Top Tourist Attractions in Kanazawa-shi

Best Things To Do in Kanazawa-shi, Japan

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THINGS TO DO

If you’re done with Tokyo or Kyoto and other major cities of Japan, then Kanazawa is a hidden gem which needs to be explored to the fullest. Capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is a place in which you’ll be able to witness authentic Japanese culture. Temples, shrines, and some great history of samurais, merchants, geisha and lords, Kanazawa has a deep religious and historical significance attached to it. There is a lot explore and experience in Kanazawa and it is important to look for some great things to indulge in so that you can make the most of your Japan trip.

Visit numerous gardens like the well maintained Kenroku-en Garden. Also explore the long lost times by visiting the Nagamachi Samurai District , Kanazawa Castle Site and Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall. You can also soak in the divinity by visiting numerous temples and shrines like Teramachi, Ninja Temple, Oyama Shrine and Daijo-ji Temple. Other major attractions are 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, Morihachi Sweets Shop and Wooden Mold museum and Kanazawa Museum of Modern Literature.

Below we have a list of things to do in Kanazawa-shi and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Kanazawa-shi getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Kanazawa-shi with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Kanazawa-shi

Here is the list of things to do in Kanazawa-shi and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Kenrokuen Garden

    4.4 (305 Votes)
    Kenrokuen Garden

    Garden

    Spaciouness, artifice, antiquit, these are some words, through which people from Kanazawa describe Kenrokuen Garden. One of the most beautiful feudal gardens in Japan, the Kenrokuen Garden is known for the artificial ponds, well maintained hills and perfectly placed houses. Built across 11.4 hectares, the Kenrokuen Garden is one of the prime tourist destination for the locals as well as tourist...Read more

  2. 21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art

    3.8 (290 Votes)
    21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Exhibition

    One of the most popular museums in Kanazawa, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art was built in 2004 and tourists across the world flock here in huge numbers, every year. Arts and creations which ranges from the fields such as music, films and performing arts. The museum also promotes local artists and culture by displaying creations made by them. The most prominent artists who have their...Read more

  3. Omi Cho Market

    4 (207 Votes)
    Omi Cho Market

    Market

    Adore shopping? Want to take a part of Kanazawa and Japan along with you, on your way back home? Then Omicho Market will assure that you have some great shopping opportunities. The flourishing market which has about 200 shops is an ultimate foodie’s paradise. The place has everything! Seafood, fresh fruits and veggies, this market has it all! Also present are some great street food places...Read more

  4. Kanazawa Castle

    4.2 (259 Votes)
    Kanazawa Castle

    Garden, Watch Tower, Castle, Historical Site

    Every tourist destination has a place which will take you back in time and Kanazawa is no exception! The Kanazawa Castle was an important structure back in ancient times and today, it is one of Kanazawa’s top attractions. Located just adjacent to the Kenrokuen Garden, the Kanazawa Castle was built by Sakuma Morimasa in late 1500s. Watchtower, grand entrance gates, extravagant hallways, Ka...Read more

  5. Ninja Temple

    4.1 (160 Votes)
    Ninja Temple

    Art And Culture, Religious Site, Temple

    Kanazawa is known for its temples and shrines and Myoryuji- Ninja Temple gives you a glimpse of authentic Japanese culture. Built by Mazda lords, the temple has many escape routes and considerable defences and hence the name Ninja Temple. The temple has secret tunnels, staircases and traps which once prevented entry from allied forces. It is advisable to take private tours to the castles and ma...Read more

  6. Nomura Samurai House

    4.2 (142 Votes)
    Nomura Samurai House

    Outdoors, Garden

    Nomura family is one of the most prominent families and the Nomura Family Samurai House, was once a residence to them. Today, the house is open for public. The house has the old world charm and a visit to this incredible attraction will assure you a peaceful time. The garden inside the house is scenic and well maintained. The stream which flows in the garden makes for some pretty pictures. The ...Read more

  7. Oyama Shrine

    4.2 (246 Votes)
    Oyama Shrine

    Religious Site

    Another famous shrine in Kanazawa, Oyama Shrine is the perfect place to head to if you want to be at peace. Built in 1599 and then shifted to its current place in 1875, the Oyama Shrine is a popular tourist attraction in Kanazawa and people surely visit it during their trip. The gate is an interesting mix of Chinese, Japanese and European culture and is a cherished cultural asset in Kanazawa. T...Read more

  8. D. T. Suzuki Museum

    4.4 (140 Votes)
    D. T. Suzuki Museum

    Museum

    Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro was a Buddhist philosopher and in order to tell people more about his life and works, The D T Suzuki Museum was built in 2005. His writings translated in various other languages are displayed in this museum. The museum even though its small, still there are three buildings and a pond. The whole atmosphere around the museum is calm and perfect for the literature lover in y...Read more

  9. Tsuzumi Gate And Motenashi Dome

    Tsuzumi Gate And Motenashi Dome

    Landmark, Architecture

    One can witness grand, extravagant gates in Japan and Kanazawa is no exception. Moreover, this gate is in front of the train station. Built fully by wood, the Tsuzumi Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kanazawa. Inspired from the traditional Japanese drum called tsuzumi, the wooden structure gives much needed rustic feel and enhances the uniqueness of the architecture. This one is conn...Read more

  10. Shima

    4.2 (120 Votes)
    Shima

    Cafe, Courtyard

    Want to give a royal touch to your Kanazawa trip? Want to soak in the old world charm? Then, how about visiting one of the most popular teahouses in Kanazawa. Once a home to the Maeda family, the Shima Teahouse is open for public who want to get back in time and explore the Japanese culture and tradition, more closely. The two storeyed building will take you back in the 1800s and the iconic Shi...Read more

  11. Seisonkaku Villa

    4.2 (240 Votes)
    Seisonkaku Villa

    Architecture

    This particular villa was built by the 13th lord of Maeda family for his mother and till now it has aced the test of time. A masterpiece of architecture, the ceilings are carved neatly with flowers and birds, hence enhancing the villa’s beauty. The guest chamber in the villa is also worth seeing. In addition to this, there are exhibits dating back to the ancient times which are displayed ...Read more

  12. Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum

    4 (154 Votes)
    Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum

    One of the prime museums in Kanazawa which are established to promote local art forms, Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum should be visited by anyone who loves to explore different art and culture. Many creations made by local as well as international artists are displayed here. There are various genres of exhibitions which are conducted here. The most prominent ones being the modern fine art, mod...Read more

  13. Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

    Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

    Museum, Architecture , Workshop

    Remember the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto? An architectural marvel with a tinge of gold! Well, the gold leaf used in the Golden Pavilion is actually made in Kanazawa. Moreover, tourists can even watch the actual process of the manufacture of the golden leaf. Many entertaining workshops are also held in the museum and you can also do some experiments with the said leaf. Another special feature of th...Read more

  14. Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum

    3.9 (81 Votes)
    Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum

    Museum

    If you want to go back in time and get the old world vibe, then Nagamachi in Kanazawa has something really interesting in store for you. The Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum is dedicated to the lower caste samurais and served as a home to them. An ashigaru is a Japanese foot soldier and the museum tells you how people lived there. In addition, there are many objects which were used by the ashigaru...Read more

  15. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum For Traditional Products And Crafts

    3.8 (116 Votes)
    Ishikawa Prefectural Museum For Traditional Products And Crafts

    Art Museum, Museum, Arts And Crafts

    Japan has a flourishing scene of arts and crafts. And in order to celebrate and promote it, the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts was built. In this museum about 36 different types of crafts from Ishikawa Prefecture are displayed. The crafts are exhibited in different categories. The most prominent ones being the ‘Clothes’, ‘Food’ and &lsquo...Read more