Kanazawa

Traveling to Kanazawa means immersing yourself in feudal Japan. Its streets lined with stately homes, its old recreational areas, its castle and the magnificent Kenrokuen Garden make it a most exotic destination. Kanazawa is also a mecca for crafts: Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Kutani and Ohi ceramics, Wajima lacquers treated in leaves and gold dust, etc. The famous nô shows or the famous traditional cuisine also contribute to the exquisite refinement of this city.

Places to visit

Oyama Shrine

It was built in 1599 in honor of the first lord of the Maeda family. The “Holland” style three-tiered door structure with windows on the upper level is noteworthy. This gate, called Shinmon, dates from the late 19th century.

2 minute walk from Minamicho bus stop (10 minute from Kanazawa station).

Nagamachi samurai residences

This area has preserved the traditional atmosphere of samurai residences (bukeyashiki), some of which can be visited. It is completely unique, with its cobbled streets surrounded by mud walls that hide luxurious mansions. A visit to the Nomura residence is essential to learn first-hand about the lifestyle of the lords of traditional Japan.

5 minute walk from Korinbo bus stop (10 minute from Kanazawa station).

The above information corresponds to the Nomura residence.

Nagamachi Yuzen-kan

Dyeing silk kimonos using the Yuzen technique is one of the most famous procedures in Japan. In this museum, you can discover its secrets and admire beautiful pieces, as well as participate in a dyeing workshop or be photographed in a traditional kimono.

Next to the Korinbo bus stop (10 minutes from Kanazawa station).
http://www.kagayuzen-club.co.jp/english/index.html

Kanazawa Castle Park

Of the castle built by the Maeda clan 400 years ago, nothing remains but the gardens, the monumental gate (Ishikawa-mon) and the walls, although some buildings have recently been rebuilt in their likeness. The gardens feature uniquely designed stone walls in Japan.

• 5 minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita bus stop (13 minute from Kanazawa station).
  http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/

Kenrokuen Park

This 10-hectare landscape park, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, was created in 1676. It was then the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. It owes its name “Garden of the six elements combined” to its six attributes: immensity, solemnity, careful distribution, respectability, freshness (thanks to the water that flows through it) and enchanting landscapes.

• 5 minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita bus stop (13 minute from Kanazawa station).
  http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html

Villa Seisonsaku

This magnificent mansion, built in 1863 by the mother of the 13th Lord of the Maeda clan and situated in the southeast of Kenrokuen Park, also houses a rich collection of objects passed down from generation to generation in the Maeda family. It is now listed as a Cultural Property.

• 2 minute walk from Dewa-machi bus stop.
  http://www.seisonkaku.com/english/

Museum of crafts and traditional objects

The museum exhibits the traditional crafts that made Kanazawa famous (Kutani pottery, Kaga Yuzen silks, Wajima lacquers), as well as the tools and techniques used to make them.

• Next to Seisonsaku village and Kenrokuen park.
  http://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/english/index.html

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts

The museum displays the most beautiful pieces (some listed as National Treasures or Cultural Assets) of Ishikawa Prefectural handicrafts and paintings.

• 5 minutes walk from Villa Seisonsaku. 5 minute walk to Hirosaka bus stop.
  http://www.ishibi.pref.ishikawa.jp/english/index.html

Honda Museum

The objects of art, armor and objects of daily life of the Honda family, main vassals of the Maeda clan.

• 5 minute walk from Dewamachi bus stop (20 minute from Kanazawa station).

Museum of contemporary art for the 21st century

The Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 2004, has already established itself as one of the references in this field, with Japanese and foreign artists.

• Near Kanazawa City Hall, at the Korinbo bus stop.
  http://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/

Nakamura Memorial Museum

This former residence of a wealthy sake maker houses a collection of Kutani porcelains and utensils necessary for the tea ceremony, including objects classified as Cultural Property. Here you can also enjoy a cup of powdered green tea (matcha) while admiring the garden.

• Behind the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts.

Ishikawa Prefectural Theater nô

This theater perpetuates the nô tradition of the Kaga Hosho school since Edo times. Performances of nô are offered at 1:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month (except August) and the second Sunday in April and September.

• Free entry for the visit, although it must be consulted in advance at (076) 264-2598.

Gyokusen-en Garden

A break in this Edo-style garden, which can be admired while sipping a cup of powdered green tea (matcha), accompanied by sweets.

• Next to the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop.
  http://www.geocities.jp/gyokusen_en/top-e.html

Myoryuji Temple

In Myoryuji, also known as the Temple of the Ninjas, you can wander through hidden stairs, hidden rooms, secret tunnels, traps and camouflaged doors.

• 5 minute walk from Hirokoji bus stop (15 minute from Kanazawa station).
  Mandatory reservation at (076) 241-0888 (in Japanese).

Kosen kiln of Kutani ceramics

This kiln, the only one installed within the walls in Kanawaza, offers demonstrations of the entire process of making Kutani ceramics. You can also decorate your own pieces.

• 5 minute walk from Nomachi bus stop (20 minute from Kanazawa station).
  http://www.kutaniyaki.or.jp/english/english.html

Ochaya Shima geisha house

The old neighborhood of Higashi Chaya-machi, with its streets flanked by geisha houses with slatted windows and large doors, retains its playground atmosphere. The perfectly preserved Shima House is open to the public and offers live musical performances and traditional geisha dancing.

• 5 minutes walk from Hashiba-cho bus stop (10 minutes from Kanazawa station).

Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

Almost all Japanese gold leaf production originates from Kanazawa. Here are shown gilded objects with leaves and the tools for their manufacture.

A 6 minute walk from the West Exit of Kanazawa Station.

Omi-cho market

170 stalls of fruit and vegetables, fish and all kinds of culinary products come together in this almost three-hundredth-year covered market. A festival for the senses in an institution in the city of Kanazawa.

• A 10-minute walk from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station.
  Open approximately from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (depending on each position). Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Yuwaku hot springs

45 minutes from Kanazawa Station on bus # 12 is a renowned spa, a small town at the foot of Mount Ito. An opportunity to relax with the benefits of the volcanic hot springs.