Kanazawa March 2026: Geisha Experiences, Art Exhibitions & Cherry Blossom Spots
Kanazawa is a city filled with the charms of Japan, including history, art, and nature. It is easily accessible from Tokyo in about two and a half hours by Shinkansen, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.
In March, Kanazawa offers events where you can enjoy traditional performances by Kanazawa Geiko, as well as a variety of art-related events. When the cherry blossoms bloom, the cityscape becomes even more beautifully colored.
This time, we will introduce events held in Kanazawa in March 2026, along with recommended tours and cherry blossom viewing spots.
Table of Contents
-Two Cultural Experience Events Offering Rare Opportunities You May Never Have Again
-Special Art Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in March 2026
-The Collaboration of Kanazawa's Streets and Cherry Blossoms! The Author Explains Recommended Hanami Spots
Two Cultural Experience Events Offering Rare Opportunities You May Never Have Again
Kanazawa flourished as a castle town during the Edo era (1603–1868), and developed a traditional culture of enjoying the dances of Geiko (locally known as Geigi) at tea gatherings.
Even today, you can enjoy the dances and performances of Geiko in Kanazawa. Currently, there are about 40 Geiko in the city, but the number of successors is decreasing year by year, and this culture is gradually declining.
This may be your last chance to enjoy Geiko performances in Kanazawa. Please visit and savor the sight of these women, who are often called "living traditional culture."
Official Kanazawa Geiko Experience 2026
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kanazawa has three Chaya Districts. At the restaurants in these Chaya Districts, you can enjoy meals while watching Geiko performances.
However, many of these establishments require an introduction to enter, and tourists rarely have the opportunity to visit. In fact, most Japanese people have never experienced the training or Maiko culture themselves.
At the "Official Kanazawa Geiko Experience," you can watch performances and music by Geiko who are active in actual Chaya (traditional teahouse) banquet rooms, and enjoy games using accessories and drums together with them.
The games played with Geiko are mostly simple and can be enjoyed by anyone as if playing casual games. You may feel nervous at first, but by the end, everyone will be smiling.
Opportunities to interact with Geiko like this are rare even for Japanese people, so please take this chance to enjoy this splendid traditional culture.
The event takes place in a Japanese-style room, so please be sure to wear socks. Also, please note that preschool children cannot participate.
<Information>
Date: April 26, 2025 – March 28, 2026
Venue: Nishi / Higashi / Kazuemachi Chaya District
Access: Higashi / Kazue-machi Chaya District: About 3–5 minutes walk from "Hashiba-cho" or "Higashi / Kazue-machi Chayagai" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 5,000 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_26.html
Kanazawa Geigi no Mai
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
In Japan, there is a word "Miyabi," which means elegance and graceful beauty. The sight of Geiko dancing with fans and playing instruments perfectly embodies this word.
At "Kanazawa Geigi no Mai," you can also enjoy interacting with Geiko. At this Kanazawa event in March 2026, you can not only enjoy the stage performance but also play drums yourself while interacting with Geiko and experience the games played in traditional banquet rooms.
On specific dates, backstage tours of the Ongakudo are also held, allowing you to see the valuable behind-the-scenes of the stage. This stage is used not only for Geiko performances but also for various traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki. If you are interested in Japanese traditions and culture, please consider participating.
<Information>
Date: March 2 – 5, 9 – 12, 27, 2026
Venue: Ishikawa Ongakudo
Access: Direct access from JR "Kanazawa Station"
Admission: 1,500 yen
Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/muse/event/geigi_no_mai_english.html
A Rare Experience to Enjoy Dinner and Games with Geiko in Kyoto!
Magical Trip offers a "Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour," where you can enjoy performances while dining at a traditional restaurant with Geiko and Maiko.
Many of these establishments require an introduction to enter, and tourists rarely have the opportunity to visit.
This special experience is one of the unique charms of our tour. A local guide accompanies you, so you can enjoy without worry while learning about banquet room and dining etiquette.
Please enjoy traditional Japanese banquet room culture to your heart's content in Gion, where atmospheric cobblestone streets and traditional townhouses line the streets.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
Tour area: Gion, Kyoto
Start time: 18:30
Special Art Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in March 2026
Bringing Us Together: Art for the Noto Peninsula
"Bringing Us Together: Art for the Noto Peninsula" is an exhibition held to support recovery from the earthquake that occurred in 2024. National treasures, important cultural properties, and works that are usually only seen at museums in Tokyo are gathered in Kanazawa.
I am looking forward to seeing the figurines called "Dogu," which were made around 1000–400 BC. Their mysterious yet charming appearance is something I definitely want you to see at least once.
In addition to famous paintings and works from Japan and abroad, works by contemporary artists such as Hosoda Mamoru's graphic art are also on display, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of works at once.
The exhibition is held at two locations: the 21st Century Museum and the National Crafts Museum, so please visit both.
<21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa>
Date: December 13, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Hirosaka·21st Century Museum" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 1,200 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=126&d=247
<National Crafts Museum>
Date: December 9, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Access: About 7 minutes walk from "Hirosaka·21st Century Museum" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 1,200 yen
Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/exhibitions/566
SIDE CORE: Living Road, Living Space
Source:Official website
"SIDE CORE" is a street art team active mainly in Tokyo. In this exhibition, under the theme of "Living road, Living space," works with different worldviews are displayed in four parts.
The first thing that catches your eye is a skate area created indoors. I was very surprised to see a space where you can enjoy skateboarding inside a museum.
During the last hour before the museum closes, you can actually skate there, and you can also watch people enjoying skateboarding.
Other highlights include an area displaying SIDE CORE's past works, an area expressing living spaces, and a corner with video screens of the Noto Peninsula.
Many of the works are large-scale and unique, making this an exhibition that even those unfamiliar with art can casually enjoy.
<Information>
Date: October 18, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Venue: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Hirosaka·21st Century Museum" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 1,200 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=81&d=239
Crafts and the Weather Exhibition
Source:PR TIMES
"Crafts and the Weather" is an exhibition themed around weather and crafts.
Ishikawa Prefecture is known as a region with heavy snowfall in winter and changeable weather. In Ishikawa, crafts that take advantage of the climate, such as vessels using "Urushi" (Japanese lacquer) and "Yuzen dyeing," have developed since ancient times.
At the exhibition, you can enjoy two themes: works by artists connected to Ishikawa that feature weather and climate as motifs, and works that express the anticipation of spring that lies beyond the cold winter.
The abundance of works featuring motifs such as clouds and snow is also a characteristic unique to Ishikawa. Through the exhibition, you will be able to feel closer to Ishikawa's four seasons, skies, and people's daily lives.
This is a must-see Kanazawa event in March 2026 for those interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
<Information>
Date: December 9, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Venue: National Clafts Museum
Access: About 7 minutes walk from "Hirosaka·21st Century Museum" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 1,200 yen
Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/en/exhibition/
Izumi Kyoka Memorial Museum Special Exhibition: "Illustrators of Kyoka's Books"
Source:Kanazawa City
Izumi Kyoka is a representative author from Kanazawa. He was an active writer from the Meiji era to the Showa era and produced over 300 works.
At the Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum, you can enjoy his works along with his personal belongings, dioramas inspired by his works, and video materials.
In March, a special exhibition focusing on the illustrations depicted in Izumi Kyoka's works is being held. I was amazed that such sophisticated expressions existed in the past, from delicately drawn portraits of women to richly contrasted flowers and birds.
Since the exhibition mainly features artwork, it can be easily enjoyed even by those who have never read his works or tourists from overseas. After viewing the exhibition, I felt compelled to read his works. Please experience his beautiful world through the illustrations.
This Kanazawa event in March 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Japanese literary art.
<Information>
Date: December 6, 2025 – May 17, 2026
Venue: Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum
Access: About 5 minutes walk from "Hikoso Greenery Space" bus stop via Kanazawa Flat Bus.
Admission: 310 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/kyoka/exhibit/index.html
Kongkee: Electric Heart Beat
Source:Official website
Kongkee is a Malaysian-born artist who works internationally, based in Hong Kong and London. He has been active across a wide range of fields that transcend genre boundaries, including anime and manga.
At "Electric Heart Beat" held in Kanazawa, you can enjoy a mysterious world that fuses ancient times with cyberpunk.
You can experience his unique worldview through screenings of anime themed around "What if the ancient Chinese emperor Shikoutei (Qin Shi Huang) had lived until the present day..." and somewhat mysterious works featuring androids and AI as motifs.
As a science fiction fan, I was captivated by the vivid contrasts and his distinctive worldview. This is a rare opportunity to view works by a world-renowned artist in Kanazawa, so please take the time to visit.
This innovative Kanazawa event in March 2026 is perfect for fans of contemporary art and science fiction.
<Information>
Date: October 18, 2025 – March 22, 2026
Venue: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Hirosaka·21st Century Museum" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Admission: 1,200 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=83&d=119
Explore Kanazawa More Deeply with a Local Guide in This City Where History and Tradition Live On!
Kanazawa, which flourished as a castle town, is full of tourist destinations where you can experience history and tradition. However, for those visiting Kanazawa for the first time, it may be difficult to deeply understand Japanese culture and history.
At Magical Trip, we offer tours where you can fully enjoy Kanazawa's history and tradition in half a day with a local guide.
"Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking" picks up and explores popular spots such as Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen. Omicho Market and the Chaya District are also included in the course, making it recommended for those who want to efficiently see the highlights.
"Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional" allows you to deeply enjoy Kanazawa's historical culture, including samurai heritage, temples, and shrines.
By strolling while listening to explanations from local guides, you can more fully appreciate the fascination of history and culture. Please join a tour and fully enjoy the charms of Kanazawa.
<Information>
Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour Area: Kanazawa city
Start Time: 10:00
Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour
Meeting point: Oyama Shrine Main Torii Gate
Tour Area: Kanazawa city
Start Time: 11:00
Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty
The Collaboration of Kanazawa's Streets and Cherry Blossoms! The Author Explains Recommended Hanami Spots
Asanogawa Bridge
Asanogawa Bridge is a bridge connecting Higashi Chaya District and Kazuemachi Chaya District. With over 100 years of history, its beautiful arch evokes a sense of historical romance.
This area becomes colored with cherry blossoms in March, painting the town in shades of pink. The collaboration between traditional Japanese houses and cherry blossoms embodies the refined beauty of Japan.
Dusk, when the street lamps are lit, is my favorite time, where you can experience a nostalgic atmosphere enveloped in warm light.
This is one of the most picturesque locations to enjoy during your visit to Kanazawa events in March 2026.
<Information>
Address: Hashiba-cho, Kanazawa city Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Hashiba-cho" or "Higashi / Kazue-machi Chayagai" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-220-2469 (Kanazawa City Cultural Properties Protection Division)
Official website: https://asanogawa-saigawa-bridge100th.com/asanogawa/
Sai River
Sai River is a river flowing through the center of Kanazawa. Cherry blossoms are planted along the riverbank, and you can enjoy the flowers while walking along the promenade.
There is an open space along the riverbank where you can see local people enjoying picnics on spread-out sheets and children playing in the plaza.
This spot is recommended for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms while leisurely savoring the everyday scenery of Kanazawa.
<Information>
Address: Okuwa-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture (Green Park)
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Nishi-Okuwa" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-243-85641 (Saigawa Green Space Management Office)
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kouen/map/park/saigawa/index.html
Mount Utatsu
Mount Utatsu is one of Kanazawa's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. The park, located at an elevation of 141 meters, is home to approximately 500 cherry blossom trees, where you can see people enjoying hanami (flower viewing).
From the observation area, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kanazawa city, taking in the beautiful contrast between the cherry blossoms and the cityscape.
It's within walking distance from Higashi-chaya District, so be sure to stop by during your sightseeing. At night, it's also recommended as a spot for viewing the night scenery.
<Information>
Address: Utatsu-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 1 minute walk from "Bokodai" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus (Mon–Fri only)/About 20 minute walk from "Namiki-machi" bus stop via Kanazawa Flat Bus
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-220-2356 (Kanazawa City Hall, Green and Flowers Division) Official website : https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/8472.html
Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park
Source:Google Maps
Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park is a park located in the mountains of Mount Utatsu. It's a vast park with expansive lawn areas, where you can enjoy barbecues and park golf.
In spring, it's also popular as a cherry blossom spot, bustling with the cheerful voices of people enjoying hanami with picnic sheets spread out on the lawn.
The park also has an area equipped with playground equipment, making it popular among local families. It's a recommended park where you can enjoy the whole day, perfect for those visiting with small children.
<Information>
Address: 85 Wakamatsu-cho E, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 16 minutes walk from "Suzumidai-Yonchome" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus.
Operating hours: 8:00–17:00
Closed: New year holiday season (Check it out on Instagram)
Phone: 076-264-0395 (Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park Management Office)
Official website: https://kgs-okuutatu.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okuutatsukenmin.park/
Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Are Also Recommended, but Note That They Are Expected to Be Crowded
Speaking of well-known cherry blossom spots in Kanazawa, Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle Park immediately come to mind.
As popular spots visited by tourists from Japan and abroad throughout the year, they get particularly crowded during cherry blossom season. If you're planning to attend this Kanazawa event in March 2026 or early April, be prepared for large crowds at these famous locations.
Illuminations are also held at night during the season. For those who want to quietly enjoy the flowers, it's recommended to stroll through the parks introduced earlier during the day and visit the illuminations at night.
<Kenrokuen>
Address: 1-4 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: About 5 minutes walk from "Kenrokuen Shita / Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Operating hours: 7:00–18:00 (October 16 – end of February: 8:00–17:00)
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-234-3800
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html
<Kanazawa Castle Park>
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access: Access: About 5 minutes walk from "KenrokuenShita / Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop via Hokutetsu Bus / Kanazawa Loop Bus.
Operating hours: 7:00–18:00 (October 16 – end of February: 8:00–17:00)
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-234-3800
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/
When You Come to Kanazawa, Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine at Locally Beloved Restaurants!
After enjoying the events, why not go on a gourmet tour to taste Kanazawa's exquisite cuisine?
Magical Trip offers a Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour where you visit 3 restaurants with a local guide.
On the tour, you'll visit seafood restaurants that are essential when talking about Kanazawa's gourmet scene, as well as a locally beloved izakaya housed in a traditional Japanese building, and a bar where you can enjoy sake tasting and comparison.
The tour is held in small groups, so you can interact easily with the guide and other participants while enjoying your meal, which is another attractive point.
Please fully enjoy the flavors of Kanazawa while strolling through the cobblestone streets filled with history.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
Tour area: Kanazawa
Start time: 17:00,18:00
