15 Best Kanazawa Attractions for Families with Kids: Museums, Parks & Restaurants 2025
Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and during the Edo period, it prospered as a castle town and developed its own unique culture. In Kanazawa, there are historical buildings such as Kenrokuen and Higashi Chaya District, traditional crafts such as Kaga-yuzen and Kutani-yaki, and specialty dishes using fresh seafood caught in nearby waters.
It is a city full of various attractions that draws many tourists from both Japan and overseas.
This time, we will introduce tourist spots and restaurants that families can enjoy in Kanazawa, a wonderful place for kids, along with their details.
Table of Contents
-5 Recommended Cultural Facilities by the Author That You Can Enjoy with Children
-3 recommended outdoor spots for families to enjoy to the fullest
-2 recommended indoor facilities for families with small children
-4 Recommended Restaurants for Taking a Break with Children - Kanazawa Place for Kids
5 Recommended Cultural Facilities by the Author That You Can Enjoy with Children
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Source:Wikipedia
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a museum where you can appreciate contemporary art from Japan and abroad. It opened in 2004 with the purpose of "creating new culture" and "creating new vitality in the city."
Most of the walls are glass-enclosed, creating an open atmosphere, so it has a reputation for allowing visitors to appreciate the artworks in a relaxed manner.
The highlight is the "Swimming Pool," which has become synonymous with the museum. At first glance it appears to be an ordinary pool, but it offers an experience of being at the bottom of a pool without entering the water, and from ground level, you can see people in clothes appearing to be in the water.
My nephew, who visited with me, was fascinated by this mysterious pool that defies reality.
The museum is located in the center of the city, easily accessible from many directions, and is characterized by its concept of being "a museum like a park open to the city," creating a space where visitors can casually drop by.
There is also a space for children, making it easy to visit with kids. Kanazawa is truly a great place for kids with facilities like this.
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Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-18:00, Friday-Saturday 10:00-20:00
Closed: Mondays, Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone Number: 076-220-2800
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
Ninja Temple (Myoryu-ji Temple)
Source:Tripadvisor
Ninja Temple (commonly known as Myoryu-ji Temple) has "ninja" in its name, but there were no actual ninjas there. It is a shrine equipped with various mechanisms such as hidden doors and pitfalls to guard against enemy intrusion.
The building itself has a complex structure like a large maze, and it is said that "once you enter, you cannot get out."
To visit the shrine, you need to book a guided tour in advance. During the tour, the guide carefully explains each mechanism in the shrine one by one, so you can deeply understand the tricks. I also participated with my nephew, and we were amazed by the ingenious mechanisms that appeared one after another.
The shrine also sells amulets and goshuin (temple stamps), so I recommend purchasing them as souvenirs of your trip.
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Address: 1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: January 1 and 2
Phone Number: 076-241-0888
Official Website: http://www.myouryuji.or.jp/
Ishikawa Prefectural Library
Source:Official website
Ishikawa Prefectural Library is a library that relocated and opened in 2022 with the concept of "a place where you can turn a page in your own life through unexpected encounters with books and experiences."
The books are characterized by being classified based on "12 themes" such as childcare and self-expression, and the attractive point is that you can select from over 1 million books using a selection method different from ordinary libraries.
Inside the spacious facility, there are unique interior furnishings including designer chairs, and the kids' space and community space are well-equipped, making you want to visit even if reading books is not your main purpose. I enjoyed discovering new books while letting my nephew play in the kids' space.
In 2023, it became a popular tourist spot that achieved the number one ranking in the nation for prefectural library visitors, so please be sure to visit.
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Address: 2-43-1 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:00-19:00, Saturday-Sunday 9:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone Number: 076-223-9565
Official Website: https://www.library.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
Source:Official website
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History is a museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Ishikawa Prefecture from ancient times to the present through diverse exhibition corners featuring actual materials, dioramas, models, and screens.
In particular, the images projected on the large screen are powerful and have a reputation for being easy for children to understand.
Inside the facility, there is a hands-on history experience corner where you can directly touch the materials and interact with history, and it was bustling with children. Not only are there impressive permanent exhibitions, but limited-time special exhibitions are also held, so please be sure to visit together.
The building, which reproduces the red brick structure of the former army arsenal with its characteristic retro atmosphere, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Why not take a photo as a memento of your visit?
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Address: 3-1 Dewamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 076-262-3236
Official Website: https://www.ishikawa-rekihaku.jp/
Ohno Karakuri Memorial Museum
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Ohno Karakuri Memorial Museum is a museum that exhibits the creations of Oono Benkichi, who was both an inventor and a science technologist, as well as products of cutting-edge science and technology from that era.
With the theme of "see, touch, and enjoy," you can watch demonstrations of karakuri dolls (mechanized dolls that move with mechanisms such as strings and water power, which developed during the Edo period) and actually operate the mechanisms.
In the separate children's karakuri experience building, children can play with toys for kids, and at the parent-child experience workshop, you can also experience activities such as crafts, gold leaf application, and Japanese sweets making. With about 50 varieties of toys available, you are sure to find a favorite.
The experience workshop requires reservations, so if you are interested, please check the schedule on the official website.
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Address: 4-2-29 Onomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone Number: 076-266-1311
Official Website: https://www.ohno-karakuri.jp/
With a local guide showing you around, even small children can deeply enjoy tourist attractions!
With a local guide showing you around, even small children can deeply enjoy tourist attractions. The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour allows you to efficiently visit Kanazawa's famous spots in half a day with a guide who is well-versed in this Kanazawa place for kids and families.
During the tour, you can enjoy tastings at Omicho Market with over 300 years of history, stroll through the spacious Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, savor matcha and sweets at the Japanese confectionery museum, and enjoy shopping at Higashi Chaya District.
The tour is well-regarded because it introduces tourist attractions with different characteristics, so children can participate without getting bored.
Join the tour and immerse yourself with your family in the charm of Kanazawa!
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Meeting point: FamilyMart + Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour area: Kanazawa
Start time: 10:00
3 recommended outdoor spots for families to enjoy to the fullest
Chirihama Beach
Chirihama Beach is a sandy beach coast that stretches approximately 8km from Hakui City to Hodatsushimizu Town. The beach's sand is famous for being the only place in Japan where you can drive a car, as the fine sand particles contain seawater and are moderately compacted.
Because you can drive along the coastline, it is also called "Chirihama Nagisa Driveway."
I once drove with my nephew in a rental car in the evening, and we enjoyed a luxurious drive while watching the bright red sunset sinking into the horizon. The fantastical scenery was picturesque in its beauty, and I can still remember it clearly to this day.
At the beach, you can also enjoy swimming, fishing, and BBQ while viewing the ocean. You can fully experience charms that don't exist in the city, so you'll be able to see your children's delighted faces.
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Address: Sennmaihama-cho, Hakui City, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 24 hours
Regular holiday: None
Phone number: 0767-22-1225
Official website: https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/soumubu/soumu/1/5218.html
Tedori Fish Land
Source:Nomi City
Tedori Fish Land is a comprehensive leisure facility where you can enjoy an amusement park, game corner, pet shop, fishing pond, and more. It opened as a fishing pond in 1967, and developed into an amusement park when go-karts were introduced to the facility.
The amusement park area, popular with children, has about 20 types of attractions including a roller coaster, merry-go-round, and large Ferris wheel, and is well-regarded as enjoyable for people of all ages. It's not very crowded, so an attractive point is that children can ride their favorite attractions without wait times.
You can enjoy different experiences in various areas, so you can play to your heart's content all day long.
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Address: Tsu 58, Aou-machi, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-17:00
Regular holiday: Wednesday
Phone number: 0761-57-2211
Official website: https://tedori.jp/
Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park is a comprehensive park created by developing the site of a former golf course. Inside the park, there are vast lawn areas, athletic fields, BBQ areas, large complex play equipment, and more where you can fully enjoy sports and outdoor activities.
I once had a BBQ with my nephew. Since we reserved a plan with food ingredients included, we could enjoy the BBQ empty-handed, and after the meal we enjoyed various play equipment at the children's playground. We liked the roller slider that slides down at high speed so much that we went down it 5 times in a row.
Why not move your body fully in abundant nature and refresh both body and mind?
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Address: Ku 85, Wakamatsu-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 8:00-17:00
Regular holiday: None
Phone number: 076-264-0395
Official website: https://kgs-okuutatu.com/
2 recommended indoor facilities for families with small children
Kodomo Land
Source:Chunichi Shimbun
Kodomo Land is an indoor playground for children located inside Ajiwaikan at JR Kanazawa Station, and can be easily used not only by locals but also by tourists. This is a great Kanazawa place for kids to enjoy regardless of weather.
Inside the facility, there is a rich variety of toys ranging from those that allow physical activity like ball pools and slides, to those that use fine motor skills like playing house. Since childcare staff are always present, you can let even small children play with peace of mind.
Despite the well-equipped facilities, the usage fee is free, and an attractive point is that being indoors means you're not affected by weather. Since it's located inside the station and easily accessible, why not visit during spare time between sightseeing?
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Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbo-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Regular holiday: Monday
Phone number: 076-260-4150
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kosodate.net/spot/center_land.html
Kanazawashi Shimin Kyokuomicho Koryu Plaza
Source:Chunichi Shimbun
Kanazawashi Shimin Kyokuomicho Koryu Plaza is a facility operated by Kanazawa City located in the Omicho Market Building, providing places for local residents' learning and exchange, as well as interaction spaces for parents and children.
Recommended for preschool infants and toddlers with their guardians is the "Chibikko Hiroba" on the 3rd floor. The spacious indoor area is divided into "Zou" for infants and "Kirin" for young children, allowing play appropriate for each age.
It's well-equipped with large play equipment not found at home such as trains, tunnels, and slides, as well as picture books, so children can play to their heart's content with toys that interest them.
The plaza also has tatami (traditional Japanese flooring material), so even children who are crawling or not yet walking well can play safely.
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Address: 88 Aokusa-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Regular holiday: Wednesday
Phone number: 076-260-6722
Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/omichokoryuplaza/gyomuannai/1/1/7141.html
4 Recommended Restaurants for Taking a Break with Children - Kanazawa Place for Kids
Woodstyle Cafe
Source:Official website
Woodstyle Cafe is a café created to support families raising children, with the concept of "a healing space overflowing with the warmth of wood." The interior, which uses Hiba wood from Noto, allows you to take off your shoes and spend time comfortably, making you feel as if you were at home.
The recommended menu item for a break is the strawberry pizza, which uses plenty of strawberries that children love. The syrup-soaked sweet and sour strawberries pair perfectly with the custard, creating an irresistibly delicious taste!
You should also note that inside the store, there is a kids' space where children can play with wooden toys. There are sofa seats next to the kids' space, so you can relax while watching your children play.
Surrounded by the warmth of wood and soothing fragrance, mothers raising children will surely be able to take a breather and be released from their busy daily lives.
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Address: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-15:00
Regular holiday: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 076-232-8511
Official website: https://www.wood-style-cafe.com/
migi to hidari
Source:Google Maps
migi to hidari is a bar where you can enjoy creative cuisine using fresh vegetables purchased from contracted farms. Inside the store, unique interiors are tastefully arranged, and a space spreads out that reflects the owner's desire to "cherish a playful spirit forever with free ideas."
I shared a dessert plate with my nephew that included cheesecake, chocolate cake, and ice cream all on one plate. Everything was high quality, and the two of us finished it in no time.
If you're with children, the raised seating (seats built on a slightly elevated platform) or sofa seats are recommended. There is a freely usable blackboard at the raised seating, and it was impressive to see my nephew happily drawing pictures during the waiting time before the food arrived, without getting bored.
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Address: Ha31 Futakuchimachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-15:00
Regular holiday: Monday
Phone number: 076-225-8370
Official website: https://www.instagram.com/migi_to_hidari/
HUM&Go#
Source:Official website
HUM&Go# is a café with the concept of "a café that connects guests and local players," where you can enjoy not only carefully selected coffee and meals but also workshops and events.
Among the four locations centered in Kanazawa City, the café inside the Ishikawa Prefectural Library is particularly recommended. The interior, which is designed to evoke a forest, uses materials from within the prefecture such as Noto and Kaga, creating a natural and calm space.
I ate Noto milk gelato with my nephew at a raised seating area that is comfortable to spend time in even with small children. The gelato allowed us to enjoy the rich milk flavor, and we had a happy snack time. The menu is abundantly stocked with meals, desserts, drinks, and more, making it easy to use regardless of the time of day.
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Address: 2-43-1 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: Weekdays 9:00-19:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 9:00-18:00
Regular holiday: Monday
Phone number: 076-255-0507
Official website: https://humandgo.com/
Fusion21
Source:Tabelog
Fusion21 is a restaurant located in the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, where you can enjoy meals incorporating seasonal local ingredients with the concept of "a second impression at the museum."
From the large windows, you can see the lush green lawn area, giving you the feeling of being on a terrace seat.
I ordered the "Mottainai Parfait," which features soft-serve ice cream topped with apple compote and gelato made from grape skins from Noto wine. This adult-flavored sweet with wine flavor spreading throughout your mouth is a delicacy that can only be eaten here!
In addition to parfaits and gelato, there are sweet menu items that children will enjoy, such as cakes and cider, making it perfect for taking a break with children at this Kanazawa place for kids.
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Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-20:00
Regular holiday: Monday
Phone number: 076-231-0201
Official website: https://www.e-maplehouse.com/contents/shop/fusion21.html
