Kanazawa in Winter: Discover Snowy Gardens, Samurai Streets & Seasonal Delights
Kanazawa, known as a representative city of the Hokuriku Region, is a city that developed from a castle town that flourished during the Edo period. Among the cities in Japan, it enjoys high popularity as a tourist destination due to its particularly abundant historical and traditional spots.
Since Kanazawa faces the Japan Sea, winter cold is severe with many days of accumulated snowfall. While the climate is harsh, Kanazawa winter overflows with unique fascination not found in other seasons, such as snow-covered streetscapes and winter-exclusive flavors.
This time, we will introduce recommended winter spots in Kanazawa and explain how to enjoy them.
Climate and Recommended Clothing for Kanazawa Winter
December:
※Climate Characteristics
This period enters the full-scale cold of winter. Even during daytime, there are few days exceeding 10 degrees, with many snowy days. It has the highest precipitation of the year, and sometimes thunder suddenly occurs with large hail falling.
※Recommended Clothing
The cold is severe, making thick winter gear essential. Prepare not only thick coats and sweaters, but also scarves and gloves to ensure complete protection against the cold.
January:
※Climate Characteristics
January continues with average temperatures in single digits, making it the coldest climate of the year. It also becomes the season with the most snowfall, with snow accumulating in the streets. There are few sunny days, with continuous cloudy days.
※Recommended Clothing
January is extremely cold, so thick winter gear is essential. Like December, wear thick coats and sweaters, and be sure to bring scarves, gloves, and hats.
February:
※Climate Characteristics
In February, the cold becomes even more severe. While snow amounts are also heavy, the minimum temperatures are almost the same as Tokyo.
※Recommended Clothing
Thick coats, sweaters, and other winter gear are essential. Since road surfaces become slippery, prepare non-slip shoes as much as possible.
Attractions of Kanazawa Winter
From here, we will explain the attractions of Kanazawa winter.
While Kanazawa winter has a harsh climate, it's also characterized by unique scenery that can only be seen in winter.
For those planning to visit Kanazawa for tourism, please use this as reference.
Collaboration of Snow and Historic Streetscapes
Kanazawa's full-scale winter season runs from December to February, with heavy snow accumulation wrapping the city in a silver world. The combination of samurai residences and tea districts with snow is particularly beautiful, like a work of art.
Since Kanazawa's snow doesn't accumulate very deeply, the old streetscapes become white-powdered, creating a unique atmosphere different from other cities. The scenery while snow is falling is beautiful, but the contrast of blue sky and snow when the snow stops and clear weather arrives is also a must-see.
Kanazawa winter has a unique ambiance different from spring and summer. Enjoy strolling through the streetscapes with proper cold protection.
Traditional Scenery Only Visible in Winter
The attractive point of Kanazawa winter is being able to see traditional scenery that can only be viewed in winter. One representative custom is Yukitsuri, where ropes are stretched from tree trunks to support branches. This is a technique to prevent tree branches from breaking under the weight of wet snow, and it's a representative sight of Kanazawa winter.
Additionally, at samurai residences, every winter they hang Komo (straw and bamboo mats) called Komokake on earthen walls and garden trees. This custom, said to prevent cracking from snow and cold, is also one of the representative sights of Kanazawa winter.
Since these are sights that can only be seen in winter, be sure to see them when visiting Kanazawa in winter.
Dignified Spaces Enjoyable Only in Winter
Kanazawa winter's attractive points are the crystal-clear air and dignified atmosphere. Tourist destinations like Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District offer scenery not found in other seasons when snow accumulates.
At night, streetlights illuminate the accumulated snow, creating an even more fantastical atmosphere than during the day. Also, winter has fewer people around, and being enveloped in silent air allows you to feel an even more dignified atmosphere than in other seasons.
If you want to enjoy the dignified atmosphere filled with Japanese spirit, please visit Kanazawa.
Exquisite Foods Reaching Peak Season in Winter
In Kanazawa, there are many exquisite foods that reach peak season in winter. Since these are all dishes packed with not only flavor but also nutrition, winter is the best season for those wanting to fully enjoy gourmet food in Kanazawa.
Particularly famous is Snow Crab, with fishing permitted from around November, allowing you to taste delicious Snow Crab at restaurants throughout Kanazawa city. Whether Crab Hotpot or Sashimi, the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness means you must taste it when visiting Kanazawa.
There are also many other flavorful and fresh dishes you can eat, such as Oden and Sushi.
5 Recommended Tourist Spots to Enjoy Only During Kanazawa Winter
Here we introduce 5 recommended tourist spots that can only be enjoyed during Kanazawa winter. All of these are essential spots when visiting Kanazawa, so please use this as a reference if you want to fully enjoy Kanazawa winter.
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en is the most popular spot among Kanazawa's tourist destinations. This garden, covering approximately 11.7 hectares and developed in the mid-17th century, shows various expressions throughout the seasons and serves as a symbol of Kanazawa.
The scenery of Kiji Lantern in the pond within the garden is not only a symbol of Kenroku-en but also represents Kanazawa itself. During Kanazawa winter, when snow falls, Kenroku-en is enveloped in a silver world, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
In winter, Yukitsuri (snow-supporting ropes) are installed to protect pine trees from heavy, wet snow. Yukitsuri is a winter tradition of Kanazawa winter, with approximately 800 installations throughout the garden, so be sure to see them when visiting Kenroku-en during Kanazawa winter.
- Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 / October 16 - End of February: 8:00-17:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/index.html
Winter Night Illumination is Also a Must-See!
Kenroku-en holds a night illumination event every Saturday in February during Kanazawa winter. On snowy days, the scenery becomes particularly fantastical, and many tourists flock to see the beautiful display of Yukitsuri, which is a winter tradition of Kanazawa winter.
The illumination event is held from 18:00 to 20:45, and admission is free during this time. At Shiroyama-tei within Kenroku-en, special limited dishes using abundant Ishikawa ingredients are served exclusively during the event.
The sight of illuminated pine trees with Yukitsuri is beautiful and represents the iconic scenery of Kanazawa winter. If you visit Kanazawa in February, be sure to schedule your visit on a Saturday.
Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle was the residence castle of The Maeda Clan of Kaga and is now developed as Kanazawa Castle Park, bustling with many tourists. After the war, it was used as the campus of Kanazawa University, but relocated in 1996 and was developed as a park.
Like Kenroku-en, it's famous as a representative tourist destination of Kanazawa, and the park contains numerous important cultural properties including Ishikawa Gate, Gojyuken Nagaya, and Turumaru Soko.
Within the park, there is a rest area called Gyokusenan where you can enjoy original Japanese sweets while viewing the beautiful garden. During Kanazawa winter, illumination is held, and you're guaranteed to be moved by its breathtaking beauty.
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 / October 16 - End of February: 8:00-17:00
Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/index.html
Gyokusen En Garden
Gyokusen En Garden is known as a site related to the Kaga Domain, completed about 400 years ago, making it older than Kenroku-en. During snowy Kanazawa winter, it's enveloped in silence, creating an irresistible fantastical atmosphere.
The garden blooms with beautiful flowers each season, showing various faces throughout the year. It's a garden designed with emphasis on appreciation, calculated to look beautiful from any angle with trees, stones, and waterfalls centered around a pond.
Within the garden is Kanazawa's oldest tea house, and with reservations made 3 days in advance, you can experience an authentic Tea Ceremony. I experienced it myself, and it was the perfect space for enjoying tea in a quiet atmosphere.
The garden is closed for winter from December 25 to the end of February, so if you want to visit during Kanazawa winter, make sure to visit by December 24.
- Address: 8-3 Kosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (December: 10:00-16:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays (if a holiday, closed the following weekday)
- Phone: 076-221-0181
- Official Website: https://gyokusen-en.net/
Higashi Chaya District
Known as one of Kanazawa's representative tourist destinations, the Higashi Chaya District is popular for its beautiful stone-paved streets and historic townscape. The area is well-equipped with shops selling wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and souvenirs, where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining.
Winter is particularly cold, so be sure to wear thick coats or jackets as cold-weather protection when strolling around. Two-thirds of the 140 buildings in Higashi Chaya are traditional structures, and the attractive point is that you can leisurely explore old-fashioned Kanazawa. At night, illumination takes place, and in winter, the snow is illuminated by lights, creating a fantastical sight.
The buildings have remained unchanged for 100 years and are academically quite valuable cultural heritage. This is the perfect place to learn about Kanazawa's traditional culture, so take your time to thoroughly savor the atmosphere that can only be experienced here.
- Address: 1-chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00-17:00 (varies by store)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 076-232-5555
- Official Website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
Nagamachi
The Nagamachi Samurai Residences are an area where residences once inhabited by samurai remain. The old townscape naturally blends with ordinary residential areas, creating a popular spot with a unique atmosphere.
Among them, the Nomura Samurai Residence is open to the public, where you can tour traditional Japanese houses and gardens. The garden boasts artistic beauty and received high praise, earning two Michelin stars.
In winter, work called "komokake" is performed to prevent damage to the earthen walls. When snow accumulates, the scenery becomes white as if decorated with makeup, and I found myself losing track of time, captivated by its beauty.
This is a recommended spot to see landscapes unique to Kanazawa.
- Address: 1-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by facility
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa Tourism Association)
- Official Website: http://www.nomurake.com/
For Those Interested in Kanazawa's Long-Standing History and Traditional Culture, Tours Guided by Locals Are Recommended
This tour is designed to fully enjoy Kanazawa by walking around the city's famous spots over half a day. The tour visits Kanazawa's famous spots including Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en, and Higashi Chaya District.
During the tour, you'll visit a restaurant inside Kenroku-en and enjoy Kanazawa's local cuisine while viewing Japan's oldest fountain. You can also savor traditional wagashi and matcha while enjoying Japan's unique atmosphere.
If you want to create unforgettable memories in Kanazawa, definitely consider participating.
- Meeting Point: Omicho Market
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 10:00 AM
5 Favorite Spots by the Author Where You Can Enjoy Serene Japanese Spaces While
Watching Falling Snow
From here, I'll introduce five spots where you can enjoy serene Japanese spaces while watching falling snow.
These are favorite spots of the author who has visited Kanazawa many times, so please use this as reference if you want to fully enjoy the Japanese atmosphere during your Kanazawa winter experience.
Contemplative Space
Source:Google Maps
The Contemplative Space within the D.T. Suzuki Museum is a tourist destination widely known overseas as a place where you can experience the world of Zen. The Contemplative Space is located in the Water Mirror Garden and is also known as a place that Steve Jobs once visited.
The Contemplative Space is a quiet space with no one around, where you can spend time leisurely looking at a quiet pond in a room where you can feel the warmth of wood. When I spent time quietly in the Contemplative Space, my mind became organized and I felt refreshed.
If you want to meditate in the quietest possible space, visiting in the morning hours when it's less crowded is recommended. No reservation is required for visits, so targeting the opening hours is recommended.
- Address: 3-4-20 Honda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:30-17:30
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 076-221-8011
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/daisetz/english/
Shiinoki Cultural Complex
The Shiinoki Cultural Complex is a cultural complex facility that renovated a building formerly used as the Ishikawa Prefectural Office. It's a facility that integrates retro architecture with modern glass architecture, and various events are held in the outdoor green space.
In front of the building, shiinoki trees approximately 300 years old are planted on both sides, and these have been designated as national natural monuments. The modern glass architecture side faces Kanazawa Castle, and you can view snow-covered Kanazawa Castle from indoors.
The building's beautiful contrast with snow makes it an ideal spot for commemorative photography during Kanazawa winter. With its convenient location near Kenroku-en, definitely make a visit.
- Address: 2-chome Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-22:00
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
- Phone: 076-261-1111
- Official Website: https://www.shiinoki-geihinkan.jp/
Kanazawa Winter Travel Guide: Historic Sites and Seasonal Delicacies
Gyokusen-an
Source:Tabelog
Gyokusen-en, with nearly 400 years of history, houses a building called Saisetrsutei, known as the oldest existing tea house in Kanazawa. Here, you can not only relax in Japanese-style rooms but also experience an authentic Tea Ceremony.
If you make a reservation at least 3 days in advance, you can enjoy delicious Matcha and traditional Japanese sweets through a formal Tea Ceremony with proper tea preparation. While advance reservations are required to participate in this experience, you can still enjoy Matcha and sweets without a reservation.
In autumn, the fall foliage shines beautifully, and many visitors come to this popular autumn leaf viewing spot in Kanazawa. The tranquility, unimaginable for a garden located in the city center, made me lose track of time and relax completely. If you want to thoroughly enjoy the Japanese atmosphere during your Kanazawa winter visit, please be sure to stop by.
- Address: 8-3 Shosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (December: 10:00-16:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays, December 25 - end of February
- Phone: 076-221-0181
- Official Website: https://gyokusen-en.net/
Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
The Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture, located in Kanazawa's Teramachi district, is a museum themed around architecture. Built on the site of the former residence of Yoshiro Taniguchi, known as an architect from Kanazawa, the museum was designed by his son, Yoshio Taniguchi.
Inside the building, the Japanese-style rooms of the Akasaka Palace State Guest House, which Yoshiro Taniguchi designed during his lifetime, are faithfully recreated. In addition to the pure Japanese-style rooms and tatami mats, the garden is also beautiful, and gazing at the beautiful garden in the quiet atmosphere made me feel as if my heart was being cleansed.
If you want to fully enjoy quiet Japanese-style rooms during your Kanazawa winter journey, please be sure to visit.
- Address: 5-1-18 Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:30-17:00
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if it's a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
- Phone: 076-247-3031
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/architecture/
Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Source:21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Exchange Division
At the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, you can fully enjoy various contemporary artworks. This unique museum with a circular building offers free admission to the space called the "Exchange Zone."
The museum features numerous art pieces that stimulate the senses, including the Swimming Pool, which has a pool structure that allows you to enter the bottom and experience being submerged underwater.
Around the museum, there are numerous art pieces, and when covered with snow during Kanazawa winter, they take on a more fantastical atmosphere that will make you lose track of time as you gaze at them.
The Exchange Zone, which offers free admission, is open until 10 PM, so you can enjoy the night scenery. Winter is the off-season, so you can leisurely appreciate the artworks.
- Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 076-220-2800
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
To Enjoy Exquisite Seasonal Food During Kanazawa Winter, Start with Omicho Market!
If you want to fully enjoy exquisite food during Kanazawa winter, head to Omicho Market in the city center. This market has over 300 years of long history and was recognized as a public market by Ishikawa Prefecture in 1904.
The market houses approximately 170 stores where you can get fresh fish, vegetables, and other seasonal ingredients at reasonable prices. In addition to fresh produce, there are many shops where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy street food, so you won't get bored walking around all day.
There are also many restaurants where you can taste Kanazawa's seasonal ingredients, and you can enjoy various delicious foods such as Sushi, Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and Snow Crab. If you want to taste Kanazawa's specialty dishes during your Kanazawa winter visit, choose Omicho Market without hesitation.
- Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-15:00
- Closed: New Year (January 1-4)
- Phone: 076-231-1462
- Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Ingredients to Enjoy at Omicho Market During Kanazawa Winter: Crab
Snow Crab is famous as a representative ingredient of Kanazawa winter. From November onward, when fishing is permitted, restaurants in Kanazawa feature dishes that luxuriously use Snow Crab, and many tourists visit specifically for Snow Crab.
The variety of dishes is diverse, and you can taste various cuisines such as Sushi, Crab HotPot, and Shabu-Shabu. The serving period is until the end of March, so if you want to eat fresh Snow Crab, visit Kanazawa early during the winter season.
Ingredients to Enjoy at Omicho Market During Kanazawa Winter: Oysters
In Kanazawa, Oysters reach their season from January to February. Oysters caught in the Noto Peninsula are particularly famous, as they abundantly absorb plankton in the sea, grow quickly, and are popular for their thick, rich flavor.
There are various ways to eat Oysters - grilled, fried as tempura, and many other varieties. Omicho Market has many shops where you can eat Noto Oysters, so when you visit Kanazawa during winter, be sure to fully enjoy fresh Oysters.
Ingredients to Enjoy at Omicho Market During Kanazawa Winter: Yellowtail
Kanazawa winter is the season when Yellowtail fish can be eaten deliciously. Noto Peninsula Yellowtail is particularly famous, and locally it's considered a Career Fish that brings good luck, with a tradition of enjoying it during New Year and celebratory occasions.
In winter, Omicho Market has several shops where you can eat fresh Yellowtail, and you can taste various dishes made with Yellowtail. The recommended dish is Seared Yellowtail, which is best eaten with rice.
Monthly Guide to Winter Events You Can Enjoy in Kanazawa
Here we introduce winter events you can enjoy in Kanazawa organized by month. Even during the cold Kanazawa winter months, many events are held that everyone can enjoy. If you're planning to visit Kanazawa in winter, please use this as your reference guide.
Must-See Kanazawa Events in December
The events held in Kanazawa during December are as follows:
- Earthen wall Komokake work
- Downtown illuminations
- Free admission to Kenroku-en
In Kanazawa, when December arrives, Komokake work is performed at the Nagamachi Samurai Residences to protect the earthen walls from cracks caused by snow. Komo refers to straw mats, and the sight of Komokake being hung on earthen walls is a signature feature of the Kanazawa winter season.
At Omicho Market, illuminations are held featuring Gold Leaf decorating traditional Kanazawa Yukitsuri and lit up with LED lights, creating beautiful Kanazawa winter nights.
At Kenroku-en, free admission is offered annually from December 31st to January 3rd. During the period from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, nighttime entry is also possible, though illuminations are not held.
Must-See Kanazawa Events in January
The events held in Kanazawa during January are as follows:
- Yukitsuri
- Free admission to Kenroku-en
- Fire department's New Year ceremony (Dezomeshiki)
In January, when the cold reaches its peak, you can see Yukitsuri, known as a signature feature of Kanazawa winter. These Yukitsuri, designed to prevent tree branches from breaking under the weight of snow, create a fantastical atmosphere on snowy days during the Kanazawa winter.
From New Year's Day for three days, free admission to Kenroku-en is held, with free entry available all day. When snow falls, the garden grounds are wrapped in white, creating scenery that looks like art during this magical Kanazawa winter period.
Every January 5th, an event called Dezomeshiki is held by the fire brigade in the plaza of Kanazawa Castle. On this day, traditional acrobatic performances called ladder climbing and coordinated water spraying are performed, making it a popular January event that draws large crowds during the Kanazawa winter season.
Must-See Kanazawa Events in February
The events held in Kanazawa during February are as follows:
- Kenroku-en light-up
- Food Pia Kanazawa
- Utatsu Shrine Setsubun Festival
At Kenroku-en, nighttime illuminations are held on Saturday evenings in February. The pine trees with Yukitsuri glow golden yellow, and together with the snow accumulated in the garden, you'll find yourself losing track of time as you gaze at this enchanting Kanazawa winter spectacle.
In Kanazawa, an event called Food Pia Kanazawa is held in February. This is a food-themed event where you can participate in various food-related activities, including tours to fully enjoy Kanazawa's delicious cuisine during the Kanazawa winter season.
At Utatsu Shrine near Higashi Chaya District, a Setsubun festival is held on February 3rd. This is recommended for those who want to see traditional Japanese festivals, featuring bean throwing and Geisha dancing during the Kanazawa winter celebrations.
To Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Winter Cuisine, Have Local Residents Guide You to Beloved Local Establishments
If you want to fully enjoy delicious food in Kanazawa, this tour is recommended. Together with a guide familiar with the local area, you'll stroll and enjoy three bars and restaurants, as well as the Katamachi District where traditional samurai residences are gathered.
Since the guide will take you to carefully selected top restaurants, you can savor Kanazawa's distinctive specialty dishes such as Sashimi and Oden along with delicious Sake during your Kanazawa winter experience. At the end of the tour, you'll enjoy Kiki-Sake where you can drink various types of Japanese Sake, fully experiencing Kanazawa's Sake culture.
This is also a tour where you can thoroughly enjoy Kanazawa winter with other offerings like Matcha and Wagashi.
- Meeting point: In front of Korinbo Lamoda Building
- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 18:00