If you’re looking for a city with Kyoto’s charm but without the overtourism, Kanazawa is your answer. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, this samurai-era city has it all—stunning historical sites, incredible food, and some of the most unique cultural experiences in Japan. Whether you’re here for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, traditional crafts, or mouthwatering seafood, Kanazawa delivers an unforgettable experience.
And if you’re coming to Japan consider making a stop by Kyoto for our tours and photography sessions! Let us help you commemorate your journey with something that won’t take up room in your suitcase.
🌿 Kenrokuen Garden – A Masterpiece of Japanese Landscaping
One of Japan’s top three gardens, Kenrokuen is a must-see. The name translates to “Garden of Six Elements,” referring to a perfect balance of spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water features, and scenic views. The garden changes dramatically with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and snow-covered pines in winter.
A winter highlight is the Yukitsuri—ropes tied around pine trees to protect branches from heavy snowfall, creating an iconic, picture-perfect sight. Don’t forget to check out the Kotoji Lantern, a two-legged stone lantern standing over the pond, making it one of Kanazawa’s most photographed spots.
🍣 Omicho Market – The “Kitchen of Kanazawa”
This bustling market has been around for over 400 years, serving fresh seafood straight from the Sea of Japan. If you want to try Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), one of Japan’s most sought-after fish, this is the place to do it. But Omicho Market isn’t just about sashimi bowls—it offers an ever-changing selection of seasonal seafood specialties:
- Winter → Kanou (snow) crab and Kobako crab (Kanazawa’s most famous winter delicacies).
- Spring → Tara (cod), and hotaruika (firefly squid), a rare seasonal delicacy from Toyama Bay.
- Summer → Abalone and turban shells, often served grilled.
- Autumn → Fatty nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and sweet shrimp at their peak flavor.
If you’re more into street food, keep an eye out for:
- Grilled Oyster Skewers – Juicy, umami-packed oysters grilled to perfection.
- Fruit Daifuku – Fresh fruit wrapped in soft mochi, balancing sweetness and tartness.
- Gold Leaf Ice Cream – The ultimate Kanazawa treat, a soft-serve cone wrapped in a sheet of edible gold.
Restaurant Recommendations:
- Omicho Kaisendon-ya: Known for a wide variety of seafood bowls.
- Iki-ikitei: Famous for its grilled and raw seafood.
🎭 Higashi Chaya District – A Peek Into Kanazawa’s Geisha Culture
If you think Kyoto is the only place to experience traditional teahouses, think again. The Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa’s best-preserved Edo-era entertainment quarters, where geisha once performed for elite samurai and wealthy merchants.
Unlike Kyoto’s exclusive Gion district, Kanazawa’s tea houses are more accessible, and some even allow visitors to peek inside. One of the highlights is Shima Teahouse, a former geisha house turned museum, where you can see antique instruments, elaborate kimonos, and beautifully preserved tatami rooms.
Surviving World War II
But there’s another reason Higashi Chaya (and much of Kanazawa) still looks like it did in the Edo period—Kanazawa was spared from WWII bombings. Unlike Kyoto, which was spared for its historical significance, Kanazawa survived because it didn’t have major military bases. This means many of its original samurai districts and tea houses remain intact, giving visitors an authentic look at old Japan.
Traditional Crafts (and workshops)
Beyond history, this district is also a hub for Kanazawa’s famous traditional crafts:
- Kaga Yuzen (加賀友禅) – A hand-painted kimono dyeing technique known for its soft color gradations and intricate nature-inspired designs.
- Kanazawa Gold Leaf (金沢箔) – 99% of Japan’s gold leaf is produced here, used for temple decorations, crafts, and even edible gold-covered sweets.
Try your hand at this gold-leaf application workshop with Imai Kinpaku where you can customize tumblers, totes, and more.
- Ohi Ware (大樋焼) – Hand-molded tea bowls, crafted specifically for tea ceremonies, each unique and slightly asymmetrical.
While you’ll have to translate their webpage into English, Kanazawa Saryo allows visitors to mix their own colors and paint a Japanese tea cup. To finish off the workshop, they will serve you tea in your brand new cup.
- Maki-e (蒔絵) – A traditional technique where intricate gold and silver designs are sprinkled onto lacquerware surfaces.
Experience maki-e by painting your own lacquer tray with Nosaku.
- Mizuhiki (水引) – The ancient artform of knot-tying from washi paper.
Check out Hiraoka Yuinou-ho for a lesson in knot-tying! You can use your knots to make earrings, decorate cards, and more.
- Kosui-tsukuri (香水作り) – The art of perfume making.
Scent is a powerful way to trigger nostalgia so why not create your own perfume with UMIZUKI so you can be reminded of your trip with every wear?
Timeless Atmosphere
During your visit, why not take some beautiful photos to commemorate it? There are plenty of breathtaking spots away from the hustle-and-bustle of the streets.
One such area is Asanogawa Bridge where you can be surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring or fall leaves in autumn. Nearby along the river is also Kazue-machi Chaya District, known for its narrow alleys and traditional atmosphere. It’s a more tranquil district where you may even hear the sound of a shamisen playing—truly a magical experience.
👘 Akari Kimono Rental
If you want to add a little flair to your visit and enhance your photos, consider renting a kimono from Akari, a distinguished establishment with over 90 years of history, nestled within Kanazawa’s vibrant Omicho Market. Whether you’re exploring historic districts or attending a special event, Akari offers an extensive selection of kimonos, from casual wear to luxurious Kaga Yuzen pieces, ensuring a perfect fit for every occasion. With professional dressing services, convenient luggage storage, and optional hair styling, immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s rich culture with ease and style. Reservations can be made online, welcoming both locals and tourists to create unforgettable memories in traditional Japanese fashion.
You can find their website here (English available).
🌆 Katamachi & Korinbo – Kanazawa’s Shopping & Nightlife Scene
When the sun sets, Kanazawa’s energy shifts to Katamachi and Korinbo, the city’s main entertainment districts.
- Katamachi is the place to go for nightlife—packed with izakayas, whisky bars, and casual eateries serving Kanazawa’s famous GoGo Curry. You can also easily access Omicho Market and Oyama Shrine.
- Korinbo is a high-end shopping area with luxury boutiques, gourmet dining, and elegant cafés. It’s also within walking distance of many popular spots such as Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
⭐ Unique Kanazawa Spots to Check Out
🎨 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Kanazawa’s Most Instagrammable Spot
Unlike the city’s historical sites, this modern art museum offers a completely different experience. The building itself is a circular glass structure with no clear entrance, symbolizing openness and accessibility, allowing visitors to experience the museum in any way they see fit.
The most famous exhibit? The Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich. From above, it looks like an ordinary pool, but step inside the hidden space below, and you’ll feel like you’re standing underwater. It’s a surreal and mind-bending experience—perfect for an eye-catching photo. You do have to make reservations separate from your museum ticket in order to experience this exhibition however.
With a focus on visitor interaction, there are many other fascinating exhibitions to explore that will captivate your senses. Check out the Klandfeld Nr.3 für Alina, a collection of connected tubes, where you can communicate with others all across the museum lawn.
In addition to the permanent installations, there are also plenty of seasonal exhibitions and events held annually. And if you have children, consider going to one of their Kid’s Studio Programs where they hold workshops for both children and adults alike to express themselves through art.
Purchase tickets here.
🏯 Myoryuji Temple – More than Meets the Eye
While Kanazawa Castle has its own ingenious engineering and hidden defenses, Myoruji Temple, nicknamed “Ninja Temple,” boasts even more secrets.
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate had imposed building restrictions in an effort to weaken his feudal lords. This included the ban on military fortifications and buildings higher than three floors.
However, in 1643 the daimyo, lord, of Kanazawa Domain ordered a military outpost be built outside the castle. In order to circumvent the restrictions the architects disguised the structure as a temple.
From the outside it appears to be a simple two-story structure but once inside you’ll discover a maze of deception. The “temple” has four floors along with numerous hidden tunnels, rooms, traps, and a maze of stairways and corridors to get lost in.
Due to its nature as a labyrinth, Myoryuji Temple can only be visited by guided tour, which must be reserved over the phone. While the tour itself is offered only in Japanese, the reservation can be made in English and English information can be provided.
If you’re interested in unique architecture or Japan’s feudal-history, this is a must-visit site in Kanazawa.
🚆 Getting to Kanazawa
The Hokuriku Shinkansen makes Kanazawa more accessible than ever, connecting it to Tokyo in just 2.5 hours. The city’s compact layout also means you can explore most of the major sites on foot or with a short bus ride.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Kanazawa is the “Japan You’ve Dreamed Of”
Kanazawa blends history, culture, and modern experiences seamlessly. It offers everything you’d expect from Japan—samurai heritage, geisha districts, breathtaking gardens, and world-class food—without the overwhelming crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Kanazawa will leave you wondering why more people don’t have it on their itinerary.
If you would like more tips and travel guides for all things Japan consider checking out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
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