These are the experiences worth building your trip around, from one of Japan's three great gardens and its preserved historic districts to cutting-edge art and the country's gold-leaf capital. Save the ones that appeal to you and slot them into your own itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Kanazawa
1Must visit
Park5.0
Kenrokuen Garden
One of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, a 300-year masterpiece of ponds, teahouses, and the iconic Kotoji lantern. Stunning in every season.
2Must visit
Scenic Spot5.0
Higashi Chaya District
The largest and best-preserved geisha district, all Edo-period wooden teahouses, gold-leaf shops, and lantern-lit lanes at dusk.
3Must visit
Castle4.0
Kanazawa Castle Park
The grand reconstructed castle of the Maeda clan, with white-walled turrets and gates, connected to Kenrokuen by a bridge.
4Must visit
Museum5.0
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
A circular glass museum of contemporary art, home to Leandro Erlich's playful underwater Swimming Pool illusion.
5Must visit
Scenic Spot4.0
Nagamachi Samurai District
The atmospheric samurai quarter of earthen-walled lanes and flowing canals, perfect for a slow wander.
6Must visit
Market5.0
Omicho Market
Kanazawa's 300-year-old kitchen, 170 stalls of sweet shrimp, sea urchin, and seasonal snow crab. Go hungry.
7Must visit
Museum5.0
Nomura Samurai House
A restored samurai residence with armor, artifacts, and one of the city's finest tatami-room gardens.
8Must visit
Temple4.0
Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)
The 'Ninja Temple,' a defensive maze of hidden doors and trap stairs. Reserve ahead, tours in Japanese.
9Must visit
Museum5.0
D.T. Suzuki Museum
A minimalist Zen museum with a still water garden, ideal for a calm, contemplative pause.
10Must visit
Scenic Spot4.0
Kanazawa Station
The wooden Tsuzumi-mon drum gate and glass Motenashi Dome make this one of the world's most beautiful stations.
11
Shrine4.0
Oyama Shrine
A shrine to Kanazawa's founder with an unusual Dutch-influenced stained-glass gate and a peaceful garden.
12Must visit
Shopping4.0
Hakuichi Gold Leaf Shop
The premier gold-leaf shop in the city that makes 99% of Japan's gold leaf, with crafts, cosmetics, and gilded ice cream.
FAQ
- What is the one thing not to miss in Kanazawa?
- Kenrokuen Garden, ranked among the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Arrive at opening time for mirror-still reflections at the pond and the Kotoji lantern before the crowds.
- Is Kanazawa good for art and crafts?
- Exceptionally. It has the world-class 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf, and is a center of colorful Kutani porcelain, with hands-on workshops available for both crafts.
Make it your trip
Save these places and build your own Kanazawa itinerary in TripBox.