Kanazawa Photo Spots 2025: Top 7 Instagrammable Locations to Capture the City's Timeless Beauty
Kanazawa is a beautiful city that flourished as a castle town about 400 years ago, where history and tradition still live and breathe today. When it comes to traditional townscapes in Japan, Kyoto is famous, but Kanazawa also has many well-preserved old cultures and buildings that continue to fascinate visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Moreover, Kanazawa features not only traditional tourist destinations such as Chaya districts and Kanazawa castle, but also contemporary art museums and stylish cafes scattered throughout the city, making the harmonious blend of history and new culture one of its distinctive characteristics.
This time, we will introduce Photo Spots that we recommend for photography enthusiasts in this charming city of Kanazawa. Let's capture the beautiful townscapes in their entirety and preserve different aspects in photographs to add color to your memories of your Japanese journey.
Recommended Photo Spots to Enjoy Kanazawa's Beautiful Townscapes
In Kanazawa, you can stroll through charming townscapes that retain the vestiges of traditional Japan. The historical buildings and atmospheric alleys are sure to appear fresh and exciting to the eyes of foreign tourists.
Why not try taking memorable photographs in these beautiful spaces that make you feel as if you've traveled back in time?
Higashi Chaya District
The Higashi Chaya District is an absolute must-see when touring Kanazawa. The Higashi Chaya District is an area characterized by atmospheric townscapes that convey the chaya culture that flourished about 400 years ago to the present day.
The traditional wooden buildings lined up along cobblestone roads have been designated as nationally preserved heritage sites. This is a precious opportunity to observe these carefully preserved townscapes up close and feel history with your own skin.
Additionally, the Higashi Chaya District is dotted with cafes where you can enjoy Japanese sweets made with matcha and adzuki beans, as well as shops handling Kanazawa's traditional crafts, allowing you to enjoy the area all day long.
Every time I visit the Higashi Chaya District, I enjoy local Japanese tea at a small cafe quietly nestled in the back alleys.
When you visit Kanazawa, please first take many Instagram-worthy photos in the Higashi Chaya District, where every shot you take becomes picturesque.
・Address: 1-7-7 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City
・Business Hours: Varies by store
・Closed: Varies by store
・Phone Number: Varies by store
・Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10212.html
The Illuminated Higashi Chaya District at Night is Also a Must-See!
For photography enthusiasts, the nighttime Higashi Chaya District is also a must-see.
When the sun sets and lights are lit in the lanterns, the cobblestone roads are enveloped in warm light. The streets of the Higashi Chaya District take on a quietly sophisticated adult atmosphere, completely different from the lively daytime bustle.
Moreover, the soft light leaking from the lattice doors of buildings adds depth to photographs and creates nostalgic effects.
When I first visited the Higashi Chaya District at night, I was so moved by its serene beauty that I forgot about time and enjoyed taking photographs.
If you have time, please visit the Higashi Chaya District twice—during the day and at night—and compare the photographs you've taken.
Nagamachi Samurai District
For those who want to tour traditional Japanese townscapes, we also recommend strolling through the Nagamachi Samurai District.
The Nagamachi Samurai District is an area where the residences of high-ranking bushi (samurai) who once wielded power in the Kanazawa area are preserved. The residences surrounded by earthen walls and nagayamon gates, as well as the waterways flowing along the edges of the roads, vividly preserve the lifestyle of the bushi of that time.
Those who love Japanese history will be able to experience the sensation of having traveled back in time to Japan's ancient era.
My recommendation is to take distant shots that include the walls and cobblestones along with the buildings to convey the townscape. Also, if you photograph during morning hours or twilight, you can capture more atmospheric shots.
Furthermore, at the Nomura Samurai House, you can also tour the inside of the residence, so please stop by if you're interested.
・Address: Nagamachi, Kanazawa City
・Business Hours: Varies by facility
・Closed: Varies by facility
・Phone Number: Varies by facility
・Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10195.html
Nomura House: http://www.nomurake.com/
Kazue Machi Chaya District
When it comes to traditional Japanese townscapes, the scenery of Kazue Machi Chaya District is also recommended.
Kazue Machi Chaya District is one of the representative Chaya Districts of Kanazawa, alongside the Higashi Chaya District, and is characterized by its location along the banks of the Asano River.
Additionally, the sight of beautiful lattice doors called Senbon-goshi lined up along narrow alleys, and the atmosphere of streets where local people's lives are deeply rooted, can be said to be attractive points different from the Higashi Chaya District.
If you slowly stroll through the streets with camera in hand, you can sharpen your heart to Japanese tradition.
For those who want to enjoy photographing atmospheric townscapes in a calm space, please stop by Kazue Machi Chaya District.
・Address: Kazue-machi, Kanazawa City
・Business Hours: Varies by store
・Closed: Varies by store
・Phone Number: Varies by store
・Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/detail_4949.html
Taking Photos from the Asano River is the Author's Recommendation
If you visit Kazue Machi Chaya District, please try taking photos from the Asano River. From across the river, you can get a panoramic view of the Kazue Machi Chaya District landscape and beautifully capture the appearance of a traditional Japanese town in a single frame.
What I particularly recommend is photographing during twilight hours and other times when lights are lit in the Chaya District. The warm lights illuminated in the Chaya District reflect on the water's surface, creating a fantastical scene.
The time spent standing on the riverbank and viewing the harmony between the gently flowing Asano River and the traditional townscape full of atmosphere through your viewfinder is luxurious. It will become an unforgettable memory of Kanazawa.
These Kanazawa Photo Spots 2025 offer tourists incredible opportunities to capture the timeless beauty and cultural richness that make this historic city so special for photography enthusiasts.
Exploring Beautiful Photo Spots with Local Guidance is Highly Recommended
If you want to enjoy Kanazawa more deeply and efficiently, we recommend using the private tour "Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour" accompanied by a guide who knows the local area inside and out.
The greatest feature of this tour is that the guide will take you not only to representative tourist destinations such as Higashi Chaya District, Kenroku-en, and Kanazawa Castle, but also to hidden photo spots that only locals know about.
You'll be able to capture your own special shots that you can't find in guidebooks or on social media.
Additionally, by having the guide explain fine details that you might overlook when visiting on your own, and hearing stories rooted in local life, you'll find Kanazawa even more charming.
Tour Details:
- Meeting point: FamilyMart + Drug Come-ya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Central Kanazawa area
- Start time: 10:00
Recommended Photo Spots Where You Can Enjoy the Harmony of Nature and Beautiful Townscapes
Kanazawa is characterized by beautiful landscapes woven together by rich nature and historic buildings.
Here, we introduce photogenic spots where nature and tradition merge, including Japanese-style gardens that show different expressions throughout the four seasons, and magnificent architecture that blends into the city's landscape.
Kenroku-en
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
When visiting Kanazawa, Kenroku-en is an unmissable tourist spot and one of the top destinations for Kanazawa Photo Spots 2025.
Kenroku-en is a strolling-style Japanese garden counted among Japan's three most famous gardens. On its vast grounds, ponds, miniature hills, pavilions, and more are skillfully arranged, allowing you to enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery that is distinctly Japanese.
Throughout the garden, where picturesque views spread in every direction, you can have an exciting treasure-hunting-like experience by strolling slowly with camera in hand.
In particular, Uchihashitei floating on Kasumi-ga-ike Pond and Kotojitori lantern are decorative elements that symbolize Kenroku-en and are subjects you must capture in photographs.
Please take this opportunity to fully enjoy the garden beauty that Japanese people have loved since ancient times.
Kenroku-en Information:
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City
- Operating hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00, October 16 - End of February: 8:00-17:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone number: 076-234-3800
- Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/index.html
Kenroku-en Offers Different Seasonal Views
The greatest charm of Kenroku-en is that it shows various expressions throughout the year, making it a perfect year-round destination for Kanazawa Photo Spots 2025.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion, and many people from both domestic and international locations visit to see the garden dyed in pale pink. Meanwhile, in summer when fresh greenery is dazzling, the cool shade of trees and the waterside of ponds captivate people.
Also, winter Kenroku-en spreads an impressive scene of yukitsuri (ropes suspending branches to prevent them from breaking under snow weight) and a breathtaking silver world.
And the appearance of Kenroku-en that I love most is the autumn foliage. The blazing red autumn leaves match the traditional Japanese garden landscape and make the atmosphere stand out.
Please capture memorable photos at Kenroku-en, where you can encounter beautiful scenery unique to each season.
Kanazawa Castle
Speaking of Kanazawa's symbol, it's Kanazawa Castle. Kanazawa Castle was the residence of the Maeda clan of Kaga Domain, who once wielded power in the Kanazawa area, and was built more than 400 years ago.
Tourists can't help but raise their cameras at the vast grounds and magnificent buildings that suddenly appear in central Kanazawa. The castle complex is beautiful with its striking contrast of stone walls, white walls, and lead tiles, making it a photogenic subject perfect for Kanazawa Photo Spots 2025.
When photographing Kanazawa Castle, please try shooting from Kanazawa Castle Park. Kanazawa Castle Park is a lush green park that spreads at the foot of Kanazawa Castle. By photographing the castle from below looking up, you can capture a shot that emphasizes its impressive presence even more.
The main parts of Kanazawa Castle can also be entered and toured. Those interested should check it out.
Kanazawa Castle Information:
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City
- Operating hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 (exit time), October 16 - End of February: 8:00-17:00 (exit time)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone number: 076-234-3800
- Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
In Kanazawa, please also pay attention to the natural beauty of Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden.
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located within Kanazawa Castle Park, which has a different charm from Kenroku-en.
On the vividly green lawn, quiet ponds, beautifully maintained plantings, and various shaped stones are arranged, creating a peaceful landscape while expressing Japanese elegance.
The key point for photography is to capture the entire garden from a slightly elevated position. By centering the pond and including the bridges and rest area architecture, you can express the attractive appearance of Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden in a single shot.
Also, at Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden, there is a possibility of nighttime illumination being implemented depending on the season. The fantastical appearance of the Japanese garden illuminated by lights is also a must-see.
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City (within Kanazawa Castle Park)
Operating Hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 (exit time)
October 16 - end of February: 8:00-17:00 (exit time)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10060.html
Tsuzumi-mon Gate
When accessing Kanazawa by train or shinkansen, the first symbol of Kanazawa that catches your eye is Tsuzumi-mon Gate. Tsuzumi-mon Gate is installed at Kanazawa Station and is a unique structure that fuses traditional Japanese wooden architecture with modern design.
Its appearance, modeled after an instrument used in the traditional Japanese performing art "nohgaku," is packed with Japanese essence.
A shot taken from a position slightly away from the station exit, with Tsuzumi-mon Gate facing forward, becomes a magnificent photograph that conveys the power and delicate design of Tsuzumi-mon Gate.
Also, for photographers, the illuminated Tsuzumi-mon Gate at night is also a must-see.
Among these, the moment I particularly wait for is when the illuminated Tsuzumi-mon Gate is reflected in the rain-wet ground. The appearance of Kanazawa Station, illuminated from above and below and increasing in brilliance, will surely touch your heart.
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbo-machi, Kanazawa City (Kanazawa Station East Plaza)
Operating Hours: Illumination until 0:00
Closed: -
Phone Number: -
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10050.html
If You Come to Kanazawa, Let Locals Guide You to Locally Beloved Shops
When you visit Kanazawa at night, try using the "Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour" to experience the local food culture.
This tour features local guides who will show you around Kanazawa's entertainment district and visit izakayas and hidden famous shops beloved by local people. Even local shops that are difficult for foreign tourists to enter alone can be enjoyed leisurely when accompanied by a guide.
Kanazawa is famous not only for its tourist spots but also for its abundance of fresh seafood and vegetables. Please fully enjoy Kanazawa's night while tasting local cuisine and local sake made with luxurious ingredients.
Meeting Point: In front of Korinbo Lamoda Building
Tour Area: Central Kanazawa area
Start Time: 18:00
