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In this article, we have carefully selected 10 must-visit tourist spots in Kanazawa, from classic attractions you can’t miss to hidden gems recommended for seasoned travelers. We also introduce a model itinerary for efficient sightseeing, so please use it to help plan your trip!
Contents
[Conclusion] Classic 1-Day Kanazawa Sightseeing Itinerary
For those short on time! Here is a classic model course that covers the essentials for enjoying Kanazawa.
- Morning: Enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast or lunch at Omicho Market.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the historic streets of the Higashi Chaya District & take a break at a cafe.
- Evening: Wander through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden.
- Night: Savor local cuisine near Kanazawa Station or in the Katamachi area.
The Kanazawa Loop Bus conveniently connects the main tourist spots in the city. Using the 1-Day Pass (800 yen for adults) is highly recommended.
Kanazawa Private & Personalized Hidden Gems Walking Tour
1. Kenrokuen Garden | One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
When you think of Kanazawa sightseeing, the first thing that comes to mind for most is “Kenrokuen Garden.” It is counted as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama, and is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The vast grounds are skillfully arranged with ponds and man-made hills, and the landscape, woven by nature through the four seasons, is a true culmination of Japanese beauty. The garden, which changes its expression with every step, calms the hearts of its visitors.
- Kotoji-toro Lantern: The symbol of Kenrokuen. The two-legged lantern standing on the northern shore of Kasumigaike Pond is a must-see photo spot.
- Karasaki Pine: The winter “Yukitsuri” (snow hanging) is a famous winter scene in Kanazawa. This traditional technique of protecting branches from the weight of snow with ropes is spectacular.
- Shigure-tei Tea House: A resting place within the garden. You can take a break with matcha green tea and Japanese sweets while viewing the beautiful garden.
Location: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March 1 – Oct 15), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Oct 16 – end of Feb)
Admission Fee: Adults 320 yen, Children 100 yen
Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa-jo” bus stop.
2. Higashi Chaya District | A Beautiful Townscape with Kanazawa’s Charm
The Higashi Chaya District is one of the places where you can most strongly feel the traditional atmosphere of Kanazawa. A “chaya” was a place where geishas entertained guests with songs and dances. The streetscape, with its rows of old townhouses featuring beautiful latticed windows (dekigoshi), makes you feel as if you’ve time-traveled to the Edo period. It has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and just walking around is exciting. Enjoying gold leaf soft-serve ice cream, taking a break at a stylish cafe—the ways to enjoy it are endless.
- Cafe Hopping: There are many cafes converted from old teahouses. You can enjoy Japanese sweets typical of Kanazawa.
- Gold Leaf Experience: Unique to Kanazawa, which boasts the highest gold leaf production in Japan. Gold leaf application experiences and shopping for gold leaf cosmetics are also fun.
- Shima & Kaikaro: Precious facilities that are open to the public, preserving the original teahouse architecture. You can get a glimpse into the world of geishas.
Location: Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, 5-minute walk from “Hashiba-cho” bus stop.
3. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa | A Hub of Modern Art for Everyone
This contemporary art museum is characterized by its circular, glass-walled design, based on the concept of being “a museum open to the city like a park.” It exhibits many works that make contemporary art, often considered difficult, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Particularly famous is Leandro Erlich’s “The Swimming Pool.” It’s hugely popular on social media for the surreal photos you can take that make it look like you’re walking inside a pool while fully clothed. There are paid exhibition zones and free public zones, so you can enjoy it according to your schedule.
- The Swimming Pool: The museum’s signature work. You can enjoy it from both above ground (free) and below (paid).
- James Turrell’s “Blue Planet Sky”: A room where the ceiling is cut into a square, allowing you to view the sky as a piece of art.
- Rabbit Chair: Located outdoors, these cute, fairytale-like chairs are a popular photo spot.
Location: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: Exhibition Zone 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Fri & Sat), Public Zone 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission Fee: Varies by exhibition for the Exhibition Zone. Public Zone is free.
Closing Days: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays
Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum” bus stop.
4. Omicho Market | Savor Seasonal Flavors at “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”
With a history of about 300 years, this is a huge market that supports the dietary life of Kanazawa’s citizens. About 170 shops are crammed into narrow alleys, selling fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, colorful Kaga vegetables, and fruits. Just walking around and feeling the market’s energy is fun, but the main attraction here is, of course, the food. It’s overflowing with delicious things, like seafood bowls piled high with fresh toppings and raw oysters shucked on the spot. It’s open early in the morning, so visiting for breakfast is also recommended.
- Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl): There are numerous seafood bowl shops in the market. Many are popular with long lines, and the taste is guaranteed.
- Street Food: There are many gourmet treats you can enjoy easily, such as large raw oysters, sea urchin, and sweet shrimp croquettes.
- Lively Atmosphere: The market atmosphere itself, with the energetic calls of the vendors, is a tourist attraction.
Location: 50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Varies by store (most are around 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station, or get off at the “Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market” bus stop.
5. Nagamachi Samurai District | The Town Where Kaga Clan Samurai Lived
This is an area where the residences of middle and lower-class samurai of the Kaga clan remain. The ocher earthen walls and cobblestone alleys continue, allowing you to imagine the lives of the samurai of that time. In winter, “komo-gake” (straw mats) are put up to protect the earthen walls from snow, creating a winter scene unique to Kanazawa. Within the area, the “Nomura-ke” samurai residence is open to the public, where you can tour the inside of the luxurious mansion and its beautiful garden.
Location: Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, 5-minute walk from “Korinbo” bus stop.
6. Myoryuji (Ninja Temple) | A Mysterious Temple Full of Surprising Tricks
Although it is known by the nickname “Ninja Temple,” it actually has no connection to ninjas. It served as an outpost to protect the feudal lord in case of an emergency, evading the watchful eyes of the Tokugawa shogunate. Therefore, the interior is equipped with more than 20 clever devices to deceive enemies, such as pitfalls, hidden staircases, and fake rooms. Due to its complex structure, it was said that once you entered, you could never get out.
Tours are by reservation only. Please be sure to make a reservation by phone in advance. Also, please note that preschool children are not permitted.
Location: 1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Tour Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays), 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Weekends & Holidays) *Reservation required
Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen, Elementary students 700 yen
Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, 5-minute walk from “Hirosue” bus stop.
7. Kanazawa Castle Park | The Symbol of the Kaga Domain
Located right next to Kenrokuen Garden, this is a park developed on the ruins of Kanazawa Castle, the former residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga clan. Although there is no main keep, historic wooden structures such as the Hishi Yagura Turret, Gojukken Nagaya Warehouse, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura Turret have been restored, and their magnificence is striking. At night, they are lit up, showing a fantastical appearance different from the daytime.
Location: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March 1 – Oct 15), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Oct 16 – end of Feb)
Admission Fee: Park entry is free (Admission to Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura is 320 yen for adults)
Access: Right next to the “Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa-jo” bus stop.
8. D.T. Suzuki Museum | A Serene Space to Experience the World of Zen
This is a very unique cultural facility where you can get in touch with the philosophy of the Kanazawa-born Buddhist scholar, D.T. Suzuki. The building, designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, is quiet and beautiful, giving visitors time for deep contemplation. In particular, the “Water Mirror Garden,” a large shallow pool of water, calms the viewer’s mind and provides an opportunity for self-reflection. It is also recommended to visit to reset your mind in between touring bustling tourist spots.
Location: 3-4-20 Honda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: General 310 yen
Closing Days: Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a holiday), New Year holidays
Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, 4-minute walk from “Honda-machi” bus stop.
9. Oyama Shrine | A Unique Gate Blending Three Architectural Styles
This shrine is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga clan. The main attraction is the “Shinmon Gate,” which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is a rare gate that incorporates Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles. The stained glass (giyaman) fitted into the top floor is said to have once served as a lighthouse. It is lit up at night, and its beauty becomes even more prominent.
Location: 11-1 Oyama-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, 3-minute walk from “Minami-cho/Oyama-jinja” bus stop.
10. Kazuemachi Chaya District | A Small, Charming Teahouse District by the River
This is another teahouse district located right near the Higashi Chaya District, along the Asano River. Although smaller in scale compared to Higashi Chaya, it has a quiet and calm atmosphere. Strolling through the charming streets while listening to the babbling of the river is exceptional. It is particularly enveloped in a romantic atmosphere at dusk when the gas lamps are lit. There are also many delicious kappo restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to enjoy Kanazawa’s nightlife for adults.
Location: Kazuemachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About a 3-minute walk from the “Hashiba-cho” bus stop.
Summary
Kanazawa is packed with charms that capture the hearts of travelers, including history, culture, food, and art. The 10 places introduced this time are all especially worth visiting. Please use this article as a reference to plan your own best trip to Kanazawa!
