25 BEST Things to Do in Kanazawa
Planning to visit Kanazawa in Japan? And that too just for a day like me? I have here a list of the best things to do in Kanazawa. Feel free to use this one-day itinerary for must see attractions in Kanazawa. Choose what to do in Kanazawa prioritizing your interests. Food? Historic sites? Castle? Gardens? Shopping? Maybe a bit of everything. If you make a night halt in Kanazawa it is possible to see all major Kanazawa attractions.
Kanazawa or ‘Little Kyoto’, as it is known popularly, narrowly escaped the WWII nuclear bombings. Besides the Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa is famous for historic districts like Higashi Chaya and Nagamachi Samurai District. The city is renowned for its production of gold leaf, used in traditional crafts, decorations, and even food. Unlike many other cities, Kanazawa has managed to retain its historical charm and authenticity while integrating modernity. This balance creates a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new seamlessly.
Tourists in Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa Itinerary in 24 hours
Here is a list of major attractions in Kanazawa that you can include in your one-day itinerary. I have prepared the list with time intervals and what to see in Kanazawa in that time. You can do your permutations and combinations from the various choices suggested and design your own itinerary.
You may find these links helpful
Kanazawa Private One Day Walking Tour
Kanazawa: Private Food Tasting Walking Tour
Kanazawa Night Tour with Local Meal and Drinks
1. Tsuzumi-mon Gate
One sight you will invariably get to see if you arrive at Kanazawa Station is that of Tsuzumi-mon Gate. It is more like a welcome arch, an imposing design which in some ways, has become a symbol of Kanazawa. The vermillion-colored Tsuzumi-mon Gate, located in front of the East Exit. Made almost entirely of wood, the gate’s design is based on traditional Japanese hand drums or tsuzumi. It is a free sight. You can spend around 15 minutes here taking pictures.
Tsuzumi-mon Gate
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7 AM to 8.30 AM Early Arrivals
2. Kenrokuen Garden – If you get into the city before most shops and attractions open, try a stroll in nature. Kenrokuen Garden offers green space teeming with meticulously landscaped and stunningly beautiful gardens that change with each season, offering breath taking views year-round. The garden is open 365 days a year from 7 AM to 6 PM (8 AM to 5 PM from October 16th to the end of February.)
8.30 AM to 10 AM Visit Kanazawa Castle
3. Castle – This historic castle, reconstructed meticulously after fires, symbolizes the city’s feudal past and offers insights into Japanese history and architecture.
10 AM to 10.30 AM Traditional Crafts
4. On your way out you can check out the Ishikawa Local Products centre that has plenty of souvenirs on sale. Kanazawa is known for its exquisite handicrafts such as Kutani ceramics, lacquerware, and silk dyeing, showcasing the city’s artisanal skills.
There is an ice cream shop too that sells gold leaf covered ice-cream for 800Y.
Souvenirs from Kanazawa
10.30 AM to 12.30 PM – Higashi Chaya District
5. Higashi Chaya District – Wander through this well-preserved geisha district, lined with traditional wooden teahouses, where you can experience tea ceremonies and traditional performances. I was attracted to a souvenir shop, Hakuza Honten, here that sells Gold Leaf covered items. The Higashi Chaya Shiryokan Museum is worth a visit for deeper insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the district. Exhibits showcase artifacts, tools, and costumes related to geisha and tea ceremonies. Actually, there is lots to see in the historic district, before you know it the minute hand of the clock would have rotated twice.
Higashi Chaya District
12.30 PM to 1.30 PM Lunchtime
Kanazawa Food
In every city of Japan, food was the first appeal. To my delight I found Kanazawa food has abundant dishes with traditional flavors. Fresh seafood, and local specialties that celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage stand out distinctly. Here are some highlights of food in Kanazawa that you must try are:
- 9. With its proximity to the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa City serves an abundance of seafood. Omicho Market is a must-visit, where you can savor incredibly fresh fish, shellfish, and other ocean delights.
- 10. Indulge in unique sweets adorned with edible gold leaf, a Kanazawa specialty. From gold leaf ice cream to gold leaf-covered desserts, these treats offer a luxurious touch to the culinary experience. I did not, as I found it too costly.
- 11. Traditional teahouses in Higashi Chaya District serve local confections like wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha tea, providing a delightful taste of authentic Japanese culture.
- 12. Kanazawa offers exceptional sushi, often featuring local catches like yellowtail, squid, and sweet shrimp. Enjoy nigiri and sashimi prepared with the utmost care and precision.
- 13. Kanazawa Curry is known for its distinct style of curry, often featuring a sweeter flavor profile compared to other Japanese curries. We relished this in our hotel buffet breakfast. It’s a local favorite with its unique twist on this globally beloved dish.
Gold Leaf covered ice cream – Pic Toukou Sousui from flikr https://www.flickr.com/photos/sousui/31312182322/in/photostream/
1.30 PM to 3.30 PM – Nagamachi Samurai District
14. Explore Nagamachi Samurai District – the area where samurai residences once stood, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and the lives of these historical samurai warriors. Walking the narrow stone-paved streets it felt like I was entering a time capsule, where the traditional architecture, and well-preserved earthen walls evoked a sense of history and honor.
If you have time enough, walk into some of the residences, called buke yashiki. They have been preserved and converted into museums or opened to the public, offering insights into the lifestyle, traditions, and values of these noble warriors. One of them is the Nomura House, open to visitors who can explore its beautiful gardens, tea rooms, and displays showcasing samurai artifacts.
Some buildings in Nagamachi now house workshops and shops. Here the artisans carry on traditional crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, and silk dyeing, adding an artistic touch to the district. The district maintains a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
3.30 PM to 5 PM Kanazawa Museums
If you are done with all the above interesting things to do in Kanazawa you can add a museum or two to your Kanazawa itinerary.
15. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History: This museum offers a comprehensive view of Ishikawa Prefecture’s history. The artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia displays detailing the region’s cultural heritage, from ancient times to the present day are showcased very well.
16. Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum: I mentioned about the gold leaf covered food and ice cream and souvenir shop selling objects covered with gold leaf. Let me tell you there is one whole museum that celebrates Kanazawa’s renowned gold leaf craftsmanship. This museum educates visitors about the intricate process of producing gold leaf. You can try your hand at gold leaf decoration and gold leaf art, for a fee of course.
Address: 1-3-10 Higashiyama, Kanazawa
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4.30 PM)
Closed days: New Year’s holidays.
Tickets: 310 Y (210 Y for seniors; free for high school students and below)
17. D.T. Suzuki Museum: This is a dedicated museum for the influential Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki. This museum provides insights into his life, teachings, and contributions to Zen Buddhism and its influence on the world. The D T Suzuki museum’s design encourages contemplation and reflection. The museum was opened in 2011 in the district of Kanazawa where Suzuki was born, a ten-minute walk from Kenrokuen. Time required less than an hour. You can choose to visit this museum before visiting the castle. You can’t take photos inside the halls.
Address: 3 Chome-4-20 Hondamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan
Open timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM (Last entry at 4.30 PM)
Closed: Mondays or on Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday. Also closed from December 29th to January 3rd.
Entrance fee: Adults – 300 Y, Children below 18 – free.
D T Suzuki museum Photo Credit – By 金沢市 – http://open-imagedata.city.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/, CC BY 2.1 jp, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32381460
18. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Just as the name suggests this Kanazawa Museum hosts a diverse collection of contemporary artworks, installations, and rotating exhibitions by both Japanese and international artists. It’s a hub for modern art enthusiasts and features interactive installations that engage visitors. The museum is renowned for its innovative architecture.
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa
Opening time: 10 AM to 6 PM (Until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). Closed on: Mondays, New Year’s holidays.
Fees: Free entrance, however payment is required for entrance to exhibitions
Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/
5 PM to 7 PM – Sunset in Kanazawa
Kanazawa offers several stunning locations where you can witness breath taking sunsets. Every season the sunset changes. Summer months are filled with activities like swimming, marine sports, and even a kite festival which tourists and local people enjoy. Try these locations for great pictures of sunset in Kanazawa:
- 19. Ukai Bridge in Higashi Chaya District: The bridge offers a charming setting for sunset views, especially when the sky is painted in hues of orange and pink, contrasting with the traditional architecture of the district.
- 20. For a panoramic view, head to Mt. Utatsu, where you can witness the sunset over the cityscape and the Sea of Japan in the distance. The hill provides an excellent vantage point.
- 21. Strolling along the banks of the Asanogawa River, especially near the Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge, allows for serene sunset views reflecting on the water’s surface.
- 22. The Seisonkaku Villa within Kenrokuen Garden provides a picturesque view of the sunset over the garden’s ponds, bridges, and meticulously landscaped scenery.
7 PM to 9 PM Dinner and Stroll
Kanazawa has several charming areas that are perfect for evening strolls, offering a mix of traditional ambiance and modern attractions. Here are some spots to consider for dinner and night time walk:
- 23. A stroll around Omicho Market in the evening gives a different perspective to Kanazawa City. Some eateries are open offering late-night snacks, dinner or drinks.
- 24. The park surrounding Kanazawa Castle remains open in the evening. A peaceful stroll amid the illuminated castle grounds is enjoyable. The lit-up castle provides a striking backdrop.
- 25. The bustling commercial area of Korinbo District is lively at night with its neon lights, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great spot for dinner and a vibrant evening stroll.
Where to stay in Kanazawa
If you are making just a day trip then you are saved of the trouble of finding places to stay in Kanazawa. We planned a night stay in the city and our first choice was to search for good hotels near Kanazawa station.
Hotel Torifito Kanazawa – This hotel is located near Kanazawa station within four minutes walking distance. We stayed here for a night. The buffet breakfast spread was good in their restaurant “Ryofu-an” on the first floor of the hotel. The dishes are made with carefully selected ingredients from Ishikawa Prefecture. There is a large women’s bath on the 2nd floor, and a large men’s bath on the 3rd floor.
Address: 2-chōme-12-1, Honmachi Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0853, Japan. TEL 076-210-9010.
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa – This was our second choice had we not got bookings in Hotel Torifito Kanazawa. It is located near the station, at a six minutes walking distance.
Address: 2 15 1 Hon machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, 920 0853
Reception desk at Hotel Torifito
How to reach Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa is accessible by various modes of transportation due to its central location in Japan. Here’s how you can reach Kanazawa:
The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, located about 30 minutes away by bus. It offers domestic flights from major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. From the airport, you can take a bus directly to Kanazawa Station.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Kanazawa with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From Tokyo, the journey takes around 2 hours 33 min. by Shinkansen. There are direct services from Osaka and Kyoto as well.
Buses from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are available. Distance from Tokyo to Kanazawa is 490 km. Distance from Kanazawa to Osaka is 277 km. Distance from Kyoto to Kanazawa is 230 km.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
