Visiting Kanazawa and Eiheiji: temples, beautiful gardens and zen in Japan
- Destination Explorer
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
Planning to explore Japan in a peaceful, authentic way? Then a visit to Kanazawa and Eiheiji is highly recommended. These two destinations, located in the less touristy Hokuriku region, offer a perfect balance of culture, nature, and tranquility. In Kanazawa, you can stroll through centuries-old geisha districts and admire one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Eiheiji, on the other hand, welcomes you with its spiritual Zen temple and unique temple accommodation surrounded by greenery. An ideal combination for travelers who want to experience the real Japan – far from the crowds.
Arriving in Kanazawa: gates, umbrellas, and sushi
The journey to Kanazawa begins spectacularly when you arrive by Shinkansen at the beautifully designed station.
(it was also discussed in our article about the most beautiful train stations in Destination Explorer Magazine)
The impressive Tsuzumi Gate , reminiscent of a torri gate at a Shinto shrine, welcomes visitors with grandeur. The covered plaza is an architectural masterpiece in itself.
Our first day in Kanazawa started – as is often the case in this city – with rain. Luckily, we were able to use the umbrellas provided by our hotel , Daiwa Roynet Kanazawa-eki Nishiguchi , within walking distance of the station.
Omicho Market: fresh flavors from the sea
The indoor Omicho Market , with over 170 stalls, is a paradise for lovers of fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables. We sampled delicious sushi at Omicho Ichiba Sushi – the fresh tuna was an absolute highlight. Nearby, you'll also find several shopping malls where you can pick up some great souvenirs.
Tip: If you spend 5,000 yen (excluding tax), you can request a refund of your paid taxes. You can do this at the "Refund counter" using your original passport, receipts, and, if applicable, the credit card you used for payment.
After this afternoon of shopping, we returned to the hotel where we enjoyed a delicious pizza in the hotel restaurant. Breakfast is also served here in the morning.
Historic Kanazawa: samurai, castles, and gold leaf ice cream
On day two, the sun finally shone. We started our day in the Nagamachi Samurai District , where you can visit the Nomura Samurai House . This beautifully restored 16th-century house showcases how the samurai lived. The adjoining garden, which you can admire from various rooms, is an oasis of tranquility, with a beautiful pond teeming with koi.
Kanazawa Castle and gardens
We continued our walk to Kanazawa Castle , which we only admired from the outside. A stroll through the castle gardens was a wonderful experience, especially during cherry blossom season. At the Tsurunomaru Rest House, we enjoyed a typical gold leaf ice cream , as Kanazawa is known as the center of gold leaf production in Japan. The Gyokusen'inmaru Garden, once the private garden of a feudal lord, is also worth a visit.
Kenroku-en Garden: A masterpiece of Japanese garden architecture
The absolute highlight was a visit to the famous Kenroku-en Garden , considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The name Kenrokuen means "garden of the six characteristics," which refers to an ideal garden according to Japanese garden architecture: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, age, water sources, and beautiful views. Bridges, stone lanterns, ponds, waterfalls, and, of course, the cherry blossoms created an almost fairytale-like experience.
You can also attend a tea ceremony where matcha tea is served traditionally with accompanying Japanese sweets. There's a long wait to get a seat, and we honestly didn't think the experience was worth it.
Pro tip: In April, during cherry blossom season, you can visit the garden for free until 9:30 PM, including atmospheric evening lighting.
Authentic neighborhoods and culinary surprises
In the afternoon, we visited the Higashi Chaya district , Kanazawa's historic geisha district . The traditional wooden buildings and tranquil atmosphere make this neighborhood very charming. In the nearby Kazuemachi district , also known as the "hidden geisha district," you can take beautiful photos along the Asano River.
Ebiso Sushi: a hidden gem
For dinner, we made reservations at Ebiso Sushi , one of the best sushi restaurants in the city. The friendly chef served us freshly prepared dishes at the counter, including sake and seasonal specialties. We even received an extra glass of sake and some house specialties. A culinary experience we won't soon forget.
On to Eiheiji: Zen and silence in the mountains
After our stay in Kanazawa, we took the train to Fukui , where we transferred to the bus to Eiheiji . This place is known for its famous Zen Buddhist temple and the opportunity for spiritual deepening.
Overnight stay in Zen style
We stayed at the unique Eiheiji Zen Inn Hakujukan , built with local cedar wood . This accommodation is within walking distance of the temple and offers an experience somewhere between a ryokan and a temple stay . Guests can participate in Zen sessions , use the public onsen , and savor refined vegetarian dishes prepared under the temple's supervision.
Eiheiji Temple: morning prayer and meditation
Those who truly want to immerse themselves in Japanese spiritual tradition can participate in morning prayers at Eiheiji Temple. This begins as early as 4:00 a.m. and is an unforgettable experience that offers insight into the lives of the monks.
After the morning ritual, a traditional breakfast awaits, including rice porridge with turtle paste. Afterwards, there's time for a final visit to the onsen or a walk in the surrounding area.
A walk through nature and a farewell in style
A walk along the river took us to a dam, where we even encountered a Japanese badger . Before returning to the bus stop, we enjoyed a delicious slice of apple pie and coffee.
Why is a visit to Kanazawa and Eiheiji recommended?
Kanazawa and Eiheiji are the perfect destinations to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo or Osaka. In Kanazawa, you'll discover the splendor of Japanese gardens, culture, and gastronomy. Eiheiji also offers a unique zen experience surrounded by nature. An ideal combination of tradition, beauty, and tranquility .
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