Welcome to Kanazawa
The array of cultural attractions in Kanazawa (金沢) make the city the drawcard of the Hokuriku region and a rival to Kyoto as the historical jewel of mainland Japan. Best known for Kenroku-en, a castle garden dating from the 17th century, it also boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, attractive temples, a wealth of museums and a wonderful market (and far fewer tourists than Kyoto – for now). A two- or three-day stay is recommended to take it all in.
Top experiences in Kanazawa
Amazing hotels and hostels
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Kanazawa activities
Kanazawa Private Custom Full-Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle
Your day begins with a 9am pickup from your hotel or another centrally located point in Kanazawa. Greet your driver — and guide, if selected — and plan your route. Your private tour is entirely customizable according to the interests of you and your travel companions.Recommended spots:KenrokuenLocated next to Kanazawa Castle, the Kenrokuen garden is considered one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Visitors can enjoy a variety of trees and flowers that change colors throughout seasons.Kanazawa CastleKanazawa's symbolic icon, Kanazawa Castle was built in 1583. The well-restored castle is worth visiting to see the traditional skills of Japanese carpenters who carefully put the building together without the use of any nails.Omicho MarketLocated in the center of the city of Kanazawa, Omicho Market has been the largest fish market in Kanazawa since the Edo period (1615 - 1868). The market is filled with more than 200 specialty shops and is a great place to stop by for a fresh seafood lunch.Your tour concludes with a drop-off back at the original departure point.
Kanazawa Full-Day Small-Group Samurai Town Tour, Omicho Market
After departure from your accommodation, this tour will visit Omicho market first. Omicho market is popular as the kitchen of Kanazawa citizens where seasonal fish and fruits gather, and it can be said that the crabs caught in the Sea of Japan face quite the fate, for it is here where the crabs are lined up, and then also the locally sourced fruit and oden's you can eat while walking around. You can enjoy this scene at your leisure. Next to Omicho market, you will visit Kanazawa Castle. Kanazawa castle, which is a symbol of Kaga Hyakumanges, was built in 1583 by Toshiie Maeda in full scale and was placed as a residence of 14 Maeda family of Kaga clan until 1869. All buildings other than Ishikawa gate and 30 Nagaya (row houses) have disappeared due to repeated fires, but since 1996 the public has benefited from Kanazawa Castle Park. In 2001, historical buildings were faithfully restored as best possible based on old pictures and old documents. The landscape has once again been revived for the present age. After lunch, you will visit Kenrokuen. Kenrokuen is one of the three famous Japanese national gardens, listed along with Mito Kairakuen and Okayama Korakuen. The garden boasts a beautiful appearance during every season, and the stunning winter snow hanging together with the famous Koji lanterns in Kanazawa. This is both a symbol and a must-see for Kanazawa sightseeing. At the end of the tour, you will visit Suzuki Daisenkan from Kenrokuen by way of Honda Forest Park. Suzuki Daisetsu Museum is a spot infused with the thoughts of a world-famous Buddhist philosopher, Suzuki Daisetsu, born Kanazawa, who made Zen culture widely known abroad. Further, Mr. Yoshio Taniguchi is represented here. He is famous for designing large portions of the New York Museum of Modern Art, in particular the extension and renovation of MoMA in 2004, consisting of three buildings, the "entrance building", the "exhibition building", the "thought space building." Here, various representations have been constructed. In the exhibits, it appears as though you passes through a long and narrow corridor that leads to a different space. There is freedom to think and feel as you wish, to touch, watch, and see things as they appear to you, as there is no formal explanation. There is also a space for the various world views of Zen, including the biggest attraction, "the garden of water glasses." Here there is a mysterious charm that draws in the visitor for whatever purpose that might be.
Omicho Market Tour & Cooking Class
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productWe'll meet at Omicho Market (in front of Mister Donuts) Duration: 1 hourLocation: Omicho Market, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku, Chubu
Geiko (Geisha) Performance & Dinner
We'll meet at the venue, which is a renovated traditional Kanazawa architecture. I'll give you a tour of this traditional wooden building, which itself has an interesting history! The night will begin with a traditional geisha performances, which includes singing, dancing, and traditional musical instruments. You'll have an opportunity to perform and interact with the geisha performers, too -- as they'll teach you how to gracefully dance, play the taiko drums, and more. After the performance, we'll take a little break before enjoying an authentic Kanazawa meal.This meal has been curated by a popular local Japanese restaurant that specializes in Kanazawa cuisine. Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. During dinner, you'll have a chance to speak with the geiko performers and ask them anything that you want to know! Ask about their life, why them became a geiko performer, what their day-to-day is like, and more! Before the night has finished, you'll have an opportunity to take photos with the geisha performers. Don't miss out on this exclusive experience during your time in Japan -- it will be the highlight of your trip!
Sushi-Making Experience! IN KANAZAWA
For this experience, I will teach you how to make temari-sushi. First I will explain to you the basics, and the difference between "normal" sushi and "temari" sushi. Everyone will get to choose their favorite ingredients & toppings. (Choose from fish, meat, vegetables, and more!). After that I will show you how to form the sushi, and tips on how food presentation. Then, we'll enjoy our sushi lunch and we'll end the day with a mini tea ceremony. The experience will be held in a traditional Kanazawa house. This is a large, and spacious wooden building with traditional design and architecture, in addition to a beautiful garden! We renovated this building to help preserve Kanazawa history, and provide guests with an interesting venue to make sushi in. Don't miss out on this fun cooking experience during your time in Japan -- it will be the highlight of your trip!
Zen Meditation at Hidden Temples
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productWe will participate in Zen meditation and training at temples with monks and reflect on ourselves and clear our mind. Monks will guide us Zen world and also teach us way of meditation. When it comes to training, we will participate in charm making or Shakyo (copying of a Sutra). If you are interested in inside temples, you can join quick tour with our guides. Duration: 1 hourLocation: Teramachi District, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku, Chubu