Itinerary

From Kanazawa to Eiheiji in Fukui — A Zen Destination Admired by Steve Jobs

Ishikawa
Fukui
Sightseeing
Activities

This route from Ishikawa Prefecture (Kanazawa) to Fukui Prefecture offers a Hokuriku journey rich in traditional culture and unique experiences. In Kanazawa, explore lively markets, charming streets, beautiful gardens, and historic districts to discover its deep cultural heritage. Then head to Fukui to visit the popular dinosaur museum known for its impressive exhibits, before finding peace in a serene Zen setting—an unforgettable and well-balanced travel experience.

Day 1

Tokyo Station

Access to Omicho Market
Tokyo Station
　Shinkansen: approx. 2 hr 30 min
Kanazawa Station
　Bus: approx. 10 min
Omicho Market

Tokyo

Tokyo Station

Built in 1914, the beautiful red brick station building is a historic structure designated as an Important Cultural Property. The station interior, with its "Character Street" featuring anime goods, sweets, and ekiben from across Japan, is a massive tourist destination in itself. As the starting point of Japan's railway network, history and modern convenience live side-by-side.

Tokyo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Train + Bus：about 2 h 40 min

Omicho Market

Duration of stay：1 h

Known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” this lively market offers fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Visitors can enjoy sushi and seafood bowls on-site.

Ishikawa

Omicho Market

Known as "Kanazawa's Kitchen," this vibrant market has over 300 years of history. With about 170 shops, it offers everything from fresh Sea of Japan seafood like crab and rosy seabass to local "Kaga Vegetables." It is famous for restaurants serving luxurious seafood bowls and sushi. Visitors can also enjoy eating freshly grilled fish or fruits while walking, directly experiencing the energetic food culture and lively atmosphere of Kanazawa.

Ishikawa
Sightseeing
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bus：about 5 min

Higashi Chaya District

Duration of stay：1 h

A beautifully preserved geisha district with traditional wooden buildings.
Perfect for a stroll and experiencing classic Japanese culture.

Ishikawa

Higashi Chaya District

The largest of Kanazawa's three tea house districts, this area is a nationally designated preservation district. With its rows of historic wooden buildings featuring beautiful latticework ("Degoushi") and cobblestone streets, it preserves the elegant atmosphere of the Edo period. Even today, the sound of shamisen and drums can be heard at dusk, keeping the geisha culture alive. It is a highly photogenic area perfect for strolling in a kimono, filled with chic cafes and traditional craft shops.

Ishikawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bus：about 5 min

Kenrokuen Garden

Duration of stay：1 h 30 min

One of Japan’s top three gardens, featuring seasonal beauty throughout the year, especially in winter.

Ishikawa

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, is one of Japan's three most famous gardens and a masterpiece of Edo-period landscape design. Its name reflects the six attributes of a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and panoramas. From cherry blossoms in spring to "Yukitsuri" (rope protection for trees) in winter, its beauty across the seasons is breathtaking. Dotted with ponds, winding streams, and tea houses, it is praised globally as one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens, embodying the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics.

Ishikawa
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Walking：about 10 min

Nagamachi Samurai District

Duration of stay：1 h

A historic area where samurai once lived, with earthen walls and stone paths preserving its atmosphere.

Ishikawa

Nagamachi Samurai District

The Nagamachi Samurai District preserves the residences of middle-class samurai from the Kaga clan. Enveloped in silence, the area features ochre-colored earthen walls and cobblestone paths that make visitors feel as though they've traveled back to the Edo period. It remains a residential area where "Komogake" (straw mat covering) protects walls from snow in winter—a classic Kanazawa scene. At the "Nomura Clan Samurai House," open to the public, visitors can admire prestigious architecture and a stunning garden, experiencing the spirit and aesthetics of the samurai firsthand. It is a highlight for those seeking history and tranquil beauty.

Ishikawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Day 2

Train + Car：about 1 h 10 min

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Duration of stay：3 h

One of the world’s leading dinosaur museums, featuring impressive skeletons and interactive exhibits.

Fukui

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

One of the world’s leading museums of its kind, featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons in a massive silver dome. Visitors can see realistic moving robots and fossils found only in Fukui. It's an exciting "holy land" where you can even experience fossil excavation, making it a must-visit for families and science fans.

Fukui
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Car：about 30 min

Eiheiji Temple

Duration of stay：1 h 30 min

A शांत town centered around Eiheiji Temple, offering Zen meditation and traditional vegetarian cuisine in a serene setting.

Fukui

Eiheiji Temple

Founded in 1244, this is the main head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism. Even today, many monks engage in rigorous daily training, creating a solemn atmosphere. Surrounded by ancient cedars, it offers visitors a chance to try Zen meditation or sutra copying, making it a globally respected site for experiencing "ZEN."

Fukui
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tokyo Station
Omicho Market
Higashi Chaya District
Kenrokuen Garden
Nagamachi Samurai District
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Eiheiji Temple