About the Port
Kanazawa preserves an unusually complete slice of feudal Japan, having escaped the wartime bombing that reshaped many of the country's historic cities. At its center lies Kenroku-en, ranked among Japan's three finest landscape gardens, its pruned pines, streams, and stone lanterns arranged across from the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Nearby, the Higashi-Chaya district's wooden tea houses recall the city's geisha-era prosperity, while the Nagamachi quarter's earthen walls and canals mark the former homes of Kaga clan samurai.
The city's long association with gold leaf production, once used to gild temples and lacquerware, is still visible in workshops around the old districts. Kanazawa's compact old town lends itself easily to walking, with the garden, castle park, and historic quarters all within a manageable distance of one another. The city also serves as a practical rail gateway to Kyoto for travelers with time for a longer excursion inland.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Kanazawa.
Try a Gold-Leaf Workshop
Apply real gold leaf to a lacquered box or chopsticks at a small studio near Higashi-Chaya; sessions run under an hour and make a genuine local keepsake.
Browse Omicho Market
Kanazawa's kitchen for over 300 years, this covered market near the castle sells glistening Sea of Japan crab, uni, and shrimp, with stalls serving fresh sashimi bowls for a quick, memorable bite.
Day Trip to Kyoto
Limited express trains reach Kyoto in about two and a half hours, opening a window onto Kinkaku-ji's golden pavilion or the Arashiyama bamboo grove for those with a full day to spare.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Kanazawa sailings and Pavlus pricing.
Cruises That Visit Kanazawa
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 11 | $1,529 | |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 11 | $2,069 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 12 | $5,759 | |
| Oct 28, 2026 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 14 | $2,888 | |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 14 | $2,869 | |
| Nov 11, 2026 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 14 | $2,892 | |
| Feb 1, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 40 | $19,804 | |
| Feb 1, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 54 | $28,134 | |
| Feb 5, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 48 | $18,489 | |
| Feb 15, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 26 | $11,984 | |
| Feb 15, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 40 | $20,314 | |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 14 | $6,799 | |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 28 | $14,534 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 14 | $7,019 | |
| Mar 14, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 29 | $16,000 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $11,520 | |
| Mar 21, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 10 | $5,199 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 48 | $27,029 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 28 | $20,314 | |
| Mar 29, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Muse | 14 | $11,000 |
Showing the next 20 of 130 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.