Kanazawa Events October 2026: Best Fall Festivals, Illuminations & Cultural Experiences
Kanazawa is one of Japan's premier historic cities, characterized by traditional streetscapes that developed from its castle town origins. The city also features many modern facilities, and as someone who loves contemporary art and architecture, I count Kanazawa among my favorite cities.
However, it's true that Kanazawa's deep history and living traditions can make it challenging for first-time foreign visitors to fully appreciate. In fact, a friend of mine once said, "I could only vaguely sense its elegance and refinement, and I felt frustrated when I returned home."
If you don't want to have similar regrets, I highly recommend joining a tour where locals guide you through Kanazawa's historic spots. By participating in the Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour, you can explore Kanazawa's must-see locations while listening to explanations from local guides.
Another appealing aspect of Kanazawa is its rich food culture. If you want to enjoy Kanazawa's exquisite seafood and local cuisine, join the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour and experience restaurants that locals truly love.
Magical Trip, which offers these tours, is a trusted tour company that has won Tripadvisor's Best of the Best award for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
If you want to explore Japan's tourist destinations efficiently and deeply, definitely try Magical Trip's local tours guided by locals!
Introduction
Kanazawa, which flourished as a castle town about 400 years ago during the Edo period, remains one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, with many historic attractions and traditional streetscapes still preserved today.
October in Kanazawa is one of the most comfortable times of the year, as the summer heat subsides. During this Kanazawa Event October 2026 season, various events are held that allow visitors to experience Kanazawa's nature and traditions, including seasonal illumination events that coincide with the beginning of autumn foliage, traditional ceremonies at Kanazawa's representative hot spring areas, and festivals where you can experience kimono culture.
This article introduces events unique to October in Kanazawa that you can enjoy, focusing on illuminations at major tourist spots like Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Kanazawa↓
・Kanazawa Events 2026: Discover Festivals, Traditional Event & Cultural Highlights
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When visiting Kanazawa in October, we recommend touring the beautiful gardens under the mild climate
Autumn in Kanazawa is a season when temperatures gradually cool toward winter. While the first half of October retains some summer heat, the latter half sees temperatures drop enough that mornings and evenings feel chilly, and you'll see people wearing light jackets around town.
October in Kanazawa, with its many comfortable temperature days, is perfect for strolling through Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en while experiencing beautiful nature and tradition.
Particularly, "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," held from late October through November, is a must-see Kanazawa Event October 2026 highlight. This beautiful Japanese garden, counted among Japan's three most famous gardens, and traditional castle architecture are illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere you can experience.
Below, we'll introduce in detail the attractions and highlights of the illuminations at both Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
More Detailed Information About "Autumn Attractions in Kanazawa"
・Kanazawa in Autumn: Top Stunning Fall Foliage Spots and Best Food Experience in Autumn
Highlights of "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations"
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," Kanazawa's symbol, the historic castle architecture of Kanazawa Castle, and the garden within the castle grounds called "Gyokusen'inmaru Garden" are illuminated with warm lights. You can enjoy a solemn and fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
Let me introduce the highlights of Kanazawa Castle during this Kanazawa Event October 2026 one by one, so please check them out.
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- Dates: TBA ( In 2025, held on October 18, 25, November 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 23, and 29)
- Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Kenrokuen Garden･Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop (approximately 3-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
Rich nature and gentle light that colors Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
Gyokusen'inmaru Garden is a recreation completed in 2015 based on historical materials of a garden originally built in 1634 by the Kaga Domain, which used Kanazawa Castle as their residence. This garden is a circuit-style garden centered around a pond, with attractive features including rich greenery, cascading waterfalls, and beautifully stacked stone walls.
During "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," the trees around the pond and the stone walls surrounding the garden are illuminated with gentle light. The illuminated trees are reflected in the pond, allowing you to enjoy an atmospheric ambiance quite different from daytime.
My particular recommendation is the autumn foliage that begins to change color from late October. The sight of the illumination lights throughout the garden weaving together with the vibrant autumn colors is so beautiful you'll want to capture it in photographs. Since thi
Important Cultural Properties of Kanazawa Castle illuminated with gentle light
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," one of the highlights is the illumination of traditional castle architecture designated as National Important Cultural Properties. At Kanazawa Castle, you can view the following three Important Cultural Properties:
Ishikawa-mon gate: The representative gate of Kanazawa Castle, rebuilt in 1788 after the original gate was destroyed by fire. This is a precious cultural property that remains as it was from that time.
Sanjukken Nagaya: A warehouse with white walls and lead-tiled roofing built in 1858. Along with Ishikawa-mon gate, it's one of the few structures remaining as they were from that period.
Tsurumaru Soko: An armory storehouse completed in 1848. It's said to be one of the largest storehouses within castle grounds in Japan.
At Kanazawa Castle's representative photo spot "Ishikawa-mon gate," you can enjoy mystical scenery as the beautiful castle architecture with white walls and gray lead tiles is illuminated. Please savor this precious time experiencing the illumination of castle architecture recognized by the nation for its historical value.
Not only Hishi Yagura, but also Ishikawa-mon gate and castle grounds are illuminated
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," the spectacular illumination beautifully lights up the entire castle grounds of Kanazawa Castle, in addition to the new symbol of Kanazawa Castle, "Hishi Yagura," where you can observe the structure of castle architecture.
Many of Kanazawa Castle's buildings, including the Important Cultural Property "Ishikawa-mon gate," feature white walls and gray lead tiles. The illumination makes the contrast between white walls and lead tiles stand out, allowing you to more deeply appreciate the beauty of castle architecture.
My favorite point about this Kanazawa Event October 2026 is that the stone walls surrounding the castle are also illuminated. Kanazawa Castle, also called a "stone wall museum," preserves stone walls with various stacking methods, so please take time to view them leisurely amid the beautiful illumination.
More Detailed Information About "Kanazawa Castle"
・Explore Kanazawa Castle Park: Ultimate 2026 Guide to Japan's Historic Fortress & Beautiful Grounds
"Kenrokuen Garden Four Seasons Story: Autumn Chapter" Highlights
"The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations" is a special event where you can experience the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden at night, enjoying Kanazawa's history and the natural beauty of the four seasons.
This event, which fuses traditional Japanese gardens with modern lighting technology, offers a fantastical space that's quite different from the daytime experience. Here are three highlights of Kenrokuen Garden during this event that you should definitely check out.
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- Dates: TBA ( In 2025, held on October 18, 25, November 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 23, and 29)
- Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
The Beauty of Japanese-Style Gardens Illuminated in Vivid Light, Designated as One of Japan's Three Famous Gardens
During "The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," you can enjoy the fantastical spectacular view of Kenrokuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan's three famous gardens, enveloped in subdued tone lighting.
At Kenrokuen Garden, a circuit-style garden where you stroll around a large pond for viewing, the illuminated trees reflect on the water surface, creating a picture-like beautiful scene. The carefully maintained trees emerge from the darkness through illumination, further enhancing their beauty.
Additionally, Kenrokuen Garden's symbol, the Kotoji Stone Lantern, is one of the highlights of this event. The composition including the pond viewed through the Kotoji Stone Lantern and the stone bridge in the foreground is a popular photo spot. Please capture the beautiful nightscape unique to Kanazawa, where tradition and nature merge.
The Fantastical Atmosphere Created by Kanazawa's Traditional "Yukitsuri" and Illumination
At Kenrokuen Garden, "Yukitsuri" work begins in November. "Yukitsuri" is a traditional technique of reinforcing tree trunks with poles and ropes to protect trees from the weight of snow. The beautiful conical "Yukitsuri" is a winter tradition of Kenrokuen Garden and an spectacular view that can only be seen during this season.
While you can enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape of snow-covered "Yukitsuri" from January to February, November's attraction is being able to observe the installation work process. The sight of gardeners climbing poles up to 14 meters high to string ropes is sure to captivate you with the craftsmen's skilled techniques.
If you visit Kenrokuen Garden in October, please also enjoy the special experience of watching the "Yukitsuri" work that begins in November.
During Autumn Foliage Season, Enjoy the Collaboration of Fall Colors and Illumination
During "The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," you can enjoy the fusion of vivid autumn foliage that typically begins coloring in October and reaches its peak in November, with illumination.
During the autumn foliage season illumination, the colorful fall leaves reflect on the pond's water surface, and my favorite point is how the garden is enveloped in a bright atmosphere even at night. October's autumn foliage is in the middle of changing colors, so you can also enjoy various gradations of hues.
At the vast Kenrokuen Garden, the types of trees you can see and the progression of autumn colors differ by location. While admiring the beautiful nature within the garden and the architectural beauty of the Japanese garden, please enjoy the autumn foliage and illumination from various angles.
More Detailed Information About "Kenroku-en Garden"
・Kenroku-en Garden: Experience Japan's Most Beautiful Strolling Garden in All Four Seasons
Local Guides Can Help You Experience the City's History and Traditions More Deeply
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour is a guided tour that visits Kanazawa's major tourist spots, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. This tour also allows you to enjoy strolling through the traditional streetscape of Higashi Chaya District and food hopping at Omicho Market, where diverse Kanazawa gourmet foods are available.
Kanazawa, which escaped war damage, preserves not only the historical buildings of Kanazawa Castle but also many historic streetscapes from ancient times. With this tour guided by locals, you can fully enjoy sightseeing while gaining a deeper understanding of Kanazawa's history and traditional culture.
This tour's attractive feature is that you can enjoy special experiences unique to Kanazawa, such as dining while viewing Japan's oldest fountain and savoring matcha and traditional sweets. Since this tour involves walking more than 4 kilometers to visit tourist sites, please participate in comfortable clothing.
Information:
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Musashigatsuji～Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en area～Higashiyama
- Start time: 10:00～
Other Must-See Events You Can Experience in Kanazawa in October
In October, Kanazawa offers a diverse array of festivities beyond the illuminations of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, including traditional events at historic hot spring areas, events where you can enjoy exploring Kanazawa while wearing traditional Japanese clothing "kimono," and gourmet events where you can taste local sake.
Here, we will introduce in detail three events you can experience in Kanazawa in October, so please be sure to check them out.
Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri
Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri is a fantastical lantern festival held in Yuwaku Onsen, a historic hot spring area representative of Kanazawa. At this festival, you can enjoy watching a procession dressed in traditional costumes that escorts the deity of Yuwaku Inari Shrine as it walks through the hot spring town illuminated by the gentle light of bonbori (lanterns).
This festival is an actual recreation of a festival that appeared in the anime "Hanasaku Iroha" that was broadcast in 2011. On the day of Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri, limited edition goods collaborating with "Hanasaku Iroha" and meals recreating gourmet dishes that appeared in the work using local ingredients are also sold.
Why not participate in Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri and experience this uniquely Japanese special event where a historic hot spring town with 1,300 years of history merges with modern Japanese anime?
Information:
- Date: TBA (October 18, 2025)
Access: Take route bus "Yuwaku Line" from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Yuwaku Onsen" bus stop (immediate arrival)
Admission: General admission ticket 2,000 yen Entry pass required for entering Yuwaku Onsen area from evening onwards on the day of the event
Website: https://yuwaku.gr.jp/bonbori/
More Detailed Information About "Nightlife in Kanazawa"
・Kanazawa Nightlife 2026: Top Izakaya, Bar Hopping Districts & Night Strolls You Can’t Miss
Kanazawa Tsukimi Koji
Kanazawa Tsukimi Koji is a free, autumn-exclusive event where handmade light art created by local university students illuminates the nighttime streets in a dreamlike atmosphere.
"Tsukimi Koji" means "a path of light for gazing at the moon," and true to its name, a beautiful promenade of warm, glowing objects appears beneath the autumn night sky.
The venue, Shiinoki Cultural Complex, is a stone Western-style building identifiable by its large zelkova trees, and the surrounding lawn plaza is filled entirely with light installations.
The lanterns, made from natural materials such as Japanese washi paper and wood, each take a unique shape, radiating the warmth that only handcrafted works can offer.
There is also projection mapping and AR performances where imagery appears when you hold up your smartphone, adding an interactive and participatory element to the experience.
When I visited, I strolled leisurely through the light-filled plaza and found myself taking photo after photo in front of my favorite pieces.
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- Date: TBA (In 2025, held October 10–12)
- Access: Approx. 1-minute walk from the "Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop, served by the Shiromachi Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Tetsudo Route Bus, and Nishi Nippon JR Bus
- Admission: Free
- Website: N/A
Kanazawa Kimono Komachi
Kanazawa Kimono Komachi is an event where you can enjoy walking around Kanazawa while wearing kimono that use "Kaga Yuzen," a traditional craft of Kanazawa, and gold leaf.
Kanazawa has many historical landmarks such as Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, with abundant spots full of Japanese atmosphere where kimono looks beautiful. Particularly in Higashi Chaya District, you can take beautiful photos as if you've time-slipped back about 200 years, walking through traditional streetscapes in kimono attire.
An attractive point for Kanazawa Kimono Komachi participants is that they can participate in tea ceremonies held at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. Why not enjoy a special time experiencing Kanazawa's street walking and traditional tea ceremony culture in kimono attire?
Information:
- Date: TBA (In 2025, held on October 12)
- Access: Take "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or route bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
- Admission: Free Kimono rental fees are generally self-funded
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_52328.html
Kanazawa Marathon
Kanazawa Marathon is a large-scale full marathon event held annually in October, with a capacity of 15,000 runners.
The reason this marathon draws runners from around the world lies in its unique course design, which allows participants to sightsee through the entire city of Kanazawa as they run.
The course winds through seven distinct areas, including the historic castle town streetscapes and rural countryside scenery, so the ever-changing views never grow old.
One of the biggest highlights is the six aid stations set up along the course, where runners are treated to free servings of traditional Japanese sweets and other Kanazawa specialty foods.
What makes this event even more appealing is that you can enjoy it thoroughly even without running. On marathon day, the entire city takes on a festive atmosphere, with locals cheering along the roadside with taiko drums and clapping.
Simply standing along the course and cheering the runners on makes for a truly special day where you can feel the city's energy and the warmth of its people firsthand.
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- Date: October 25, 2026
- Access: Approx. 1-minute walk from the "Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop, served by the Shiromachi Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Tetsudo Route Bus, and Nishi Nippon JR Bus (start point)
- Admission: Entry fee ¥14,000
- Website: https://kanazawa-marathon.jp/
Special Events in Kanazawa for October 2026 to Enjoy Food and Drinks
Kanazawa is also known as a city of fine food and drink. In October, there are plenty of events where you can fully enjoy food, sake, and more.
Sake Marche
Sake Marche is a popular autumn event where 26 breweries from Ishikawa Prefecture gather in one place, allowing visitors to compare and taste each brewery's finest Japanese sake.
What makes Japanese sake so fascinating is that even when brewed from the same rice, the flavor varies completely from brewery to brewery. From fruity and easy-to-drink varieties to dry and robust ones, you can sample a little of each of the 26 breweries' uniquely characterized sake.
The open, greenery-surrounded plaza at the venue, Shiinoki Cultural Complex, is lined not only with brewery booths but also with food booths from well-known restaurants across Ishikawa Prefecture.
My recommendation is the combination of fresh seafood dishes paired with local sake. Even if you are not very familiar with Japanese sake, the brewery staff will help you find the perfect glass if you simply tell them your preferences.
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- Date: October 4, 2026
- Access: Approximately 1 minute on foot from the "Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop, served by the Jokamaichi Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Tetsudo Route Bus, and West Japan JR Bus
- Admission: 4,000 yen (advance ticket), 4,500 yen (door ticket)
- Website: https://sakemarche.jp/
Hokuriku Ramen Expo & Japan-Wide Manpuku Festival
This is a food event that gathers popular ramen restaurants from across Japan in one location — a dream come true for food lovers.
Ramen is Japan's beloved national dish consisting of wheat noodles served in piping hot broth. The appeal lies in the enormous variety of styles that differ by region and restaurant: Tonkotsu, a rich white broth made by simmering pork bones for hours; Miso, a deeply savory broth using fermented soybean seasoning; and Shoyu, a clean and light broth based on a soy sauce-derived seasoning, among many others.
At this event, you can easily compare the flavors of renowned restaurants that you would normally only be able to visit by traveling all across Japan.
The venue also features more than 60 food stalls offering classic Japanese festival fare as well as meat dishes, desserts, and more to enjoy.
I look forward to discovering a new favorite ramen at this event every year.
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- Date: To be announced (held on October 11, 12, and 13 in 2025)
- Access: From Kanazawa Station West Exit (Minato-guchi), take the Hoktetsu Bus bound for "Shimo-Yasuhara" and get off at "Fukurohatacho Seibu Ryokuchi Koen," then walk 5 minutes
- Admission: Free (ramen requires a separately purchased ticket)
- Website: https://www.hab.co.jp/ramen/ (2025 edition)
Recommended Events in Kanazawa for October 2026 to Enjoy Traditional Crafts
Kanazawa is a city of craftsmanship, where the skilled handiwork of artisans — from beautiful dyeing and vibrant ceramics to delicate gold leaf work — continues to be passed down to this day.
In October, events are held where you can witness and experience these traditional techniques up close.
KOGEI FESTA
This is an event where you can see, touch, and experience the handcraft techniques that Kanazawa's artisans have passed down through generations.
"Kogei" means "craft" in Japanese. The venue features a marché where beautiful works by artists are on display, and you can find your favorites and purchase them directly from the creators.
The greatest highlight is the workshops where you can learn directly from craftspeople and create your very own piece. From pottery where you shape clay on a spinning wheel, to kata-zome dyeing where traditional patterns are stamped onto fabric, to gold leaf application where you place real gold leaf onto a vessel — beginners can easily enjoy these authentic Japanese traditional crafts.
I participated in a pottery workshop, and the soft, pleasant sensation of the clay was wonderful. The joy I felt when my one-of-a-kind piece was complete was truly special.
The finished piece makes for a very special souvenir from your trip.
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- Date: To be announced (held on October 11 and 12 in 2025)
- Access: Approximately 1 minute on foot from the "Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop, served by the Jokamaichi Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Tetsudo Route Bus, and West Japan JR Bus
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kogei-festa.jp/ (2025 edition)
KANAZAWA PAPER SHOW
This is an exhibition where you can discover the charm of Japanese "paper." Japan has a traditional paper known as Washi, made by carefully hand-pressing plant fibers sheet by sheet, and its beauty and durability are highly regarded around the world.
In Kanazawa, a unique paper culture has developed that builds on this Washi tradition — including paper adorned with real gold leaf and paper hand-printed with vibrant traditional patterns that are distinctly unique to this city.
At the venue, there are corners where craftspeople demonstrate their techniques, as well as exhibits where you can actually pick up and compare hundreds of types of paper that differ in color, thickness, and texture.
The experience of feeling the differences in paper texture feels especially fresh and meaningful in this digital age.
When I visited, I was particularly struck by a corner exhibiting all kinds of things made from paper. There were so many objects that you would never believe were made of paper — it was a series of pleasant surprises.
This event is recommended not only for stationery and art lovers, but also for anyone who wants to experience the delicate artistry of Japanese craftsmanship firsthand.
<Information>
- Date: To be announced (held from October 17 to 19 in 2025)
- Access: From Kanazawa Station West Exit (Minato-guchi), take the Hoktetsu Bus bound for "Shimo-Yasuhara" and get off at "Fukurohatacho Seibu Ryokuchi Koen," then walk 5 minutes
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.nakasima.co.jp/papershow/ (2025 edition)
Limited Geigi Culture Experience in Tea House Parlors - Author's Recommendation
For those traveling to Kanazawa in October, I also recommend participating in a special 2025-limited event where you can experience Geigi culture in Kanazawa's three historic tea house districts.
Geigi are women who embody the arts and spirit of hospitality that have been passed down for over 200 years in the tea house districts. Geigi have a tradition called "ichigen-san okotowari" (no first-time customers), and normally you cannot meet them without an introduction from regular customers. This event is a valuable opportunity to interact directly with such Geigi.
At this event, you can watch the gorgeous performances of Geigi dancing to the accompaniment of traditional instruments such as shamisen (Japanese string instrument) and drums right before your eyes. You can also enjoy playing games using drums together with Geigi, fully experiencing Kanazawa's traditional culture.
Please create unforgettable memories of your Kanazawa trip while touching authentic Japanese culture.
More Detailed Information About "Kanazawa's Three Tea Districts Where You Can Experience Geigi Culture"
・Higashi Chaya District: Explore Kanazawa’s Historic Geisha Quarter of Edo-Era Teahouses and Gold Leaf Culture
・Discover Nishi Chaya District: Kanazawa's Hidden Geisha Quarter of Timeless Charm
・Kazuemachi Chaya District: Kanazawa’s Hidden Geisha Quarter Along the Asanogawa River
To Deeply Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Food, Try Using a Food Hopping Tour
Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a food tour that visits three hidden izakaya (Japanese bars) and restaurants in Katamachi, Kanazawa's representative entertainment district. On this tour, you can fully enjoy fresh seafood caught near Kanazawa and Kanazawa's local cuisine.
Katamachi has many famous restaurants in back alleys, and it would be difficult for foreigners visiting Kanazawa for the first time to find the best shops. By participating in this tour, local guides will take you to hidden famous restaurants where you can taste Kanazawa's exquisite gourmet food.
On the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour, you can also enjoy Kanazawa's unique food culture, such as tasting matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets or enjoying sake tasting. Since this tour also includes strolling through traditional samurai residences, participation in comfortable walking attire is recommended.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of the clothing store "BEAMS" in Korinbo Ramoda Bldg
- Tour area: Korinbo ~ Katamachi
- Start time: 18:00~
