Kanazawa, Japan is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture with a population of about 464,000. It is well-known for its production of gold leaf, which started at the end of the 16th century. Kanazawa now produces 99 percent of the gold leaf in Japan. The name Kanazawa literally means, marsh of gold.
Kanazawa got its start as a castle town. From 1583, Kanazawa was ruled by the Maeda family, which was the second most powerful after the Tokugawa family.
Kanazawa Station is on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line with service that started in 2015. It takes two and a half hours from Tokyo and one hour from Nagano via the Kagayaki Shinkansen train. From Kyoto to Kanazawa, the Thunderbird train takes two hours. You can use the JR Rail Pass on these trains.
8 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa, Japan
1. Eat Sushi at Omicho Market
Omicho Market is Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market. It has been operating since the Edo period. To date, there are around 200 shops selling seafood and produce.
It can get busy around noon when everyone visits for lunch, so get in line early!
2. Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi Samurai District is a preserved area where samurai and their families used to live. You can walk down narrow roads paved with flat stones and earthen walls.
There are traditional samurai houses you can visit, such as Nomura-ke. Nomura-ke dates to the mid-19th century and has elaborate rooms and a beautiful, small garden.
3. Visit the 21st Century Museum
The 21st Century Museum opened in 2004 and is one of the most popular art museums in Japan. It houses contemporary art from Japan and around the world. The circular building was designed without a main entrance, a front, or a back to encourage everyone to approach art from all directions.
4. Enjoy Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden is said to be one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. The other two are Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama.
Kenrokuen Garden originated in 1676 as a garden outside Kanazawa Castle. It ultimately opened to the public in 1871. The strolling garden features landscape trees, flowers, bridges, stones, teahouses, and two-legged lanterns called Kotoji-toro.
5. Stroll the Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of the three preserved Chaya Districts. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Chaya were exclusive teahouses where geisha performed songs and dances.
The Higashi Chaya District features rows of preserved wooden teahouses from the early 1800s.
6. Go Inside a Geisha Teahouse
The Shima Teahouse is a preserved geisha teahouse that is open to the public. You can go inside and see the rooms where geisha used to perform. If you venture to the back of the building, you can enjoy a matcha tea with a view of the garden.
7. See a Geisha Show
There are geisha performances in the spring and autumn at Kaikaro Teahouse. Check their website in advance for exact dates.
8. Explore the Hakuza Gold Leaf Shop
The Hakuza Gold Leaf Shop features information about gold leaf, a tearoom done completely in gold leaf, and lots of interesting products for sale.
Gold leaf is .1 millionths of a meter thick. It’s so thin that it disappears when you rub it with your fingers. You can buy small jars of the gold leaf and use it to make luxurious cakes and cappuccinos!
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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