Embark on a captivating journey through Kanazawa! Witness Japan’s timeless allure come to life in Kenroku-en Garden, meander down history-soaked lanes in the Geisha District, and tantalize your taste buds with delectable local cuisine. Our guide, enriched with local insider tips, shares 21 unforgettable things to do in Kanazawa, turning your visit into an unforgettable adventure!
1. Kokoyui – Make Your Kanazawa Experience Even More Authentic with Kimono Rental!
You’ll often spot kimono-clad residents wandering the streets of Kanazawa. And not just Japanese – foreign tourists donning kimono are a common sight! Favorited by locals, Kimono Rental Shop Kokoyui is just 5-minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station. This is where we’ll start our trip!
You can rent a kimono to wear from their impressive range, including those using the ancient kaga yuzen dyeing method, antique kimonos from the Taisho and Showa periods, and luxurious silk kimonos!
For those with a larger stature, kimonos with lengths of up to 195cm are available – a rarity in Japan!
Don’t stress if you haven’t worn a kimono before – professional fitters will dress you! Just relax and enjoy! On hot days, summer kimonos and yukata are also available to rent!
1-3-39, Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0853
076-221-7799
Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: 4500 (plus tax)
Closed: Check the calendar on their website
URL: https://kokoyui.com/
2. Kenroku-en Garden – Appreciate the Beauty of Each Season!
One of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan,’ Kenroku-en teems with historical buildings, stunning ponds, and a collection of over 160 varieties of plant life. It’s no surprise that it takes around 90 minutes to properly explore the garden’s bountiful offerings.
See if you can find the two stone lanterns, the Kotoji Tourou, which are the symbols of this magnificent paradise!
The cherry blossoms of spring, the fresh green leaves of summer, the magnificent colors of autumn, and the snowy scenery of winter. Kanazawa truly experiences the full force of each season!
Depending on your time of visit, the park may also be illuminated, creating an otherworldly spectacle! Each season has a different light-up period, and entry is free.
The stunning illuminated Kenroku-en. Jef Wodniack / Shutterstock.com
1, Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936
076-234-3800
Hours:
– 1 March – 15 October: 7:00am – 6:00pm
– 16 October – end of February: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Admission:
– Adults (Over 18) 320
– Children (6 to under 18) 100
Closed: None (except Shigure-tei)
URL: http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
3. Kanazawa Castle Park – Take a Stroll in an Ancient Castle District!
Adjacent to Kenroku-en is Kanazawa Castle Park, which was once the site of the ruling Maeda Family’s castle. While a fire in 1759 destroyed much of the complex, the Ishikawa Gate, Sanjikken-Nagaya, and Tsurumaru Warehouse remain to this day.
The Gojukken Nagaya, Kahoku Gate, and other areas have been restored, and their interior is open to the public. Springtime attracts thousands of sightseers looking to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms, of which the park is abundant.
1-1, Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0937
076-234-3800
Hours:
– March 1 – October 15: 7:00am – 6:00pm
– October 16 – end of February: 8:00am – 5:00pm
*Opening hours for Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizume Gate Tsuzukiyagura, and Hashizume Gate are from 9:00am – 4:30pm (last entry 4:00pm)
Admission: For Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizume Gate Tsuzukiyagura, and Hashizume Gate
– Adult (over 18): 320
– Child (6 – under 18) 100
Closed: None
URL: http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
4. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – A Fascinating Interactive Gallery!
Michael Lin “Citizen’s Gallery 2004.10.09-2005.03.21”
Crossing over the road at Kenroku-en’s Mayumi-zakaguchi exit will bring you to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The art here is about the experience, rather than just passive ‘looking.’
This innovative concept has earned it a high status amongst the global art community. In addition to the Exhibition Zone…
