Experience the enchanting blend of ancient tradition and modern vibrancy by including Kanazawa in your Japan trip itinerary!

When planning a trip to Japan, many people tend to visit popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. However, Kanazawa is worth considering if you're looking for an authentic and unique experience. This charming city is located on the western coast of Honshu Island and offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you're planning to visit Kanazawa, there are some must-see places that you shouldn't miss. Kanazawa is known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, stunning gardens, and traditional crafts.

Must-See Places in Kanazawa

Kenrokuen Garden: It's considered one of Japan's top three gardens and a masterpiece of landscape design. Its perfectly manicured lawns, beautiful ponds, and seasonal flowers make it a perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

Kanazawa Castle: Located adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle symbolizes the city's feudal past. Although most of the original castle was destroyed, the reconstructed buildings give visitors a glimpse into its former glory.

Geisha District: Kanazawa boasts three enchanting geisha districts, each offering a unique window into Japan's traditional entertainment culture. Higashi Chaya is the largest and most renowned, with its stunning lattice-fronted buildings and historic charm. Nishi Chaya, while smaller, exudes a quieter, more intimate atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration. Finally, Kazue-machi, with its picturesque streets and riverside ambiance, provides a delightful blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. These districts offer visitors a captivating journey through Kanazawa's rich geisha tradition and historical allure.

Ninja Temple (Myoryuji Temple): If you're fascinated by ninjas, visiting the Ninja Temple is a must. This temple was designed with hidden rooms, trap doors, and secret passages, and it served as a training ground for ninjas during the Edo period. Explore its unique architecture and learn about the ninja's stealthy ways.

Must-Experience in a Day Trip

If you have limited time in Kanazawa, here are some activities that will give you a taste of the city's charm:

Visit Omicho Market: Start your day by exploring Omicho Market, a cornerstone of Kanazawa's culinary scene since the Edo Period; it offers over 170 diverse shops, ranging from fresh seafood stalls sourcing directly from the Sea of Japan to local produce stands and clothing boutiques, and eateries. Renowned for its seasonal delights like crab, yellowtail, and shrimp, which are particularly abundant in November, the market bustles with tourists and locals year-round. Don't miss Omicho Ichibakan, a refurbished hub housing a selection of beloved restaurants and shops—a must-visit destination during your Kanazawa exploration!

Try Gold Leaf Crafts: Step into the flagship store of Gold Leaf Sakuda, established in 1919, where you'll be treated to an immersive experience in the meticulous craft of gold leaf production. Expert artisans provide in-depth explanations of the process while demonstrating their skills up close. Explore the gallery showcasing exquisite gold leaf folding screens and even encounter a restroom adorned with lavish gold and platinum leaf. Indulge in their diverse range of exclusive gold leaf products, including cosmetics, crafts, and culinary delights infused with this luxurious material. Don't miss the chance to participate in their daily gold leaf workshop, where you can create your own unique gold leaf items and savor the artistry firsthand

Indulge in Local Cuisine: Don't leave Kanazawa without trying its local cuisine. Savor a bowl of delicious Kanazawa-style ramen or try the city's famous seafood dishes like kaizen-don (seafood rice bowl) or sushi made with fresh catch from the Sea of Japan.

Explore Nagamachi Samurai District: Kanazawa used to be a big deal in feudal Japan, especially during the Edo period. It was like a bustling castle town, with over 100,000 people living there – a huge deal back then, like giving Rome and Madrid a run for their money. They were pretty smart about it, too, with the castle right in the middle, not just for show but also for defense and business. The fancy folks lived close to the castle, while regular folks were more on the outskirts.

Nagamachi District was where the samurais hung out, kinda like their own little neighborhood. It's a cool name that might come from a local family, but who knows for sure, right? Anyway, it's super well-preserved because it dodged major disasters like big fires and bombings during World War II. So, when you walk through there now, it's like stepping back into the Edo period with narrow streets, old-school water systems, and these rad samurai houses.

And get this: some of those houses still have their original earthen walls, which they cover up in winter to keep them from getting messed up. It's a real glimpse into the history of Kanazawa and Japan, for sure.

With its rich history, beautiful gardens, and unique cultural experiences, Kanazawa is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. Whether you have a day or a week to spare, this city will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japan's traditional heritage.