In this article, I want offer some suggestions for walking routes where you will discover all of it: historical sites, temples and shrines as well as nature and food!

At the north-eastern end of Japan’s Noto Peninsula, just a short drive away from the city of Kanazawa – known for its samurai districts, museums, and gardens, is the beach they call Goshikigahama or Five Colors Beach.

If you are in Kanazawa and want to try it out for yourself, where should you go? There are various places in and around the city that are suitable for a solid forest bathing experience. I’ve listed my favorite three spots for you.

As I am a regular visitor to all these places and enjoying my regular cup of coffee there, I know all places personally very well and am very happy to tell you about it!

This route is designed for all visitors who only have one day to visit Kanazawa and want to make the most out of it. It starts and ends at Kanazawa station. You can reach all destinations via foot or by bus (check the section below for the information about bus routes).

The Japanese refer to Kanazawa as Sho-Kyoto, or Little Kyoto, and at no time is this more evident than when taking in the historic atmosphere that can be found in the city’s three chaya (teahouse) districts.

Each of the three restaurants visited in this article are located in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa. In each, the integrity of the ingredients is held to an Ishikawan standard; that is, if it is good enough for the world’s top chefs, it is good enough for you.

Kanazawa's premiere specialty hamburger shop serves them fresh and charcoal-grilled to perfection.

Less than 3 hours by bullet train from Tokyo, not only is this place famous for having the glorious Kanazawa Castle, it is also the new ‘it place’ for many repeating tourists traveling in Japan.

Kenroku-en is a famous scenic spot in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture. It is a special place of scenic beauty in Japan and also one of the three greatest Japanese gardens.