Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Japan

Wander through the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, where every season paints a masterpiece of traditional landscape beauty.

💱 Currency Japanese Yen (JPY)
🗣 Language Japanese
🕐 Time Zone JST (UTC+9)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Mar–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 14-21 nights
💰 Price Range From $1,690 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Japan's traditional arts and crafts heritage, featuring stunning gardens, historic temples, and renowned geisha districts in a beautifully preserved castle town.

Cruises that visit Kanazawa

Build Your Day in Kanazawa

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Shirakawa-go Historical village with Gassho houses Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 42k
Kenroku-en This spot is more than just a garden—it’s a cultural and sensory experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 37k
Higashi Chaya District Lots of options for ceramics, trinkets, souvenirs, teas, and so much more. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 23k
Omicho Market I really loved the city (castle, ruins, 'ninja Museum, and etc). Fresh food market · ★ 4 · 19k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kanazawa Castle Park We enjoyed building a snowman and then exploring the castle and garden. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 12k
Kanazawa Hyakubangai A huge shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants and retail stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Nagamachi Samurai District Many restaurants and local shops selling locally made crafts. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 5k
Kanazawa Forus 6 floors of goods from clothing to food to Gachapon and Shinkansen items. Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence Fun little run through an old residence, the highlight is the garden. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Myouryuji (Ninja Temple) This place is a giant laboring with hidden stairs, rooms and escape routes. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kanazawa Station Some are open as museums, others as cafes, shops & restaurants. Train station · ★ 4.3 · 4k
MEGA Don Quijote Kanazawa A lot of products with great bargains. Discount store · ★ 3.6 · 3k 🕐 Opens soon · 8 AM
Tsuzumi-mon Gate Cool place to walk by if you're going to the train station Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Nishi Chaya District Recommend going to the information center/museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.7 · 2k
KANAZAWA M'ZA Their shops are very nice and the clerks are very friendly and helpful 🙏 Department store · ★ 3.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
D.T. Suzuki Museum The outside exhibition of the water mirror garden was incredible. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
CLASO PLACE KORINBO It is located on the 3rd floor in front of the Uniqlo store Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
AL PLAZA Kanazawa Great place to shop for winter clothes. Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kanazawa Castle Doing the light tour at night time was a beautiful, meditative experience. Castle · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Ishikawa Local Products Center Huge variety of souvenir snacks with free samples. Souvenir store · ★ 3.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Kazuemachi Chaya District try to go during the day and night as the district provides different vibe. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Kourin Sushi Great food, service, and atmosphere! Sushi · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Gyokusen-inmaru Garden It’s like entering a snow wonderland, the Japanese version. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Daishogun Kanazawaten We enjoyed our private booth and the wagyu short rib was excellent! Izakaya · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Tile Great food, wonderful service, and a very unique atmosphere. Seafood donburi restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Ninja Weapon Museum Cool weapons and a fun ninja throwing star experience. Museum · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sushi Sukiyaki Tempura Restaurant Akamechan Delicious food, impeccable service, and a unique atmosphere. Sushi · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Cross Gate Kanazawa It is a mall with a lot of kinds restaurant. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Rinto 100 Bangai Kanazawa Ranging from eatery to souvenirs to fashion. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
FURANSU COCKTAIL BAR フランス Amazing atmosphere, knowledgeable bartenders making amazing drinks Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Kitchen Hana Amazing atmosphere, good food, friendly service! Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kanazawa Hakomachi Food- & dining-focused shopping center Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Otome Sushi Spectacular service from the amazing chefs to all waitresses. Sushi · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
武作/BUSAKU Some of the best food we’ve ever had in a truly intimate setting. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
GREENPUBLIC KANAZAWA Really nice atmosphere, definitely worth a visit for some nice shisha. Hookah bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
Kohaku Bar Great classy vibe, amazing cocktails, very kind staff, good prices. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
HUNI Truly fantastic atmosphere and the food was delicious! Modern izakaya restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Kanazawa Music Bar A great vibe, great drinks, great hosts, great music. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Atsushi Exceptional level food, beautifully presented and of a very high quality. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
HAKU Kanazawa Cuisine|金澤じもの Delicious food, Exceptional service, and beautiful ambiance! Authentic Japanese · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
GRAND BLUE ~casual bar~ The bartenders are friendly and social. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Saneitei Incredible creative cocktails in a beautiful setting. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Mizuhiki Jiyukajin Onsite services Art museum · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Music Bar Mashout Amazing bartenders and good prices on drinks. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
袋町 Owls Hoot Huge whiskey selection and the food was amazing. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Bar W【ダブル】 Friendly Staff, Great Drinks, Good Location Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Dolls Museum A really interesting, well laid out museum with a cafe and a fun activity. Museum · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Yamazaki-yama Hill To get up there,you have to climb a bit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 8 AM
BAR TWELVE Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kanazawa

About Kanazawa

Kanazawa has emerged as a compelling port of call in Asia, with six major cruise lines including Seabourn, Silversea, and Holland America Line regularly calling here. With over 80 upcoming cruises on the schedule, this historic Japanese city offers excellent accessibility for travelers exploring the region. Most cruises visiting Kanazawa span 14 nights, often combining this port with other key Asian destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Busan, making it an ideal stop on longer itineraries through Japan and beyond.

Stepping ashore in Kanazawa, you'll discover a city that seamlessly blends centuries-old tradition with refined culture. The port's peak seasons of spring and fall provide ideal weather for exploring the city's renowned gardens and traditional districts, where you can experience authentic Japanese heritage without the overwhelming crowds of Japan's larger metropolitan areas. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan or a returning traveler seeking something distinctive, Kanazawa delivers a memorable and manageable shore experience.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Kenroku-en Garden's Seasonal Beauty

Explore one of Japan's three greatest gardens, featuring stunning landscape design, traditional tea houses, and seasonal blooms. The garden's carefully curated pathways reveal breathtaking views around every corner, from cascading waterfalls to serene ponds. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage make this a photographer's paradise accessible within walking distance from the port.

2

Gold Leaf Craftsmanship & Shopping

Discover Kanazawa's renowned gold leaf artistry in the historic Higashi Chaya District's charming shops and galleries. Browse exquisite lacquerware, ceramics, and traditional crafts adorned with delicate gold leaf, or visit workshops where artisans demonstrate centuries-old techniques. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood offers authentic souvenirs unavailable elsewhere in Japan.

3

Omachi Market's Fresh Local Flavors

Wander through this vibrant covered market bursting with fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and local delicacies like Kaga cuisine specialties. Sample freshly prepared sashimi, grilled scallops, and regional sweets from friendly vendors. The market captures authentic Kanazawa culture and offers an immersive culinary experience reflecting the region's coastal bounty.

4

Samurai & Geisha Historical Districts

Step back in time exploring the preserved Samurai and Geisha districts with traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow lantern-lit streets, and authentic teahouses. Visit the Nomura Samurai House to experience aristocratic life, or catch a glimpse of geishas in the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District during evening hours.

5

21st Century Museum of Art

Experience contemporary Japanese art and international installations in this innovative, architecturally striking museum just minutes from port. The museum's unique design blurs indoor-outdoor boundaries, featuring interactive exhibits and thought-provoking installations. It's a refreshing contrast to Kanazawa's traditional attractions and showcases the city's modern cultural vitality.

Cruise Lines at Kanazawa

Cruises Departing From Kanazawa

Cruises Visiting Kanazawa

Ship Schedule at Kanazawa

Kanazawa Location

Other Cruise Ports in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanazawa famous for?

Kanazawa is famed for Kenrokuen Garden, preserved Edo-period districts, lacquerware, Kutani porcelain, and gold leaf artistry.

Where is Kenrokuen Garden located?

Kenrokuen is located next to Kanazawa Castle in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

What is Higashi Chaya District?

Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa's historic geisha district with preserved teahouses and shops.

What crafts is Kanazawa known for?

Kanazawa is known for lacquerware, Kutani porcelain, and gold leaf artistry.