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
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
One of Japan three great gardens.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Beautiful in snow and autumn
- Allow 1.5 hours
📷 Photos
- 2
Reconstructed castle with white-walled turrets.
3 tips
- Free park access
- Tour the Gojikken Nagaya
- Allow 1 hour
📷 Photos
- 3
Circular glass museum with free public spaces.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- See the Swimming Pool artwork
- Free areas
📷 Photos
- 4
Lively seafood and produce market.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Eat a seafood bowl
- Closed Sundays at some stalls
📷 Photos
- 5
Preserved geisha teahouse district.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Try gold leaf ice cream
- Visit a teahouse
📷 Photos
- 6
Samurai residence lanes with earthen walls.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Walk the canal
- Visit Nomura House
📷 Photos
- 7
Restored samurai home with an acclaimed garden.
3 tips
- Enjoy matcha with garden view
- Allow 45 minutes
- Shoes off
📷 Photos
- 8
Riverside teahouse quarter with willow trees.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Stroll in the evening
- Quieter than Higashi
- Good for photos
📷 Photos
- 9
Shrine with a Dutch-style stained-glass gate.
3 tips
- See the gate at dusk
- Free entry
- Allow 30 minutes
📷 Photos
- 10
Edo temple with hidden stairs and traps.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Book a guided tour
- Allow 1 hour
📷 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