Exploring Kanazawa's Cultural Treasures: A Weekend Wanderer's Guide

Once rivals to Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa is now a jewel of Central Japan made more accessible a few years ago thanks to the Hokuriku shinkansen (bullet train) line. Close to other splendid destinations such as Shirakawa-go or the Noto peninsula, Kanazawa is a perfect destination for any traditional and modern Japanese culture aficionados.

Start Your Trip with Some Modern Art

If you come by train, you can’t miss the futuristic torii awaiting you at the east entrance of the station. The Tsuzumi gate is modelled after a Japanese type of drum called tsuzumi and used in Noh performances. When you are finished gazing at this magnificent piece of art, head to the 21st Century Museum, in downtown Kanazawa.

Opened in 2004, the museum has gained quite a reputation thanks to pictures of pieces of art shared on social media, such as Leandro Erlich’s Swimming Pool. You can visit the circular building and discover the many artworks from Japanese or International artists, mainly from after 1980, but also enjoy the actual building as a piece of art. The museum is designed to be approached from anywhere and not through a single entrance. You must see it to believe it…

The Kenrokuen Garden: One of the Three Most Famous Gardens in Japan

Just a few meters away lies the Kenrokuen. Its name means “the garden that combines 6 different characteristics”: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and magnificent views; 6 characteristics that are reputed to make the most beautiful gardens and that not all the gardens can brag about. The Kenrokuen is known for its beautiful scenery any season of the year, but we recommend you to visit during the hanami (spring flower viewing) season as the landscape becomes magical and will leave you with unforgettable memories of cherry blossom petals flying around.

The Kenrokuen also has a delicate old Japanese feeling that will transport you to the samurai period in the blink of an eye. Pick your season and your pleasure: azalea during summer, red leaves during autumn, snow-covered and protected pines during winter, and sakura for the spring. There is simply no bad day to visit Kenrokuen, and you will also enjoy the many activities inside the garden: fountains, a Japanese Villa, stone lanterns, or tea houses!

Explore the Feudal Heritage with Kanazawa Castle

The Maeda Clan left a strong mark on the city, especially on the castle they occupied for hundreds of years. Once you left Kenrokuen Garden, the castle is just a few steps away, just cross the bridge, and you’ll be there! Since 1996, the castle has been under a slow reconstruction process, allowing visitors to access it while giving back its splendour using traditional techniques. The process is highly documented, and you can learn more about it while visiting it.

Therefore, many of its structures are not originals, but it’s often the case for Japanese castles as there were many wars in the country since the Middle Ages. Some say that Kanazawa Castle is a 5-star castle in Japan! You can visit many different buildings and samurai houses and still witness the reconstruction process. Another great news: the park around the castle is free to enter! Some areas of the castle are free as well, and if you’re not that into castle architecture, it’s already a nice stroll.

And Continue with the Old Town Districts!

Compared to many old cities in Japan, Kanazawa City has an impressive range of 3 old town districts well-preserved to visit: Higashi Chaya, Nishi Chaya, and Nagamachi districts! Higashi Chaya is the most famous one, being one of the geisha districts, and now offers the best tea houses in Kanazawa. You will also find many activities and shops in the area including very famous gold-leaf covered ice-creams, local craft makers, museums, and picture-perfect street corners.

Our top 2 is Nishi Chaya, a single street that mostly sells traditional sweets and tea. Nishi Chaya was also a geisha district but is way less crowded than its big sister and will give you nice picture opportunities! You will also find some museums there, including a Geisha one.

After visiting the geisha districts, let’s head to the samurai one! Nagamachi, being the home of samurais, can seem a little… constricted to a new eye, but that shouldn’t stop you. Explore and you will encounter samurai museums, local pottery shops, Temari (traditional yarn balls), kimonos, or local silk galleries. Each of these districts has its specificities, and we wouldn’t recommend enough to visit the three of them if you have the possibility.

What about Some Ninja Tricks?

If you’re around Nishi Chaya, don’t go back just yet: you would miss the Ninja Temple, Ninjadera! Ninjadera, or Myoryuji Temple, is a local celebrity as a very special type of temple: a temple that could defend itself thanks to numerous defensive and deceptive tricks installed inside the temple. This temple was not so much of a temple, but a military outpost disguised as one! A great visit to do with children, as English guidebooks are available on-site, and the many tricks hidden inside the temple are especially fun to discover! The area is also popular for regular temples, a different side of Kanazawa to enjoy during your trip.

Do You Still Need Reasons to Visit Kanazawa City?!

Book an online consultation with one of our specialists to get an expert tour tailored right for you! There are a hundred other reasons to include Kanazawa in your tour, and we would be delighted to explain why.