10 Things To Do in Kanazawa: Top Must-See Attractions

Located in the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa beckons travelers with its blend of historical charm and modern delights. Whether you're captivated by meticulously landscaped gardens or eager to savor exquisite local cuisine, Kanazawa promises an unforgettable journey through Japan's cultural treasures. 

Often overshadowed by more famous destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo, Kanazawa offers a unique, intimate glimpse into Japan's rich history and vibrant present. From ancient samurai districts to modern art museums, this city has everything the eager traveler could possibly want.

Kanazawa is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Shinkansen bullet train. Hop aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, and in just over two and a half hours, you'll find yourself immersed in Kanazawa's rich heritage. The ride itself is a treat, offering views of Japan's picturesque countryside, including glimpses of the majestic Japanese Alps. For those who prefer flying, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has frequent flights to Komatsu Airport, which is a short bus ride away from Kanazawa. The flight only takes one hour, making it a quick and easy trip.

Travelers coming from Kyoto or Osaka can also enjoy a swift journey to Kanazawa via the Thunderbird limited express train. The journey from Kyoto takes about two hours and 20 minutes, while from Osaka, it's around two hours and 45 minutes. The train rides are comfortable, with spacious seating and large windows that offer scenic views along the way.

Just a three-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, Takasakiya offers a delightful sushi kaiseki experience, perfect for immersing yourself in the seasonal flavors of Hokuriku. Enjoy expertly crafted dishes that highlight the region's finest ingredients, beautifully presented to reflect the changing seasons. Indulge in specialties like the rich and tender kanou-gani (male snow crab), available as sashimi, charcoal-grilled, or boiled during the winter months.

Find out more: 10 of Kanazawa’s Best Restaurants: Exquisite Seaside Cuisine

Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, is an excellent place to begin your Kanazawa adventure. Spanning 11.4 hectares and located near Kanazawa Castle, it offers tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views. Managed by the Maeda family during feudal times, the garden features the Kasumigaike pond with Horai Island, symbolizing eternal prosperity. 

Seasonal highlights include plum and cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant azaleas and irises in summer and colorful foliage in the fall. In winter, admire the snow-covered landscape enhanced by the traditional yukitsuri technique protecting the pine trees.

Tucked away inside the historic Gyokusen-en Garden, Kanazawa Gyokusentei is a 200-year-old former samurai residence linked to the Kaga Clan, offering a unique dining experience. The restaurant blends traditional architecture with stunning garden views, featuring dishes that celebrate Kanazawa's local produce from both land and sea. The multi-course meals highlight the flavors and textures of the region, with dishes beautifully presented to reflect the changing seasons. From fresh sashimi to delicate tempura, dining at Kanazawa Gyokusentei is a sensory delight.

Adjacent to Kenrokuen, explore the historic Kanazawa Castle Park, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and a glimpse into Kanazawa's feudal past. The castle, originally built in the late 1500s, has been partially reconstructed, showcasing impressive architecture and defense mechanisms from the period. A pedestrian bridge across the street, reminiscent of crossing a historic moat, connects the castle to Kenrokuen. Kanazawa Castle boasts the largest variety of stone walls in Japan, rebuilt over time as techniques advanced. Stroll through the expansive grounds, featuring reconstructed gates, turrets and beautifully landscaped gardens.

For a sensory feast, wander through Omicho Market, Kanazawa's bustling food hub that has been operating for over 300 years. This sprawling market features more than 170 stores, including numerous fishmongers selling freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. You'll also find unique local fruits and vegetables, marine products, clothing and several restaurants. Don't miss Sake no Ohzawa, the market’s only sake shop, offering around 500 varieties of regional sake from Ishikawa, Fukui and Toyama. 

Step back in time in the Higashi-Chaya District, one of Kanazawa's largest geisha districts. Wander the narrow, winding streets lined with beautifully preserved wooden teahouses, known as chaya, where geishas have entertained since the Edo Period (1603–1868). 

These geisha houses, distinct with intricate lattice work called kimusuko on the first floor and traditional Japanese guestrooms above, stand out as cultural assets, a designation shared only with Kyoto's Gion and Kanazawa's Kazue-machi. Today, many of these historic buildings have been transformed into cafes, shops and museums, offering visitors a rich taste of cultural heritage. 

For a culinary highlight, visit Steak ROKKAKUDO, a renowned steakhouse that has become a staple among locals, attracting over 100,000 diners annually. The restaurant features a unique hexagonal counter and five iron plates where private chefs perform the art of teppanyaki. Experience the sizzle and aroma of top-quality wagyu beef, including the rare Noto wagyu, cooked on an 18-millimeter-thick iron plate that perfectly enhances the meat's natural flavors. 

After your meal, enjoy the view of the lush garden and Kanazawa's scenic beauty. Private rooms are available for special occasions, making it an ideal spot for an intimate dining experience.

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa showcases cutting-edge exhibitions and interactive installations that captivate visitors of all ages. Opened in 2004 with a mission to foster new culture and energize the city, the museum embraces an "open museum" philosophy, emphasizing transparency and sustainability as core elements. Its striking circular design and transparent walls form an inviting space, encouraging exploration and interaction. 

Highlights include Leandro Erlich’s "Swimming Pool" installation and James Turrell's immersive works, integral to the museum's structure, which leave lasting impressions on visitors. 

Reflect at the D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to Daisetz Suzuki, a Kanazawa native and one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist philosophers known for introducing Buddhist philosophy to the West. The museum's minimalist design, tranquil water features and serene gardens offer a perfect setting for contemplation and meditation, while exhibits throughout the museum provide a deep dive into Suzuki’s life, his teachings and their significant impact on Western understanding of Zen. This space not only showcases his work but also invites visitors to reflect on his profound insights.

Explore Nagamachi, the samurai district, where ancient samurai residences with well-preserved earthen walls provide a glimpse into Kanazawa's feudal past. Wander through narrow lanes flanked by traditional mud walls and visit the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, a restored samurai house that offers a peek into the lifestyle of the samurai class. The house’s beautiful garden and tea room are highlights not to be missed.

Continue your exploration at the Nishi-Chaya District, the second of Kanazawa's three traditional geisha districts, located just 500 meters from the Saigawa Ohashi Bridge in the central part of the city. This quieter, less touristy area offers an intimate experience, with charming streets lined with two-story wooden chaya houses where you might hear the haunting melody of a shamisen at twilight. For a deep dive into the local culture, visit the Kanazawa Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum, a replica chaya house showcasing a traditional guest room.

At Zeniya, located in this historic District, you won't find a fixed menu. Instead, the restaurant takes pride in highlighting the blessings of nature through constantly evolving dishes that focus on innovative tastes and textures. Every element, from cooking techniques to serving styles and vessels, is carefully selected to enchant and delight customers, making every visit uniquely memorable. 

Explore Tatemachi Street, one of Kanazawa’s oldest shopping districts, originally established in 1632 to serve the samurai's needs. Today, it retains its historical charm, enhanced by modern amenities such as tree-lined paths and benches, making it a delightful spot for leisurely strolls. The street boasts nearly 200 brands housed in three shopping centers and offers a variety of shops, including clothing, cosmetics, bookstores and jewelers. 

In central Kanazawa, coffee lovers can explore a vibrant cafe scene. Start at Boulangerie et Bistro Hirami Pan, set in a Taisho-era building, offering French bistro dishes in a cozy, vintage setting. Visit Higashide Coffee for home-roasted coffee and desserts in a retro-style cafe with wooden decor. Finish at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café, a Seattle-style spot with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Experience the elegance of geisha culture in Kanazawa, where the geisha are known as geiko. Their enchanting performances of traditional dance and music are a highlight in the city’s three teahouse districts: Higashi, Nishi and Kazuemachi. In these districts, about 40 geiko have preserved the traditional hospitality culture. 

Normally, teahouses in Kanazawa do not accept reservations from first-time customers, but the city has introduced a special experience plan to make these cultural treasures accessible to all. This plan allows visitors not only to watch geiko perform dances and play taiko drums but also offers opportunities to interact and perform with them. 

Plan your visit around one of Kanazawa's vibrant festivals, such as the Hyakumangoku Festival or the Kanazawa Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival. These events showcase the city’s rich cultural traditions and provide an opportunity to experience local customs, food and entertainment. The Hyakumangoku Festival, held in June, celebrates the arrival of Lord Maeda Toshiie in Kanazawa and features parades, performances and fireworks.

Unwind in Kanazawa’s Katamachi area, known for its friendly and cozy nightlife scene. This easily navigable part of the city offers a relaxed alternative to the frenetic nightlife of larger Japanese metropolises. Packed with bars and small restaurants, Katamachi invites you to enjoy an exquisite meal accompanied by an ice-cold mug of beer or a warm, aromatic cup of sake. Revel in the lively atmosphere, where laughter spills from izakayas and bars onto the neon-lit streets, creating an inviting environment for both locals and visitors to mingle and enjoy regional dishes like grilled skewers, tempura and sashimi.

Find out more: Kanazawa Nightlife Guide: Where to Go After Dark

Visit Kamon for a sophisticated drinking experience in a setting where Japanese tradition meets modern elegance. Known for its extensive selection of whiskeys, from staple to rare bottles and its ever-changing stock of Japanese whiskey and craft gin, Kamon offers something new with every visit. Don't miss their Kanazawa-inspired original cocktails, perfect for commemorating your tour. The bar’s atmosphere is enhanced by soft, indirect lighting, offering a variety of seating options from casual counter seats to relaxed table settings and private sofa rooms ideal for after-parties or business meetings.

If you’re looking to branch away from the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route, then a short trip to Kanazawa is an excellent option. Just one day is enough to experience and fall in love with the city’s historical charm. 

If you're short on time, prioritize Kenrokuen Gardens, Omicho Market and a stroll through the Higashi-Chaya District for a taste of Kanazawa's highlights. Start your day early at Kenrokuen, then head to Omicho Market for a fresh seafood lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the teahouses and shops of the Higashi-Chaya District. End your day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.

Extend your stay to include visits to the 21st Century Museum, Nagamachi and an evening enjoying Kanazawa's nightlife. On your second day, start with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, then explore the samurai district of Nagamachi. In the evening, head to the Nishi-Chaya District for a geisha performance, followed by drinks at a local izakaya.

For a comprehensive experience, venture beyond Kanazawa to nearby attractions like Toyama or the Noto Peninsula, known for its rugged coastline and traditional fishing villages. Spend your third day exploring these beautiful areas, where you can enjoy scenic views, fresh seafood, and unique cultural experiences.

Find out more: Explore Japan's West Coast: 3-Day Kanazawa Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Embark on a day trip to Toyama, conveniently located just a short train ride from Kanazawa. Explore the scenic beauty of Toyama, starting with a visit to the serene Toyama Castle, then wander through the contemporary exhibits at the Toyama Glass Art Museum. Finish your visit by indulging in local culinary delights, such as fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, capturing the essence of the region’s rich gastronomic culture.

Each establishment captures the essence of Toyama's culinary spirit, from traditional techniques to innovative approaches that celebrate the local catch and harvest.

• Gomongoku Honten delights diners with dishes that showcase local seafood, like the "buri" yellowtail in a milky shabu-shabu broth and Toyama-style himi udon.

• Fukuya serves a menu that bursts with the vivid flavors of fresh fish from Toyama Bay and passionately farmed organic vegetables, promising a fresh and delightful dining experience with each dish.

• Sushi Namba offers a serene setting where guests can enjoy skillfully prepared sushi and a variety of Japanese sake right at the counter or in a traditional Japanese room.

• Rakumi, set along the scenic Jinzu River, provides a luxurious Japanese dining experience with dishes that harmonize with the local landscape, focusing on seasonal ingredients.

• Trésonnier embraces the philosophy of 'Seasonal Treasures', serving exquisite French-inspired cuisine that highlights the best of what each season has to offer in Toyama.

• Takano specializes in lightly battered Kansai-style tempura fried in 100% safflower oil, paired with perfectly cooked Toyama rice, making every bite a delicacy.

Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or in the fall for fiery foliage, but Kanazawa's charm shines year-round. Each season offers its own unique beauty, from the snowy landscapes of winter to the lush greenery of summer. Check the local event calendar to make the most of your visit, as Kanazawa hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

From traditional ryokan to modern hotels, Kanazawa offers accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay in a historic inn or a convenient, budget-friendly hotel, you’ll find plenty of options. Some recommended choices include the elegant Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, the charming Ryokan Yamamuro and the stylish Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo.

Explore Kanazawa efficiently with the Kanazawa City One-Day Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel within the designated area on Hokutetsu and West Japan JR bus routes, including the Kanazawa Flat Bus and the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which tours major sightseeing spots. Purchase your pass at the Kanazawa Station Bus Terminal, the Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, or online.

For a deeper cultural immersion, consider the Kanazawa Cultural Facilities Passport. Available in 1-day, 3-day, or 1-year formats, this passport allows unlimited access to various museums and cultural sites during its validity period. It can be purchased at participating facility receptions or online. 

Additionally, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as many of Kanazawa’s attractions are best explored on foot. Lastly, consider learning a few basic Japanese phrases, as English may not be widely spoken in some areas.

Kanazawa is renowned for its historic gardens, samurai districts and traditional crafts such as gold leaf, pottery and lacquerware. The city’s well-preserved heritage sites and vibrant arts scene make it a cultural treasure trove. Visitors can explore ancient teahouses, samurai residences and beautiful temples, all while enjoying the unique local cuisine.

Kanazawa is especially famous for its seafood delights, often quoted as one of Japan’s top seafood destinations. 

Absolutely! Kanazawa blends history, culture and gastronomy into a captivating travel experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, indulging in gourmet meals, or simply soaking in the city’s charming atmosphere, Kanazawa has something for everyone. Its manageable size and welcoming vibe make it an ideal destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.

Indulge in sashimi and kaiseki multi-course dining at Kanazawa Gyokusentei, treat yourself to gold leaf ice cream and savor traditional wagashi sweets. Kanazawa’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary flavors. Be sure to try the local seafood, known for its exceptional freshness and quality, as well as other regional specialties like jibuni (duck stew) and Kaga cuisine, which features an array of beautifully presented dishes made with local ingredients.