It's no wonder that tourists flock to Kanazawa, as it is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.
One of the most famous sights in Kanazawa is the Kenroku-en Garden. As the historic pleasure garden of the Maeda Lords, the place represents one of the peaks of Japanese strolling garden design. There are a number of beautiful streams and ponds as well as the Seisonkaku Villa, which, though only part remains, stands as an example of daimyo palace architecture. The Kanazawa Castle Site is another important location. Now a public space with a number of traditional buildings (dating back over 400 years), the site has been under reconstruction. It is located near the Nagamachi Samurai District (more on that under Neighborhoods).
Temples and shrines are also abundant throughout the city. The Ninja Temple, for example, is named so for its impressive array of defensive features like hidden tunnels, secret rooms, traps, and a labyrinth of corridors and staircases. Oyama Shrine is another important site, dedicated to the former local lord Maeda Toshiie. It is known for its unique gate with stained-glass windows that fuse elements of eastern and western cultures.
Kanazawa is a place to get lost in history and culture. Once you've explored the historic sites, gardens, temples and markets, there is yet more to be seen in the city's museums. If you want to take a step back into the modern world, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. One of Japan's most popular art museums, it exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is another popular attraction, commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro, a prominent Buddhist philosopher. Other museums include Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, Morihachi Sweets Shop and Wooden Mold museum, and the Kanazawa Museum of Modern Literature.
Beyond all this, Kanazawa also holds annual festivals and events, like fireworks in the summer by the river bank. Others include the Asanogawa Riverside Garden Party amongst the cherry blossoms of April, as well as the Hyakuman-goku Festival held in the first weekend of June. The city's largest festival, it celebrates the entry of Lord Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa Castle in 1583 and the following 3 centuries of prosperity. Festivities include a Saturday parade, folk dancing competition, public tea ceremony, and a children's lantern parade.
Museums and Attractions:
Kanazawa is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kanazawa. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa) for $172 details
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour for $55 details
- Private Tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa (Half Day) for $230 details