30 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa

by Cath Lealand | TRAVEL

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Kenroku-en Garden

When it comes to taking a step back in time in Japanese history, Kyoto is on the itinerary of almost every visitor to Japan. However, Kyoto isn't the only Japanese city rich with stories of Japan’s past. Just a couple hours by train north is the city of of Kanazawa, whose historic streets and fascinating sites are a must-see. We take a look at 30 things to see and do in Kanazawa, that will convince you to put Kanazawa on your to-visit list!

1. Tsuzumi Gate

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Tzuzumi Gate

First off, make sure to get a shot with the Tsuzumi Gate at Kanazawa Station. Made of wood, this large red structure that looks like a Japanese shrine gate, or torii, greets visitors as soon as they step out of Kanazawa station (provided you’re heading out the west exit). Unlike a regular torii, the pillars of the gate are modelled after tsuzumi drums, used in the traditional Japanese Noh theater, which gives the pillars their unique shape and the gate’s namesake.

2. Kenroku-en Garden

Kenroku-en (兼六園), translating literally as ‘The Six Attributes Garden’, lives up to its name- a garden combining what some consider the six attributes of a perfect garden (find out more about Japanese Garden Design). Developed over a period of 200 years starting in the 1620s, Kenroku-en is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Open all year (besides New Years), the appearance of the garden changes with the seasons, including winter where you can visit...

3. Kanazawa Castle Park

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Kanazawa Castle

For over 300 years, Kanazawa was the location of feudal lords of the powerful Maeda clan, and Kanazawa Castle was where they made their home. Although the castle itself is not quite as old (having burnt down a number of times up until the late 19th century), it has been rebuilt over the last few decades, and the castle gate and a few storehouses date back to the 18th century. Take a wander around the castle grounds, or, for a small fee, take a step into the reconstructed castle and learn a bit more about Kanazawa’s feudal history. While you’re there, why not try a...

4. Tea Ceremony at the Gyokusen-Inmaru Garden.

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Gyokusen-Inmaru Garden

Reconstructed and reopened in 2015, the Gyokusen-Inmaru Garden of Kanzawa castle was, unlike Kenroku-en, used privately by the reigning feudal lords. Featuring a large circular pond in the center, visitors can walk around the garden via a number of paths. In the garden’s Rest House, visitors can enjoy green tea with fresh Japanese sweets whilst overlooking the pond and garden. Just after sunset, the garden is lit up, giving visitors a different view of the garden each season.

5. 21st Century Art Museum

© Kanazawa City Tourism Association, 21st Century Art Museum

If you went to Kanazawa and didn’t take a photo of Leandro Erlich’s The Swimming Pool, did you even visit Kanazawa at all? Perhaps the most photographed location in the city, this art piece located in the center of the 21st Century Art Museum looks like a regular swimming pool from above. However, under the ‘water’ sits a small room which visitors can enter and ‘swim’ without a swimsuit. Besides the "The Swimming Pool", the 21st Century Art Museum is host to a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, with many prominent contemporary artists’ work on show. Be sure to check out some of the other permanent interactive installations dotted around the museum’s garden!

6. Historic Higashi Cha-ya

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Historic Higashi Cha-ya

Whilst Kyoto’s Gion probably takes the award for the most well-known geisha district, Kanazawa is home to not only one, but three geisha districts! Higashi Cha-ya, the East Tea District, is probably the most well-visited, with its red-tinted wooden tea houses that date back to the 1800s. Many of these original tea houses are still in operation, visited by geisha and their clientele. For regular visitors to the area, Higashi Cha-ya has a number of sweet stores to get your teeth into.

7. Japanese Dolls Museum

Whilst not as famous as its Eastern counterpart, Nishi Cha-ya (the West Tea District) also has many traditional tea shops. It is also where you’ll find Kanazawa’s Doll Museum, which displays a wide variety of Japanese dolls from different time periods (find out more about Japanese Dolls).

8. Oyama Shrine

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine (尾山神社) is deidcated to the first leader of the previously mentioned Maeda clan. Its main gate, constructed in the late 19th century, is a very uncommon mix of different architectural styles, including Japanese, Chinese and European. In fact, the gate was designed by a Dutch architect, whose influence can be seen in the stained glass windows on the top floor of the gate. The shrine itself features a nice garden that visitors can walk through.

9. Omicho Market

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Omicho Market

Operating since the 1700s, Omicho Market (近江町市場) has over 180 stores selling a variety of fresh foodstuffs including fruits, vegetables, sweets and, what the market is most well-known for, seafood. Get a taste of Ishikawa prefecture, with items coming directly from the mountains surrounding Kanazawa and the neighbouring Sea of Japan. Enjoy the fresh seafood as-is or visit the second floor and dine in one of the many restaurants serving up that morning’s fresh catch! Most importantly, be sure to try...

10. Snow Crab

© Kaga City Tourism Association, Snow Crab

If you’re having trouble deciding what ocean delicacy to choose, snow crab is probably your best choice in winter. As the name suggests, snow crab is only available in the colder seasons, officially beginning November 6th. Because of the crabs’ scarcity, they can be found whole for around ¥15,000 (US$130), but dishes incorporating the crab can be more affordable. Dipping the crab meat in sanbaizu sauce (a mixture of vinegar, soy, and sugar) is the most popular way to chow down on this winter delicacy.

11. Nagamachi Samurai District

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Nagamachi Samurai District

Once the residential area for Kanazawa’s high ranking samurai, Nagamachi Samurai District (長町武家屋敷跡) is one of the best-preserved examples of these districts in Japan. The walls of each residence are made of earth and covered with straw mats during the winter months. Take a stroll around Nagamachi and take in the atmosphere of Kanazawa’s long and interesting history.

12. Nomura Clan Samurai Residence

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Nomura Clan Samurai Residence

If you want to get a better idea of how samurai lived, the Nomura Clan Samurai Residence (武家屋敷跡野村家) has been carefully restored to its state during feudal Japan. It houses a number of artifacts and heirlooms of the Nomura Clan, a wealthy samurai family during the Maeda clan rule. Take a glimpse of samurai life, as well as see a real set of samurai armour!

13. Myoryu-ji Temple

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Myoryu-ji Temple

Myoryu-ji Temple (妙立寺) is often referred to as Ninja-dera, or Ninja Temple, despite having very little to do with Ninjas. The name came from the various booby traps and secret defence techniques the temple included in its architecture. In fact, the temple served as a hidden military outpost for the Maeda clan! It is also said that the well located in the center of the temple connects to Kanazawa castle via a secret tunnel; care to find out for yourself?

14. D.T. Suzuki Museum

© Kanazawa City / Creative Commons, D.T. Suzuki Museum

Opened in 2011, the D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館) is dedicated to the life and works of the Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki, including over 100 books written in English. Whilst the museum contains a lot of Suzuki’s works that one can ponder over, the design of the museum itself encourages visitors to spend time sitting and meditating while looking over the Water Mirror Garden.

15. American Maple Road

© Kanazawa Tourism Association, American Maple Road

If you visit Kanazawa in the fall (which is best around Mid-November to early December), you’ll be sure to see the colors of autumn all over the city but you must be sure not to miss the American Maple Road, which runs from Kanazawa City Hall to Kanazawa Castle. Of course, the previously mentioned Kenroku-en also takes on a wonderful autumnal hue too!

16. Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

© Kanazawa City / Creative Commons, Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

For audiophiles young and old, the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum (金沢蓄音器館) is a great place to take a step back in time and learn about the history of recorded music and audio. Originally collected by an owner of a record store, the museum houses over 500 phonographs and over 20,000 records, all of which are in working order.

17. Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts

Did you know that Ishikawa is the origin for 36 different kinds of arts and crafts? Ranging from centuries-old examples of pottery to more modern pieces by local artisans, visitors to the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts can learn about the different skills and techniques required to make various arts and crafts. The museum shop also sells pieces by local artisans, so visitors can take a piece of Ishikawa back home with them.

18. Museum of History

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Ishikawa Prefectoral History Museum

Built inside three former military armouries, the Ishikawa Prefectoral History Museum (石川県立歴史博物館) is the best place to learn about the story of Kanazawa and Ishikawa prefecture. There’s a permanent exhibition that follows the history of the area from the prehistoric Jomon period to the turbulent feudal times to the modern day. The museum also has a hall for special, non-permanent exhibitions.

19. KAMU Kanazawa

Along with the 21st Century Art Museum, there are many places to check out contemporary art around Kanazawa! Opened in 2020, KAMU Kanazawa consists of several small art galleries: Center, BlackBlack, Sky, L, and tatami, with a focus on installations & 3D works. The point of KAMU is to enjoy yourself and enjoy art while walking around the city!

20. Kaga-yuzen Kimono

Established in the Kanazawa area in the early 18th century, kaga-yuzen is a traditional method of dyeing, most often used for kimono (5 Things You Should Know About Yuzen Kimono). Kanazawa’s kaga-yuzen uses five basic colors to depict images of nature (such as flowers and and birds), which are hand-painted onto the silk. Unlike kyo-yuzen (yuzen dyeing from Kyoto), kaga-yuzen is simpler in that embroidery or gold leaf are not often used. It’s a painstaking process to create a full piece- however the Kaga-yuzen Kimono Center offers visitors a Kaga-Yuzen Dyeing Experience, where one can learn the process by dyeing their own kaga-yuzen handkerchief.

21. Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

© Kanazawa City / Creative Commons, Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

Gold leaf has been a long-established craft in Kanazawa, and you’re sure to see references to it throughout Kanazawa. In fact, Kanazawa produces almost 99% of all of Japan’s gold leaf, used to decorate temples, shrines, art and other craft products to this day! Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum leads you through the history of gold leaf production in Ishikawa, from the tools used to the final products gold leaf is used in.

22. Hakuza

Try using some of Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf by making your own gold chopsticks or plate. The workshop run at gold leaf specialist Hakuza’s Hikarigura store guides you through the gold leaf application process, giving you a one-of-a-kind glittering souvenir to take home.

23. Gold Leaf Ice Cream

© Kanazawa Bimi Takumi, Gold Leaf Ice Cream

If you’ve already packed too many souvenirs, there’s another popular way to experience Kanazawa’s gold leaf: eating it! In areas such as the Higashi Cha-ya, you’re likely to come across ice cream stores or cafes offering this ‘luxurious’ soft serve!

24. Go Go Curry

Now a well-known curry store found all over Japan, the original Go Go Curry, most well recognised for it’s large gorilla image on its storefronts, can be found in Kanazawa. Kanazawa Curry has a distinctive black, thick roux with a unique flavor, and is the base for Go Go Curry’s original curry. In fact, the main store is easy to find, located within Kanazawa station itself!

25. Rakugan

Finish up dinner with the Japanese sweet Kanazawa is most well-known for: rakugan. Rakugan are traditional Japanese sweets prepared made by pressing ingredients such as sugar and soybean flour in intricate wooden molds known as kashigata. This method of production means that rakugan can be found in a huge variety of colors, shapes and designs. Whilst rakugan are found throughout Japan, Kanazawa is particularly famous for this sweet, as there was a push for confectionary production in the city during the Edo period (1603-1868).

26. Kuzukiri

Another long-establed Japanese sweet in Kanazawa is kuzukiri, soft vegetable starch noodles, served in ice water with dark brown molasses syrup. The cool, slippery kuzukiri are perfect in summer, and can be enjoyed in a number of tea houses around the city. Morihachi is one of the oldest, producing confectionary in the city for almost 400 years.

27. Jiro-Ame

For those who love the sweetest of treats, try jiro-ame candy from Tawaraya, a Kanazawa favourite since the 1830s! If your sweet tooth hasn’t quite been satiated, Tawaraya’s jiro-ame will definitely fit the bill. With the recipe handed down through the generations, the thick syrup-like jiro-ame will give you a taste of Kanazawa from 200 years ago. Whilst it can be eaten as-is, it can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes to help sweeten things up.

28. Hyakumangoku Festival

The Kanazawa Hyakumanseki Festival is an annual festival held in June where participants dress in 16th-century period costumes and parade around the city. The festival commemorates the entry of Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga Clan, into Kanazawa Castle, and includes a reenactment of the procession to the castle, as well as Noh performances, tea ceremonies, and other events held over three days. At night, about 10,000 children and students from each school district in the city walk around the city with lanterns and drums, singing the Kanazawa City Song.

29. Mount Utatsu

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Utatsuyama

Utatsuyama is is named after its location in the east (the direction of Utatsu) when viewed from Kanazawa Castle. It is a somewhat easy walk up, with most climbers making their start from Higashi Cha-ya, and there are a number of small shrines dotted along the path. From the top, you can look over the city of Kanazawa, although it is recommended to make the trip on a clear day!

30. Mount Haku National Park

© Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League, Hakusan National Park

Along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Haku is one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains. Hakusan National Park is one of Japan's most famous mountain national parks, with a total area of 47,700 hectares stretching around the mountain and over four prefectures. Known for its seasonal beauty and excellent climbing and hiking, Hakusan National Park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, rich in wonderful scenery. Although technically not Kanazawa, Hakusan National Park is accessible 60 minutes from the city by car.

How to Get to Kanazawa?

Previous a bit out of the way for most visitors to Japan, Kanazawa is now accessible from Tokyo in just two and a half hours thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen extending their service between the two in 2015. There are also a number of overnight buses and rail routes between Kanazawa and other major cities in Japan. Getting around the city itself is easy, with most sightseeing spots located within walking distance or a short bus ride away. It is also quite flat, making it easy to get around by bicycle, and there a number of rental bicycle stands and stores dotted around popular locations.