Kanazawa in 3 Days: A Cultural Feast (With Curry on Top!)

🌸 3-Day Itinerary in Kanazawa, Japan Explore culture, gardens, hidden gems, and delicious Kanazawa curry in one of Japan’s most elegant cities. 🏯 Day 1: Classic Kanazawa Highlights Morning: Kenroku-en Garden – One of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Arrive early to enjoy peaceful paths, seasonal blooms, and teahouses. Kanazawa Castle – Explore the park and the reconstructed castle near Kenroku-en. Lunch: Try a bowl of Kanazawa Curry – known for its rich, thick, dark sauce, shredded cabbage, and deep-fried pork cutlet. Locals love places like Champion Curry or Go! Go! Curry. Afternoon: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Famous for its interactive and modern installations. D.T. Suzuki Museum – A calm, contemplative space dedicated to Zen philosophy. Evening: Higashi Chaya District – Stroll the historic geisha quarters, visit a teahouse, and browse gold leaf shops. Optional: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner or try an izakaya in the area. 🏘️ Day 2: Local Culture & Craftsmanship Morning: Omicho Market – Sample fresh seafood like donburi bowls or crab sushi. Nagamachi Samurai District – Walk old streets and visit Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence. Lunch: Light bites from Omicho or a casual noodle shop nearby. Afternoon: Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center – Watch local silk-dyeing in action. Gold Leaf Workshop – Decorate a small item using real Kanazawa gold leaf (very fun!). Evening: Stroll along the Asanogawa River or explore hidden sake bars in the old districts. ⛩️ Day 3: Slow Travel & Hidden Gems Morning: Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple) – Fascinating traps, hidden rooms, and secret staircases (reserve in advance). Teramachi Temple District – A quiet area with old temples and quaint streets. Lunch: Another dose of Kanazawa Curry — because once is never enough 🍛 Afternoon: Seisonkaku Villa – A beautiful historic villa with rare surviving Edo interiors. Optional visit to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art or Gold Leaf Museum. Evening: Return to Kanazawa Station to see the iconic Tsuzumi-mon Gate, grab final souvenirs, and maybe your last curry fix before leaving. 💡 Bonus Tips: Use the Kanazawa Loop Bus or rent a bicycle to easily move around town. Kanazawa is beautiful in every season, but fall foliage and spring blossoms are especially stunning.