Five Days in Ishikawa: How to Divide Your Stay
Stay two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka to see Kenrokuen and Nagamachi, then enjoy an extra day at the hot-spring inn. With three city nights and one hot-spring night, give the market, Kenrokuen, and Higashi Chaya a day each and spend the last night at the hot springs. The three-city-night itinerary does not include Nagamachi. Lodging and meals are excluded from the transportation and admission costs below. Airport travel and check-in time are separate.
Choose an itinerary for 5 days, 4 nights
Two City Nights and Two Hot-Spring Nights
Stay two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka if you want the garden and samurai district plus an extra day at the hot springs. Move to the inn after city sightseeing, then use the full inn day for a nearby riverside walk or rest.
Two City Nights and Two Hot-Spring Nights →5 days, 4 nights BThree City Nights and One Hot-Spring Night
Give the market, garden, and traditional teahouse district a day each, then spend a night at the hot springs over five days. Stay three nights in Kanazawa with a separate day for Higashi Chaya. To include Nagamachi, see the extra route on the garden day below.
Three City Nights and One Hot-Spring Night →Two City Nights and Two Hot-Spring Nights
Stay two nights each in Kanazawa and Yamanaka if you want the garden and samurai district plus an extra day at the hot springs. Move to the inn after city sightseeing, then use the full inn day for a nearby riverside walk or rest.
Day 1: Omicho Market and a Kanazawa Hotel
Choose a seafood lunch at Omicho Market on arrival and explore its fish, vegetable, and fruit stalls. After the market, stay near Kanazawa Station.
- Kanazawa Station, East Plaza → Omicho Market · Walk or Left Loop
Walk about 12 minutes from Kanazawa Station's East Plaza to Omicho Market. If taking a bus, board the left loop at East Exit boarding point 7 and get off at Musashigatsuji–Omicho Market in front of Ichibakan. The one-way adult fare is ¥220; add bus fares to the subtotal below, which assumes walking both ways.
Official Omicho Market Tourism GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresHotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQ
- Omicho Market → Open Restaurants and Market Shops
General market guidance gives hours around 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, but restaurants and shops differ. Have lunch at an open restaurant, then explore the market in the afternoon. Meals and shopping cost extra. More shops tend to close on Wednesdays.
- Omicho Market · In Front of M'za Kuromonkoji → Kanazawa Station → Stay Nearby
Retrace the walk to the station's East Plaza, or take a station-bound right-loop bus from Musashigatsuji–Omicho Market in front of M'za Kuromonkoji. The right loop has several stops around the market; distinguish this from the left-loop stop where you arrived. Choose an open restaurant near the station for dinner.
Hotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares
Opening days and closing times vary by shop. If arriving late, have dinner near the station. You can visit the market the following day at midday, but must then adjust Kenrokuen and your station departure. Walking both ways makes the market transportation cost ¥0; one left-loop and one right-loop ride total ¥440 per adult. Meals and lodging are excluded.
Day 2: Kenrokuen, Nagamachi, and Back to Your Hotel
Walk among Kenrokuen's ponds and trees, then explore Nagamachi's earthen-walled lanes. See the garden and historic neighborhood before returning to the same Kanazawa hotel.
- East Boarding Point 7 · Right Loop → Kenrokuen-shita RL6
At East Exit boarding point 7, take the Kanazawa city loop bus's right loop and get off at Kenrokuen-shita–Kanazawa Castle, opposite Ishikawa Gate. Confirm that it is the right-loop stop.
Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresHotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQ
- Kenrokuen-shita RL6 → Katsurazaka Entrance → Garden
Walk about 5 minutes to Katsurazaka entrance and enter for the standard adult fare of ¥320. After a morning visit and rest, return to the same RL6 stop.
Access by Kenrokuen EntranceOfficial Kenrokuen Visitor Guide
- After the Garden · RL6 Right Loop → Korinbo, Former Bank of Japan → Nagamachi
Continue on the same right loop and get off at Korinbo in front of the former Bank of Japan building. The tourism association gives about 5 minutes on foot to Nagamachi and suggests about 60 minutes for the lanes. Lunch and interior residence visits are separate.
Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresOfficial Nagamachi Tourism Guide
- Korinbo, In Front of the Former Bank of Japan → Right Loop → Kanazawa Station
Return to the right-loop stop in front of the former Bank of Japan building and ride via Minamicho and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. Three loop-bus rides on day two total ¥660 for a standard-fare adult, less than the ¥800 adult day pass.
- Kanazawa Station Bus Stop → Same Hotel
Cross the station's East Plaza and return to Hotel Kanazawa.
Distinguish outdoor lanes from paid residence interiors. Add both time and cost for interior visits.
Day 3: Via Kagaonsen Station to Your Hot-Spring Inn
Move from Kanazawa to your hot-spring inn for a rest, connecting an IR local train with the inn's reserved shuttle.
- Kanazawa Station · IR Local Train → Kagaonsen Station
Take an IR Ishikawa Railway local train and get off at Kagaonsen Station. The standard adult fare is ¥880 one way; distinguish this from the Shinkansen. Choose your date's train to connect with the shuttle time you reserved.
IR Official Current Timetables and Station ChecksIR Official Standard Fares
- Kagaonsen Station, South Exit → Inn Shuttle Boarding Area → Ohanami Kyubei
From Kagaonsen Station's south ticket gates, go to the inn shuttle boarding area. Distinguish it from local-bus boarding point 2 and give your name to the driver with a pink flag bearing Ohanami Kyubei's name. Reserve the free shuttle separately by the day before. It does not run if there are no reservations.
- Hot-Spring Inn → Baths and Rest at the Inn
Spend the afternoon resting at the inn. Use baths and meals according to your booked lodging plan.
Inn Stay and Luggage FAQInn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide
Request the shuttle separately from your room reservation. If choosing another inn, adjust travel to its own access and shuttle conditions.
Day 4: Another Inn Night and a Walk near Korogi Bridge
Rest at the same hot-spring inn today and stay a second night. For riverside scenery, take a daytime walk near Korogi Bridge, close to the inn. Stay at the inn if rain, snow, or access restrictions prevent the walk.
- Ohanami Kyubei → Korogi Bridge → Nearby Riverside Section
Ohanami Kyubei's official nearby-sights guide gives a walk of about 7 minutes to Korogi Bridge (こおろぎ橋). During the day, ask reception for the current route and access conditions, then go to the bridge. Follow the path signs for a short walk nearby. The full route from Korogi Bridge through Ayatori Bridge to Kurotani Bridge is 1.3 km. Today uses only a section near the inn before returning; choose your turnaround point for the steps, path conditions, and your group's fitness.
Ohanami Kyubei Nearby Sights and Korogi Bridge AccessOfficial Yamanaka Onsen Sights and Walking Routes
- The Path You Followed in Kakusenkei → Korogi Bridge → Ohanami Kyubei
At your chosen turnaround point, retrace the walk to Korogi Bridge and return to the same inn for your booked meal and bath times. Allow the roughly 7-minute walk from the inn to the bridge, your riverside walk, and the return when planning around meals. Riverside tea seating, cafes, and paid facilities cost extra.
Ohanami Kyubei Nearby Sights and Korogi Bridge AccessOfficial Yamanaka Onsen Sights and Walking Routes
Ask the inn whether your room and baths are available during the day between nights and whether meals are included. If riverside access is restricted or wind and rain are strong, rest at the inn instead. This day does not take buses or trains elsewhere.
Day 5: Hot-Spring Inn to Kanazawa
Leave the inn and return to Kanazawa by shuttle and IR local train.
- Reserved Inn Shuttle → Kagaonsen Station, South Exit
Take your reserved free return shuttle to Kagaonsen Station. The inn's official request window runs from check-in until breakfast the following morning. For a two-night stay, confirm the actual checkout day's shuttle and request deadline at check-in. Local buses are separate.
- Kagaonsen Station · IR Local Train → Kanazawa Station
Take an IR local train toward Kanazawa and get off at Kanazawa Station. The standard adult fare is ¥880 one way. Choose your date's service with time for tickets and the platform walk after the inn shuttle arrives.
IR Official Current Timetables and Station ChecksIR Official Standard Fares
- Kanazawa Station → Next Train's Ticket Gates and Platform
Walk to your next train's gates and platform. Allow time inside the station between your return transportation and departure.
Choose the return shuttle and onward train together. Any extra city sightseeing also needs round-trip sightseeing-bus time checked against your next departure.
Included: Kenrokuen ¥320 + city buses ¥220 × 3 + IR ¥880 × 2. Walk to the market on day one and the nearby riverside section on the full inn day. This subtotal assumes the free inn shuttle for guests with reservations.
Extras and Conditions: Hotels, meals, separate hotel luggage charges, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance onward travel, and extra buses.
For one standard-fare adult: Kenrokuen ¥320 + three city loop-bus rides ¥660 + Kanazawa–Kagaonsen IR round trip ¥1,760 = ¥2,740. Walk to and from the market on the first day. The inn shuttle assumes free travel for overnight guests with advance reservations. Hotels, meals, separate inn luggage charges, paid residences, riverside facilities, and long-distance onward travel cost extra. Add the applicable cost if taking local buses to the inn or visiting other facilities.
Official Kenrokuen Visitor GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresIR Official Standard FaresInn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide
Three City Nights and One Hot-Spring Night
Give the market, garden, and traditional teahouse district a day each, then spend a night at the hot springs over five days. Stay three nights in Kanazawa with a separate day for Higashi Chaya. To include Nagamachi, see the extra route on the garden day below.
Day 1: Omicho Market and a Kanazawa Hotel
Choose a seafood lunch at Omicho Market on arrival and explore its fish, vegetable, and fruit stalls. After the market, stay near Kanazawa Station.
- Kanazawa Station, East Plaza → Omicho Market · Walk or Left Loop
Walk about 12 minutes from Kanazawa Station's East Plaza to Omicho Market. If taking a bus, board the left loop at East Exit boarding point 7 and get off at Musashigatsuji–Omicho Market in front of Ichibakan. The one-way adult fare is ¥220; add bus fares to the subtotal below, which assumes walking both ways.
Official Omicho Market Tourism GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresHotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQ
- Omicho Market → Open Restaurants and Market Shops
General market guidance gives hours around 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, but restaurants and shops differ. Have lunch at an open restaurant, then explore the market in the afternoon. Meals and shopping cost extra. More shops tend to close on Wednesdays.
- Omicho Market · In Front of M'za Kuromonkoji → Kanazawa Station → Stay Nearby
Retrace the walk to the station's East Plaza, or take a station-bound right-loop bus from Musashigatsuji–Omicho Market in front of M'za Kuromonkoji. The right loop has several stops around the market; distinguish this from the left-loop stop where you arrived. Choose an open restaurant near the station for dinner.
Hotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares
Opening days and closing times vary by shop. If arriving late, have dinner near the station. You can visit the market the following day at midday, but must then adjust Kenrokuen and your station departure. Walking both ways makes the market transportation cost ¥0; one left-loop and one right-loop ride total ¥440 per adult. Meals and lodging are excluded.
Day 2: Kenrokuen and Back to the City
Walk Kenrokuen's paths linking ponds and pavilions today. After the garden and lunch, return to the same hotel near Kanazawa Station to rest. Explore Higashi Chaya the following day.
- Hotel → Kanazawa Station, East Boarding Point 7 → Right Loop · Kenrokuen-shita RL6
At East Exit boarding point 7, take the Kanazawa city loop bus's right loop and get off at Kenrokuen-shita–Kanazawa Castle, opposite Ishikawa Gate. Confirm that it is the right-loop stop.
Hotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares
- RL6 Stop Opposite Ishikawa Gate → Katsurazaka Entrance · Garden Ticket Office
From the right-loop Kenrokuen-shita–Kanazawa Castle stop (兼六園下・金沢城), opposite Ishikawa Gate, walk about 5 minutes to Katsurazaka entrance (桂坂口), as indicated in the official guide. Distinguish Kanazawa Castle's Ishikawa Gate from the garden entrance, and follow the garden ticket signs.
Access by Kenrokuen EntranceHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares
- Kenrokuen Entrance → Garden Visit, Lunch, and Rest
Standard adult admission is ¥320. Explore the garden and allow time for lunch and rest. The garden opens 7:00 AM–6:00 PM March 1–October 15, with last entry at 5:30 PM. October 16–late February hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Teahouses and meals are excluded from admission.
- Katsurazaka → RL6 Right Loop → Kanazawa Station → Hotel
Walk back from Katsurazaka to the RL6 stop where you arrived and continue on the right loop via Korinbo and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. Distinguish it from the left-loop stop across the road. If staying at Hotel Kanazawa, cross the East Plaza to return. Allow separate time for sightseeing, meals, and bus waits. To add Nagamachi that day, get off the right loop at Korinbo in front of the former Bank of Japan building, walk about 5 minutes to Nagamachi, then use the station-bound loop from that stop after sightseeing. Three rides with Nagamachi total ¥660 per adult, or ¥980 with garden admission. This differs from the two-ride subtotal below.
Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresHotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQOfficial Nagamachi Tourism Guide
Choose a bus that arrives before the garden's last entry. Adding Nagamachi requires another bus ride and sightseeing time.
Day 3: A Walk through Higashi Chaya
Get off at Hashibacho and walk among Higashi Chaya's teahouse buildings and lanes. After cafes or craft shops, return to your hotel near Kanazawa Station.
- East Boarding Point 7 · Right Loop → Hashibacho, In Front of Kinjoro
At boarding point 7 in Kanazawa Station's East Plaza, take the Kanazawa city loop bus's right loop to Hashibacho in front of Kinjoro. The ride takes about 13 minutes; allow separate time for waiting and walking from the stop to the neighborhood.
Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresOfficial Higashi Chaya Tourism Guide
- Hashibacho, In Front of Kinjoro → Higashi Chaya District
The official tourism guide gives a walk of about 5 minutes from the stop to Higashi Chaya.
- Higashi Chaya District → Lanes and Chosen Shops
Walk the outdoor streets in the afternoon. If you plan to have tea or enter a historic residence, check the facility's hours and fees. Outdoor walking and entry inside teahouses or residences have different costs.
- Hashibacho, In Front of Kinjoro · Right Loop → Kanazawa Station → Hotel
Retrace the walk to Hashibacho in front of Kinjoro and continue on the right loop via Kenrokuen, Korinbo, and Omicho Market to Kanazawa Station. This return section is longer than the outward ride; check your return service first. Return to the same hotel to rest.
Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresHotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQ
Distinguish outdoor walking from tea and interior 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 Inn
Move from Kanazawa to your hot-spring inn for a rest, connecting an IR local train with the inn's reserved shuttle.
- Kanazawa Station · IR Local Train → Kagaonsen Station
Take an IR Ishikawa Railway local train and get off at Kagaonsen Station. The standard adult fare is ¥880 one way; distinguish this from the Shinkansen. Choose your date's train to connect with the shuttle time you reserved.
IR Official Current Timetables and Station ChecksIR Official Standard Fares
- Kagaonsen Station, South Exit → Inn Shuttle Boarding Area → Ohanami Kyubei
From Kagaonsen Station's south ticket gates, go to the inn shuttle boarding area. Distinguish it from local-bus boarding point 2 and give your name to the driver with a pink flag bearing Ohanami Kyubei's name. Reserve the free shuttle separately by the day before. It does not run if there are no reservations.
- Hot-Spring Inn → Baths and Rest at the Inn
Spend the afternoon resting at the inn. Use baths and meals according to your booked lodging plan.
Inn Stay and Luggage FAQInn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide
Request the shuttle separately from your room reservation. If choosing another inn, adjust travel to its own access and shuttle conditions.
Day 5: Hot-Spring Inn to Kanazawa
Leave the inn and return to Kanazawa by shuttle and IR local train.
- Reserved Inn Shuttle → Kagaonsen Station, South Exit
Take your reserved free return shuttle to Kagaonsen Station. The inn's official request window runs from check-in until breakfast the following morning. For a two-night stay, confirm the actual checkout day's shuttle and request deadline at check-in. Local buses are separate.
- Kagaonsen Station · IR Local Train → Kanazawa Station
Take an IR local train toward Kanazawa and get off at Kanazawa Station. The standard adult fare is ¥880 one way. Choose your date's service with time for tickets and the platform walk after the inn shuttle arrives.
IR Official Current Timetables and Station ChecksIR Official Standard Fares
- Kanazawa Station → Next Train's Ticket Gates and Platform
Walk to your next train's gates and platform. Allow time inside the station between your return transportation and departure.
Choose the return shuttle and onward train together. Any extra city sightseeing also needs round-trip sightseeing-bus time checked against your next departure.
Included: Kenrokuen ¥320 + city buses ¥220 × 4 + IR ¥880 × 2. Walk to and from the market on day one. This subtotal assumes the free inn shuttle for guests with reservations.
Extras and Conditions: Hotels, meals, separate hotel luggage charges, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance onward travel, and extra buses.
For one standard-fare adult: Kenrokuen ¥320 + four city loop-bus rides ¥880 + Kanazawa–Kagaonsen IR round trip ¥1,760 = ¥2,960. Walk to and from the market on day one; the garden day assumes two bus rides. The inn shuttle assumes free travel for overnight guests with advance reservations. Hotels, meals, separate inn luggage charges, paid residences, riverside facilities, long-distance onward travel, and extra buses cost extra.
Official Kenrokuen Visitor GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresIR Official Standard FaresInn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transportation and admission subtotal for two nights each in Kanazawa and at the hot springs?
The subtotal is ¥2,740 per adult: Kenrokuen ¥320, three city loop-bus rides ¥660, and the Kanazawa–Kagaonsen IR local-train round trip ¥1,760. It assumes walking to the market on day one and to the nearby riverside section on the full inn day. Ohanami Kyubei, the inn example, provides a free shuttle for overnight guests with advance reservations. Hotels, meals, paid residences, riverside tea seating, and long-distance transportation to Kanazawa cost extra. Add local-bus fares if replacing the inn shuttle, and costs for other sights.
Official Kenrokuen Visitor GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and FaresIR Official Standard FaresInn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide
Does the three-city-night, one-hot-spring-night itinerary visit Nagamachi?
It gives the market, Kenrokuen, and Higashi Chaya a day each before a night at the hot springs. To add Nagamachi, see the extra route in the garden return step on day two. To visit Nagamachi after the garden and spend two nights at the hot springs, compare two city nights and two hot-spring nights. Any added visit needs revised bus counts and sightseeing time.
Official Nagamachi Tourism GuideOfficial Higashi Chaya Tourism GuideHokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares
Sources and Check Dates
- Access by Kenrokuen Entrance ·
- Official Kenrokuen Visitor Guide ·
- Official Higashi Chaya Tourism Guide ·
- Official Nagamachi Tourism Guide ·
- IR Official Standard Fares ·
- Hotel Kanazawa Access and Luggage FAQ ·
- Official Omicho Market Tourism Guide ·
- Hokutetsu Loop-Bus Stops and Fares ·
- Inn Access and Shuttle Boarding Guide ·
- Inn Stay and Luggage FAQ ·
- Official Yamanaka Onsen Sights and Walking Routes ·
- Ohanami Kyubei Nearby Sights and Korogi Bridge Access ·
- JR West Hokuriku Pass Coverage ·
- JR West Hokuriku Arch Pass Coverage ·
- JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass Coverage ·
- IR Official Current Timetables and Station Checks ·