Kanazawa Night Views 2025: Complete Guide to 14 Spots, Seasonal Illumination & Events Guide
In recent years, Kanazawa, popular with foreign tourists, is one of Japan's leading cultural cities that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period (1600-1868).
One of its characteristics is that it values its unique food culture, which takes advantage of its blessed natural environment of the sea and mountains. You can enjoy gourmet food that can only be tasted in Kanazawa, such as traditional local cuisine and fresh seafood.
There are many traditional buildings and historical spots, and you can feel the atmosphere here and there throughout the city, which is also an attractive point. This time, we will introduce various Kanazawa Night View 2025 landscapes of this charming city.
Table of Contents
-4 Fantastical Spots Where Beautiful Kanazawa Architecture and Illumination Collaborate
-Historical Spots in Kanazawa Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Night Views Different from Daytime
-3 Recommended Night View Spots Where You Can Overlook Kanazawa's Beautiful Cityscape
-If the Timing is Right, You Absolutely Must See Them! 4 Events Where Beautiful Scenery Shines Even More Beautifully with Illumination
4 Types of Night View Spots to Enjoy in Kanazawa
In Kanazawa, where you can enjoy various night views, the following types of spots are mainly recommended:
-Spots where you can enjoy the collaboration of beautiful architecture and illumination (museums, etc.)
-Atmospheric historical spots where you can enjoy the difference from the daytime atmosphere (teahouse districts, etc.)
-Historical spots with illuminated nature (parks, gardens, etc.)
-Spots where you can enjoy the unique Kanazawa Night View 2025 from high places (mountains, observation decks, etc.)
From the next topic, I will introduce in detail the spots I recommend for each category.
4 Fantastical Spots Where Beautiful Kanazawa Architecture and Illumination Collaborate
Tsuzumi Gate
Every time I visit Kanazawa, I am always captivated by the "Tsuzumi Gate" at JR Kanazawa Station. This gate, built to commemorate the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, is modeled after the tsuzumi drum used in the traditional performing art "Noh." It is a wooden structure supported by two 13.7m pillars and is a symbolic presence of Kanazawa.
From sunset until midnight, you can enjoy colorful illumination based on the five colors used in the traditional dyeing technique "Kaga-yuzen Silk Dyeing." I recommend visiting on weekends and holidays when all colors are lit.
Please enjoy it together with the scenery of Kanazawa Station, which has been selected as one of the 14 most beautiful stations in the world.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbocho, Kanazawa City
Illumination hours: Sunset to midnight
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-220-2321
Official website: None
Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art at Night
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Speaking of beautiful buildings, "Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" cannot be missed. It features open glass windows and a stylish disc-like exterior.
My favorite is the work called "Swimming Pool" designed by an Argentine artist. You can experience the extraordinary sensation of looking up at the ground from inside the pool. The illuminated appearance at night is even more fantastical.
In a room called "Blue Planet Sky" where you can see the sky through a square cut-out ceiling, you can enjoy the transition of the sky from sunset to night.
<Information>
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: Exhibition Zone 10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) / Public Zone: 9:00-22:00
Closed: Exhibition Zone: Mondays / Public Zone: Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone number: 076-220-2800
Official website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
National Crafts Museum Illumination
The "National Crafts Museum," located about 10 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station, is a national museum that mainly handles modern and contemporary design and crafts. It is one of my favorite spots where you can enjoy various exhibitions such as glass, woodwork, graphic design, and textile.
When the sun sets, the entire beautiful Western-style building is illuminated and wrapped in a mystical atmosphere. The surrounding museums and art museums are also illuminated together, so I recommend taking a stroll through the city at night.
Depending on the season, they extend the closing hours and hold "Night Museum" events, so please check the official website.
<Information>
Address: 3-2 Dewamachi, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: 9:30-17:30 (admission until 17:00)
Closed: Mondays, year-end and New Year holidays
Phone number: 050-5541-8600
Official website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/en
Nishida Kitaro Museum of Philosophy "Philosophy Grove" Illumination
Source:Google Maps
The "Nishida Kitaro Museum of Philosophy" is a memorial museum dedicated to Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher from Ishikawa Prefecture whom Japan is proud of. Around the stylish building, there are many LED decorations laid out by a world-class lighting designer.
The memorial museum at night, with the entire building and slopes illuminated with warm light, has a modern atmosphere. When you look at the countless LED lights lined up on the slope from a distance, you can enjoy a brilliant scenery like a flower field.
Please immerse yourself in the fantastical world together with the surrounding trees that are dimly lit.
<Information>
Address: 1 Uchihisumi Inoichi, Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture (Kahoku-shi Uchihisumi Inoichi)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays, year-end and New Year holidays
Phone number: 076-283-6600
Official website: https://www.nishidatetsugakukan.org/
Historical Spots in Kanazawa Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Night Views Different from Daytime
Higashi Chaya District
The "Higashi Chaya District" is a place I always visit when traveling to Kanazawa. This teahouse district, which retains a strong old-fashioned atmosphere, was created at the end of the Edo period (1820). An attractive point is that many buildings from that time remain, such as "Machiya," which integrated residences and stores.
After dusk, the soft light leaking from the Machiya illuminates the streets, and just walking around makes you feel the essence of Kanazawa.
What I especially like is rainy nights. The rain-soaked stone pavement sparkles when illuminated by street lamps, creating an atmospheric scene.
Please also enjoy the gorgeous atmosphere unique to this traditional teahouse district.
<Information>
Address: Higashiyama 1-chome, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone number: Varies by store
Official website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/en/
Nagamachi Samurai District
If you want to experience the atmosphere of Kanazawa, "Nagamachi Samurai District" is also recommended.
In this area where samurai residences line up, you can experience the feeling of coming to Japan during the Edo period (1600-1868). At night, the earthen walls and stone pavements are illuminated, further enhancing the old-fashioned mood.
What I especially like is the winter season when you can see "Komo Gake." "Komo Gake" is a traditional practice of covering earthen walls with straw sheets called "Komo" to protect them from snow and cold. Please enjoy the winter scenery where the snow accumulated on the Komo is illuminated by warm street lamps.
<Information>
Address: Nagamachi, Kanazawa City (Nagamachi)
Opening hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone number: Varies by store
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10195.html(Kanazawa City Official Tourism Site)
Nishi Chaya District
"Nishi Chaya District" is a teahouse district with an attractive quiet and calm atmosphere. I often take a stroll here when I want to leisurely enjoy the night air of Kanazawa.
Along the compact street of about 100m, there are long-established restaurants, and it is also characterized by many active geiko (geisha). At dusk, you may see geiko in kimono walking along the street. If you walk leisurely and listen, you might hear the sound of shamisen from the tatami rooms.
At night, the street lamps lining the street create a romantic mood. This is a recommended spot for those who want to feel the night atmosphere of Kanazawa in a quiet space.
<Information>
Address: Nomachi, Kanazawa City (Nomachi)
Opening hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Phone number: Varies by store
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10199.html(Kanazawa City Official Tourism Site)
To Deeply Enjoy Historical Streets, Let a Local Guide Show You Around!
If you want to fully enjoy Kanazawa during the daytime as well, why not join this tour guided by a local guide? My recommended point is that you can visit must-see tourist spots in half a day, so you can still make effective use of your evening time after the tour.
What You Can Do on This Tour
- Tasting experience at Omicho Market with over 300 years of history
- Stroll through Kenroku-en with guide explanations
- Lunch of local cuisine at a restaurant inside Kenroku-en
- Explore traditional wagashi-making methods and history at the Japanese sweets museum
- Tea time with matcha and wagashi
This is a recommended tour for people who want to enjoy Kanazawa's charms in a short time.
<Information>
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Omicho Market/Kanazawa Castle Park/Kenrokuen Garden, etc.
- Start time: 10:00
3 Recommended Night View Spots Where You Can Overlook Kanazawa's Beautiful Cityscape
When exploring Kanazawa Night View 2025, these three locations offer the most spectacular perspectives of the city's illuminated beauty.
Mt. Utatsu (Observation Deck)
Source:Kanazawa City
Mt. Utatsu, located about 10 minutes by car from the city center, is one of Kanazawa's premier scenic spots. It is known as the most famous and popular observation deck in the city.
From the elevated position at 141 meters above sea level, you can enjoy the contrast between the sparkling illuminations of the bustling downtown area and the nature-rich mountains and sea. If you're lucky, you might even see "Isaribi" - lights that fishermen illuminate on their boats to gather fish.
On the day I visited, there were no clouds and the sky was clear, so I enjoyed a beautiful starry sky. Since there are no buses after evening, I recommend using a rental car or taxi.
<Information>
Address: Suehirocho, Kanazawa City
Business hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone number: 076-220-2356 (Kanazawa City Hall)
Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/8472.html
Ishikawa Prefectural Government Building
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
The observation area on the 19th floor of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Building is a hidden gem not well known to tourists. The 360-degree panoramic view from 80 meters above ground has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 night views.
To the east, you can see the gorgeous illuminations that convey the liveliness of Kanazawa Station and the downtown area, while to the west, views of the Sea of Japan and the harbor spread out. My favorite plan is to visit here on a clear evening and watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan.
The prefectural government building also has photo booths with Ishikawa Prefecture's mascot characters and booths where you can learn about traditional crafts. Please visit not only for the night view but also during the daytime.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa City
Business hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00 (until 19:00 from January to March), Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-20:00
Closed: December 29-31
Phone number: 076-225-1111
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/19f_kohryu/introduction.html
Ginga no Sato Kigoyama
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Ginga no Sato Kigoyama," located about 30 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station, is a facility where you can learn about nature and the universe through hands-on experiences. This facility, which offers various ways to enjoy itself in a lush green environment, is also popular with local children. From the parking lot at approximately 550 meters above sea level, you can overlook the spectacular view of Kanazawa city.
My recommended point is the breathtakingly beautiful starry sky. The grounds include an astronomical observatory and planetarium facility, and free stargazing sessions are held every Friday from May to October.
This is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy not only the night view but also the clear night starry sky.
<Information>
Address: Dairahonmachi Ka, Kanazawa City
Business hours: 8:30-17:15
Closed: Mondays and year-end/New Year holidays
Phone number: 076-229-1141
Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/kigo/index.html
If the Timing is Right, You Absolutely Must See Them! 4 Events Where Beautiful Scenery Shines Even More Beautifully with Illumination
The Kanazawa Night View 2025 season offers spectacular illumination events throughout the year. Here are four must-see events where the city's beautiful landscapes are transformed into even more stunning displays of light.
Kanazawa Castle・Kenroku-en Shiki Monogatari (Four Seasons Story)
"Kanazawa Castle ・ Kenroku-en Shiki Monogatari (Four Seasons Story)" is a light-up event held each season. During the event period, you can enter for free during the evening hours.
Various illuminations where you can enjoy Kanazawa's four seasons:
Spring: Cherry blossom rows in full bloom
Summer: Lush green trees
Autumn: Colorful autumn leaves
Winter: Snow scenery and traditional "Yukizuri"
"Yukizuri," which is illuminated in winter, is a traditional technique to prevent trees from being burdened by the weight of snow. A central pole is erected near the center of the trunk, and ropes are stretched from its top to branches in all directions. Please enjoy the illuminated Yukizuri, which can be called a winter tradition of Kanazawa.
<Kanazawa Castle Park>
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: Varies depending on the event period
Closed: None
Phone: 076-234-3800 (Management Office)
Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_21201.html
<Kenrokuen>
Address: 1 Kenroku-cho, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: Varies depending on the event period
Closed: None
Phone: 076-234-3800 (Management Office)
Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_21201.html
Kanazawa Castle Park Gyokusenin Maru Garden Light-Up
Gyokusenin Maru Garden, located within Kanazawa Castle Park, is a circuit-style garden characterized by its spacious grounds and luxurious atmosphere.
It is a particularly popular area within the park, with its uniquely styled stone walls and waterfalls being the highlights. My favorite way to spend time here is to enjoy matcha tea while gazing at the garden from the rest area inside the park.
Every Saturday, the garden is fantastically illuminated, and you can alternately enjoy two types of light presentations themed around sunset. My recommendation is the elegant seasonal illumination synchronized with the performance of traditional Japanese instruments.
When you visit Kanazawa Castle Park, be sure to enjoy the nighttime experience as well!
<Gyokusenin Maru Garden (within Kanazawa Castle Park)>
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City
Opening hours: Sunset to 21:00
Closed: None
Phone: 076-234-3800 (Management Office)
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50335.html(Kanazawa City Official Site)
Korinbo Tree Fantasy
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Korinbo, located about 10 minutes by taxi from Kanazawa Station, is a popular tourist spot where traditional charm blends with a modern atmosphere.
Starting in November, the zelkova tree-lined streets are illuminated with approximately 110,000 LEDs, adding even more vibrancy to the bustling downtown area. You can also see Yukizuri, a winter tradition of Kanazawa, and the streets are filled with excitement reminiscent of Christmas and year-end festivities.
Korinbo has many fashion buildings and stylish cafes, and I often enjoy shopping when I visit Kanazawa. Please enjoy the illumination along with your Christmas shopping. This spectacular Kanazawa Night View 2025 display transforms the shopping district into a winter wonderland.
<Information>
Address: 1-1-1 Korinbo, Kanazawa City
Event dates: November 1, 2025 to February 15, 2026
Event hours: 17:00 - 0:00
Phone: 076-220-5001
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50480.html(Kanazawa City Official Site)
Kanazawa Port Light-Up
Finally, I'd like to introduce my favorite special light-up spot. At Kanazawa Port, located about 20 minutes by taxi from Kanazawa Station, a light-up event is held from sunset to 21:00.
This event, which won the Excellence Award at the "Lighting Design Awards," features illumination using five colors used in traditional Kaga dyeing. The collaboration between the sea shrouded in darkness and the port adorned with fantastical light is a breathtaking spectacle that allows you to feel the magnificence of the ocean.
I also recommend enjoying a meal while gazing at the sea in the terminal, which features large glass windows!
<Information>
Address: Ri-65 Muryouji machi, Kanazawa City
Event dates: Daily except Mondays
Event hours: Sunset to 21:00
Phone: 076-268-1201
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-cruise.jp/upload/file/light_up_2.pdf
When You Come to Kanazawa, Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine at Locally Loved Restaurants!
After fully enjoying the beautiful night views, let's fill your stomach with Kanazawa cuisine! When I'm unsure about choosing restaurants while traveling, I sometimes join food tours guided by local guides.
What I'm introducing here is a tour where you can enjoy three carefully selected dining establishments chosen by a guide who knows Kanazawa inside and out.
My recommended points:
- Savor a traditional Japanese food course
- Stroll through the atmospheric nighttime streets with guide explanations
- Enjoy various tastes of Japanese sake in a tasting style
- Feel at ease even if you don't know Japanese dining etiquette, as you have a guide
If you want to enjoy your night in Kanazawa 100%, please check out the details!
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg.
Tour area: Restaurants in the Kanazawa area
Start time: 18:00
