People often ask where is a good place to go as an add on to our ski trip to Nozawa? Kyoto is always hard to beat for an all round Japanese experience but if want something a little closer to home and easier all round Kanazawa is often called a little Kyoto.
During the Edo Period Kanazawa was the seat of the Maeda Clan the second most powerful feudal clan in the country in terms of rice production and field area. Thus the town grew to become a town of great cultural history and many of the old town remains such as the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Chaya entertainment area.
These days Kanazawa remains a very important city in the area and the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. An abundance of historical attractions along with modern museums and the highlight the Kenrokuen which, is one of the most famous gardens in all of Japan. The grounds are teaming with teahouses, water features, flowers, stone gardens, viewpoints and little nooks to be discovered.
Kanazawa is only just over 1 hour from Nozawa now with the new Shinkansen connecting Iiyama to Kanazawa and the Japan Sea. There are lots of great places to stay and restaurants and bars to indulge in. Well worth considering after a week or so on the slopes of Nozawa.
Can also check this link on getting too and from Nozawa for the latest timetables and info
There are lots of great destinations near Nozawa to explore whether it is a day trip or a destination for a few days please just ask our friendly bilingual staff at any of our offices in Nozawa Onsen. Situated at Villa Nozawa, Nozawa Central , Lodge Nagano and Kaiya Nozawa.