Location: Kanazawa
Top Things to do in Kanazawa
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa (金沢市, Kanazawa-shi) is a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 January 2018, the city had an estimated population of 466,029 in 203,271 households, and a population density of 290 persons per km². The total area of the city was 468.64 square kilometres (180.94 sq mi). It is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture.
Restaurants in Kanazawa
1. Kenrokuen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
This beautiful park contains one of the top three celebrated Gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all Gardens should have: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views.
Reviewed By Peeter P - Toronto, Canada
Even in mid-March, without all the trees in bloom, the Garden was a wonder to behold. We were blessed with a picture-perfect sunny day with calm winds. This made the reflections on the various ponds magical. We wandered the various trails. Even on a Monday, the congregations of visitors told us of important vantage points. There were also plenty of benches to sit on and several shops where treats and coffee/tea could be purchased. Kimono-clad ladies were plentiful and most were more than appreciative of having their photos taken, especially if you offered a group of 2-5 the opportunity to have their photo taken as a group. (Otherwise, it was rotating selfies!) A definite must for any visit to Kanazawa.
2. D. T. Suzuki Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By Joan C - Melbourne, Victoria
Simply Zen gorgeous. Walking to it after alighting from the bus, we walked on a peaceful gravel path through a forested area - part of the vast park next door. The Museum building and surrounding pool will de-stress and amaze you - why don't more buildings look as good as this?
3. Kanazawa Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
4. Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By kissane - Perth, Australia
Inside the station and very easy to find. Staff were very helpful (e.g. phoned up and booked a tour of the Ninja temple for me). Good supplies of maps and advice, and lots of staff there so very little waiting time. A good service for visitors. Thank you.
5. Nomura Family Samurai House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 599 reviews
Step inside this traditional Japanese home, complete with tea-ceremony room, a small, enchanting garden, artifacts from the Edo period and personal belongings of the Nomura family, who lived here for 10 generations.
Reviewed By SLRS5 - Cambridge, Massachusetts
This house was at the end of a very long and wonderful day. We got there too late to go in. Even so, just looking through windows, into the garden, and around the area was interesting. It would be interesting to compare the samurai house with the geisha house, they reflect very different aspects of Japan.
6. Myoryuji - Ninja Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By B L - Denver, Colorado
This very interesting building is one of many temples built by the Maeda lords around the Kanazawa castle. Although it is not technically associated with the ninja it contains many hidden rooms, trick staircases, alcoves hidden from view that contained guards and other features to increase it ability to resist attackers.
The temple gives a glimpse into the history of Japan and the power struggles that went along with the consolidation of power.
The tours are given in Japanese, but the English language guidebooks are coded to go along with the tour guides explanation. We certainly got all of the high points of the tour and the building.
Some visitors have complained of the many rules, but they are not out of the ordinary and are designed to enhance the overall experience of the majority of the visitors.
The admission price seemed very reasonable.
We visited in the winter and it was snowing, but about half of the rooms on the tour were heated.
Shoes and backpacks are not allowed on the tour, but there are shelves and coin operated lockers for both.
7. Shima
Overall Ratings
4 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By Roger T - London, United Kingdom
I thought that this was the best historic Geisha tea house that I saw. It is brilliantly maintained and explained, and one can get a real feeling of how it must have felt, looked and sounded when it was a Geisha house. Even the wooden balcony overlooking a small courtyard at the rear is lovely. There are also several rooms with cabinets full of artefacts.
8. Tsuzumi Gate
Overall Ratings
4 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By davidmgeer - Sydney
Kanazawa station is a modern architectural gem in its own right. This fascinating gate set in front is like a crown. Looks a bit underwhelming in poor light, I.e. Rain or overcast days as you need strong reflected light to see the way the offset timbers support the roof. Can't be missed if you are exiting the station on the city side unless you really aren't looking ahead and upwards!
9. Seisonkaku Villa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By libica - Pretoria, South Africa
The interiors of this Villa are beautiful, although it is very sparsely furnished, so I was quite happy that I visited. The entrance fee does seem a little expensive, I would assume the cost of upkeep must be very high.
10. Higashichaya Old Town
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Peeter P - Toronto, Canada
Upon our arrival in Kanazawa, we headed straight to the Higashi Chaya District. It was a Sunday, and despite periods of rain and sun, we were blessed with many women dressed for the day in kimonos. They were quite accommodating about having their photos taken. The Old Town offers superb back-drops for such images. The old streets, storefronts, a few old lanterns, really do convey the Kanazawa of yesteryear. There are numerous shops for all sorts of gifts, many coffee and sweets sellers, and some nice restaurants. Definitely worth a few hours of strolling.
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