Things To Do
in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a compact yet culturally rich city on the Sea of Japan coast, celebrated for its well-preserved Edo-era districts and masterful gold leaf craftsmanship. Its highlights include the lush Kenrokuen Garden, historic samurai and teahouse districts, and a vibrant seafood scene centered around Omicho Market. The city blends traditional arts with modern museums and a refined dining culture rooted in Kaga cuisine.
Clean streets, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent access to nearby mountains and hot springs make Kanazawa a versatile travel hub.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens. Stroll through the meticulously landscaped grounds, taking in the serene ponds and lush greenery. As you wander, enjoy the seasonal flowers and the picturesque views of Kanazawa Castle looming nearby.
After a leisurely lunch at a local soba noodle shop, head to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Explore the innovative exhibits showcasing both Japanese and international artists, and don't miss the famous swimming pool installation by Leandro Erlich. Spend some time in the museum café, enjoying a coffee while reflecting on the art you've just seen.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Higashi Chaya District, known for its traditional teahouses. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant, sampling seasonal dishes beautifully presented. Finish your evening with a stroll through the lantern-lit streets, soaking in the historical ambiance.
Start your day with a guided tea ceremony experience in one of Kanazawa's historic teahouses. Learn about the intricate rituals and meanings behind each step as you enjoy matcha served in an authentic setting. The peaceful atmosphere will set a tranquil tone for your day ahead.
After the tea ceremony, visit the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum to discover the history of sound recording in Japan. Browse through an impressive collection of vintage phonographs and records, and listen to some classic tunes playing on these old machines. This unique museum offers a glimpse into a bygone era of music.
In the evening, explore the bustling Omicho Market, where you can taste a variety of local delicacies. Sample fresh seafood, colorful fruits, and traditional sweets while mingling with the local vendors. End your night with a visit to a local izakaya, where you can enjoy a casual dinner and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range cafe | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚎Transit day pass | $5-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and well-preserved Edo-era districts
- Excellent seafood, Kenrokuen, and gold leaf crafts
- Compact, walkable city with high quality of life
- Efficient public transport and easy access to mountains and hot springs
- Can be crowded during peak seasons and holidays
- Weather can be rainy or snowy depending on season
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Kanazawa
Visit one of these nice places.
One of Japan’s most famous gardens, offering elegant landscaping, seasonal blooms, and tranquil water features—photogenic year-round.
Historic teahouse lanes with wooden machiya houses, lanterns, and reflective surfaces—especially atmospheric at dusk.
Well-preserved samurai residences and canal-side streets that evoke Edo-period life and architecture.
Bold, geometric architecture and striking installations provide contemporary photography opportunities.
Ruins and gates framed by trees and seasonal foliage, ideal for wide, architectural-cityscape shots.
Colorful stalls with an array of seafood and produce—great for macro shots of vibrant ingredients and market chatter.
Food in Kanazawa
Kanazawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A distinctive, thick curry often served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu; widely found in casual eateries around the city.
Must-Try!
A warm duck or chicken stew with hand-pounded wheat gluten and complex soy-based flavors; a comforting Kanazawa specialty.
A seafood donburi featuring locally caught sashimi over rice, best enjoyed at Omicho Market or nearby restaurants.
Sweet treats and ice creams topped with edible gold leaf, a playful nod to Kanazawa’s famed gold craft.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling seafood market near Kanazawa Station offering fresh fish bowls, grilled seafood, and local snacks from morning until early afternoon.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, and some temples; use provided slippers or go barefoot when appropriate.
Form orderly lines, speak softly in public transport and public spaces, and avoid loud phone conversations on trains.
Pay at the register; avoid passing money directly between hands; handle coins and bills with respect.
Safety
Tipping in Kanazawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping isn’t customary in Japan and can be considered polite but unnecessary; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip in an envelope is rarely expected.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at markets; credit cards are common in hotels and many restaurants; IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work for transit and some stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temps with cherry blossoms along rivers and in Kenrokuen; expect some rain showers and pleasant walking weather.
Warm to hot and humid; frequent rainfall; mornings are best for outdoor sightseeing, with plenty of shade and green spaces.
Comfortable temperatures and striking foliage in Kenrokuen and surrounding parks; ideal for photography and outdoor meals.
Cold with occasional heavy snowfall; skies can be bright and clear on sunny days, with warm interiors and seasonal illuminations.
Kanazawa at Night
Hiking in Kanazawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A variety of trails from easy riverside strolls to challenging alpine routes; access varies by season and weather.
Airports
How to reach Kanazawa by plane.
About 40-60 minutes by bus or train from Kanazawa; provides domestic and limited international connections.
Serves domestic flights with access to Kanazawa via rail or bus connections; useful for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese, with an aging population in many areas; students and young professionals cluster around the city center.
Growing number of foreign residents and visitors, including students and long-term travelers, contributing to a small but increasing cosmopolitan presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed; local teams and school tournaments draw crowds, with parks and stadiums accessible for visitors.
Local clubs and regional matches attract fans; community leagues provide opportunities to watch or participate.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kanazawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes centered on vegetables, tofu, and rice; ask for dashi-free options when needed and request bonito-free preparations when possible.