Kanazawa
Save36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
One of Japan three great gardens.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Beautiful in snow and autumn
- Allow 1.5 hours
📷 Photos
- 2
Preserved geisha teahouse district.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Try gold leaf ice cream
- Visit a teahouse
📷 Photos
- 3
Wooden drum gate at the station entrance.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Photograph at night
- Free
- Next to Motenashi Dome
📷 Photos
- 4
Riverside teahouse quarter with willow trees.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Stroll in the evening
- Quieter than Higashi
- Good for photos
📷 Photos
- 5
Circular glass museum with free public spaces.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- See the Swimming Pool artwork
- Free areas
📷 Photos
- 6
Edo villa with gilded interiors near Kenroku-en.
3 tips
- Admire the rooms
- Allow 45 minutes
- Shoes off
📷 Photos
- 7
Gold leaf storehouse with a glittering room.
3 tips
- Photograph the golden room
- Small admission
- Near Higashi Chaya
📷 Photos
- 8
Historic gate of Kanazawa Castle.
3 tips
- Photograph the stonework
- Free
- Visit at dusk
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Kanazawa tips
Transportation
- Use loop buses: the Kanazawa Loop Bus circles the main sights, making it easy to get around.
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen: the bullet train connects Kanazawa with Tokyo comfortably.
- Rent a bike: the city is compact and bike friendly, with rental stations near the main sights.
Security
- Keep belongings with you: Kanazawa is very safe, but keep track of your things in busy spots.
- Watch for slippery paths: stone paths and gardens can be slippery in rain or snow.
- Prepare for earthquakes: know your hotel's evacuation route, as Japan is earthquake prone.
Saving
- Buy a bus day pass: a day pass for city buses saves money if you visit several sights.
- Eat at Omicho Market: the market offers fresh seafood rice bowls and snacks at good prices.
- Visit free sights: walking the Higashi Chaya district and the castle park costs nothing.
Weather/Clothing
- Bring rain gear: Kanazawa is known for frequent rain, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Pack warm clothes in winter: winters are cold and snowy, so bring warm layers and waterproof shoes.
- Dress light in summer: summers are hot and humid, so pack breathable clothes.
Cultural
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden: one of Japan's most celebrated gardens is beautiful in every season.
- Try gold leaf: Kanazawa produces most of Japan's gold leaf; try gold leaf ice cream or crafts.
- Respect teahouse etiquette: in the geisha districts, be polite and do not photograph geisha without permission.
Local Hacks
- Visit early: arrive at Kenrokuen early to enjoy it before the crowds.
- Explore the Nagamachi samurai district: the old samurai houses and canals are a quieter, atmospheric area.
- See the 21st Century Museum: the contemporary art museum has free areas and the famous swimming pool installation.
1-day itineraries in Kanazawa
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Kenroku-en and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops
- 1Kenroku-en
- 221st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- 3Kanazawa Castle Park
- 4Oyama Shrine
- 5Nomura-ke Samurai House
Day 2 of 2
Higashi Chaya District and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 6 stops
- 1Higashi Chaya District
- 2Hakuza Hikari-kura
- 3Kazuemachi Chaya District
- 4Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
- 5Omicho Market
- and 1 more