Luxury Travel to Kanazawa made for you

Experience the best of Japanese culture with a private tour of Japan designed just for you

Side view of a woman in a traditional kimono and geisha makeup walking past historic wooden buildings.

Geisha and Samurai in a medieval castle town

A thriving historical centre and the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.

At its heart is a 17th century castle surrounded by ancient neighbourhoods and reconstructed streets. Discover the Nagamachi samurai district and the Chaya geisha entertainment quarter, which exist pretty much exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. Kanazawa is one of the few Japanese towns where the geisha tradition remains alive, making it a popular spot for those wishing to explore this fascinating tradition.

Kanazawa has a horde of other cultural attractions such as the Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjikken Longhouse, but its unchallenged main attraction is Kenroku-en Garden. Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and considered by many as the most beautiful of them all, making Kanazawa the drawcard of the Ishikawa region.

Higashi Chaya in Kanazawa is the largest of Japan’s historical geisha districts. I recommend visiting a traditional tea house and learning the art of making matcha tea from a teamaster.

Rachel O Leary

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Kanazawa

There are many incredible places to stay in Kanazawa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Kanazawa

Ana Crowne Plaza

Centrally located in front of Kanazawa station and standing 21 stories high, the Ana Crowne Plaza at stands as a major landmark. With wonderful hospitality and a sophisticated atmosphere, you’ll feel yourself naturally unwind after a busy day at this luxury hotel. Offering scenic, panoramic views over the city’s skyline, the 249 calming guest rooms are decorated with muted tones and dark wood furnishings, creating a relaxed ambience. During your stay enjoy a variety of cuisine from fine dining to lighter meals. There is something for everyone to enjoy with food ranging from Western culinary delights to the more local Japanese flavours. Explore the local area, from the famed Kenrokuen garden, to the Higashi Chaya District where you will be able to watch Geishas perform. After a busy day of sightseeing, visit the hotel’s La Briller sky bar to enjoy a signature cocktail with a bird’s eye view of the city.

Kanazawa

Nikko Hotel Kanazawa

With an incomparable location in Kanazawa’s city centre, the Nikko Hotel emanates European elegance putting the diversity of this city at your fingertips. The hotel’s 254 rooms, shopping centre and seven restaurants are a testament to its modern grandeur. With 30 storeys reaching 130 metres, the Nikko Hotel is the tallest hotel in the Hokuriku area and you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Kanazawa from the Sky Lounge on the 30th floor. The variety of restaurants available at the Nikko Hotel allows you to sample cuisine from around the world, from traditional Japanese teppanyaki to European fine dining. With a prime location in front of the JR Kanazawa Station and just moments from some of the most popular locations in the city, the Nikko Hotel allows you to explore the rich culture of Kanazawa. You can explore the stunning Kenroku-en, a traditional zen garden praised to be one of the top three gardens in Japan known for its abundance of cherry blossom, as well as the beautifully preserved geisha and samurai districts.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.