Combining Kanazawa and Nagano for a tourism trip is an excellent idea! Both cities offer unique cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and stunning nature, and they are conveniently connected by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making travel between them easy. Here’s a suggested itinerary and the highlights for each city:
Kanazawa Highlights (2-3 Days)
Kanazawa is known for its preserved samurai districts, beautiful gardens, and traditional craftsmanship.
- Kenrokuen Garden
- One of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens” and a symbol of Kanazawa. It’s especially beautiful in all seasons.
- Kanazawa Castle
- A historic castle adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden. The area has well-preserved buildings and lovely parkland.
- Higashi Chaya District
- A beautifully preserved geisha district with traditional tea houses and narrow streets. You can visit gold leaf workshops and enjoy traditional sweets.
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- A modern art museum with interactive installations, including the famous “Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich.
- Omicho Market
- A vibrant seafood market where you can enjoy fresh sushi, crabs, and local delicacies. Perfect for lunch!
- Nagamachi Samurai District
- Explore preserved samurai houses, especially Nomura Samurai House, to get a glimpse of Japan’s feudal history.
Travel Between Kanazawa and Nagano
- Hokuriku Shinkansen: Travel from Kanazawa to Nagano takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by bullet train. Tickets cost around ¥7,000 one way.
Nagano Highlights (2-3 Days)
Nagano is famous for its mountains, traditional temples, and winter sports.
- Zenkoji Temple
- One of Japan’s most important and ancient temples, Zenkoji houses the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. It’s a pilgrimage site and offers a deeply spiritual experience. Tour Here !!
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Famous for its snow monkeys that soak in hot springs during the winter. Even in warmer months, the area is scenic and fun to visit. Contact us for ‘Private Tour’ !!
- Togakushi Shrine
- Located in the mountains outside Nagano, this shrine is known for its ancient cedars and spiritual atmosphere. It also has trails leading through forested areas, perfect for hikers. Tour Here!!
- Matsushiro Samurai District
- A preserved samurai town with old residences, including the Sanada House, which belonged to a prominent samurai family. Tour Here!!
- Shiga Kogen Highlands
- A stunning area for nature lovers. In winter, it’s great for skiing, while in summer and fall, it’s ideal for hiking and enjoying the alpine scenery. Contact us for ‘Private Tour’ !!
- Nagano Onsen
- After exploring, unwind in one of the area’s many hot springs. Some of the most famous are in Nozawa Onsen and Shibu Onsen, both offering traditional onsen experiences. Tour Here!!
Suggested 5-6 Day Itinerary
Day 1-3: Kanazawa
- Explore Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and the Samurai and Geisha districts.
- Dive into the contemporary art scene at the 21st Century Museum.
- Enjoy local seafood at Omicho Market.
Day 4: Travel to Nagano
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and visit Zenkoji Temple upon arrival.
Day 5-6: Nagano
- Spend a day visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park and/or hiking at Togakushi Shrine.
- Enjoy the local hot springs in Nozawa or Shibu Onsen for relaxation.
Seasonal Tips:
Winter (December-February): Both Kanazawa and Nagano are beautiful in winter. Nagano is famous for skiing and snowboarding, while Kanazawa gets scenic winter landscapes in its gardens and samurai districts.
Spring (March-May): Ideal for seeing cherry blossoms at Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen and in the surrounding areas of Nagano.
Summer (June-August): Cooler mountain air makes Nagano a great escape for hiking, especially around Shiga Kogen and Togakushi.
Autumn (September-November): The fall foliage in both cities is breathtaking, especially around Togakushi Shrine and Kanazawa’s gardens.
How to Travel Between and Around:
- Rail Pass: If you are planning multiple long-distance trips, consider the Japan Rail Pass or the Hokuriku Arch Pass, which covers Kanazawa and Nagano as well as other parts of the region.
This combination of Kanazawa and Nagano gives you a mix of urban culture, historical sights, and natural beauty!
