Kanazawa Travel Guide: Tourist Places & Activities
Located on the central Honshu island, this city is known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, and regional handicrafts. It's also home to Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
- Population
- 460,000
- Size
- 468 square km
- Airport
- Komatsu at 33 km – Int'l.
- Train Station
- Kanazawa Station
- Est. Visit Days
- 2 days
Overview
Kanazawa, a city on Japan's central Honshu island, is known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, and regional handicrafts. The city's Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan's most famous, and the Kanazawa Castle has been beautifully restored. Kanazawa also offers the Nagamachi samurai district and the Higashi Chaya geisha district, providing a glimpse into its historical past. However, the city can be quite rainy, which might affect outdoor activities. Additionally, while Kanazawa is less crowded than some other major tourist destinations in Japan, its popularity is increasing, which could lead to more crowds in the future.
Traffic & Transport
The city's compact size and well-organized public transportation system make it easy for tourists to navigate and explore. The most efficient way to get around is by using the local buses, which cover all major tourist attractions and are available at regular intervals. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, bicycles can be rented from various shops, offering a scenic and flexible way to see the city. Walking is also a great option, especially in the central areas, where many of the historic sites are clustered closely together. For those opting to use taxis, there are several reliable taxi companies operating in the city. Additionally, the use of taxi-booking apps like ** and ** provides a convenient way to hail a cab and navigate to specific destinations with ease.
History
Historically, the city was established in 1583 by the Maeda clan, who ruled the region for nearly 300 years. It became a major cultural and arts center, particularly known for its production of gold leaf, which is still a prominent industry today. The city was largely spared from air raids during World War II, preserving much of its historic architecture. It is renowned for Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most celebrated Japanese gardens, which dates back to the 17th century. The city's historic districts, such as Higashi Chaya, retain traditional wooden teahouses, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Itinerary Sample
Here's a 2-day itinerary to explore Kanazawa, focusing on major attractions and cultural sites:
– First day: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy lunch in the Higashi Chaya District.
– Second day: Explore the Omicho Market, visit the Kanazawa Noh Museum, and stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day trips within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Shirakawa-go at 75 km: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
– Noto Peninsula at 50 km: Scenic coastal area with beautiful landscapes and traditional fishing villages.
– Fukui Dinosaur Museum at 100 km: One of the best dinosaur museums in the world, great for families.
– Gokayama at 80 km: Another UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved historic villages.
– Eiheiji Temple at 90 km: A calm and historic Zen Buddhist temple complex in a forested area.
Attraction
Known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, traditional crafts, and beautiful gardens, this city offers a rich cultural experience.
– Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's top three gardens, known for its beauty in all seasons.
– Kanazawa Castle: A historic castle with impressive stone walls and restored buildings.
– Higashi Chaya District: A traditional entertainment district with preserved teahouses and shops.
– 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Features modern art exhibits in a unique circular building.
– Nagamachi Samurai District: Offers a glimpse into the lives of samurai with preserved residences and narrow lanes.
– Omicho Market: A charming market known for fresh seafood and local produce.
Activity
Kanazawa offers traditional crafts, gardens, and historic districts for a cultural and historical experience.
– Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's top three gardens, featuring ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.
– Higashi Chaya District: Preserved geisha district with teahouses and traditional architecture.
– Nagamachi Samurai District: Stroll through streets lined with samurai residences and historical sites.
– Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple): Explore a temple with hidden passages, trap doors, and secret rooms.
– Gold Leaf Workshop: Try your hand at applying gold leaf to various objects.
Cuisine
The city is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine, influenced by its coastal location and rich cultural heritage. Some of the city's most famous dishes include:
– Kaisen-don: A rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh sashimi.
– Jibuni: Duck or chicken stew with vegetables in a thick soy-based broth.
– Gold Leaf Ice Cream: Soft serve ice cream covered with edible gold leaf.
– Wagashi: Traditional Japanese sweets often enjoyed with tea.
– Nodoguro: Grilled blackthroat seaperch, a local delicacy.
– Oden: A hot pot dish with various ingredients simmered in a light, soy-flavored broth.
Shopping
One of the best shopping experiences in the city is exploring the shops in the Higashi Chaya District, where you can find traditional crafts and local specialties. A highly recommended gift to purchase is Kaga Yuzen silk, known for its intricate designs and pretty colors. Another unique gift option is Kanazawa gold leaf products, which range from cosmetics to beautifully adorned crafts. The Omicho Market is also a great spot to pick up fresh local seafood, perfect for food enthusiasts. For those interested in Japanese tea, purchasing locally produced tea is a thoughtful and authentic gift. Lastly, consider picking up some Kutani ware, a type of locally produced porcelain known for its elaborate and colorful designs.
Arts & Culture
The city is renowned for its traditional crafts and activities, including gold leaf craftsmanship, Kaga Yuzen silk painting, and Kutani pottery. It hosts the Kanazawa Film Festival annually, which showcases both international and Japanese films. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a major cultural attraction, known for its innovative architecture and diverse art exhibitions. Additionally, the city celebrates its heritage with the Hyakumangoku Festival, featuring parades, traditional dances, and tea ceremonies.