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Sep 8, 2017

The best things to do in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of the big cities in Ishikawa prefecture. You can reach Kanazawa by nightbus (around 8 hrs) or with the new Shinkansen which goes straight to Kanazawa in 2 ½ hrs. Since there is a direct Shinkansen connection Kanazawa got very popular with tourists. For getting around in Kanazawa you can use a Loopbus (dayticket 500 yen) which will bring you to all the popular sightseeing spots.


Here is my must see list of Kanazawa:

The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo
1. Oyama Shrine
This shrine is located on a small hill and was constructed in 1599. There is a very nice, small Japanese garden around the shrine, but the main attraction is the beautiful main gate, which was designed by a Dutch architect. The gate has influences of Asian and European architecture and is very unique in Japan.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


2. Kanazawa Burg
The castle was constructed in 1586 but was mostly destroyed from many big fires. Only the Ishikawa gate is left from the original building. All other parts are reconstructed. The castle park is very huge and a popular photo spot during the cherry blossom season.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


3. Kazuemachi Chaya District
The old geisha district Kazuemachi is located alongside a river. There are still some Chaya houses and restaurants located in that area. Chaya houses are the traditional places were geisha perform dances and play shamisen to entertain their customers.
Especially in the evening, when all is light up around the river and bridges, you can really feel the atmosphere of old times and if you listen carefully, you might be able to hear the sounds of a shamisen.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


4. Higashi Chaya District
Close to the Kazuemachi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting geisha district. There are many small narrow streets where you can find many old traditional houses. Especially in the evening the chance is very high to meet a geisha there. The main street has many small stores, restaurants and cafes.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


5. Kaikaro Teahouse
At the Higashi Chaya District you will have chance to visit an old tea house. The entrance to take a look into all the rooms of the Kaikaro Teahouse costs 750 yen. The teahouse is very beautiful and you can see some beautiful kimono and old geisha items. After visiting all the rooms you can sit down and enjoy a cup of tea and some sweets which are included in the entrance fee.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


6. Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District
The Nagamachi District is an old samurai area. Many streets and houses still look the same as from the samurai period and some old houses can be visited. I've visited the house of the "Nomura Family". At the entrance is some impressive samurai armor from the old owner of the Nomura family. You can also see some treasures of the family. The highlight is the beautiful small Japanese garden.
On the first floor is a tea room, where you can participate in a tea ceremony if you want.

The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


7. Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is one of the "three famous gardens of Japan".
The garden was designed by the Maeda family. It is located between the Asanogawa and Saigawa rivers, which lead to the castle. Kenrokuen offers a good view to the wide landscape and also to Mt. Haku in the southwest. There are many huge trees which are more than a few 100 years old. Especially in autumn the garden is a perfect spot to watch the coloring autumn leaves.

The best things to do in Kanazawa photo
 

The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


8. Teramachi Temples and Nishi Chaya District
Close to a mountain at the Sakurabashi (cherry blossom bridge) are located many small pretty temples, which are now used as residential houses. There is also an old small geisha district, but less popular than the huge one in the Higashi Chaya District.


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo
9. Utatsuyama Temple area
Just behind the Higashi Chaya District is a small hill where you can find between old houses and trees a nice temple area. You can also find some beautiful gardens.

The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


The best things to do in Kanazawa photo


10. Omicho Market
Omicho Market is the big fish market in Kanazawa. You can buy the freshest fish there in the morning or just try one of the small restaurants, which are everywhere at the market. One of the popular local dishes are the white shrimps. Please give them a try!

BlueButterfly

BlueButterfly

I´m a german girl living in the center of Tokyo, but my true love belongs to the countryside of Japan (especially Chiba and Hokkaido). I love traveling in Japan and explore hidden areas.
I want to help people with my articles to get in touch with the Japanese culture and all the beautiful places you can explore.

Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/nihonbluebutterfly/?hl=de
Besides traveling around, I love trains, handcraft and my little rabbits.


1 Comment

  • KamaT

    on Sep 9

    Oh I love the castle in Kanazawa. It's definitely one of the more unique castles that I've seen in Japan. I really like the kind of long, stretched out style.