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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Kanazawa.
Kanazawa, a city on the west coast of Japan, is like a diamond in the rough – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
With its beautifully preserved samurai districts, traditional crafts, and mouth-watering cuisine, Kanazawa is a masterpiece waiting to be explored.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Kanazawa:
1. Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en is a beautiful garden located in Kanazawa, Japan.
Originally owned by a feudal lord in the 17th century, the garden is now open to the public as a popular tourist attraction.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the picturesque scenery, including a large pond, multiple bridges and pathways, and various types of plants and trees.
The garden also features several teahouses where visitors can stop and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Kenroku-en is the Kotojitoro lantern, which is said to have been lit continuously for over 200 years.
Another must-see is the iconic Ume Grove, which features over 200 plum trees that bloom in the spring.
Insider travel tips: – Kenroku-en can get quite crowded, so it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
2. Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park is a vast historical park located in the heart of Kanazawa city, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The park features the ruins of Kanazawa Castle, which was once the residential palace of the powerful Maeda Clan during the Edo period.
The park also includes several restored historical buildings such as the Ishikawa-mon gate, the Gojikken Nagaya storehouse, and the Gyokusen’inmaru garden.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the reconstructed Hishi Yagura watchtower, which offers stunning views of the city, and the Seisonkaku Villa, a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture.
The park is also famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and is a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing) parties.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the park’s structures. The Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is located adjacent to the park and is also worth visiting.
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the park and surrounding areas.
3. Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa is a beautifully preserved area of traditional Japanese architecture and culture. It is one of the city’s three traditional entertainment districts, filled with teahouses and shops.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll down the narrow streets lined with wooden buildings and stop at the numerous teahouses for a cup of tea or traditional sweets.
There are also several small shops and galleries selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Higashi Chaya District is watching a traditional geisha performance. The area has several teahouses that offer evening performances, where guests can enjoy music, dance, and conversation with the geisha.
Insider travel tips: To fully immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of the district, consider renting a kimono from one of the many shops and walking around the area dressed in traditional Japanese attire.
The area is busiest in the afternoon and evening, so visiting earlier in the day may offer a more peaceful experience.
4. Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station is a modern transportation hub that serves as a gateway to the city of Kanazawa.
What to see or do: – Admire the unique design of the station building, which features a large glass dome and wooden lattice work.
Don’t miss: – The beautiful Tsuzumi Gate, a traditional torii gate located just outside the station.
Insider travel tips: – If you plan to use local transportation frequently during your stay in Kanazawa, consider purchasing a Hokuriku Arch Pass at the station.
This pass provides unlimited use of JR trains and buses in the Hokuriku region, including Kanazawa.
5. Omicho Market
A historic market in Kanazawa, Japan known for its fresh seafood and local produce.
What to see or do: Wander through the market stalls and admire the colorful displays of seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Sample local delicacies like kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), oden (hot pot), and grilled seafood skewers.
Don’t miss: Trying the local specialty, snow crab, which is in season during the winter months.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the freshest seafood. Some vendors may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand.
Be respectful of the vendors’ booths and products by not touching anything unless given permission.
6. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum located in Kanazawa, Japan, designed by famous Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the fantastic architecture, and explore the permanent collection including over 1,800 works by contemporary artists from all over the world.
There are also rotating exhibitions and interactive installations to experience.
Don’t miss: The Swimming Pool is the most popular installation at the museum, which is a unique 6-foot deep pool surrounded by a transparent acrylic glass wall.
Visitors can go down the staircase inside the pool and observe the swimmers above them.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the museum on Thursday evenings when admission is free.
7. Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi Samurai District is a historic neighborhood in Kanazawa that was once the home of samurai warriors during the Edo period.
What to see or do: Take a stroll down the charming streets of Nagamachi to admire the well-preserved samurai houses with their elegant gardens and traditional architecture.
Visit the Nomura Samurai House, a beautifully restored residence that belonged to a high-ranking samurai family.
Don’t miss: The tranquil Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s greatest gardens, is located just a short walk from Nagamachi. Don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning landscape filled with ponds, streams, bridges, and traditional teahouses.
Insider travel tips: Spend some time exploring the narrow lanes and hidden alleyways of Nagamachi to discover its many hidden gems, like the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum or the charming tea houses and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
For a truly immersive experience, consider renting a traditional Japanese kimono or yukata to wear while exploring the neighborhood and posing for photos.
8. Nishi Chaya District
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early evening for the best chance to see geishas walking to and from appointments, make reservations for an authentic geisha experience at a teahouse in advance, and explore nearby Higashi Chaya District for another taste of Kanazawa’s geisha culture.
9. Kanazawa Noh Museum
A museum dedicated to Noh theater, a traditional Japanese performing art.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various exhibits that showcase the history and evolution of Noh theater, including masks, costumes, and other important artifacts.
The museum also features regular performances of Noh theater by professional actors.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to see a live performance of Noh theater, which is considered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The museum also has a beautiful outdoor garden that provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Insider travel tips: Check the museum’s schedule in advance to see if there will be any performances during your visit.
English guided tours are available, making it easy to learn more about this fascinating art form even if you don’t speak Japanese.
For a unique experience, try attending a workshop where you can learn to dance or play the traditional instruments used in Noh theater.
10. Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
The Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum is a museum located in Kanazawa, Japan that showcases the history and art of gold leaf decoration.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the museum to learn about the process of creating gold leaf and its importance in Japanese culture.
There are also demonstrations of gold leaf application and visitors can try their hand at applying gold leaf themselves. The museum features a collection of gold leaf artifacts, including decorative items, artwork, and traditional folding screens.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to see a statue covered entirely in gold leaf. Visitors can also purchase gold leaf products and souvenirs from the museum shop.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays and for New Year’s holidays.
11. Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo
Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo is a craft workshop that showcases the traditional handicrafts of Kanazawa.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch skilled artisans practicing traditional crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, and textile weaving. There is also a gallery where visitors can purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the workshop is the opportunity to try your hand at making your own crafts under the guidance of a skilled artisan.
Insider travel tips: It is best to make a reservation in advance for a craft-making experience as the workshop can get quite busy.
The workshop is located near the Kenrokuen Garden, so it is a great place to stop by after a visit to the garden.
12. Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
Kanazawa Phonograph Museum is a small museum dedicated to the phonograph and other vintage sound equipment.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of over 200 phonographs and gramophones from around the world, some of which date back to the 19th century.
There are also displays of vintage radios and other sound equipment. The museum offers free audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to some of the rare recordings from the early days of the phonograph. The museum has a listening room where visitors can hear music and other sounds on antique equipment.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in a residential area, so it can be tricky to find. Look for the small sign outside the building.
13. Kanazawa Museum of Traditional Crafts
The Kanazawa Museum of Traditional Crafts is a museum dedicated to showcasing the traditional crafts of the Kanazawa region in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits and displays featuring a wide range of traditional crafts, from textiles and ceramics to lacquerware and metalwork.
The museum also offers hands-on workshops where visitors can try their hand at crafting their own traditional items.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s extensive collection of Kutani ware ceramics, which are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase traditional crafts and souvenirs to take home.
Insider travel tips: For an even deeper dive into Kanazawa’s traditional crafts, consider visiting during the annual Kanazawa Traditional Crafts Festival, which takes place every autumn.
And for a unique view of the city, take a stroll through the nearby Higashi Chaya District, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional teahouses and artisan workshops.
14. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum in Kanazawa, Japan. It features a wide array of modern art exhibits including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s expansive collection of contemporary Japanese paintings and sculptures which highlights the works of prominent artists like Ishikawa Kazei and Kataoka Tamako.
Take in the stunning architecture of the museum’s building and enjoy the beautiful outdoor garden.
Don’t miss: The museum’s permanent collection showcases over 800 pieces of modern art that are rotated on a regular basis. Be sure to check out the special exhibits featuring renowned international artists that are hosted regularly within the museum’s walls.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the museum during the quieter weekday hours to have a more personalized viewing experience.