2024 Kanazawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Cute Rabbit Shrine in Kanazawa

One of Kanazawa's oldest shrines, Ishikura Shrine, is located in Honda-machi, Kanazawa City. Established during the Kofun period, it boasts a history of about 1,500 years. The main deity enshrined here is Ōmononushi no Ōkami (Ōkuninushi no Ōkami), making it famous for 'en-musubi' (matchmaking), attracting many visitors who pray for love and marriage. The shrine's architecture is majestic and intricate, with two imposing stone lions guarding the main hall and exquisite wood carvings inside. The shrine's chozuya (purification fountain) is adorned with seasonal flowers, adding a ceremonial touch to the visit. However, the highlight for children is undoubtedly the shrine's mascot, 'Kima-chan.' Kima-chan is an adorable rabbit wearing a traditional hat, beloved by visitors. My child was so excited to meet Kima-chan that they even brought their stuffed rabbit from home to Japan! Additionally, the shrine offers colorful polka-dot omamori (amulets) in various colors and designs, some featuring Kima-chan charms. These omamori are not only visually appealing but also serve various purposes, such as praying for safety, love, and wisdom.

Kanazawa best ice cream cafe, Japan

#cafestory After I do a research of what Kanazawa has the best, I found this legendary ice cream cafe and it's already famous for years. As a huge fan of vanilla ice cream, I insist myself to go here and experiencing by trying its best vanilla ice cream. Served with an edible gold-leaf topping, makes this ice cream cafe a must visit you could probably put this a your top notch visit during your trip in Kanazawa. This well-served soft ice cream will melt your mouth in awe. This will giving you an acdiction and craving for more because this is truly delicious 🤤 If you are happened to visit Japan, pack your things and put this itinerary on your top list in Kanazawa. It is worthy 📍Hakuichi (gold leaf ice cream cafe), Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Japan #100waysoftravel #kanazawa #japan #icecream #cafe

Kanazawa 21st Century Museum: Must-Visit Spots and Reservation Guide

Compared to the Suzuki Daisetsu Museum and the Ishikawa Prefectural Library that I previously introduced, the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum is much more famous. Designed by two renowned Japanese architects, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, the museum adopts the concept of a 'town square,' combining art with a park to bring art closer to the general public. The oval-shaped glass curtain wall and irregular entrances allow people to appreciate the artworks from various angles. ~Tips: Make sure to reserve 'The Swimming Pool' in advance~ Among the award-winning architecture that won the 2010 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most famous piece is undoubtedly 'The Swimming Pool' by Leandro Erlich. While you can buy tickets on the spot to visit the museum, 'The Swimming Pool' can be reserved in advance or visited as a walk-in. If you arrive and find out you can't visit or have to wait in a long line, you'll regret it. 🕰️Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Closed on Mondays 📍Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 💰Average Cost: JPY 450

Kanazawa Kimono Photo Guide

Kanazawa boasts a history of over 400 years, with its most prosperous period during the Edo era when Toshiie Maeda founded the Kanazawa Castle town. During the war-torn Edo period, the Maeda clan focused on developing various crafts, tea ceremonies, and cultural arts to show their loyalty to the Tokugawa shogunate. This not only enriched Kanazawa with a rich cultural atmosphere and traditional crafts but also helped it avoid the bloodshed of the Edo period. Fortunately, Kanazawa was also spared from bombings during World War II, allowing the city to retain much of its historical charm. In such a historically rich place, wearing traditional Japanese kimono is a must for taking photos at spots like Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, and Kanazawa Castle. The most traditional kimono in Kanazawa is the Kaga Yuzen kimono, known for its vibrant colors and patterns. However, these are quite expensive and may not be suitable for those just looking to experience wearing a kimono. For a more affordable option, basic kimono sets are available for around HKD $200 to $300. There are many kimono rental shops in Kanazawa, but it's essential to book online or via email in advance. When we arrived at our reserved shop, there was already a sign indicating that all reservations for the day were full. Those familiar with Japan know that the Japanese value service and product quality, only offering what they can handle. The recommended kimono rental shop offers kimonos at various price points, allowing you to choose on the spot. On-site, there are over 500 women's kimonos available. Besides same-day returns, you can also pay extra for next-day returns. Kanazawa Kimono Hanaren 🕰️Business Hours: 09:00～18:00 📍Address: 2-4 Kenroku Motomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

The breakfast at this Kanazawa hotel really shocked me!

🏨Hyatt Centric Kanazawa ⛩️Kanazawa, known as 'Little Kyoto', is an ancient Japanese city with great historical architecture and not too many tourists, which makes it a city I really like Hyatt Centric is a young lifestyle brand launched by the Hyatt Group in recent years, focusing on local design and young living. The Kanazawa branch is one of the earliest Hyatt Centric hotels to open 🔵The hotel is located near Kanazawa Station, just a short walk from the Shinkansen's Kanazawa Station stop, so it's very conveniently located ⚫️Upon entering the hotel, you can see many local Kanazawa artworks and elements of gold leaf, as Kanazawa is Japan's most famous production area for gold leaf. There's even a wall covered in gold leaf, which is quite spectacular! 🔵The rooms are also quite spacious. For hotels in Japan, having this much space is actually very good. The bathroom has a wet and dry separation, and the toiletries are local Kanazawa products made with honey essence, which are very nice to use 🔵What shocked me the most was the hotel's breakfast. For a hotel that is not very expensive, they offer a rich variety of fruits, such as kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, etc., all unlimited, and these fruits are expensive in Japan. Additionally, you can order many types of eggs, the Eggs Benedict are very well made, and there are also Osaka burns, pancakes, etc., making breakfast very satisfying 💰The current price of this hotel is around 1k to 1.5k, and it's even lower in the off-season, so you might consider booking a price that includes breakfast

Exploring Kanazawa’s Geisha District

My first visit to Kanazawa was a delightful adventure, especially when I decided to explore the Geisha District on foot. It was like stepping into a different era, with traditional wooden houses and cobblestone streets. One of the highlights was visiting a former Geisha house, which has been transformed into a museum. As I wandered through its halls, I couldn't help but imagine the elegant dances and enchanting conversations that took place within those walls. The museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Geisha, their elaborate costumes, and their commitment to mastering various arts. After immersing myself in the world of Geisha, I strolled through the district, passing by charming shops showcasing Kanazawa's famous gold leaf craftsmanship. Everywhere I looked, there were dazzling souvenirs and crafts coated in shimmering gold leaf, capturing the essence of this unique city. Exploring the Geisha District on foot was a truly memorable experience. It allowed me to soak in the history, beauty, and craftsmanship of Kanazawa while feeling a sense of connection to its vibrant past. #japan #kanazawa #urbanexplorer #summervacation #tripblazers #awesomepic

Coolest JR Station entrance ⛩ (or exit) 🤓

#wecreate In Kanazawa JR train station the city welcomes you with some traditional drums 🥁 inspired massive gate. People stops here for a must taken pictures, from young to old, from locals to visitors. Made of wood and inspired by a Torii gate, this city attraction made me wonder: After crossing the gate, will I be in a sacred place? Is that place a journey? Is it life itself sacred? Or is it on the other side of the coin, arriving and entering the city is sacred?" I did noticed a lot of temples in this city, a lot of Onsens and a pretty castle, so I cannot really tell which side of the idea is correct, but in any case both ideas are beautiful in my mind. #japan #kanazawa #toriigate #tripblazers

The amazing Kenroku-en Garden

Having visited many gardens across Japan, Kenrokuen Garden is definitely my personal favourite! Located in Kanazawa, the garden is a strolling type landscape garden of the Edo period and is a true masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. It has rightfully earned its status as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, having been designated as a national site of scenic beauty in 1922 and as a national site of special scenic beauty in 1985. Its name is derived from combining the six attributes of a perfect landscape garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses and panoramas. The garden appears totally natural but it's in fact man-made. It has many unique features, including the oldest Japanese fountain, raised root pine trees, a plum grove, winding streams with cherry trees on both sides. Now in early April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the sight of the pink flowers reflected in the still water is truly spectacular. Here you can also participate in a tea ceremony, a wonderful way to experience the elegance of Japanese culture. A visit I most definitely recommend!

The place to try golden leaf ice cream

Kanazawa is a charming historic city located on the western coast of Japan. It is home to Kenrokuen Garden which I will post about separately, as it is one of the most famous gardens in Japan and my personal favourite! Kanazawa boasts an impressive collection of museums. Apart from the must-see Kanazawa castle, the Higashi Chaya District is a well-preserved geisha district with traditional tea houses and shops. If you are looking to buy local pottery, this is the place! Here you also have a unique opportunity to enter the geisha house which has been transformed into a museum. Foodies will appreciate Kanazawa's signature golden leaf ice-cream which you can try for just about 1000JPY. Yum! Kanazawa's historic districts are also worth exploring. The Nagamachi Samurai District is a historic district with beautifully preserved residences and gardens of the samurai era, walking through which transports you into a different world. I recommend staying for no less than two days to thoroughly enjoy exploring Kanazawa's many attractions and sakura blossoms.

#Kenrokuen

Kenrokuen is a gorgeous and expansive park-like garden in the center of Kanazawa and it is the city’s major attraction.This beautiful park contains one of the top three celebrated gardens in Japan. The garden was created over the span of several hundred years by the Maeda family, and today is one of the best examples of a strolling-style Japanese landscape garden. The garden offers something to enjoy whatever the season. Kenrokuen is located in the center of Kanazawa City close to Kanazawa Castle Park. To get to Kenrokuen Garden from Kanazawa Station’s East Exit Bus Terminal you can take the Kanazawa Right Loop Bus from bus stop 7 or the Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus from bus stop 6. Both buses take about 16 minutes and the fare is 200 yen.

Massive Wooden gate to Kanazawa!

This might be the most current iconic thing in Kanazawa a massive wooden gate outside the train station. There is also a fountain made watch and some welcoming messages on it, quite a bit hidden quirk The gate is huge and keeps people busy with picture day and night #newyearadventure #tripblazers #campingglamping #books #japan #kimono #kimonosinkyoto #kyoto #temple #traveljapan #kanazawa #foodie #gate #japantravel #onsen #asia

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

#artshunting this time at 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, Japan 920-8509! beautiful place with full glass museum that can be seen from the outside. it is free for most exhibition except for those that are created by Leandro Erlich. The famous swimming pool is one of them( which is not free) it’s an optic illusion of someone standing on top and another group of ppl across the glass below (the pool). quite artsy if you like such modern art exhibits.

What an Onsen with a Pod!!! 🎉

Probably the best hotel I've stayed so far, the price was eles than 20 USD and it included Onsen, slippers, clean towels, even earphones to not disturb others, the "pod" is more like a small room in where two people can easily fit. Address - 2 Chome-12-1 Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0853, Japan Ambiance/Facilities - centrally located, 15-20 min walking from the station, cn get there by bus, near a lot of restaurants and few minutes walk from the castle Highlights - Modern and the onzen in the basement with sauna and hot springs Avg. Price per Person - 19-30usd Rating - 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 #celebratewithtrip #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #fallingforfall #本地遊 #japan #jrpass #kanazawa #kanazawastation #onsen #spa #pod #hotel #modern

KENROKUEN GARDEN at Kanazawa

KENROKUEN GARDEN at Kanazawa #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น #ญี่ปุ่น #kenrokuengarden #kanazawa #ishikawa #เที่ยวอุทยานแห่งชาติ #เที่ยวสวนธรรมชาติ มาถึงเมืองคานาซาวา จะไม่มาที่นี่ได้อย่างไร KENROKUEN GARDEN เป็นแลนด์มาร์คอีกสถานที่ของเมืองคานาซาวา สายธรรมชาติที่ต้องการมาสัมผัสบรรยากาศ และชมความงามของใบไม้เปลี่ยนสีที่กำลังเปลี่ยนสพรั้ง บอกเลยว่าสวยมากกกกกก อยากให้ทุกคนได้มา บอกเลยพอเดินเข้าเท่านั้นแหละความตื่นเต้นก็เกิดขึ้น เอ้ยยยย!! มีภาษาไทยด้วยนะ! 😂😂😂😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 เป็นการ Surprise มากๆ น้อยครั้งที่จะเห็นและเจอคู่มือการแนะนำเป็นภาษาไทยให้กับคนไทยที่มาเยือน แสดงว่าคนไทยมาเที่ยวที่นี่ค่อนข้างเยอะเลยนะ ถึงขั้นมีภาษาไทยเลย ว้าวววววว 🥰 ใครมานะบอกเลว่าต้องอินและฟินสุดๆวิวสวยมากๆ บรรยากาศดีสุดๆ ใครมาแนะนำให้มาสัมผัสด้วยตัวเองครับ รักในคู่มือภาษาไทย ฮ่าๆๆๆ 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 แต่ทว่า คนญี่ปุ่นให้ความสำคัญกับคนไทยอยู่มากเลยนะที่มีคู่มือ ภาษาไทย รักเลย❤️

Kanazawa Castle Park

Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0937, Japan Getting there: You can take a bus and get off at Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, and have a short walk to the castle park. Highlights: Kanazawa Castle Park is a large park in the center of Kanazawa and is accessible from many different sides of entrance. Many features of the castle have been destroyed over its long history. Two of its longest lasting features are the Ishikawa-mon Gate, which was rebuilt in 1788, and the Sanjikken Nagaya which was rebuilt in 1858. Both of them have been designated as important cultural assets. If you visit the garden after sunset, you can enjoy a captivating lights show. Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily. Admission fee: Free! 🥰 #asiatrip #gooutside #traveljapan

The Famous Omicho Market

Address:50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0905, Japan Getting there: You can take a bus and get off at Musashigatsuji bus stop. The market is just opposite to the station. Highlights: The Omicho market is the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa's. While most shops specialize in the excellent local seafood and produce, you can also find flowers, clothing, kitchen tools and more on sale. The market has a very cheerful atmosphere and is a great place to explore Kanazawa’s food and drink culture. In addition to seafood, Kanazawa is known for its sweet rice which is nourished by frequent rainfall and natural mineral waters. You definitely will not want to miss this place if you are visiting Kanazawa! 🤩 Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily. #asiatrip #traveljapan #culturewalk #foodtrip

Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall

Address: 2 Chome-2-45 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0865, Japan Getting there: Take the bus from JR Kanazawa Station to the Korinbo stop, and then walk for 5 minutes. Highlights: The Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall is also known as Shinise Kinenkan Museum. Once a prominent pharmacy, it now is a museum that also shows local Kanazawa crafts. The city of Kanazawa has preserved the culturally valuable exterior of the building, while also refurbishing the mise-no-ma (storefront), thus restoring the appearance of a feudal period pharmacy. The museum opened on April 1st,1988 as a facility to showcase the traditional culture of Kanazawa's townspeople. Opening hours: 9.30am to 5pm daily. Admission fee: 100yen #asiatrip #traveljapan #culturewalk

Seisonkaku Villa

Address: 1-2 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan Getting there: Take a bus and stop at the Kenrokuen bus stop. The Seisonkaku Villa is located directly adjacent to Kenrokuen on the opposite side of the garden's main entrance. Highlights: The Seisonkaku Villa was built in the last years of the Edo Period by a Maeda lord for his mother. It is one of the most elegant, remaining samurai villas in Japan. One of the highlights of this house is the long covered deck that runs along the garden. The deck is unusual because the roof has no supporting pillars. It was specially made this way so that the whole garden could be enjoyed without any pillars getting in the way of the view. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily, closed on Wednesday. Admission fee: 700yen #asiatrip #traveljapan #amazing #gooutside

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509, Japan Getting there: Take a bus to Hirosaka bus stop, from there it is just a few steps to the museum. Highlights: The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world, and is among Japan's most popular art museums. What I like the most of this museum is its unique architecture. The museum is comprised of a circular building, with no facade or main entrance. It was designed without a front or back to discourage its patrons from approaching the museum, and consequently its art, from only one direction. 😆 Opening hours: 9am to 10pm daily, closed on Monday. Admission fee: 1200yen #asiatrip #japantravel #unique Architecture

Kaikaro Teahouse

Address: 1 Chome-14-8 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0831, Japan Getting there: You can take the Kanazawa Loop Bus to the Hashibacho bus stop. From there, the Higashi Chaya-gai area is a 5 minute walk. Highlights: The Kaikaro is one of the biggest Chaya building in the Higashi Chaya District. There are various interesting experience and entertainment you can enjoy here. This teahouse is still operating with Geisha performances in the evening and tea served during the day. All the rooms are decorated in a very traditional Japanese styled. There beautiful hanging scrolls on display and dramatic ink paintings on sliding doors. Some tatami matted rooms also have some specail red checkerboard patterns. Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily. Admission fee: 750yen, including tea service🍵 #asiatrip #japantravel #culturewalk

D.T. Suzuki Museum

Address: 3 Chome-4-20 Hondamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan Getting there: You can take a bus and stop at Hondamachi bus stop. From there you only need to walk about five minutes to reach the museum. Highlights: The D. T. Suzuki Museum is one of the museum that give me the most vivid and memorable impressions.The museum commemorate the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro, a prominent Buddhist philosopher. 😃 The D.T. Suzuki Museum is a simple yet elegant building—designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi—coated with a neutral greyscale color scheme that enhances the vibrancy of the surrounding greenery. Another feature of the museum is the Contemplative Space, consisting of a large room with openings on all four sides, which extends out into the Water Mirror Garden. 😌 Opening hours: 9.30am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 310yen per person. #asiatrip #japantravel #culturewalk

Kenrokuen Garden

Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan Getting there: Kenrokuen is a stop along the tourist-oriented Kanazawa Loop Bus which departs from the station's east exit. Highlights: The Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries. I really enjoy walking in the garden, enjoying the beautiful landscape. I went during Spring season hence able to witness the cherry blossom. 🥰Alternatively you may visit during Autumn season to enjoy the fall colour. 🤩 Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 320yen per person #asiatrip #japan #awesomepic #couplestrip

Kanazawa Station

Built in 1898, the Kanazawa Station received underwent a major refurbishment in 2005, featuring a unique glass-and-steel dome and a giant wooden gate resembling a torii, a gate found at Japanese shrines. #kanazawastation #japan

Kanazawa station

Getting There - Attractions - Kanazawa castle Hotels - Matan Kanazawa eki Mae Food & Restaurants - Kanazawa curry Shopping -Kanazawa eki

"Menya Shota" in Kanazawa

For today's lunch ramen, I went to "Menya Shota" in Kanazawa Ward with my parents and younger brother as I did the other day. Originally a Yokoyokoya. Of course I had the full amount because I invited him the other day and today (laughs) And I forgot to take ramen for the first time when I went to eat ramen (laughs) This green onion bowl was ordered by his younger brother. This time I ordered Iwanori and Ajitama for ramen. First of all, soup. The soup sold in the Hagama pot is mellow, rich and delicious. The noodles are thick and short, and you can feel the texture. This is also delicious and entwined with the soup. If you want to eat delicious tonkotsu ramen in Kanazawa Ward, please go there. Iwanori toppings are rare except in Ota Ward, so it is recommended. Personal evaluation ★★★ ☆☆

Kanazawa offers impressive cultural and historical marks. made even brighter with snow and crisp breeze from the coast. kanazawa is famous for freash seafood being near the sea, also for gold covered soft serve! yum! nearest airport from there is toyama airport or you can fly to nagoya and take a bus. shinkansen is also an option. #wintergetaway #kanazawa #aichi #japan #wintergetaway

Kanazawa food collection 1.[Foil one] Address: Ishikawa, Kimura-shi, Higashi-cho, 2-10 Business hours: 9

Speaking of Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, some people feel that the ritual feeling is too strong. Some people think it is too dull. If you have the opportunity to come to Kanazawa, you may wish to taste it in the money house and join the innovative Kaiseki cuisine. This Michelin two-star Kaiseki restaurant in Kanazawa, the name of the store is from the Qianwu Wubingwei, which is a well-known wealthy merchant in the maritime industry at the end of the local Edo period. The current second-generation shop owner once worked in Jishan, Jishan, Kyoto. After returning to Kanazawa, he and his brothers continued to inherit the family business. Every morning, the chef will pick it up at the market and decide the menu for the day based on the ingredients of the day. There are both traditions and a few original dishes, so don't miss them. Note that the restaurant only accepts customers above the age of middle school students. Good news, it is said that the Qianwu branch will open in Shanghai next year. Address Katamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 2-29-7

A walk in the rain at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa...

After leaving Kanazawa Castle, I crossed the road to Kenrokuen Garden. It was still raining, so I entered through Katsurazaka Gate and wandered around Kenrokuen Garden with an umbrella... I unknowingly arrived at Kodatsuno Gate. 🎈Kenrokuen Garden is located next to Kanazawa Castle. It was built by Maeda Toshitsune, the lord of the Kaga Domain, in the mid-17th century. The name comes from "Luoyang Mingyuan Ji" by Li Gefei of the Song Dynasty, reflecting the combination of Chinese and Japanese garden art. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan due to its grand scale and exquisite design... 📝Tips: The combined ticket for Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden is JPY 500.

Higashi Chaya District - Kanazawa's ancient town.

In the morning, I went to Higashi Chaya District, an ancient town, by bus from Kanazawa Station, and planned to walk back to the hotel before 12:00... There weren't many people in the ancient town. I bought some "red bean buns" that tasted good. The scenery by the river was nice. 😄...