Barrier-Free Kanazawa: A Two-Day Trip to Enjoy Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District
Kenrokuen Garden, beautiful in every season, and Higashi Chaya District, with its lingering Edo-period atmosphere.
Kanazawa was spared from wartime destruction and major disasters, which is why its traditional townhouses and charming shops still remain alive in the cityscape today.
Many of the historical sightseeing spots are now accessible, allowing visitors using wheelchairs or strollers to explore with peace of mind. At the same time, due to the city’s historic character, such as cobblestone streets and slopes, some areas cannot be made fully barrier-free. Even in such cases, however, support is available through cooperation with the Ishikawa Barrier-Free Tour Center, so that all visitors can enjoy their trip without worry.
This special two-day, one-night plan is themed around “A Journey in Kanazawa that Everyone Can Enjoy with Peace of Mind.”
Come and experience Kanazawa—a city filled with history, culture, and heartfelt hospitality.
For more information on the Ishikawa Barrier-Free Tour Center, click here.
For wheelchair-accessible taxis, please see the information here
[Day 1] Kanazawa Station (Tsuzumi-mon Gate & Motenashi Dome)
The Motenashi Dome, located at the Kenrokuen Exit of Kanazawa Station, was created with the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) in mind.
Since Kanazawa receives a lot of rain and snow, the dome symbolizes the warm gesture of “offering an umbrella to travelers as they step off the train.”
A popular photo spot is the impressive Tsuzumi-mon Gate, designed in the shape of traditional hand drums (tsuzumi) used in Kanazawa’s Noh theater. Standing 13.7 meters high and supported by two massive pillars, the gate makes for a truly striking entrance.
Many visitors to Kanazawa take their first commemorative photo right here. It is a gateway that beautifully balances tradition and modern design—so characteristic of Kanazawa.
▶ Toilet information at Kanazawa Station is available [here].
▶ Toilet information inside “Kanazawa Hyakubangai” shopping complex is available [here].
▶ For detailed accessibility information, please see below.
![[Day 1] Kanazawa Station (Tsuzumi-mon Gate & Motenashi Dome)](/lsc/upfile/spot/0001/0050/10050_5_m.jpg)
Higashi Chaya District
A must-see highlight of Kanazawa sightseeing!
The Higashi Chaya District preserves the rich atmosphere of old Kanazawa.
Rows of traditional teahouse-style buildings line the streets, making it a popular spot where you can feel the city’s history and culture simply by taking a walk.
▶ Toilet information at Higashiyama Tourist Bus Parking Lot is available [here].
▶ Toilet information at Higashiyama Riverside Park is available [here].
▶ Toilet information at Higashiyama 1-Chome Small Park is available [here].
Lunch – Fresh Seafood and Kaga Cuisine at “Shōgyotei”
Savor the flavors of the Japan Sea, prepared with seasonal ingredients and served as both fresh seafood dishes and traditional Kaga cuisine.
Located on the hillside of Utatsu-yama, just a short distance from Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District, Shōgyotei offers not only exquisite cuisine but also breathtaking panoramic views.
Relax and enjoy the seasonal delicacies while taking in the splendid scenery of the ancient city of Kanazawa and its changing seasons.
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
Kanazawa accounts for 99% of Japan’s gold leaf production.
At the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, visitors can learn about the history of gold leaf production in Kanazawa and admire magnificent works of art and crafts created with gold leaf.
Experience not only the brilliance of gold leaf itself, but also the passion and skill of Kanazawa’s artisans.
The museum is conveniently located less than a 5-minute walk from the main street of the Higashi Chaya District.
▶ For detailed accessibility information, please see below.
Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
One of Japan’s finest collections of phonograph players and records
This museum boasts one of the largest phonograph collections in Japan. Visitors can listen to and compare a variety of phonographs—including those invented by Thomas Edison—and experience the unique sound quality of 100 years ago.
Demonstrations are held three times daily (11:00, 14:00, and 16:00), where you can enjoy listening to different phonographs.
▶ For detailed accessibility information, please see below.
[Day 2] Explore Kanazawa Wearing a Kimono
"Transform yourself in an instant! Enjoy Japanese style more freely."
”Kimonol” is a kimono with a simple two-piece design that can be easily worn even while seated in a wheelchair.
Get dressed quickly in your hotel room and head out to enjoy sightseeing around Kanazawa in your kimono.
![[Day 2] Explore Kanazawa Wearing a Kimono](/lsc/upfile/courseDetail/0000/1783/1783_1_m.jpg)
Kenrokuen Garden
A Beautiful and Famous Garden in the Heart of Kanazawa
Kenrokuen is a vast strolling garden created over many years by successive feudal lords of the Kaga Domain. Visitors from Japan and abroad come to enjoy its seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes with yukitsuri in winter.
Experience the splendor of this iconic Japanese garden while wearing a kimono for a truly memorable visit.
▶ For detailed accessibility information at Kenrokuen Garden, please see below.
▶ Recommended wheelchair route for touring Kenrokuen Garden is available [here].
▶ To reserve a volunteer guide (book at least 10 days in advance), click [here].
Lunch at Kanazawa Sekitei: A Historic Machiya Experience in Kanazawa
A machiya-style restaurant where you can feel the atmosphere of Kanazawa
Feel the elegance of Kanazawa with the well-maintained garden and the calligraphy, paintings, antiques, and seasonal flowers in the large and small private rooms
Kanazawa Castle Ishikawamon Gate
Important Cultural Property, established in 1788.
Kanazawa Castle Park, the site of the Maeda Clan’s castle during the Kaga Domain era, is filled with attractions, including castle gates and stone walls that retain the atmosphere of the Edo-period castle.
Take a leisurely stroll while reflecting on the rich history of this remarkable site.
▶ For detailed accessibility information at Kanazawa Castle, please see below.
Kanazawa Hyakubangai
Directly connected to Kanazawa Station! A shopping location with famous local stores
Hyakubangai is a famous shopping district in Kanazawa that you will definitely want to visit.It's conveniently located within the premises of Kanazawa Station and divided into three areas. The souvenir and eating area "Anto" is very popular with tourists: there are many restaurants where you can enjoy the unique tastes of Kanazawa, and souvenir shops that sell local Japanese sweets, confectionary, local sake, and crafts. "Rinto" is a popular fashion area, and "Anto Nishi" has a fresh food supermarket, pharmacy and restaurants.
You can check ”tax-free" shop from here
Stop by the hotel along the way to return your kimono