Things to Do in Kanazawa: Explore the Historic City

Just a 2.5-hour train ride from Osaka, Tokyo, or Nagoya, you'll arrive in Kanazawa - a city that condenses traditional Japanese culture and is known as a great alternative to Kyoto.

Here you can stroll through the old tea house districts, visit the exquisite Japanese gardens, experience samurai culture, enjoy onsen, and taste authentic Kanazawa food.

Let's explore this travel guide to find out amazing things to do in Kanazawa! Get ready for a peaceful and leisurely travel experience!

Discovering Kanazawa

Where is Kanazawa in Japan? Kanazawa is located in the central part of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It only takes about 2.5 hours by train from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to reach this historic city. Stepping into the city feels like traveling back in time to the Edo period, making it one of the best cities in Japan to visit.

If you're looking for an immersive experience of traditional Japanese culture, Kanazawa is an excellent choice.

Kanazawa's main highlight is the Kanrokuen Garden, widely considered the most beautiful of Japan's "Three Great Landscape Gardens". Beyond this, there are lots of things to do in Kanazawa. The city also offers a glimpse into the Edo-era lifestyle through remnants of the Kaga domain, the Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya, and Geisha districts. For a modern touch, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa showcases contemporary artworks worldwide, where tradition meets modernity, creating a unique artistic charm.

Explore Wonderful Trips to Kanazawa Japan:

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Things to See in Kanazawa

When planning a trip to Kanazawa, Japan, it is important to decide what things to do in Kanazawa and what places to visit. Based on our travel experience, here are some of the attractions worth visiting.

Kenrokuen Garden

When you visit Kanazawa, you can not miss Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Built in 1676, it was the private garden of the Maeda family, lords of Kaga, and was officially opened to the public in 1874.

As you stroll through Kenrokuen, you can appreciate the essence of traditional Japanese gardens: ponds, stone lanterns, waterfalls, streams, stone paths, bridges, teahouses, and rockeries. These elements perfectly represent its name "Garden of Six Attributes", including spaciousness, solitude, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and breathtaking views.

If you are concerned about the best time to visit Japan, don't worry. Kenrokuen Garden has different beauty in four seasons: cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in spring, azaleas and hibiscus in summer, red maples in autumn, and a beauty covered with snow in winter. No matter when you come, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a must-visit for those interested in Kanazawa's history. Built-in 1583 by Maeda Toshiie, the castle was the residence of the Maeda family. It has been a witness to the ups and downs of the Kaga domain (now Ishikawa and Toyama) for over 280 years.

Despite being burned down multiple times and undergoing major repairs in the 20th century, it has persevered, carrying the profound historical and cultural heritage of Kanazawa. Today, Kanazawa Castle has become a landmark and a popular tourist destination in Kanazawa City.

Additionally, Kanazawa Castle is located just a few steps away from the entrance of Kanrokuen Garden. If you plan to visit Kanrokuen Garden and have plenty of time, Kanazawa Castle is an excellent choice to be included in your itinerary.

Omicho Market

Omicho Market is the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa, with a history of over 300 years. It's an integral part of the lives of local residents. The market has 180 shops offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, meats, cooked food, desserts, and local specialties.

When you visit Omicho Market, don't miss its signature dish - the seafood bowl, featuring fresh seafood cut into small pieces and served over rice. If you want to experience the local life in Kanazawa, visiting Omicho Market is definitely a recommended thing to do in Kanazawa!

Nagamachi Samurai District

If you are interested in Japanese traditional culture and history, the Nagamachi Samurai District is definitely a place worth visiting.

It provides a rare opportunity to gain insight into the life and culture of samurai families in the Edo period. The historical buildings and landscapes here retain many characteristics of the Edo period such as narrow streets, still-functioning drainage and water supply systems, and restored samurai houses, making you feel like you are in the samurai world of the Edo period.

Beyond historical exploration, you can also experience many traditional Japanese cultural activities. For example, you can wear samurai costumes for photos, explore martial arts traditions, participate in tea ceremony experiences, learn to make gold leaf crafts, and more. These unique experiences will surely add unforgettable memories to your trip to Kanazawa, Japan.

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya Street is one of the three major geisha districts in Japan, along with Gion and Kazuemachi in Kyoto. It's known for its charming streets and well-preserved traditional buildings. This area was established in 1820 as a place where geishas entertained wealthy businessmen with music, dance, and games.

Today, Higashi Chaya Street is mainly filled with cafes, restaurants, dessert shops, and craft stores, but some geisha teahouses still operate here. You can experience authentic teahouse culture, watch geisha performances, and taste traditional Japanese tea.

Additionally, you can find specialty products from Kanazawa such as gold foil-decorated crafts, food, and cosmetics if you want to buy gifts for your family and friends.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Arts

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is one of the cultural attractions that you can't miss in Kanazawa, especially if you are a big fan of modern art. The museum's building is a work of art in itself, designed by the famous architect Kazuyo Sejima, and won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Architecture Biennale. It perfectly combines modernity with the historical and cultural essence of Kanazawa.

The highlights here are some permanent installations, including Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool", which simulates a real swimming pool, with the surface made of a thin layer of glass. When sunlight shines into the pool, the light refracts through the glass, creating realistic ripples that make visitors feel as if they are underwater.

In addition, Olafur Eliasson's "Colorful Mobile House" and James Turrell's "Blue Planet Sky" are two other notable artworks you should not miss.

Best Time to Visit Kanazawa

Kanazawa offers a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. You can savor the unique scenery and enjoy different activities each season in Kanazawa.

In the mild and pleasant spring, visitors can plan a cherry blossom trip in April to experience the full bloom at Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden.

Summer is hot, but Kenrokuen Garden's lush greenery provides an ideal escape from the heat.

During fall, the maple leaves in Kanazawa are vibrant, and spots such as Nagamachi Takeshi Yashiki and Omi-machi Market are great for leaf-peeping.

In winter, Kanazawa is covered in snow, and the illuminated Kenrokuen Garden becomes a perfect place to capture snowy scenes.

Getting There & Around

The fastest way to go to Kanazawa from Tokyo is by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki and Hakutaka trains), with a 2.5-hour journey.

From Osaka and Kyoto, you will have a train ride of about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes by taking the JR Express Thunderbird and then changing to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga Station.

From Nagoya, it takes about 3 hours to reach Kanazawa directly by the JR Express Shiraki.

Additionally, several bus companies offer routes from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to Kanazawa, but they are significantly slower: about 6 hours from Tokyo, 5 hours from Osaka, and 4 hours from Nagoya by highway bus.

What to Eat in Kanazawa

Food is a huge draw for many people traveling to Kanazawa, Japan. Since Kanazawa is the capital of Japan's Hokuriku region, enjoying tasty traditional Japanese cuisine can be one of the best things to do in Kanazawa. You can not only taste exquisite kaiseki cuisine, but also fresh seafood and fragrant tea, which can satisfy the needs of all kinds of diners.

• Gourmet Kaiseki. Gourmet Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese haute cuisine, known for its exquisite presentation and exquisite dishes. Kanazawa's Gourmet Kaiseki cuisine usually consists of multiple small dishes, each of which is carefully prepared to fully showcase the freshness and original flavor of the ingredients.
• Seafood. Kanazawa sits near the Sea of Japan and has rich marine resources, making seafood a must-try food in Kanazawa. Visitors can taste a variety of fresh seafood dishes at Omicho Market, where there are many restaurants serving seafood. Don't miss the local specialty, seafood bowls, made by covering hot rice with various raw seafood.
• Tea. Kanazawa is known for its rich tea culture and a unique roasted tea called Kaga Boucha. This tea is made from the finest roasted tea stems, which can give it a rich aroma and full-bodied flavor. Visitors can enjoy authentic Kaga Boucha at the Shima Teahouse and experience the tea culture of Kanazawa.

Planning Your Trip to Kanazawa

Excited to start exploring Kanazawa, Japan after reading this travel guide? The beautiful scenery of Kanrokuen Garden, the rich history of Nagamachi Takeya Yashiki Ruins, the delicious cuisine of Omi-machi Market, and the Geisha culture of Chaya Street all present Kanazawa's charm.

Whether you are interested in history, food, or culture, you can find unforgettable things to do in Kanazawa. This artistic place can meet your expectations and leave you with unforgettable travel memories. If you find planning a trip to Kanazawa challenging, you may consider using an itinerary planning service to make your trip smoother and more comfortable. Have a wonderful trip!