Should You Visit Kanazawa?

Is Kanazawa worth visiting?

We loved visiting Kanazawa and, yes, it's absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic museums & sights and spectacular food.

Kanazawa is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including The Rough Guide's Best Travel Destinations for 2023.

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and some people consider it a "Little Kyoto". The city has several traditional areas with preserved buildings. There are also museums and large markets to explore.

Kanazawa, Japan

5 Reasons to Visit Kanazawa

1. Museums & Sights

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.

2. Food

There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

3. Shopping

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.

4. Nightlife

The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

5. Historical Sights

It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Is Kanazawa worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Kanazawa is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The weather in Kanazawa is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the nightlife.

Summer Weather in Kanazawa

Is Kanazawa worth visiting in the Autumn?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (62°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Kanazawa, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to admire the historic sights and wander through the museums.

Autumn Weather in Kanazawa

Is Kanazawa worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Kanazawa. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Kanazawa can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.

Winter Weather in Kanazawa

Is Kanazawa worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Kanazawa. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to take advantage of the local nightlife.

Spring Weather in Kanazawa

Related

What is Kanazawa most famous for?

Kanazawa is most famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. People visit this impressive city for its great museums & sights, food, and shopping. It is also known for its great nightlife and historical sights. It is often described as historic, cultural, and well-preserved.

What is the most famous sight in Kanazawa?

The most popular sight in Kanazawa is Kenroku-en Garden. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kanazawa on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Kenroku-en Garden and other attractions here.

How touristy is Kanazawa? Is it a popular city to visit?

Kanazawa is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Kanazawa Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $158
• Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $164
• Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
• Private Tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa (Half Day): $244
• Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $62
• Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa: $34
• E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & NINJA Temple: $93
• Kanazawa Custom Half Day Tour: $158

How long should I spend in Kanazawa?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Kanazawa is one to two days. Since Kanazawa has activities such as museums & sights, dining, and shopping, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kanazawa? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kanazawa?.