Things To Do In Kanazawa

Kanazawa is an old castle town full of history and beauty. There are many fascinating things to do in Kanazawa such as the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, Higashi Chaya Area, the ruins of samurai residences, and Omicho Market. and

Kanazawa’s gourmet foods such as Kanou crab, and seafood rice bowls are also popular. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Kanazawa is now only about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.

It is popular among women and solo travelers as it is packed with things to do and see such as old townscapes, delicious food, and fashionable sightseeing spots.

The city is also easy to get around as many of the main attractions are within walking distance and there are buses that run throughout the city.

Higashi Chaya District

Located an easy 10 minutes by bus or cab from Kanazawa Station, Higashi Chayan District is the most well-known of Kanazawa’s three tea stall areas.

It is an amazing area where the streets are lined with tasteful buildings, including souvenir shops selling gold leaf and Kaga Yuzen crafts, and tea shops where you can enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

Whether you take a break and chill out at a teahouse, visit a gift shop, or stroll through the teahouse district, you will be immediately transported to a world from another age.

The Machiya townhouses lining this area were built between the Edo and Meiji periods, and these teahouse-style houses are very rare in Japan.

They are truly townhouses with the atmosphere of a little Kyoto just as Kanazawa is sometimes called.

Kenrokuen Garden

Our favorite thing to do in Kanazawa is always a visit to the unique and magical Kenrokuen.

The large Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kairakuen Garden in Mito and Korakuen Garden in Okayama, however, we would say it’s the best.

It is a historical legacy that tells of the culture of the Kaga domain. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and hanging snow in winter here is a great place can enjoy the seasonal beauty of the garden.

Don’t miss the symbol of Kenrokuen, the Kotji Lantern, and the Karasaki Pine, famous for its snow-covered hanging lanterns!

Nagamachi Old Samurai Residence

The fascinating Nagamachi Samurai Residence Ruins, with their quaint stone pavement and earthen walls, are the remains of the actual residences where the warriors of old used to live.

The highly recommended Nomura House, a former samurai residence, is open to the public, and its magnificent garden can be admired.

Along the waterway leading to downtown Korinbo, fashionable cafes and restaurants line the street, making it a perfect place for a stroll.

 

D. T. Suzuki Museum

D.T. Suzuki Museum is a facility related to D.T. Suzuki, a Buddhist scholar from Kanazawa City who is famous for introducing the concepts of Zen Buddhism to the west.

The minimalist architecture is designed for the purpose of providing a place for contemplation, and the monotone color scheme and water features create a tranquil space to clear your mind.

As you walk through the museum, looking for D.T. Suzuki’s words in various parts of the building, you will find yourself becoming more focused.

This museum is highly recommended for those interested in architecture and Zen/philosophical thought.

The stylish modern architecture was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi.

 

Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle, located in the center of Kanazawa, just next to Kenrokuen, is one of the largest wooden castle buildings built after the Meiji period in Japan.

The castle was originally used as the residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain during the Edo period.

Kanazawa Castle is known as a museum of stone walls and has what just might be the most beautiful example of drystone walling of any castle in Japan.

Among them, the “Ishikawamon” gate, an Important Cultural Property, is characterized by the different way the stonewalls are piled up on the left and right sides.

The right side is built with a technique called Kirikomi Hagi and the left side is built with a technique called Uchikomi Hagi, which is very unusual and a must-see.

Kanazawa Castle is adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden, so a visit to both is recommended.

Seisonkaku Villa

The wonderful Seisonkaku villa was built by the 13th generation of the Maeda family, Nariyasu, for his wife, the 12th generation of the Maeda family. The walls and shoji screens inside the building are richly decorated with colors, showing the thoughtfulness and high artistry of Saitai.

One of the must-sees is the “Ranma” in the “Audience Room. It is said to have been made by Takeda Yugetsu, a master craftsman of the Maeda family’s artisan shop.

Its interior is currently used as an exhibition hall for dolls and kosode (sleeves) that have been handed down in the Maeda family.

Omicho Market

Known as the food kitchen of Kanazawa, the always bustling Omicho Market has about 180 stores where you can purchase a variety of foods from fresh local vegetables and fruits to delicious seafood.

There are many fantastic little restaurants where you can enjoy a bowl of fresh seafood, but our top pick is the “Kaisen-don” at Yamasan Sushi Honten, where 18 different kinds of seafood are served on top of a bowl of rice that overflows from the bowl.

The rice, soy sauce, and vinegar are all locally produced, making this a must-try dish.
The signature product of Itjimi Shioya, “Buri no Tataki” is also recommended.

It boasts the flavor and aroma of seared yellowtail and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as sashimi or marinated.

Ninja Temple

The mysterious and deceiving Myoryuji Temple, located southwest of Kanazawa Castle across the Saigawa River, is also known as the Ninja Temple.

The exterior of this temple is quite ordinary and unremarkable, but inside there are hidden stairs, secret rooms, a pit, and a viewing platform, all of which make it look like a ninja mansion.

It is said that the temple was built by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, to serve as an outpost of Kanazawa Castle.  It would give him a secret and secure place to take shelter just in case he ever found himself on the wrong side of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

In the Edo period, castle towns often had a temple town with a collection of temples as part of their defenses. However, it is very rare to find a temple as thoroughly fortified as Myoryuji.

Tours are available by appointment only and only in Japanese, and photography is prohibited inside the hall. Also, to preserve the building, visitors are not allowed to carry backpacks.

 

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

This wonderful contemporary art museum is located right next to Kenrokuen Garden. The sizable open lawn space in front of the glass-walled circular building is a great place to relax and enjoy the sculptures and artwork.

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is well known for its “Swimming Pool,” an artwork that makes visitors look like they are in a swimming pool while wearing clothes. You will want to take a picture of it when you visit.

The museum is free of charge except for the exhibition zone, so it’s an easy place to drop by to enjoy the permanent exhibits or to use the café and museum shop.