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Kanazawa: 15 Things to Do in the City of Refined Japanese Culture
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Kanazawa is a history-rich city in Ishikawa Prefecture that can be reached from Tokyo and Osaka in about two and a half hours. We introduce 15 things to do in Kanazawa, from the famous Kenroku Garden to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.
Kanazawa - A Must-Visit City in Japan
Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa, is accessible from Tokyo or Osaka via Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) in only about two and a half hours.
A nostalgic Japanese streetscape still remains in the city, and popular spots such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Castle, and Kenrokuen Garden attract a lot of visitors every day.
15 Things to Do in Kanazawa 2024
1. Kenrokuen Garden
2. Higashi Chaya District
3. Buke Yashiki - The Samurai Houses
4. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
5. Omicho Market
6. Kanazawa Castle
7. Kanazawa Station
8. Kanazawa Noh Museum
9. Kaga Yuzen Dyeing
10. Myorujidera
11. Kanazawa Oden
12. Kutaniyaki
13. Shintatemachi
14. Chuo Ichiba
15. Healthy Osushi and Genshiyaki Nakamura
Kanazawa Hotels
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Kanazawa Area Guide
The popular spots that you just can’t miss in Kanazawa are Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
Misashigatsuji and Owaricho are good for viewing old houses and stores, while Higashi Chaya district is known for its elegant streetscape.
The Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District, where the samurai used to live, and the Korinbo area, where world-famous fashion brands have gathered in one location, are also interesting places to visit.
Kanazawa represents a collision between new and old, where contemporary art meets old tradition.
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Weather in Kanazawa and What to Wear
Compared with Tokyo, it is cooler throughout the year in Kanazawa. Except in the summertime (July and August), which is known to be hot and humid, long-sleeved clothing is needed.
It gets very cold, and the city is often blanketed in thick, wet snow during the winter, which lends Kenrokuen some of its most famous views. A down jacket or heavy coat, as well as scarves and gloves, are necessary most of the year.
Transportation within Kanazawa
The Kanazawa Loop Bus takes you from Kanazawa station to Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, Saigawa River, Korinbo, Omicho Market, and other major spots. The bus departs from Kanazawa station every 12 minutes.
On the other hand, the Kanazawa Strolling Bus goes to quieter neighborhoods and less crowded places. When enjoying a different path from major tourist destinations, this bus is recommended. Taxis are also available, and Kanazawa is a relatively car-friendly city.
1. Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden, constructed as the private garden of the feudal lord Maeda Toshiie, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. This is where you can enjoy a beautiful landscape every season. Cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in autumn, and the region's characteristic rope supports during winter make three of the garden's most iconic views. The garden is also home to Japan's oldest fountain.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Kenrokucho 1-4
Fee: Adult 310 yen, Children over 6 years old, under 18 years old 100 yen, infants under 5 years old, and seniors over 65 years old Free
Hours: 7:00-18:00 (*8:00-17:00 from October 16 to February)
Closed: Open 365 days
2. Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District is a concentration of old chaya (Japanese Tea houses) where the ancient ruling class used to come for leisure time. Not only chaya but also craft shops can be found here.
The neighborhood was registered as an Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings in 2001 and has been well maintained as a cultural property because of its streetscape. In the evening, you can hear melodies of shamisen (a Japanese lute-like string instrument) and taiko (a Japanese drum), just like in the olden days.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Higashiyama
3. Buke Yashiki - The Samurai Houses
The Buke Yashiki, or samurai residences, are the main draw of this neighborhood with old houses close to the center of the city.
One of them, which used to be owned by a samurai lord called Nomura Denbe Nobusada, is now open to the public in Nagamachi. The interesting architecture of historical Japanese houses continues to enchant, even centuries later. Up the stone stairs, there is a tearoom where visitors can enjoy Japanese green tea while viewing the beautiful garden.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Nagamachi 1-3-32
Fee: Adult 550 yen, High school students 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 250 yen
Hours: 8:30-17:30 (April-September), 8:30-16:30 (October-March)
Closed: December 26 and 27
4. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Photo by Pixiv
The museum is composed of three areas: architecture, contemporary art, and crafts. This cylinder-shaped museum is covered with glass, which looks like an art object itself. It has both charged and free admission areas, and there are artworks that can be enjoyed with all the five senses outside.
The most popular artwork is “The Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich. This interesting piece makes visitors feel as if they were seeing the world above from the bottom of a pool. Looking down from below, a view of the people inside shows how our perspective and understanding changes based on viewpoint.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Hirosaka 1-2-1
Fee: 1000 yen (special exhibit included)
Hours: Interactive Area 9:00-22:00, Exhibition Area 10:00-18:00 (open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Hotels near 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
5. Omicho Market
Since its opening in 1721, the Omicho Market has been Kanazawa's "kitchen" for over 290 years. This market sells fish, produce, daily goods, and souvenirs. Some stalls open as early as 9 a.m., serving kaisendon (sashimi on a bowl of rice) and grilled seafood for breakfast.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Kamiomi-cho 50
Hours: 9:00-17:30
Hotels near Omicho Market
6. Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle was constructed in 1583 by the daimyo Toshiie Maeda. It was devasted by fire several times, but it has been restored each time.
Kanazawa Castle is one of the largest wooden castles constructed after the Meiji Period in Japan, and the joinery technique that made it possible to construct the castle without a single nail is well worth admiring. The castle grounds undergo frequent partial closures for renovation and archeological work.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Marunouchi
Hours: March 1-October 15 7:00-18:00, October 16-February 28 8:00-17:00
Admission: Outer castle is free to visit. The interior costs 310 yen to see.
7. Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station is the gateway to Kanazawa. Exiting the station, guests will see the Hospitality Dome, which is a glass dome designed to invoke the image of offering an umbrella to the visitors, and the Tsuzumi Gate, which was designed with the image of a tsuzumi (Japanese drum) in mind. These unique artworks welcome visitors to Kanazawa, a city defined by the arts.
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa city, Kinoshimbomachi 1-1
8. Kanazawa Noh Museum
The leader of the Kaga domain, which later became Kanazawa and the surrounding areas, loved Noh theater (*1) and promoted it among the common people.
The Kanazawa Noh Museum offers exhibits detailing the history of Noh in Kanazawa. Valuable artifacts related to Noh are displayed here. There is a section where visitors can try on Noh masks and costumes and even a section with children’s books on Noh.
*1 Noh: Japanese traditional dance theater.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Hirosaka 1-2-25
Fee: Adults 300 yen, Seniors over 65 years old 200 yen, High school students and children Free
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last admission until 17:30)
Closed: Mondays (except holidays), year-end and New Year holidays
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9. Create a Kimono-inspired Keepsake
Photo courtesy of Wabunka
Tour a private Kaga Yuzen atelier in Kanazawa and take home a piece of hand-dyed art at Yuzen Kukan Kobo Hisatsune. Using the traditional Kaga Yuzen dyeing method, Toshihara Hisatsune created textiles for the Japanese imperial family.
He now opens his kimono-dyeing studio practice for guests and tours. Visitors will dye their own handkerchiefs at Mr. Hisatsune’s workshop.
10. Visit a Ninja Temple - Myorujidera
Photo by Pixta
Myoryuji Temple is also known as the “Ninja” Temple, thanks to the complex network of trap doors, hidden rooms, and secret passageways constructed to protect Kanazawa Castle from invasion.
Located in a residential area, this secret bastion served as an unassuming lookout point. Trained Buddhist monks, not the ninjas we imagine, were well-equipped to take down enemy samurai from within the walls of this well-defended, hidden watchtower. The temple is still an operational religious space and offers guided tours.
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Nomachi 1-2-12
Fee: 1000 Tour fee, Temple donations optional
Hours: Tours from 9:00-16:00 (until 16:30 during summer)
Closed: New Year and Buddhist Holidays
11. Try Kanazawa’s Oden at Miyuki
Photo by Pixta
Kanazawa is equally well known for its brutally wet winter snow as it is for its lush natural landscape. To combat the cold, Ishikawa locals enjoy the hearty warmth of Kanazawa oden, characterized by its light, unsweet broth.
Family-owned Miyuki is one of the city’s most famous oden-ya and caters mostly to locals. Call ahead for reservations, or bundle up and embrace the cold while waiting for a counter seat.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Katamachi 1-10-3
Hours: 16:00-21:30
Closed: Sundays
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12. Craft a Kutaniyaki Tea Bowl
Photo courtesy of Wabunka
Kutani is one of Japan's great ceramic styles. It is known for its use of five vibrant overglazes on bone-white clay. Masayoshi Yoshioka invites guests to make their own traditional bowl for matcha tea using the kutaniyaki technique.
Mr. Yoshioka’s individual style represents a contemporary interpretation of kutani-ware, as guests will discover while enjoying tea and sweets at his private studio. Visitors will gain an appreciation for the art while witnessing a professional who pushes its boundaries.
13. Shin-Tatemachi Shopping Street
Photo courtesy of Monet Sandwich
Shintatemachi is a relatively unknown shopping street that brings together the best of Kanazawa. From nostalgic traditional architecture to boutique shopping and dining options, this sleepy side road is a Kanazawa hipster paradise.
The road is known for its annual coffee festival, but Monet Sandwich, a casual bistro by French fine dining venue Plat Home, is the area’s best year-round cafe. Antique and vintage boutiques take up a fair amount of real estate.
Address: Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa city, Shintatemachi 3
Address (Monet): Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Shintatemachi 3-48-1
Hours: Varies
Web (Japanese only): https://shintate-st.com/
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14. Chuo Ichiba: Lunch at a Uogashi Shokudo
Chuo Ichiba is said to be the real wet market of Kanazawa. About a twenty-minute bus ride in the opposite direction of Omicho market, restauranteurs come here to buy fresh fish far away from rowdy tourists.
Try to make it to Uogashi Shokudo, a homey cafeteria at the market, a few minutes before opening. You’ll be rewarded with a fresh-off-the-boat meal featuring Ishikawa’s seasonal seafood, like buri (amberjack) and winter barrel crab, at wholesale prices.
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, Sainen 4-14-8
Hours: 11:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:00
Web (Japanese only): http://www.tentoten.co.jp/uogashisyokudo_chuuouitibaten.html
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15. Healthy Dinner: Relax at Nakamura
Photo courtesy of Kanazawa Biyori
Osushi and Genshiyaki Nakamura offers a tour of Hokuriku flavor in a relaxed, mature environment. The health-conscious courses at Nakamura introduce diners to sought-after ingredients like nodoguro and firefly squid through a variety of traditional kaiseki preparation methods.
Gluten-free and low-carb menu choices make Nakamura unique even within Ishikawa, where nourishing hot springs promote wellness for body and spirit.
Address: 6-5 Horikawacho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Course: 8,800 yen
Business hours: 5:00-11:00 p.m.
Closed: Wednesdays, first and third Tuesday
Web (Japanese only): https://sushigenshiyakinakamura.owst.jp/courses/175751663
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Hotels in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is the best city to experience a contemporary take on Japan’s essence. These five hotels blend modern convenience with Wa-elegance.
LINNAS Hotel Kanazawa
Photo courtesy of LINNAS
Contemporary and all-inclusive, LINNAS crafts a hotel stay that is part community center and part lifestyle hub. Free yoga classes for guests, rental bikes, a shared kitchen, and Scandinavian hygge-inspired planning set LINNAS apart from other hotels.
Operated by a small team of aesthetic-focused planners and architects, the LINNAS speaks to Kanazawa’s close ties to arts and culture. There are plenty of options to connect with other guests and participate in social outreach.
Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Owaricho 1-2-8
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OMO5: Rooms with Insider Perspective
Photo courtesy of OMO5 Hotel
OMO5, located in Katamachi, Kanazawa’s nightlife district, has more to offer than access to bars and restaurants. On top of its sleek, contemporary rooms, the OMO5 by Hoshino Resorts posts a public noticeboard of neighborhood favorites.
The hotel’s local experts, the OMO Rangers, go beyond concierge services to offer free guided tours. A food crawl and a guided walk to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are mini experiences exclusively offered to guests at OMO5.
Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, 1-4-23 Katamachi
KUMU by the Share Hotels
Photo courtesy of Booking.com
Scandi style and plenty of public space for working and lounging make KUMU an appealing place to stay. KUMU is located midway between Kanazawa station and tourist attractions like Kenroku-en.
KUMU also offers bike rentals, which are convenient for guests who will be traveling on foot. There is also a large cafe on the first floor where digital nomads can work while sipping a local craft beer or Kaga mocha tea latte in between adventures.
Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Kamitsutsumicho 2-40
Uan Kanazawa
Photo courtesy of Booking.com
Stay in spacious, elegant rooms inspired by the quiet elegance of Japan’s ancient ryokan. Uan Kanazawa embodies the Kanazawa spirit with a razor-sharp eye for deisgn that combines tradition with today.
Accents of kutani ware, locally sourced Japanese breakfasts, and free soba at dinner, as well as in-room tea service, make guests feel as though they are staying in a country-side resort without ever leaving Kanazawa city.
Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Oyamamachi 6-30
KOKO HOTEL Premier Kanazawa Korinbo
Photo courtesy of Booking.com
Right in the heart of the action, KOKO Hotel is steps away from shopping and dining. Located in the Korinbo facility, KOKO hotel is adjacent to Omicho market and features quick access to the city’s most popular lifestyle areas.
Clean, fully-equipped rooms have standard wifi and hi-tech Japanese bathroom equipment. This hotel’s budget-friendly convenience includes an amenities bar and morning buffet.
Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Korinbo 1-2-16
Enjoy Exploring Kanazawa
Kanazawa has many other interesting places worth a visit. Take the new bullet train to Kanazawa and enjoy your stay to the fullest in this land of old culture and new art!
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日本への訪日外国人の方が、もっと増えますように！
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