2025 Kanazawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

If you're planning a trip to Ishikawa, you absolutely can't miss the Mizuhiki Jiyukajin Museum (@mizuhiki_jiyukajin). With 200 stunningly vibrant Mizuhiki lanterns, the place is truly breathtaking! 💘 This traditional Kanazawa craft fills the entire Japanese-style room, featuring colorful lampshades made from original Mizuhiki seasonal threads. The atmosphere is so enchanting that you'll want to take endless photos. Recommended photo spots include the garden area, reflections, and even standing on chairs for unique angles. It's undoubtedly Ishikawa's top photo hotspot and a must-visit for girls! 📸 For an extra touch of elegance, consider wearing a kimono for your photos. You can rent one from Tsubaki Kimono Rental (@kimono.rental.tsubaki). 👘 𝐇𝐊𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 now offers direct flights to Komatsu! 🛫 @hk_express Flights operate every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday between @visitishikawahk: Hong Kong 14:00 ✈ Komatsu 19:00 Komatsu 19:45 ✈ Hong Kong 23:00

#100usdchallenge I spent 3 amazing days in Kanazawa surrounded by peaceful gardens and historical beauty—without breaking the bank. A night bus from Tokyo was just $20, 2 nights in a clean hostel for $30, and entry to Kenrokuen Garden + Kanazawa Castle only $3. The city is walkable, scenic, and incredibly calm. You’ll find yourself enjoying stunning landscapes and cultural spots without rushing. A perfect short trip for nature lovers and budget travelers! #100usdchallenge #BudgetTravel #Kanazawa #NatureEscape #Kenrokuen #CastleViews #HiddenJapan #SoloTravel

✓ Nishi Chaya District One of Kanazawa's three major chaya districts, Nishi Chaya District may be smaller in scale, but its approximately 100-meter-long bustling street is lined with lattice-fronted chaya buildings that retain the rich atmosphere of the Edo period. The main street is adorned with two-story wooden chaya structures, and as evening falls, the sound of shamisen music fills the air, creating a unique ambiance. The Kanazawa Nishi Chaya Museum recreates the architecture of the chaya from that era, allowing visitors to explore the interior and experience the banquet scenes, making it a must-visit attraction. Additionally, Nishi Chaya District boasts the highest number of geisha among the three chaya districts. The wooden Western-style building "Nishi Kenban Office" serves as a practice venue and office for geisha, though it is usually not open to the public. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of geisha entering or leaving the tea houses.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Zeniya Gobei Memorial Museum in Ishikawa An exhibition of the legendary wealthy merchant "Zeniya Gobei" in the late Edo period. Photography is not allowed in the museum, but you can see a three-dimensional model of the merchant ship used at the time and an animation of Gohei's life. The exhibition tells the ups and downs of Gobei Maeya's life, from a pawnshop owner in his late 40s to a shipping company owner, making a fortune through trade such as smuggling with foreign countries, supporting the feudal lord, becoming a national figure, and then falling due to a shipwreck, being involved in the feudal political situation, and finally dying in prison. The exhibition combines documents, models and videos, and the explanations are simple and easy to understand. With beautiful buildings and gardens, it is definitely worth a visit. Admission is ¥500, including the adjacent Zeniya Kaikan.

#JulyGood2025 ✓Kanazawa Hometown Great People Museum As the name suggests, it aims to introduce the great people from Kanazawa. The permanent exhibition is divided into seven parts, introducing the life and achievements of great people who supported Japan's modernization. Such as: Takamine Shokichi (chemist), Kimura Saeki (astronomer), Hatakeyama Yoichi (civil engineer), Miyake Shisei (lecturer), Fujioka Sakutaro (Japanese writer), Nishida Kitaro (philosopher), Suzuki Daisetz (Buddhist philosopher), Nakanishi Godo (nature conservationist), Matsuda Goro (lacquer artist), Taniguchi Kiichiro (architect), Noguchi Jun (industrialist), etc. At the Kanazawa Hometown Great People Museum, you can get in touch with the lives and achievements of great people who support modern Japan. From chemist Takamine Yoshikichi to astronomer Kimura Ei, their achievements have deeply influenced our lives. Admission ticket is ¥310, and you can visit for free with the Cultural Forest Pass.

Hakuji Tableware Shop & Cafe Hakuji When visiting Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District, most people would look for a traditional tea house to enjoy a cup of matcha, some tea snacks, or perhaps a gold-leaf ice cream. However, I stumbled upon an old townhouse café that specializes in porcelain. Behind the traditional Japanese exterior lies a collection of elegant Western-style white porcelain tableware. Browsing through the shop, I was extra cautious, afraid of accidentally knocking something over. The café space is not large, but the first thing that catches your eye is a long, beautiful L-shaped wooden counter. If it's made of Hinoki wood, then it's truly valuable! The enthusiastic staff brought life to the wabi-sabi ambiance of the space. Travel photos always make for the best conversation starters. The coffee here is unique, offering six latte art designs and six cup styles to choose from. I opted for the white porcelain gold cup with a drum-shaped design and the Kanazawa Station latte art. To complement it, I ordered a bowl of matcha tofu pudding. If sprinkled with a few gold flakes, it would be absolutely perfect. Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's popular attractions, often bustling with crowds, especially in the front area. However, if you venture a bit deeper into the alleys, the crowds thin out, and a sense of tranquility gradually emerges.

#7月好去处2025 ✓Hyatt Centric Kanazawa A convenient choice for accommodation in Kanazawa, located at the west exit of Kanazawa Station, with convenient transportation and close to shopping malls, surrounded by restaurants, and super convenient living functions. Hyatt has two adjacent hotels at Kanazawa Station, one is the five-star hotel Hyatt Centric, and the other is the apartment-style Hyatt House. For the Hyatt brand, both are economical. Stay in the basic king-size double room, with a large space of 32 square meters, with simple and elegant decoration, the accommodation experience is excellent, and the price for two people per night on weekdays is less than NT$4,000, which is a good price.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Kanazawa City Yasue Gold Leaf Museum The Gold Leaf Museum located on Higashi Chaya Street was founded by gold leaf craftsman Yasue Takaaki. It is based on a traditional warehouse. The museum name on the exterior wall, the museum name sign at the entrance, and the dome on the ceiling of the hall are all made of gold leaf, which is called pure gold No. 3, which is quite dazzling. The first floor is a multi-functional exhibition hall for displaying art and crafts and conducting cultural exchanges between citizens. The second floor is a permanent exhibition and special exhibition, where you can learn about the characteristics and manufacturing process of gold leaf. The third floor is a training room, which specializes in lectures and training related to Kanazawa's process. Admission ticket is ¥310.

#July Good Places 2025 #Kanazawa Old Shop Memorial Hall The Nagamachi landscape area in Kanazawa has preserved many samurai houses, and the surrounding ditches make you feel like you are in the Edo period when you walk through it. Among them, the most interesting one is the old shop memorial hall. The three big characters "Hunyuan Dan" are printed on the glass window, making people curious about what kind of medicine is sold in the gourd? This old house is called "Nakaya Pharmacy". It has been opened since 1579 during the feudal era. It is a famous family in the Nagamachi area. It is now open as a facility to showcase the traditional culture of the townspeople. The first floor displays the storefront of Nakaya Pharmacy, and the back is the residential space and tea room garden; the second floor is the Kanazawa Old Shop Exhibition, which is composed of time-honored companies in Kanazawa that have been established for more than a hundred years, and displays the tools passed down by each old shop. During the visit, there were three exhibitions of different sizes on the first and second floors. They were small and exquisite, and all of them were quite antique, with a unique retro charm. ✓ Kanazawa Old Shop Centennial Exhibition ✓ Bridal Curtain Exhibition ✓ Kaga Flower Temari Art Exhibition If you really want to buy a Hunyuan Pill to try, you can go to the Nakaya family's store "Nakaya Hikojuro Pharmacy" in Katamachi. #Birthday Solo Travel in Japan 29 Days #Kanazawa #Nagamachi #Hunyuan Pill #Nakaya Pharmacy

✓ Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan The Nagamachi district in Kanazawa preserves many samurai residences, surrounded by outer moats, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period. The first stop on this journey is the Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan. The Maeda Tosanokami-ke Museum is a historical museum housing approximately 9,000 historical documents. It introduces the history and culture of Kanazawa during the Edo period, with a focus on the lives of elite samurai. The museum also displays samurai armor and features a garden view area. The museum provides English explanations, making it popular among foreign visitors. Admission is ¥310, or ¥360 for a combined ticket with the Old Shop Memorial Museum, both reasonably priced. Since you're here, it's worth a visit.

✓ Taniguchi Yoshirō & Yoshio Memorial Kanazawa Architecture Museum Renowned Japanese architects Taniguchi Yoshirō and his son Taniguchi Yoshio are celebrated for their iconic works, including the MoMA New Building in New York, Tokyo's landmark Ginza Six, and the Suzuki Daisetsu Museum. Since Yoshirō was born in Kanazawa, he was honored as the city's first honorary citizen. On the site of his family home, a modern "Taniguchi Yoshirō & Yoshio Memorial Kanazawa Architecture Museum" was constructed. The Kanazawa Architecture Museum was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, who incorporated elements of his father Yoshirō's masterpiece, the "Yushintei" Japanese-style annex at the Akasaka Palace Guest House, into the design. Inside the museum, visitors can experience a recreation of Yushintei's main hall and tea room. The museum offers an opportunity to appreciate the architectural works of both Taniguchi architects and explore Kanazawa's rich architectural culture. Admission is ¥310. To visit, take the Kanazawa Castle Town Loop Bus and get off at the Hirokoji Bus Stop. The museum is about a 3-minute walk from there.

#July Good Places 2025 ✓ Seijunkaku A magnificent villa next to Kenrokuen Garden, a luxurious large-scale academy building that combines traditional and Western styles, was built by the 13th lord of Kaga Domain as a residence for his mother after retirement. The architectural style combines traditional Western and Japanese elements. The colorful hollow carvings, screen paintings, American crystal lamps and Dutch stained glass all show the craftsmanship of the time. There are also several traditional paper-pasted sliding doors with glass windows embedded, allowing residents to enjoy the snowy scenery of the garden without letting the biting cold wind blow into the house. There are two small gardens next to Seijunkaku, so that the gurgling water can be heard in the bedroom, so that the residents can get a soothing effect when falling asleep. Some rooms are named after painted animal themes, such as Turtle Room and Butterfly Room.

✓ Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts A small museum located next to the entrance of Kenrokuen Garden, it exhibits Wajima lacquerware, Kutani porcelain, Kaga Yuzen dyeing, and other crafts that represent the cultural heritage of Ishikawa Prefecture. The museum features 36 types of traditional crafts, with permanent exhibition areas, special exhibition spaces, a gift shop, and a café. The 36 traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture are categorized under themes such as clothing, food, living, prayer, leisure, music, and festivals, offering high aesthetic value and a rich variety of exhibits. Visitors are often captivated by the intricate techniques, meticulous production processes, and the exquisite beauty of the crafts on display.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Shofukaku Garden A Japanese garden you will pass by on the way from the Nakamura Memorial Museum to the D.T. Suzuki Museum. Shofukaku is a pond-and-spring garden built on natural terrain, mainly swamps and forests. It is said to have been built in the early Edo period. After several reconstructions, the Kasumi Pond in Shofukaku is even older than the famous Kasumi Pond in Kenrokuen. This was once the residence of the Honda family, the head of the Kaga Eight Families, and it is also the only garden in Kanazawa City that has been preserved and has a connection with the Kaga Eight Families. It is a designated scenic spot in Kanazawa City and is free to visit.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Kagamoto Museum It is located next to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History and is the last of the four red brick buildings of the Army Armory. The collections in the Kagamoto Museum are mostly armor, helmets, samurai swords, guns and other weapons passed down from generation to generation in the Kagamoto family, as well as daily necessities and utensils. In addition, there are many gifts and ancient documents given by the Maeda family. The museum has preserved the samurai culture of the Edo period to this day, allowing people to feel the atmosphere of the castle town of Kanazawa. The admission ticket is ¥400, or you can buy the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History common ticket for ¥500. Take the Hokuriku Railway Bus and get off at the "Hirosaka‧21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" station, and walk about 8 minutes to arrive.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History The museum is located in three beautiful red brick buildings, which were originally the ordnance of the army corps. It is antique and displays local history and culture, simulation models and crafts. The admission ticket is ¥300. You can enter for free with the Cultural Forest Pass, but you need to buy a separate ticket to visit the special exhibition. Transportation: Take the Castle Town Kanazawa Tour Bus and get off at the "Hirosaka‧Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop. It is about a 5-minute walk to the destination. You can visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, the National Crafts Museum, and the Kaga Honda Museum together.

#July Good Places 2025 ✓National Craft Museum A museum dedicated to modern crafts and design, formerly the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo Craft Museum, moved to Kanazawa at the end of 2020. It used the original building of the former Army 9th Division. Two historical buildings from the Meiji era have been moved, restored and reused, and the appearance is quite elegant and beautiful. The museum has more than 4,000 collections, covering ceramics, glass, lacquerware, woodworking, bambooware, dyeing and weaving, dolls, metal products, industrial design, graphic design and other fields. There is also a book collection in the museum, which is a professional library dedicated to collecting crafts and design works from Japan and overseas from the late 19th century to the present.

#7月好去地方2025 ✓Kanazawa Noh Art Museum Located next to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, this small and exquisite traditional art museum mainly displays Noh and Kyogen-related performing arts. Tickets are not expensive, so if you are interested in Japanese Noh, you can come and have a look. Noh masks are displayed on the first floor, where you can try on masks and Noh costumes and take photos. The second floor is a special exhibition room where photos are not allowed. The third floor is only used for workspace activities such as photography talk events, photography poems, and Noh mask making experiences.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Kanazawa New Grand Hotel Prestige Directly opposite the Oyama Shrine, the hotel is co-constructed with the Kanazawa Tourism Information Center. The location is excellent. It is very close to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden on foot. There are many restaurants and food nearby, and the living function is superb. New Grand Hotel Prestige is designed with the theme of samurai appearance. It not only incorporates gorgeous gold foil elements, but also has a Japanese wabi-sabi style. The aesthetic sense is very strong. This can be felt in the public spaces such as the lobby and restaurant. The elegant atmosphere can be felt. I stayed in a 16-square-meter single room, which boasts a Simmons mattress. It is really good to sleep! Although the plan does not include meals, it comes with a bathing ticket for the Harimatsu-no-Yu large bath. The room rate is about NT$2,100 per night, which is quite affordable.

#JulyGoodPlaces2025 ✓Kanazawa Castle Park One of Kanazawa's main historical landmarks, it was once the residence of the Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly three hundred years. Kanazawa Castle is surrounded by a moat, and the outer wall serves as a fortress with holes for matchlock guns to prevent enemy invasion; the beautiful white roof tiles are made of weathered lead, and the walls are made of white mortar and flat tiles. The Hishiya, Gojukan Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsukuro are the three must-see treasure buildings in Kanazawa Castle. The Hishiya is a diamond-shaped turret, the Gojukan Nagaya is a 90-yard-long warehouse, and the Hashizumemon Tsukuro is a turret designed to protect the area near the gate. They are all rebuilt using traditional construction methods, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of Kanazawa's past history. Kanazawa Castle Park covers a large area. In addition to visiting the remains of historical buildings, there are also many beautiful gardens and rest areas. It is worth visiting and can be visited together with Kenrokuen.

#7月好去处2025 ✓Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center Kanazawa Tourist Information Center is located at the intersection opposite Oyama Shrine and is co-constructed with Kanazawa New Grand Hotel. The space is high, spacious and bright, with a sense of design. There is a lot of tourist information, and there are toilets and seats for rest. The tourist information center provides many services, and you can also buy the Bunka-no-Mori package and Kanazawa bus one-day ticket. The detailed explanation of how to use it is very helpful for tourists. The service staff can communicate in English and are very enthusiastic to answer various questions, which is very heartwarming. The Bunka-no-Mori PASS allows you to visit 16 cultural attractions in Kanazawa city within two days, including Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, etc. It costs ¥1,000, which is quite cost-effective.

✓ Higashi Honganji Kanazawa Betsuin A branch temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect, its grand gate is particularly impressive. As one of Ishikawa Prefecture's most representative temples, its history dates back to the Sengoku period. The ceiling of the pagoda features a dragon painting, and the ancient bell in the bell tower is inscribed with historical engravings, showcasing its deep heritage. Despite suffering from multiple fires and natural disasters, the temple was rebuilt with the support of temples and followers from Kaga, Noto, and Etchu regions. The current main hall and scripture storehouse were constructed, making it the religious center of the Ishikawa Diocese today. The temple enshrines a statue of Amida Buddha, gifted by the 10th head priest of Honganji, Shosho. It also houses valuable artifacts such as statues of Shinran Shonin, Jinnyo Shonin, and illustrated biographies of Shinran's seven great disciples.

✓ Higashi Chaya District Among Kanazawa's three major chaya districts, Higashi Chaya District is the most popular and largest area. With over 200 years of history, the district features two-story wooden buildings and stone-paved streets, preserving the elegant and understated scenery of the late Edo period. Strolling through the area feels like being immersed in a quaint and traditional atmosphere. Despite the name "chaya" (tea house), these establishments were neither places for drinking tea nor shops selling tea. Instead, they were sophisticated social venues where geishas entertained guests with refined and exquisite artistic performances. The district is officially recognized as a Japanese cultural heritage site. While exploring the charming Higashi Chaya District, you can savor Kanazawa's specialties such as Japanese sweets and matcha, offering a unique taste experience. Additionally, the local souvenir and craft shops provide an opportunity to purchase Kanazawa's traditional and beautifully crafted items, making it a delightful place to browse.

Shiguretei Pavilion, a must-visit spot in Kenrokuen, was originally built by the fifth lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Tsunanori. Named "Shiguretei," this pavilion marked the beginning of the surrounding garden's construction. Over generations, successive lords dedicated years of effort to complete what is now considered the pinnacle of Japanese garden design—Kenrokuen. Although Shiguretei was dismantled after the abolition of feudal domains, it was later reconstructed. Today, visitors can enter the pavilion to explore or enjoy tea and relaxation. In the past, only individuals of high status could indulge in the pleasure of tea here. Since Shiguretei was the pavilion of a feudal lord, it is highly recommended to enjoy tea and take a break here when visiting Kenrokuen! Matcha set: ¥800, Sencha set: ¥340.

#July Good Places 2025 ✓ Kubo City Otoken Shrine Kanazawa Asano River is on the side of the Chaya Street. Just opposite the entrance to Higashi Chaya Street, there is a shrine called "Kubo City Otoken Shrine". Its history can be traced back to the Heian period. At that time, it was called Otoken Daimyojin and was established as a city guardian shrine. The central market in the Kitagawa area is located near the shrine, and the city extends around the market. Therefore, the shrine is also called the birthplace of the market or the birthplace of the city, which can bless the city's property and prosperity. It is about a 3-minute walk from the Kanazawa Castle Town Tour Bus, Hokuriku Railway Bus, and West Japan JR Bus "Hashibacho" station.

#JulyDestinations2025 ✓Kazuemachi Teahouse Street One of Kanazawa's three major teahouse districts, Kazuemachi is located near the bustling Higashi Chaya Street, but it's much less crowded, offering a tranquil stroll along the Asano River. Kazuemachi's name derives from the residence of Tomita Kazuemachi, a samurai from the Kaga domain. Its wooden buildings, cherry blossom trees, and riverside attractions create a charming atmosphere. Kazuemachi's narrow streets are lined with traditional buildings. Most are geisha teahouses, accessible only through referrals. However, a few restaurants and cafes along the riverside promenade are open to the public. Access: Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Local Line Bus, or West JR Bus to Hashibacho. Walk for about 5 minutes.

✓ Ishikura Shrine Ishikura Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kanazawa, with a history spanning over a thousand years. The shrine is dedicated to the deity "Ōmononushi no Ōkami" and is renowned for its blessings in love and relationships. Many visitors come here specifically to pray for romance, as it is said to be highly effective in granting such wishes, attracting a large number of female visitors. In addition, the shrine's mascot "KIMA-CHAN," depicted wearing a traditional eboshi hat, is very popular for its adorable design. Omamori (amulets) and ema (wooden prayer plaques) featuring KIMA-CHAN's image are highly sought after and well-received for their stylish design. To reach Ishikura Shrine, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus Right Route" from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station. The journey takes about 18 minutes. Get off at the Hirosaka/21st Century Museum stop, and the shrine is located right across from the museum.

#JulyGoodPlace2025 ✓Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art If you want to appreciate the various representative arts and crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is located, then the "Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art" would be a good choice. The admission ticket is ¥370, and you can visit it for free with the Cultural Forest Pass. This comprehensive art museum exhibits masterpieces that Ishikawa Prefecture is proud of, such as the national treasure "Colored Pheasant Incense Burner", including Kurotani ware, cultural heritage passed down by the Kaga Maeda family, and paintings, sculptures and crafts by members of the Japan Art Academy. It is quite worth seeing. In addition to the collection, there is also a popular coffee shop "Le Musee de H KANAZAWA" in the museum, which was created by the world-renowned pastry chef Hiroaki Tsujiguchi from Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. You can enjoy exquisite cakes that look like works of art while admiring the greenery through the large glass windows.