Visit Kanazawa [Classic Course] ~Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market ~

Kanazawa is compact and easy to get around, with beautiful old and new scenery blending into its cityscape. Here is our classic course recommended for your first trip to Kanazawa. Check out the spots you can't miss!

- Fun to know -

What is "Kaga Hyakumangoku"? Have you ever heard of Ishikawa Prefecture as "Hyakumangoku"? "Koku" refers to the measure unpolished brown rice, and "1 koku" is equivalent to about 150 kg (about 180L). In other words, Hyakumangoku is 150 kg x 1 million = 150 million kg! During the Edo period, there were more than 250 feudal domains, but only six families owned more than 500,000 "koku". The Kaga domain was the only one with over 1 million "koku". It precisely expresses the richness and cultural depth of Ishikawa Prefecture♪

[Estimated: 5 hours] Kanazawa's classic course with all the best parts

1

Kanazawa Castle Ruins

This city park was built as the residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain. A spot that can be called a symbol of the castle town of Kanazawa, where you can feel the overlap of history. The "Gyokuseninmaru Garden" maintained within the park has a strong character as the inner garden of the feudal lord, and it is recommended to compare it with Kenrokuen Garden, which was used as a place for receptions.

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2

Kenrokuen

One of Japan's top three gardens, this circular garden allows you to experience the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the changing seasons while walking on your own. The beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, and snowdrops in winter is breathtaking. The periodic light up events are crowded with locals and tourists.

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3

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The "park-like art museum open to the city", popularly known as 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, is characterized by its circular building surrounded by glass. It holds exhibitions and programs centered on contemporary art, and is a popular spot not only for local residents but also for tourists from within and outside the prefecture, as well as overseas travelers.

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4

Higashi Chaya District

The old townscape, full of atmosphere, has been selected as a nationally important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings. There are many tourists from overseas who come to see the sight of red-shell lattice townhouses lined up. It is lined with prestigious Japanese cuisine restaurants, cafes in renovated townhouses, and select shops selling traditional crafts.

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5

Omicho Market

Omicho Market has been around for over 300 years since the domain era. There are about 170 shops, including specialty stores and restaurants selling fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits, and locals, restaurants, and restaurant chefs come here to buy their products. The best part is enjoying a conversation with the staff while eating a seafood bowl of local gourmet food.

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The cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle are recommended as photo spots, so be sure to see them not only during the day, but also at night when they are illuminated. The snowy scenery in winter is also recommended.

[spots to drop by]

Kenrokuen Chaya Kenjotei (Kanazawa Castle area)

Kenjo-tei has been reborn into a sophisticated space designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The cafe on the first floor has a wide counter seat so that even if you are alone, you can feel free to stop by. At the restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy seafood delivered directly from Omicho Market and Japanese cuisine made with carefully selected local ingredients.

Fusion21 (21st Century Museum Area)

Fusion21 is a cafe/restaurant produced by Maple House. Enjoy modern French cuisine and afternoon meals in a museum location. You can spend an elegant time in this open space with large windows.

Yanagi-an (Higashi Chaya District area)

This teahouse utilizes an architecture located in Higashi Chaya District and designated as a preserved building by Kanazawa City. You can spend quality time in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are inside a Japanese painting. The menu using seasonal ingredients is popular, and the sweets and parfaits that use plenty of seasonal fruits are especially a must-try.

◎Area of this course