Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park and Oyama Shrine are the three landmarks that define Kanazawa, the historic capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. For almost three centuries the powerful Maeda clan ruled this region from Kanazawa Castle, and the garden, the castle walls and the shrine built in their honor sit right next to each other in the center of the city. That makes it easy to see all three in one relaxed day on foot. This guide explains what to see at each spot, how to time your visit, which tickets you need and where to stay in central Kanazawa.
1. Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en is widely counted among the three great gardens of Japan, and it deserves a slow two hours. Paths wind around Kasumigaike Pond, where the two-legged Kotoji stone lantern, with one leg shorter than the other, is the most photographed spot in the garden. Nearby, the Uchihashi-tei teahouse sits right over the water, and below the pond is a fountain said to be one of the oldest in Japan, powered only by the natural drop in water level. From November 1, gardeners begin tying the famous yukitsuri, cone-shaped rope supports that protect more than 800 pine branches from heavy snow. Admission is 320 yen for adults and 100 yen for ages 6 to 17. The garden opens at 7:00 from March 1 to October 15 and at 8:00 from October 16 through February. Early risers can enter free through the Hasuike or Zuijinzaka gates before regular opening hours, as long as they leave before paid hours begin.
2. Kanazawa Castle Park
Across a bridge from Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park preserves the vast grounds of the Maeda family’s castle. The park itself is free, and its massive stone walls, built in several different styles over the centuries, are a highlight on their own. The best-known buildings are the reconstructed Hishi Yagura turret and the long Gojikken Nagaya storehouse, built with traditional wooden joinery. You can go inside for 320 yen between 9:00 and 16:30 (last entry 16:00) to see how the timber frame fits together without nails. Do not miss Gyokuseninmaru Garden, a free stroll garden reconstructed in 2015 with a pond set against layered stone walls. The castle walls and buildings are lit up every evening from sunset until 22:00, and on Saturdays and in peak seasons the grounds stay open until 21:00, so it is worth coming back after dinner for a different view.
3. Oyama Shrine
A short walk west of the castle, Oyama Shrine honors Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga domain, and his wife Matsu. Its main attraction is the Shinmon gate, completed in 1875, which surprises many visitors because it looks nothing like a typical shrine gate. The three-story structure mixes Japanese, Chinese and Western architectural styles, and its top level is fitted with colorful stained glass. Inside the grounds, a quiet pond garden is a calm contrast to the busy castle park, and the grounds are free to enter. Oyama Shrine also connects easily to the rest of central Kanazawa: the Korinbo shopping area and the Nagamachi samurai district are both within walking distance, so it is a natural last stop before lunch or an afternoon of exploring the old streets.
Where to Stay Near Kenroku-en and Korinbo
Where to stay: Central KanazawaHotel links in this section go to Orbitz. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For sightseeing on foot, the best base is the Korinbo area, between Kenroku-en, the castle and the Katamachi dining district. Hotels here put the main landmarks within a 10 to 15 minute walk, and buses to Kanazawa Station stop nearby. If you plan day trips by train, a hotel near Kanazawa Station is also convenient.
Luxury
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel stands in the middle of Korinbo, a short walk from Kenroku-en, Oyama Shrine and the Katamachi restaurant streets. It is a polished, full-service choice for travelers who want to walk everywhere.
Full-service hotel in the heart of Korinbo.
Mid-Range
Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa offers modern rooms in central Kanazawa, a practical base for exploring the castle area and the old districts on foot or by city bus.
Modern, comfortable rooms in the city center.
Budget-Friendly
Toyoko Inn Kanazawa Kenrokuen Korimbo is a dependable budget pick in Korinbo, with simple rooms and an easy walk to Kenroku-en and the castle park.
Toyoko Inn Kanazawa Kenrokuen Korimbo
Simple, reliable rooms near Kenroku-en.
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Hotels in Kanazawa on Orbitz
Stay near Kenroku-en and Korinbo so you can catch the garden at opening time and see the castle walls lit up after dark.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Arrive at Kenroku-en early in the morning for free entry and fewer crowds.
- Buy a 1-day bus pass if you plan to ride city buses several times; the Kanazawa Loop Bus costs 220 yen per ride.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle park and garden involve lots of walking on gravel paths.
- Visit in November to see the yukitsuri rope supports going up in Kenroku-en.
- Return to Kanazawa Castle Park after sunset to see the illuminated stone walls.
Getting there by train: The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Kanazawa in a little under 2.5 hours on the fastest Kagayaki trains, and the JR Pass covers it. From Osaka or Kyoto, take the Thunderbird limited express to Tsuruga and change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, about 2 hours 10 to 30 minutes from Osaka. From Kanazawa Station, a short city bus ride takes you to the Kenroku-en and castle area. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, learn how to ride the Shinkansen, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Kenroku-en Garden?
Admission to Kenroku-en is 320 yen for adults and 100 yen for ages 6 to 17. Visitors can also enter free early in the morning through the Hasuike or Zuijinzaka gates, as long as they leave before regular hours begin.
Is Kanazawa Castle free to visit?
Yes. Kanazawa Castle Park and Gyokuseninmaru Garden are free. Entering the Hishi Yagura turret and Gojikken Nagaya storehouse costs 320 yen, open 9:00 to 16:30.
What is special about Oyama Shrine?
Oyama Shrine honors Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga domain, and his wife Matsu. Its 1875 Shinmon gate mixes Japanese, Chinese and Western styles and has stained glass windows on the top floor.
How long do you need for Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle?
Plan about two hours for Kenroku-en and one to two hours for Kanazawa Castle Park. Adding Oyama Shrine makes a comfortable half-day to full-day walking route.
