, Right Loop → Kenrokuen-shita RL6
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus Right Loop from east-side stand 7 and get off at Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle opposite Ishikawa Gate. Check that you are using the Right Loop stop.
Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresHotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQ
- Kenrokuen-shita RL6 → Katsurazaka entrance, then the garden
Walk about five minutes to Katsurazaka entrance and pay standard adult admission of JPY 320. After a morning visit and break, return to the same RL6 stop.
Access to Kenrokuen's entrancesOfficial Kenrokuen visiting guide
- After the garden, RL6 Right Loop → Korinbo outside the former Bank of Japan, then Nagamachi
Continue on the Right Loop and get off at Korinbo outside the former Bank of Japan. The tourism association gives about five minutes on foot to Nagamachi and suggests about 60 minutes for its lanes. Lunch and residence interiors are separate.
Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresOfficial tourism guide: Nagamachi Samurai District
- Korinbo outside the former Bank of Japan → Right Loop to Kanazawa Station
Return to the Right Loop stop outside the former Bank of Japan and travel via Minamicho and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. Three loop bus rides on day two cost JPY 660 for an adult, less than the JPY 800 adult day pass.
- Kanazawa Station bus stop → The same accommodation
Cross the station's east plaza back to Hotel Kanazawa.
Distinguish outdoor lane walks from paid residence visits. Add both time and money for interiors.
Day 3 · Via Kagaonsen Station to your hot-spring accommodation
Move from Kanazawa to your hot-spring accommodation and rest today. Connect an ordinary IR train with your separately booked hotel transfer.
- Kanazawa Station, ordinary IR train → Kagaonsen Station
Take an ordinary IR Ishikawa Railway train and get off at Kagaonsen. The standard adult single fare is JPY 880; this is different from the Shinkansen. Choose a travel-day train to match your booked hotel transfer.
IR official current timetables and station checksIR official ordinary-train fare table
- Kagaonsen Station south exit → Hotel transfer boarding area, then Ohanami Kyubei
Go from Kagaonsen Station's south ticket gates to the hotel transfer boarding area, rather than regular bus stand 2. Give your name to the driver with the pink flag bearing Ohanami Kyubei's name. Book the free transfer separately by the day before; it does not run without reservations.
- Hot-spring accommodation → Baths and rest at your accommodation
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hot-spring accommodation. Use baths and meals according to your booked stay plan.
Hotel stay and luggage storage FAQHotel access and shuttle pick-up guide
Book hotel transfers separately from the room. If changing properties, arrange travel around that property's access and transfer conditions.
Day 4 · Another hot-spring night and a walk near Korogi Bridge
Relax at the same hot-spring accommodation before your second night. For riverside scenery, walk near Korogi Bridge close to the hotel in daylight. Rest at the hotel if rain, snow or access restrictions affect the route.
- Ohanami Kyubei → Korogi Bridge and nearby riverside paths
Ohanami Kyubei's official local sightseeing guide gives about seven minutes on foot to Korogi Bridge (こおろぎ橋). Ask reception about the current route and access in daylight before heading there. Follow path signs for a short nearby walk. The full path via Korogi–Ayatori–Kurotani bridges is 1.3 km. This day uses a short section near the hotel and returns the same way; choose your turning point according to stairs, path conditions and everyone's fitness.
Ohanami Kyubei: nearby sights and access to Korogi BridgeYamanaka Onsen: official sights and walking-trail guide
- Your outward Kakusenkei path → Korogi Bridge, then Ohanami Kyubei
Turn back at your chosen point and retrace your walk to Korogi Bridge. Return to the same accommodation in time for booked meals and bath access. Add the riverside walk and return journey to the roughly seven-minute hotel-to-bridge walk when planning meals. Riverside tea service, cafes and paid facilities cost extra.
Ohanami Kyubei: nearby sights and access to Korogi BridgeYamanaka Onsen: official sights and walking-trail guide
Check whether your room and baths are available during the day between nights, and whether meals are included. If riverside access is restricted or weather is poor, rest at the hotel. This day has no bus or train outing.
Day 5 · Hot-spring accommodation to Kanazawa
Leave your hot-spring accommodation and return to Kanazawa today. Use the hotel transfer and an ordinary IR train to reach the station.
- Booked hotel transfer → Kagaonsen Station south exit
Take your booked free return hotel transfer to Kagaonsen Station. The official hotel guide allows requests from check-in until breakfast the next morning. For two nights, confirm the actual check-out day's transfer and booking deadline when you check in. Regular buses are separate.
- Kagaonsen Station, ordinary IR train → Kanazawa Station
Take an ordinary IR train towards Kanazawa from Kagaonsen and get off at Kanazawa Station. The standard adult single fare is JPY 880. Choose your travel-day train with time after the hotel transfer for ticketing and reaching the platform.
IR official current timetables and station checksIR official ordinary-train fare table
- Kanazawa Station → Ticket gates and platform for your onward train
Go to the gates and platform for your onward train. Leave time for station walking between your return transport and departure.
Choose the return hotel transfer together with your onward train. For extra city sightseeing, compare both sightseeing bus journeys with your departing service as well.
Included: Kenrokuen JPY 320 + city bus JPY 220 × 3 + IR JPY 880 × 2. Walk to the market on day one and nearby riverside paths on the full hot-spring day. Assumes free hotel transfers for guests booked in advance.
Extras and conditions: Accommodation, meals, separate hotel luggage storage fees, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance departures and extra buses cost extra.
For one adult at standard rates: Kenrokuen JPY 320 + three city loop buses JPY 660 + return IR Kanazawa–Kagaonsen trains JPY 1,760 = JPY 2,740. Day-one market travel is on foot, and hotel transfers assume free use by guests booked in advance. Accommodation, meals, separate hotel luggage storage fees, paid residences, riverside facilities and long-distance departures cost extra. Add fares for regular buses to the hotel or any extra facilities.
Official Kenrokuen visiting guideHokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresIR official ordinary-train fare tableHotel access and shuttle pick-up guide
Three city nights, one hot-spring night
On this five-day trip, visit the market, garden and traditional teahouse district on separate days before a hot-spring night. Stay three nights in Kanazawa and give Higashi Chaya its own day. To add Nagamachi, see the optional route on the garden day below.
Day 1 · Omicho Market and your Kanazawa accommodation
Choose a seafood lunch and browse fish, vegetable and fruit shops at Omicho Market on arrival. Afterwards, stay near Kanazawa Station.
- Kanazawa Station east plaza → Omicho Market, on foot or Left Loop bus
Walk about 12 minutes from Kanazawa Station's east plaza to Omicho Market. By bus, take the Left Loop from east-side stand 7 and get off at Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market outside Ichibakan. The adult single fare is JPY 220; add bus fares to the walking-based return cost below if you use them.
Omicho Market: official tourism guideHokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresHotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQ
- Omicho Market → Open restaurant and market shops
General market guidance is around 9 am–4 pm, but restaurants and shops have their own hours. Have lunch at an open business and browse in the afternoon. Meals and shopping cost extra. More shops tend to close on Wednesdays.
- Omicho Market, outside M'za Kuromonkoji → Kanazawa Station, then accommodation nearby
Retrace your walk to the east plaza, or take a station-bound Right Loop bus from Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market outside M'za Kuromonkoji. The Right Loop has several stops around the market; use the correct one rather than your outward Left Loop stop. Choose dinner at an open restaurant near the station.
Hotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQHokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares
Market businesses have different opening days and closing times. If arriving late, have dinner near the station. You can visit the market the following day, but must also rearrange Kenrokuen and your station departure. Today's market transport is JPY 0 if walking both ways, or JPY 440 for an adult using one Left Loop and one Right Loop bus. Meals and accommodation are excluded.
Day 2 · Kenrokuen and return to the city
Walk the paths between Kenrokuen's ponds and pavilions today. After the garden and lunch, return to the same accommodation near Kanazawa Station and rest. Visit Higashi Chaya the next day.
- Hotel, then Kanazawa Station east-side stand 7 → Right Loop to Kenrokuen-shita RL6
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus Right Loop from east-side stand 7 and get off at Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle opposite Ishikawa Gate. Check that you are using the Right Loop stop.
Hotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQHokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares
- RL6 stop opposite Ishikawa Gate → Katsurazaka entrance and garden ticket counter
From the Right Loop's Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle stop (兼六園下・金沢城), opposite Ishikawa Gate, walk about five minutes to Katsurazaka entrance (桂坂口), as the official guide indicates. Distinguish the garden entrance from Kanazawa Castle's Ishikawa Gate and follow garden ticketing signs.
Access to Kenrokuen's entrancesHokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares
- Kenrokuen entrance → Garden visit, lunch and rest
Standard adult admission is JPY 320. Explore the garden with time for lunch and rest. From 1 March to 15 October, the garden is open from 7 am to 6 pm, with last admission at 5:30 pm. From 16 October to the end of February, the garden is open from 8 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4:30 pm. Teahouses and meals are outside admission.
- Katsurazaka, then RL6 Right Loop → Kanazawa Station, then your hotel
Return from Katsurazaka to the same RL6 stop and continue on the Right Loop via Korinbo and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. This differs from the Left Loop stop across the road. If staying at Hotel Kanazawa, cross the east plaza back to the hotel. Allow separate time for sightseeing, meals and bus waits. To add Nagamachi that day, get off at Korinbo outside the former Bank of Japan and walk about five minutes there. Afterwards, use the station-bound loop bus from that stop. Three buses with Nagamachi cost JPY 660 for an adult; adding garden admission totals JPY 980. This differs from the two-ride subtotal below.
Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresHotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQOfficial tourism guide: Nagamachi Samurai District
Choose a bus that reaches the garden before last admission. Adding Nagamachi requires another bus ride and extra visiting time.
Day 3 · Higashi Chaya District walk
Get off at Hashibacho to walk among Higashi Chaya's teahouse buildings and along its lanes today. Explore cafes or craft shops, then return to your accommodation near Kanazawa Station.
- East-side stand 7, Right Loop → Hashibacho, outside Kinjoro
Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus Right Loop from stand 7 in Kanazawa Station's east plaza and get off at Hashibacho outside Kinjoro. The ride takes about 13 minutes, excluding the bus wait and walk from the stop to the district.
Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresOfficial tourism guide: Higashi Chaya District
- Hashibacho, outside Kinjoro → Higashi Chaya District
The official tourism guide gives about five minutes on foot from the stop to Higashi Chaya.
- Higashi Chaya District → Lane walk and selected businesses
Walk the outdoor streets in the afternoon. If you plan tea or a visit inside a historic residence, check the facility's hours and fees. Outdoor lane walks and visits inside teahouses or residences have different costs.
- Hashibacho outside Kinjoro, Right Loop → Kanazawa Station, then your hotel
Retrace your walk to Hashibacho outside Kinjoro and continue on the Right Loop via Kenrokuen, Korinbo and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. The return section is longer than the outward journey, so check your return service first. Return to the same accommodation and rest.
Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresHotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQ
Distinguish outdoor street walks from tea and residence visits. The Right Loop return from Hashibacho to the station is longer than the outward section.
Day 4 · Via Kagaonsen Station to your hot-spring accommodation
Move from Kanazawa to your hot-spring accommodation and rest today. Connect an ordinary IR train with your separately booked hotel transfer.
- Kanazawa Station, ordinary IR train → Kagaonsen Station
Take an ordinary IR Ishikawa Railway train and get off at Kagaonsen. The standard adult single fare is JPY 880; this is different from the Shinkansen. Choose a travel-day train to match your booked hotel transfer.
IR official current timetables and station checksIR official ordinary-train fare table
- Kagaonsen Station south exit → Hotel transfer boarding area, then Ohanami Kyubei
Go from Kagaonsen Station's south ticket gates to the hotel transfer boarding area, rather than regular bus stand 2. Give your name to the driver with the pink flag bearing Ohanami Kyubei's name. Book the free transfer separately by the day before; it does not run without reservations.
- Hot-spring accommodation → Baths and rest at your accommodation
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hot-spring accommodation. Use baths and meals according to your booked stay plan.
Hotel stay and luggage storage FAQHotel access and shuttle pick-up guide
Book hotel transfers separately from the room. If changing properties, arrange travel around that property's access and transfer conditions.
Day 5 · Hot-spring accommodation to Kanazawa
Leave your hot-spring accommodation and return to Kanazawa today. Use the hotel transfer and an ordinary IR train to reach the station.
- Booked hotel transfer → Kagaonsen Station south exit
Take your booked free return hotel transfer to Kagaonsen Station. The official hotel guide allows requests from check-in until breakfast the next morning. For two nights, confirm the actual check-out day's transfer and booking deadline when you check in. Regular buses are separate.
- Kagaonsen Station, ordinary IR train → Kanazawa Station
Take an ordinary IR train towards Kanazawa from Kagaonsen and get off at Kanazawa Station. The standard adult single fare is JPY 880. Choose your travel-day train with time after the hotel transfer for ticketing and reaching the platform.
IR official current timetables and station checksIR official ordinary-train fare table
- Kanazawa Station → Ticket gates and platform for your onward train
Go to the gates and platform for your onward train. Leave time for station walking between your return transport and departure.
Choose the return hotel transfer together with your onward train. For extra city sightseeing, compare both sightseeing bus journeys with your departing service as well.
Included: Kenrokuen JPY 320 + city bus JPY 220 × 4 + IR JPY 880 × 2. Day-one market travel is on foot. Assumes free hotel transfers for guests booked in advance.
Extras and conditions: Accommodation, meals, separate hotel luggage storage fees, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance departures and extra buses cost extra.
For one adult at standard rates: Kenrokuen JPY 320 + four city loop buses JPY 880 + return IR Kanazawa–Kagaonsen trains JPY 1,760 = JPY 2,960. Walk both ways to the market on day one; the garden day uses two buses. Hotel transfers assume free use by guests booked in advance. Accommodation, meals, separate hotel luggage storage fees, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance departures and extra buses cost extra.
Official Kenrokuen visiting guideHokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresIR official ordinary-train fare tableHotel access and shuttle pick-up guide
Frequently asked questions
How much are transport and admission for two nights each in Kanazawa and at the onsen?
The subtotal for one adult is JPY 2,740: Kenrokuen JPY 320, three city loop-bus rides JPY 660 and regular IR return trains between Kanazawa and Kagaonsen JPY 1,760. Day-one market browsing and the short riverside walk on the onsen rest day are on foot. This subtotal assumes you use Ohanami Kyubei's free guest shuttle and book it in advance. Accommodation, meals, paid residences, riverside tea seating and long-distance travel to Kanazawa are separate. Add local-bus fares if using them instead of the hotel shuttle, and costs for any extra sights.
Official Kenrokuen visiting guideHokutetsu loop-bus stops and faresIR official ordinary-train fare tableHotel access and shuttle pick-up guide
Does the itinerary with three city nights and one onsen night visit Nagamachi?
The three-city-night itinerary gives a day each to the market, Kenrokuen and Higashi Chaya before one onsen night. To add Nagamachi, see the optional detour in day two's return from the garden. For Nagamachi after the garden and two nights resting at the onsen, compare the two-city-night, two-onsen-night itinerary. Adjust bus rides and sightseeing time for any added visit.
Official tourism guide: Nagamachi Samurai DistrictOfficial tourism guide: Higashi Chaya DistrictHokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares
Sources and dates checked
- Access to Kenrokuen's entrances ·
- Official Kenrokuen visiting guide ·
- Official tourism guide: Higashi Chaya District ·
- Official tourism guide: Nagamachi Samurai District ·
- IR official ordinary-train fare table ·
- Hotel Kanazawa: access and luggage storage FAQ ·
- Omicho Market: official tourism guide ·
- Hokutetsu loop-bus stops and fares ·
- Hotel access and shuttle pick-up guide ·
- Hotel stay and luggage storage FAQ ·
- Yamanaka Onsen: official sights and walking-trail guide ·
- Ohanami Kyubei: nearby sights and access to Korogi Bridge ·
- JR West Hokuriku Area Pass coverage ·
- JR West Hokuriku Arch Pass coverage ·
- JR West Kansai–Hokuriku Area Pass coverage ·
- IR official current timetables and station checks ·