20 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kanazawa! Exploring the Traditions of Kaga Hyakumangoku

Kanazawa City is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and the largest city in the Hokuriku region. It developed as the center of the Kaga Hyakumangoku domain during the Edo period and is often referred to as the "Kyoto of Hokuriku" due to its beautifully preserved historical townscapes. The city is home to famous sites like Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, the Higashi Chaya District popular with foreign tourists, and Nagamachi, which still exudes the atmosphere of a samurai district. With many traditional and culturally significant attractions, Kanazawa is a treasure trove of Japanese heritage.

With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which now allows access from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours, Kanazawa has gained even more attention as one of Japan's top tourist destinations. This article introduces 20 must-see spots in Kanazawa, ranging from iconic locations to hidden gems, as well as historical landmarks and new attractions.

1. Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito. It began when Maeda Tsunanori, the 4th lord of the Kaga Domain, built a villa in 1676, and it was completed as a large feudal lord’s garden in 1822. The name "Kenrokuen" was devised by the Edo-period statesman Matsudaira Sadanobu and means a garden that combines six sublime features: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water sources, and scenic views.

One of the most famous sights in Kenrokuen is the Kotojitoro, a stone lantern standing on two thin legs by the shore of Kasumigaike Pond. The iconic view of this lantern is familiar to many Japanese. Kenrokuen is also known for having Japan's oldest fountain, which works solely using the natural pressure from the pond's water level difference.

In winter, the garden's pine trees are fitted with yukitsuri ropes, creating one of Kenrokuen’s signature winter scenes. The snow-covered landscape offers a different kind of beauty compared to the lush greens of summer or the vibrant colors of autumn. Seasonal light-up events during spring, summer, autumn, and winter offer magical views of the garden in every season.

2. Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is another must-see tourist attraction that stands alongside Kenrokuen. Especially iconic is the Ishikawa Gate, which faces Kenrokuen and serves as a symbol of Kaga Hyakumangoku.

Passing through the Ishikawa Gate, you will enter the vast grounds of the Sannomaru and Ninomaru enclosures, where the restored Hishi Yagura turret, Hashizume Gate, and Hashizume Gate Tsuji Yagura turret tower impressively stand. Although the castle lacks a central keep, the many stone walls and structures throughout the grounds make it a captivating sightseeing destination.

In recent years, Gyokusen'inmaru, located at the western foot of Ninomaru, has garnered attention. This area features a beautifully restored pond garden, and the view of the castle's high stone walls beyond the greenery is refreshing. Don't miss the "Shikishi Tanzaku-tsumi Stone Walls" in Gyokusen'inmaru, which were built by the lord for his own enjoyment. The colorful mosaic of stones and the small waterfall flowing between them create a work of art out of the stone walls.

3. Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya District is a popular sightseeing area in Kanazawa, located north of Kanazawa Castle, across the Asano River. It was a chaya (teahouse) district authorized by the domain during the Edo period, and around 100 traditional buildings still remain.

The most famous is "Shima," a chaya designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Many other traditional chaya-style houses are now used as restaurants and souvenir shops.

One highly recommended activity in Higashi Chaya District is renting a kimono to enjoy sightseeing in traditional Japanese attire. You can also try various experiences unique to this historical district, such as gold leaf crafting, geisha experiences, and tea ceremony experiences. Every corner of the district offers picturesque views, so take your time exploring it.

4. Kazue-machi Chaya District

On the opposite side of the Asano River from Higashi Chaya District is the Kazue-machi Chaya District, an area that retains the charm of a traditional teahouse street. Along the riverbank, you’ll find rows of houses with “kimushiko” lattice windows, creating a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere that is less commercialized than Higashi Chaya District, making it all the more alluring for travelers.

On the castle side of the district are narrow alleyways like "Kuragari-zaka" and "Akari-zaka," where, in the past, wealthy patrons used to visit discreetly. Even today, Kazue-machi is home to many traditional restaurants, and the sounds of shamisen, a traditional musical instrument played by geishas, can still be heard faintly from the teahouses.

5. Nomura Family Samurai Residence

The Nagamachi district, located between Kanazawa Castle and the Sai River, is home to numerous residences of middle- and upper-class samurai from the Kaga Domain. The narrow, stone-paved streets lined with mud-walled houses were designed to make it difficult for enemy soldiers to invade during wartime.

Among these residences, the Nomura Family Samurai Residence, which is open to the public, offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of high-ranking retainers of Kaga Hyakumangoku. A beautiful pond filled with koi fish lies just beyond the porch, and on the second floor, there is a tearoom with a traditional oribe-doko alcove. The Nomura family, with a rice stipend of 1,000 koku, had a residence with a special room used only when entertaining the feudal lord.

6. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, often called "21st Century Art Museum," is one of Kanazawa's most iconic modern art attractions. The famous pool installation, which allows visitors to look up from below, has been featured in magazines and on TV, making it a well-known site.

The museum building, created by the globally recognized Japanese architectural duo SANAA, is located in the center of a grassy area and has both ground and underground floors. With its circular glass structure, the building connects the interior and exterior seamlessly, allowing entry from any direction. Art lovers will appreciate not only the exhibits inside but also the architectural beauty of the museum itself.

The museum's calm atmosphere is another reason for its popularity. Each exhibit room is separated by white walls, allowing visitors to explore in any order they prefer. The lineup of exhibits is constantly updated to keep things fresh and engaging. Reading the explanations of the artworks will enhance your appreciation of them. Plus, the large free-to-enter space is a great bonus.

Inside the museum, there's a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or dessert, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs or memorable items from your visit. Outside, there are several sculptures within the museum grounds, making it an enjoyable spot even for families. The transparent elevator leading to the underground parking area also offers a unique experience. Frequent special exhibitions make this a must-visit destination for people of all ages. If you're in Kanazawa, the 21st Century Museum is a highly recommended stop.

7. Kanazawa Station

With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Kanazawa Station was renovated and has become a popular gateway for tourists. The most striking feature is the Tsuzumi Gate, a large wooden structure in front of the station, designed to resemble the drums used in Noh performances, a traditional art form that flourished in Kanazawa.

Additionally, the massive "Omotenashi Dome," made of glass and steel, warmly welcomes travelers as they take their first steps into Kanazawa. Inside the station's "Kanazawa Hyakubangai" shopping mall, you’ll find an extensive selection of Ishikawa souvenirs and station bento boxes, making it practical and convenient for all visitors. Even if you're not using the train, the new Kanazawa Station, which has been selected as one of the "World’s Most Beautiful Stations" by an American travel magazine, is worth a visit.

8. Omicho Market

Located between Kanazawa Station and the Korinbo shopping area, Omicho Market is known as Kanazawa’s kitchen! It’s a bustling marketplace where vendors sell Kaga vegetables, seasonal seafood, and other local specialties. Both locals and tourists come here to buy ingredients, with many visitors also picking up food souvenirs to take home.

From winter to spring, you'll find an abundance of Kanou crabs (male snow crabs) and Kobako crabs (female snow crabs), which are truly a sight to behold! If you’re a fan of crab, this market is a dream come true. Even outside of crab season, there are always plenty of fresh seasonal delicacies to enjoy.

9. Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

One of Kanazawa's renowned traditional crafts is gold leaf, and the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, located near the entrance to Higashi Chaya District, is the only public museum in Japan dedicated to gold leaf.

The museum features permanent exhibitions on the history of gold leaf and the manufacturing process, as well as rotating exhibitions of gold leaf craftworks. Not only the exhibits, but even the chairs, tables, and walls are covered in gold, offering a luxurious experience.

10. Nagamachi Yuzenkan

When you think of traditional crafts from Ishikawa Prefecture, many will immediately think of Kaga Yuzen, a famous dyeing technique perfected by Miyazaki Yuzensai, the founder of Kyo Yuzen. Kaga Yuzen is known for its bold natural depictions that captivate viewers.

Kanazawa, the heart of Kaga Yuzen, still has many dyeing houses that practice this craft. One of these, Chiko, a dyeing house founded in the Edo Bunsei period, runs the Kaga Yuzen studio with the facility Nagamachi Yuzenkan, where tourists can easily experience the world of Yuzen.

Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the history and techniques of Kaga Yuzen, and view numerous real Yuzen works. Each one is stunningly beautiful and sure to leave you in awe. One of the main attractions of Nagamachi Yuzenkan is that you can not only try on Yuzen garments but also participate in a coloring workshop! This hands-on experience of traditional hand-painted dyeing is rare throughout Japan.

11. Ohi Museum

The Ohi Museum is run by the Ohi pottery family, known for producing tea utensils in the raku-yaki style. Ohi pottery began when one of the disciples of Raku, a renowned tea ceremony pottery style, was invited by the Kaga Domain in the early Edo period to set up a kiln in Ohi Village (now part of Kanazawa). Ohi ware features freehand shapes created using the same hand-molding technique as Raku and is known for its amber-colored glaze. It is popular not only in the world of tea ceremonies but also throughout Japan.

Inside the museum, visitors can view Ohi ware pieces from the first generation Ohi Chozaemon to modern works. You can even purchase items at the adjoining Ohi Gallery. There, you can choose from a selection of historical Ohi tea bowls to enjoy matcha tea. The building, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, blends tradition with modernity, creating a unique atmosphere typical of Kanazawa.

12. Kanazawa Confectionery Wood Mold Museum

Kanazawa is famous for its delicious traditional sweets, including Choseiden, a top-quality rakugan (a type of pressed candy), which is one of Japan’s three most renowned confections, originating from the Edo period. At the main store of Morihachi, the shop behind Choseiden, you’ll find a rare museum dedicated to traditional confectionery wooden molds.

The sight of over a thousand wooden molds displayed on the black walls creates a stunning visual effect worthy of the name "museum"! Each mold is intricately crafted, making it hard to resist taking photos. Morihachi also offers a hands-on rakugan making experience, available by reservation.

13. Ninjadera (Myoryuji Temple)

Myoryuji Temple, located southwest of Kanazawa Castle, across the Sai River, is commonly referred to as Ninjadera (Ninja Temple). While the exterior appears ordinary, the interior is filled with hidden staircases, secret rooms, trapdoors, and watchtowers, resembling a ninja mansion! This is because the temple was built by Maeda Toshitsune, the 3rd lord of the Kaga Domain, as a defensive outpost for Kanazawa Castle.

In Edo-period castle towns, it was common to build clusters of temples as part of the defense strategy, but few temples were fortified as thoroughly as Myoryuji. Tours of the temple are by reservation, and photography inside is prohibited. To preserve the building, backpacks are also not allowed. Recently, the temple has become a popular hidden gem among foreign tourists visiting Kanazawa.

14. Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine, located west of Gyokusen'inmaru Garden, was founded in the early Meiji period and enshrines Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain. The most notable feature of this shrine is its unique main gate, which looks nothing like a typical shrine gate! The structure has a Chinese-style design, with colorful glass windows reminiscent of stained glass, creating a blend of both Chinese and Western influences.

The gate was designed by local master builder Kichinosuke Tsuda, who was sent to the Tomioka Silk Mill (now a World Heritage Site) and later constructed a similar silk mill in Kanazawa. The shrine grounds also feature the East Shrine Gate, which originally stood in the Ninomaru of Kanazawa Castle, as well as the Shinen garden, which has been designated as a scenic spot by the prefecture. Being close to the bustling Korinbo shopping area, Oyama Shrine is an easy stop for those shopping or dining nearby.

15. Hajikami Shrine

Located in the northeastern suburbs of Kanazawa City, Hajikami Shrine is a unique place in Japan dedicated to the god of spices. If the word "hajikami" makes you think of the ginger served with grilled fish, you are absolutely correct! This shrine enshrines the deity of spices, the only one of its kind in Japan.

Today, "hajikami" mainly refers to pickled young ginger, but the name of the shrine originates from "hajikami," which broadly refers to spicy herbs like ginger, Japanese pepper (sansho), and wasabi. During the annual "Hajikami Festival" on June 15, people from all over Japan who are involved in the spice industry offer not only ginger but also items like curry, ginger ale, and even cosmetics.

At Hajikami Shrine, visitors can receive a special charm for improving their cooking skills called "Ryori Jotatsu Mamori." If you’re looking to enhance your culinary talents, be sure to visit this unique shrine during your Kanazawa trip.

16. Utatsuyama

Utatsuyama, located behind Higashi Chaya District, is home to many temples and shrines built at its base due to its location as the northeastern guardian (kimon) of Kanazawa Castle. Today, the entire mountain has been transformed into a lush green park, providing a relaxing space for residents.

The highlight of Utatsuyama is the panoramic view it offers of Kanazawa City! From the Bokkodai viewpoint in the center of Utatsuyama Park, you can see toward Kanazawa Station, while from the Utatsuyama Observation Deck to the south, you can take in views of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. Both locations are particularly stunning at night, making Utatsuyama a perfect date spot! Beyond the city, you can also catch a glimpse of the Sea of Japan, creating a romantic atmosphere.

17. Kanazawa Citizen's Art Village

Situated along the banks of the Sai River, the Kanazawa Citizen's Art Village is a center for the arts housed in a renovated old spinning mill. The red brick factory building, with its flowing water beside it, is a work of art in itself.

Inside, there are various booths for different artistic activities, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon an interesting event. In front of the building, there’s a large grassy area where families with young children often gather on weekends.

This spot also offers a beautiful night view, so if you’re traveling by car, don’t miss the chance to experience the atmosphere of the illuminated brick factory at night.

18. Yuwaku Onsen

Located in the tranquil mountains, Yuwaku Onsen is a historic hot spring that was said to have been discovered in the second year of the Yoro era (718 AD). Near the source of the Asano River, which flows north of Kanazawa Castle, this peaceful hot spring town is home to ryokan (traditional inns), hotels, and even day-use bath facilities.

When visiting Yuwaku Onsen, don’t miss the small thatched icehouse by Lake Gyokusen. This historic site was used in the Edo period to collect and store ice during winter until summer. Every year on June 30, there is a festival called "Himuro Biraki" to commemorate the opening of the icehouse. Nearby, you’ll also find spots like Kanazawa Yuwaku Edo Village and Kanazawa Yuwaku Yumeji Museum, making this an ideal destination for those wanting to stay in an onsen inn during their visit to Kanazawa.

19. SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya

Many people enjoy sampling local alcoholic beverages when they travel, and Kanazawa offers a variety of local sake that pairs perfectly with the region's cuisine. Fukumitsuya is one of Kanazawa's long-standing sake breweries, known for brands like "Kagatobi" and "Fukumasa." Founded in 1625, this historic brewery became renowned in the 21st century for exclusively producing junmai sake (pure rice sake) across all its labels.

At Fukumitsuya’s direct retail store, SAKE SHOP, you can purchase all of their junmai sake brands, as well as stylish sake vessels and locally made snacks. They also sell skincare products, such as lotions, emulsions, and serums, made from fermented rice water, making it a popular spot for women. Additionally, sake brewery tours are available by reservation, and if you visit during the brewing season, you can even taste freshly pressed sake right on the spot.

20. Ishikawa Four High Memorial Cultural Exchange Center

The Ishikawa Four High Memorial Cultural Exchange Center is housed in the former buildings of the Fourth Higher School, which was equivalent to today’s universities. This stately brick building, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, stands out prominently in the center of Kanazawa.

Inside, the building is divided into two sections: the free-to-enter Memorial Museum and the paid Modern Literature Museum. The Memorial Museum recreates classrooms with desks and chairs from that era and has a hands-on experience room surrounded by retro props. The Modern Literature Museum, on the other hand, focuses on the works and personal items of writers associated with Ishikawa, such as the three literary masters from Kanazawa—Kyoka Izumi, Tokuda Shusei, and Murou Saisei.

Behind the building is the Ishikawa Four High Memorial Park, a spacious area that serves as a relaxation spot for the people of Kanazawa. Since it’s located right next to the shopping area of Korinbo, it’s a great place to stop by after some shopping or lunch.

◎ Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Kanazawa

In Kanazawa, the Hyakumangoku Sweets Craftsmanship Exhibition is held in May, while the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival is held in June, attracting many tourists every year. Visitors also flock to the city during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, as well as in winter, when scenic spots like Kenrokuen with its yukizuri ropes and the snow-covered Higashi Chaya District are especially beautiful. And of course, no winter trip to Kanazawa would be complete without tasting its famous crab. No matter the season, Kanazawa, the ancient city of Hokuriku, is worth visiting by plane or bullet train