Explore Kanazawa

Learn about Kanazawa

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Kanazawa Travel Guide - What to do in Kanazawa City

Comprehensive English guide covering Kanazawa’s history, major sights (Kenroku-en, Nagamachi, Higashi Chaya), museums, food highlights and practical tips — useful as a one-stop reference for planning and prioritising visits.

Kanazawa Full Day Walk (Suggested Itineraries)

A practical full-day walking itinerary that links Kanazawa Station, Omicho Market, Kenroku-en and nearby museums with timing and transport tips — great for travellers who want a realistic day plan.

Tokyo to Kanazawa: How to get to and around Kanazawa - Access, Transport and Orientation

Detailed, up-to-date transport options (Hokuriku Shinkansen, buses, Komatsu Airport), local bus passes and orientation around the city — essential for logistics and route planning.

Omicho Market (Official Visit Kanazawa page)

Official page introducing Omicho Market’s history, what to eat (fresh seafood, seasonal specialties) and practical info — useful for food-focused travellers and market visit planning.

Kanazawa Guides and Itineraries (Tokyo Cheapo: Tokyo to Kanazawa & 2-Day Itinerary)

Budget-minded, reader-friendly itineraries and travel tips (transport savings, low-cost meals, highlights) that show how to experience Kanazawa affordably over 1–2 days.

Kenrokuen Garden

1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan

Started in the 17th century by the Maeda clan as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen was developed over generations to combine six ideal garden qualities: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses and panoramas.

Kanazawa Castle Park (including Kanazawa Castle)

1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0937, Japan

Seat of the powerful Maeda lords who ruled Kaga Domain during the Edo period; the castle and its reconstructed halls and gates sit beside Kenrokuen and show restored architecture and defensive features.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509, Japan

Opened in 2004 to invigorate the city’s cultural life, the museum’s circular plan and variety of public and paid zones make contemporary art highly accessible; it hosts internationally notable installations and rotating exhibitions.

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya-gai, Kanazawa (Higashiyama area), Kanazawa, Ishikawa

The largest of Kanazawa’s traditional geisha districts, Higashi Chaya preserves wooden teahouse façades where geisha historically entertained; today it houses tea rooms, gold-leaf shops and cultural museums.

Omicho Market

50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0905, Japan

Kanazawa’s main fresh food market since the Edo period (over 300 years), Omicho has long supplied the city with seafood from the Sea of Japan and remains a bustling hub of shops and small restaurants.

Myoryu-ji (Ninja Temple)

1-3-29 Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0856, Japan (general area: Nagamachi/nomachi)

Officially a Buddhist temple, Myoryu-ji is famous for its deceptive interior — hidden rooms, secret slits, steep stairs and traps — designed to defend against potential attackers during the Edo period; guided tours are common and often require reservations.

D.T. Suzuki Museum

3-4-20 Honda-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan

Dedicated to Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (D.T. Suzuki), the museum reflects his work on Zen Buddhism and modern thought; the calm architecture and contemplative water features encourage reflection.

Stroll Kenrokuen Garden

One of Japan’s three great landscape gardens, Kenrokuen features ponds, streams, teahouses, lanterns and seasonal floral displays framed by carefully composed vistas.

Iconic beauty across seasons (cherry blossoms, iris, autumn color, winter snow); excellent introduction to Japanese garden design; peaceful atmosphere adjacent to Kanazawa Castle.

Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

A circular, modern museum offering rotating contemporary art exhibitions and celebrated installations (including the immersive Swimming Pool installation).

Striking architecture and playful, accessible contemporary art; good for families and art lovers; public areas are free to enter and the museum is centrally located.

Browse Omicho Market and eat fresh seafood

A lively, centuries-old market supplying fresh seafood, produce and small restaurants serving kaisen-don, sushi and seasonal local dishes.

True local food scene — best place to taste Sea of Japan seafood; lots of small eateries for casual meals; vibrant morning atmosphere.

Walk the Higashi Chaya (teahouse) District

A preserved geisha and teahouse quarter of wooden façades, narrow lanes, traditional shops and gold-leaf artisans.

Atmosphere of Edo-period streetscapes and cultural continuity; opportunities to see gold-leaf work, sip tea in restored chaya and enjoy craft shopping.

Explore Nagamachi Samurai District and Myoryu-ji (Ninja Temple)

Narrow lanes and earthen walls of the old samurai quarter lead to residences and the Myoryu-ji temple, known for its deceptive defensive architecture.

Well-preserved samurai atmosphere gives insight into feudal urban life; Myoryu-ji’s hidden defenses and clever design are unique and intriguing (advance reservations often required for guided visits).