30 of the Best Things to Do in Kanazawa

All-day pass

While most major sights in the city are technically within walking distance, it’s not exactly time-efficient or easy on the feet to spend half an hour huffing it to another location. And while your first thought may be to take the train, Kanazawa isn’t very well connected within the city limits. That’s where buses come in. The bus stops and stations are well-marked in English and relatively easy to understand, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Plus, an all-day pass is only 500 yen.

Cycling

But if cycling is more your style, then the Machi-Nori share bikes are also available. With 21 locations around the city and the option to pay with both IC cards and credit cards, these bikes are super convenient. Return the bikes to another port within 30 minutes and it’ll only cost you 200 yen for quick rides all day.

Kanazawa Station

Chosen as one of the most beautiful stations in the world, Kanazawa Station is very pretty. One of its most striking features is the Tsuzumi-mon. This unique structure takes cues from the red torii gates you find at temples but the latticework pillars are actually inspired by a traditional drum used in Noh theater - the tsuzumi. Then there’s the Motenashi Dome, an imposing metal and glass structure over the station plaza. A nighttime visit when both are illuminated is well worth it.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa

Ishikawa Pref

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Kanazawa Tourism Center

Kanazawa gets a lot of precipitation. But don’t worry if you forgot to bring an umbrella. There are 13 umbrella baskets across the city’s main tourism spots and in Kanazawa Station where you can borrow umbrellas for free. If the weather is really bad, then you can even borrow rain boots from the tourism center inside the station.

Kanazawa Tourism Center

Kanazawa Tourism Center

Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center

4.5

321 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kinoshimbomachi 1-1JR Kanazawa Station Campus

0762326200

8:30-20:00

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Rental Kimono

The old-world atmosphere of Kanazawa is perfect for a kimono or yukata. Walk among its Edo-era districts in an outfit befitting of the scenery with a rental kimono from Kokoyui (心結). Just a five-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, this kimono rental shop has full lineups of traditional and modern styles for both men and women, as well as professionals who will help you dress in your Edo best.

URL：Kanazawa KOKOYUI KIMONO Rental

Rental Kimono

Kokoyui

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Honmachi 1-3-39

0762217799

9:00-17:00

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Ikiiki Tei

Affectionately known as Kanazawa’s Kitchen, the Omicho Market is packed with tasty sushi bars. You can take your time deciding as you wander through the covered market. But if you get there early, you might beat the crowds to a delicious kaisen-don or a bowl of sashimi over sushi rice. Ikiiki Tei is open from 7am and serves up a fresh bowl of kaisen-don, so you can get a great start before a full day of sightseeing.

Walk and Eat in Omicho Market

With all of the fresh seafood around, you owe it to yourself to get stuffed silly. And we mean fresh, too. Several shops offer dishes where the seafood is still wriggling on your plate. Have a nibble at one place and then move on to the next, and the next, and the next, all while absorbing the vibrant sights and sounds of the Omicho Market.

Walk and Eat in Omicho Market

Omicho Market

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kamioumichou 50

0762311462

9:00-17:00※Depends on estab…

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Ochaya Shima

The Higashi Chaya District is known for its wooden teahouses or chaya, which have been standing since Japan’s Edo period. For a traditional experience, visit Ochaya Shima (志摩), a preserved geisha house from the 19th century. Selected as a National Cultural Asset, Shima offers a look into the lifestyles and entertainment of times gone by. Kaikaro Teahouse is also preserved in its original form and traditional geisha performances can be seen here occasionally, albeit with a hefty price tag.

Ochaya Shima

Ochaya Shima (National Important Cultural Property )

4.0

315 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Higashiyama 1-13-21

0762525675

9:30-17:30 (Dec.-Feb. until …

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Hakuza Hikari Kura Gold House

About 99% of Japan’s gold leaf is made in Kanazawa. The Hakuza Hikari Kura Gold House (箔座 ひかり藏) is right at home here, as this structure is completely covered in gold foil. The inside is even more decadent, with 24 karat gold lining the walls. And you won’t want to miss the gold ice cream! With gold leaf covering this chilled treat, you’re sure to feel like royalty.

Hakuza Hikari Kura Gold House

Hakuza Hikarikura

4.0

58 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Higashiyama 1-13-18

0762518930

9:30-18:00 (until 17:30 in w…

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Sori Yanagi

A renowned industrial designer, Sori Yanagi’s work distinguished him in post-war Japan. Visiting the Sori Yanagi Design Museum will give you a detailed look at the vision and process of this design giant. Featuring over 7,000 design pieces with Yanagi's distinct, minimalist style, take your time wandering through the exhibits of everything from tableware to industrial supplies.

Sori Yanagi

Sori Yanagi

Kanazawa College of Art Yanagi Sori Design Memorial

4.0

14 Reviews

Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Owaricho 2-chome 12-1

0762018003

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Oden

Kanazawa has some particular ingredients in its Oden - a dish with boiled ingredients in a dashi broth. There’s a stylish spot called Chikuwa that sells both oden and alcohol in the lively Korinbo district of Kanazawa, so you can kill two birds with one stone before heading out to another bar in the area. The buzzing streets of Katamachi are also home to a few clubs, so you won’t have to travel far for a solid night out.

Club

ちくわ

石川県金沢市片町2-10-42 RENNビル1F

076-255-0303

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Kazue-machi Chaya District

Kazue-machi commands the most authentic atmosphere of the chaya districts, with stone-brick walkways, an arched bridge, and stately streetlights. Of course, the antique teahouses add to the appeal and an evening stroll when the streetlights are on might be a nice way to spend a slow night in town. There are also neat little cafes to choose from should you feel a bit peckish.

Kazue-machi Chaya District

Kazuemachi Chaya District

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kazuemachi

0762202194

Store/Depends on facility

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HATCHi Hostel

If the nighttime stroll in Kazue-machi sounds appealing to you, why not spend the night at HATCHi? This trendy hostel sports both a casual cafe and a more upscale restaurant, allowing it to adeptly walk the line between classy and alternative. With minimalist private rooms, as well as dorms, HATCHi Hostel is a good option for those looking for a more social place to stay.
URL：HATCHi Hostel

HATCHi Hostel

THE SHARE HOTELS HATCHi 金沢

石川県金沢市橋場町3-18

0762561100

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Kenroku-en

Designated as one of The Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenroku-en (兼六園) offers breathtaking sights in every season. With tranquil ponds, arching bridges and carefully tended greenery, this garden deserves to be explored slowly. Watching the morning sunlight illuminate the garden is highly recommended and relaxing in one of the garden’s teahouses before setting off again for a stroll is sure to reenergize you after a busy trip.

Kenroku-en

Kenrokuen Garden

3.5

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Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kenrokumachi 1

0762343800

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Seisonkaku

Built in 1863, the Seisonkaku Villa (成巽閣) is a wonder of 19th-century Japanese architecture. Most notable from the outside are the trademark blue roof tiles of the villa, which were made as a result of the combined efforts and skills of its Kanazawa builders. Offering its own inner gardens and woodwork carvings, this uniquely Japanese structure retains its elegance.

Seisonkaku

Seisonkaku

Seisonkaku

4.0

205 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kenrokumachi 1-2

0762210580

9:00-17:00

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Kanazawa Castle grounds

While most of the Kanazawa Castle is a reconstruction, the castle grounds are still well-kept and suitable for a nice stroll. Heading here early has its benefits, too. If you get to the Castle Park before the crowds, then you’ll have a lovely natural area to soak up the sun, as well as the white walls of the newly reconstructed turrets.

Kanazawa Castle grounds

Kanazawa Castle Park

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Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Marunouchi 1-1

0762343800

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Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

To round out the garden experience is Gyokusen’inmaru (玉泉院丸庭園), a garden designed for the purpose of taking leisurely strolls through the serene scenery. What sets this garden apart is not only the multiple paths across its central pond but the fact that at night it’s illuminated. This may be a good last stop on your trip around the Kenroku-en area.

Gyokusen’inmaru Garden

Ishikawa-mon Gate

4.5

7 Reviews

Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Marunouchi 1-1 Kanazawa Jo Park Uchi

0762343800

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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

This unique museum was designed by Kazuya Sejima and Ryuo Nishizawa, both of whom are internationally renowned architects. And it shows. The cutting edge design of this building complements the daring art it houses. There are even free exhibits in the museum gardens, including an installation that gives the illusion of walking beneath a swimming pool. These futuristic installations will impress, as well as make you think.
URL：21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Hirosaka 1-2-1

0762202800

[Exhibition Zone] 10:00-18:0…

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Zen at the D.T. Suzuki Museum

Designed by the internationally-known architect, Yoshio Taniguchi, this museum is dedicated to the ideas of Buddhist Philosopher Daisetz Suzuki. Featuring exhibitions, gardens and a Contemplative Space, this museum is meant for self-reflection. Encounter the ideas of Daisetz Suzuki and take time to simply ponder your own thoughts as you experience the quiet tranquility of this special space.
URL：D.T. Suzuki Museum

Zen at the D.T. Suzuki Museum

D.T. Suzuki Museum

4.5

447 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Hondamachi 3-4-20

0762218011

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Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine is quite different from most and you’ll know why when you see the shrine’s gate. This particular fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles was actually designed by a Dutchman in 1875, with the gate featuring stained glass windows not typically seen in Japanese shrines. If you swing by at night, the gate is lit up, highlighting the striking stained glass on the third floor.

Oyama Shrine

Oyama-jinja Shrine

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Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Oyamamachi 11-1

0762317210

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Ishiura Shrine

The Ishiura Shrine is known for matchmaking and the keepers of the shrine have fully embraced this fact. From specially-designed ema (wooden plaques used to write wishes) with hearts on them to pink polka-dotted fortunes, this shrine offers ample opportunity to capture cute pictures of sweet wishes for love. Make sure you tie your wishes and fortunes to the appropriate place so the kami knows where to put their blessings.

Ishiura Shrine

Ishiura Shrine

Ishiura Shrine

3.5

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Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Hondamachi 3-chome 1-30

0762313314

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Myouryuji Temple

On the surface, this temple doesn’t really stand out. But that’s the point. There are all kinds of hidden trickeries and traps within the walls of the affectionately-termed “Ninja Temple” and it’s only gaining in popularity. Reservations for tours should be made in advance and no translation services are available. But this temple has you covered if you want to just creep down some hidden passages and spy a nasty trap or two.
URL：Myouryuji

Myouryuji Temple

Myoryu-ji Temple

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Nomachi 1-2-12

0762410888

9:00-16:30 (until 16:00 on S…

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Nagamachi Samurai District

The Nagamachi Samurai District is home to centuries-old estates that preserve traditional samurai residences. Set behind large wooden gates is the Nomura-ke Samurai House, the former home of a prominent samurai family. This residence has been restored to its former glory and features hand-painted sliding doors and a compact garden that is painstakingly curated, not to mention a display of samurai swords.

Nomura-ke Samurai House

Site of Nagamachi Samurai Residences

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Nagamachi 1

076-220-2194

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Site of Nagamachi Samurai Residences

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Nagamachi 1

076-220-2194

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Seseragi Street

This lively little shopping area houses restaurants and stores that are both modern and traditional, blending the old with the new in a way that’s distinctly Kanazawa. Be sure to stop at Oyoyoshorin (オヨヨ書林). This cozy book store is a blast from the past, with antique shelves that are filled with fiction, art, and design books, just to name a few. If that weren’t enough, they also sell vintage clothing to complete the comfortable, alternative vibe.

Oyoyoshorin

Oyoyoshorin

Oyoyo Shorin Shintatemachi Store

Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Shintatemachi 3-21

0762618339

11:00-19:00

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Imai Kinpaku

Like we said, Kanazawa produces a lot of gold leaf and there’s no shortage of opportunity to try your hand at making a gold leaf souvenir. At Imai Kinpaku (今井金箔), they’ve streamlined the process, allowing you to walk in empty-handed and, in under 10 minutes, walk out with a handmade gold leaf badge of your very own. This spot is recommended for those who are not so confident in their crafting skills, because it’s simple, fun, and hard to mess up.
URL：Imai Kinpaku

Imai Kinpaku

Imai Kinpaku Co., Ltd Hirosaka Shop

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Hirosaka 1-2-36

0762211109

10:00-17:00

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DORUMIRU

In the age of Instagram, pretty food reigns supreme. Dorumiru serves up one super artistic parfait that will have your followers jealous and ravenous at the same time. Which, of course, means that these photogenic parfaits sell out fast. You’ll want to go in the morning to make sure that you get a spoonful of this artistic treat, instead of a blurry picture of another customer’s fancy sweet.

DORUMIRU

DORUMIRU

DORUMIRU

石川県金沢市竪町1-1

076-260-0300

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HIMITO

This “peel art” cafe is a trip. The inside is decorated with carefully carved artwork made from the peel of fruits and vegetables. And it doesn’t stop there, either. The moment you walk in, you’ll notice dandelions hanging in delicate strings overhead and even more dandelions piled high on a table, making for some other-worldly Insta pics. You can relax over a cup of herbal tea and even try your hand at carving a bit of peel art yourself.

HIMITO

HIMITO

HIMITO

石川県金沢市中川除町51

076-224-3730

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Cafe PRESTAT

The western teahouse district is a little smaller and much more laid-back than its eastern counterpart, making it a good place to savor a delicious treat while you roam the streets of the old chaya district. It’s also home to Cafe PRESTAT, a classy chocolatier with a royal flair. An established English brand, PRESTAT sells a variety of colorful chocolates that are created to a very high standard. These are sweets worth splurging on.

Cafe PRESTAT

CAFE PRESTAT

Ishikawa Kanazawa Ichino Machi 2-24-2

0762563338

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Kutani Kosen Kiln

This ceramic kiln is the only one remaining in Kanazawa and has been open for 150 years. The distinctive and intricate designs of kutani ceramics are an elegant addition to any collection and searching through the colorful displays of handmade pieces is a calming process. At this location, they even let you take a tour of the workshop and try your hand at painting an outline of a kutani design yourself.
URL：Kutani Kosen Kiln

Kutani Kosen Kiln

Kutani Kosen Kiln

Kutani Kosen Pottery Kiln

4.0

28 Reviews

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Nomachi 5-3-3

0762410902

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Kanazawa Umimirai Library

This public library is truly one of a kind. Set in a contemporary building of white concrete that’s dotted with around 6,000 circular glass windows, its unique structure is simple, yet defined. Natural light abounds inside the building and the vaulted ceilings create an airy sensation of freedom. Plus, it’s still a public library, meaning you can find a book and spend a comfy afternoon to yourself.

Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Kanazawa Umi Mirai Library

Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Jichumachi I1-1

0762662011

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Day trip to Toyama

A quick trip of only 20 minutes on the shinkansen will take you to Toyama, another city of the arts, with the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design just a 15-minute walk from Toyama Station. Newly opened in 2017, this museum is a must for art lovers, with ambitious exhibits in a sleek, contemporary space. If that weren’t reason enough to visit Toyama, the “World’s Most Beautiful Starbucks” also calls the city home. Toyama truly is a city of beauty from top to bottom.

Day trip to Toyama

Starbucks Coffee Toyama Kansui Park

Toyama

Toyama Pref

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