Kanazawa Things to Do 2025: Local's Guide to 5 Essential Experiences Like Gardens, Traditional Streets, Cuisine & Art
Kanazawa is a city where traditional culture spanning approximately 400 years harmonizes with modern art, making it one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations with an especially high concentration of historical and art spots.
Kanazawa still preserves its traditional streetscapes today, and features many landmarks symbolizing the city's prosperity, including Kanazawa Castle, the city's symbol, and beautiful Japanese gardens.
Additionally, Kanazawa is a gourmet city where exquisite cuisine gathers, including fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan and traditional local dishes.
This time, we'll introduce a carefully selected five attractions you should experience when visiting Kanazawa, as recommended by locals. If you're planning to visit Kanazawa, please use this as a reference.
Thing to Do List in Kanazawa
To maximize your limited time in Kanazawa, we recommend listing in advance the places you want to visit and experiences you want to have.
While Kanazawa is a relatively compact city with tourist spots close to each other, there are many attractions to see, so touring efficiently will help you enjoy your Kanazawa sightseeing even more.
Here are the five attractions you should experience in Kanazawa and the spots where you can experience each of these charms.
[Kanazawa's Five Attractions and Spots to Experience Them - Kanazawa Things to Do 2025]
・Strolling through Japanese gardens where Kanazawa's history and nature merge: Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park
・Strolling through nostalgic streetscapes lined with traditional architecture: Higashi Chaya District, Nishi Chaya District, Kazue Machi Chaya District
・Experiencing Samurai culture and Ninja culture: Nagamachi Samurai District, Ninja Temple
・Eating around at exquisite gourmet spots: Omicho Market, Katamachi
・Appreciating Kanazawa's traditional crafts and modern art: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Noh Museum, National Crafts Museum
From here, we'll introduce each of Kanazawa's attractions in detail one by one.
Local Insights! 5 Things to Enjoy When You Come to Kanazawa
Leisurely Stroll Through Beautiful Japanese Gardens Surrounded by Nature
When visiting Kanazawa, you cannot miss strolling through Japanese gardens where seasonal nature and traditional beauty merge.
Kanazawa has many beautiful Japanese gardens where you can enjoy scenery harmonizing tradition and nature, including Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom and in autumn adorned with autumn leaves, the beauty becomes even more pronounced, and you're sure to be captivated by the magnificent scenery woven by nature and tradition.
Below, we introduce two representative tourist destinations in Kanazawa where you can fully savor the charm of Japanese gardens.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens and is an especially popular spot for Kanazawa sightseeing. This garden was constructed approximately 400 years ago by the Kaga Domain that ruled Kanazawa.
There are walking paths connecting various attractions around a large pond, and you can enjoy strolling while resting at tea houses within the garden.
At Kenrokuen, you can enjoy seasonal landscapes: cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and "Yukitsuri" in winter.
The sight of "Yukitsuri," where ropes are hung to protect tree branches from snow, is particularly famous. Please savor the beautiful snowy landscape woven by Kanazawa's nature and traditional techniques.
<Information>
- Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: [March 1 October 15] 7:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30) [October 16 End of February] 8:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park is a vast castle site that conveys the history of Kanazawa's prosperity from approximately 400 years ago to the present.
This place, which was once the residence of the Kaga Domain lord who was the master of Kanazawa Castle, is now open to the public, and you can tour historic castle architecture including Ishikawa-mon gate, which was rebuilt in 1788.
Additionally, within the park is "Gyokusen'inmaru Garden," constructed in 1634, where you can stroll while viewing a large pond, waterfall, and unique stone walls. My recommendation is during the illumination period.
Please experience the spectacular view of the traditional Japanese garden enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere.
<Information>
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business 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/kanazawajou/
Stroll Through Historic Streets Where Traditional Culture Lives
When it comes to historical spots representing Kanazawa, the chaya districts where traditional streetscapes remain are iconic.
Kanazawa has three chaya districts that retain the atmosphere from approximately 200 years ago, each offering different charms to experience.
The sight of wooden traditional buildings lining both sides of stone-paved streets provides a special sensation, as if you've time-slipped back approximately 200 years.
Below, we introduce each of the three representative chaya districts of Kanazawa in detail.
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District is a precious streetscape designated by the national government as a particularly important preservation district for traditional buildings, and is a tourist spot boasting high popularity in Kanazawa.
Wooden traditional buildings line both sides of stone-paved streets, and just walking through it allows you to feel the atmosphere filled with Japan's good old charm.
Additionally, in this chaya district, what I love is that you can feel tradition firsthand by touring the interior of a historic tea house built in 1820 or experiencing gold leaf craftsmanship, a traditional craft.
Please also try Kanazawa's unique exquisite sweets such as soft serve with gold leaf and matcha gelato.
<Information>
- Address: 1-chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by shop and season (many open around 9:00-18:00)
- Closed: Varies by shop *Some shops are open year-round
- Phone Number: Varies by shop
- Official Website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
Nishi Chaya District
Nishi Chaya District is a chaya district characterized by a calmer atmosphere than Higashi Chaya District. With fewer tourists, you can leisurely stroll without worrying about crowds.
In this chaya district, the popularity also stems from being able to thoroughly enjoy exquisite sweets and cuisine in traditional Kanazawa Japanese sweets shops and Japanese restaurants housed in chaya architecture.
My favorite is "Amanatto Kawamura," where you can taste Japanese sweets inside traditional architecture. The shop-exclusive Amanatto (a Japanese sweet made from beans preserved in sugar) is also perfect as a Kanazawa-style souvenir.
<Information>
- Address: 2-25-18 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by shop (many open around 10:00-18:00)
*"Amanatto Kawamura" [Weekdays] 9:30-18:00 [Sundays and holidays] 9:00-17:00 [December 28-30] 9:00-18:00
- Closed: Varies by shop
*"Amanatto Kawamura" First Tuesday of months except January, May, December, December 31 January 3
- Phone Number: Varies by shop
*"Amanatto Kawamura" 076-282-7000
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10199.html
*"Amanatto Kawamura" https://mame-kawamura.com/
Kazue Machi Chaya District
Kazue Machi Chaya District is a small teahouse district located within walking distance from Higashi Chaya District. This teahouse district is situated along the Asano River, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that blends traditional architecture with the natural riverside environment.
In spring, the cherry blossoms along the river bloom fully, creating a quintessentially Japanese stunning view that is my personal favorite.
Kazue Machi Chaya District has hidden gem cafes and bars where you can enjoy meals in charming interiors renovated from traditional townhouses. Some establishments offer views of the traditional streetscape and riverside nature from inside, so why not spend an elegant cafe time while experiencing the atmospheric ambiance?
This is definitely one of the Kanazawa Things to Do 2025 for those seeking authentic local experiences.
<Information>
- Address: 2-5 Kazuemachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by establishment (many open from around 11:00 to 18:00)
- Regular Holidays: Varies by establishment
- Phone Number: Varies by establishment
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_52358.html
To fully enjoy Kanazawa's charms, I recommend participating in the "Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour," where you can explore the city with a local guide. This tour takes you on foot through Kanazawa's major tourist attractions, including Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Higashi Chaya District.
Since the tour is guided by an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about Kanazawa, you can explore while gaining a deeper understanding of the history and culture.
Additionally, at Omicho Market and restaurants within Kenrokuen, you can enjoy trying new dishes with peace of mind while having the ingredients explained to you.
Since this tour is a walking tour that covers each tourist attraction on foot, please dress appropriately for the climate, such as heat protection measures in summer and cold weather protection in winter.
<Information>
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour Area: Musashigatsuji to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden area to Higashiyama
- Start Time: From 10:00
Visit spots related to Samurai and Ninja
Kanazawa, which prospered as a castle town about 400 years ago, was home to many samurai at that time.
Even today, historical spots remain where you can experience Samurai culture and Ninja culture, including samurai residences where warriors lived and the so-called "Ninja Temple" with its complex mechanisms. These attractions are must-see Kanazawa Things to Do 2025 for history enthusiasts.
From here, I will introduce in detail the traditional landmarks unique to Kanazawa where you can experience Samurai culture and Ninja culture.
Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi Samurai District is an area where mid-ranking samurai of the Kaga Domain lived, and stone-paved paths and traditional earthen-walled architecture still remain today.
Particularly in winter, you can enjoy the "Komogake Installation," a winter tradition in Kanazawa where earthen walls are covered with straw mats to protect them from snow and freezing.
Also, what I recommend about this samurai residence district is that you can actually tour the inside of the samurai residences. At "Nomura-ke Samurai Residence," you can view Japanese swords used by samurai, historical materials, and beautiful Japanese gardens to experience the life of samurai from that era.
<Information>
- Address: Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Free to explore
*"Nomura-ke Samurai Residence" hours: [April-September] 8:30-17:30 [October-March] 8:30-16:30
- Regular Holidays: None
*"Nomura-ke Samurai Residence" is closed on 12/26, 12/27, 1/1, 1/2
Phone Number: 076-232-5555
*"Nomura-ke Samurai Residence" 076-221-3553
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10195.html
*"Nagamachi Samurai District" http://www.nomurake.com/
Ninja Temple
Source:Tripadvisor
Myouryuji, affectionately known by its nickname "Ninja Temple," is a historic temple and a popular tourist spot in Kanazawa where you can tour complex mechanisms designed to prevent enemy intrusion.
Despite its exterior appearance of being a two-story building, "Ninja Temple" is actually four stories tall and is said to have 23 rooms and 29 staircases.
You can enjoy unique experiences that make you feel as if you've become a Ninja yourself, such as staircases that become trap doors when the floorboards are removed, and an offering box that can also be used as a trap door.
Telephone reservations are required in principle to tour the interior of "Ninja Temple." Since capacity is limited, I recommend making reservations early once your itinerary is decided.
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Regular Holidays: 1/1, 1/2, and other irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 076-241-0888
- Official Website: http://www.myouryuji.or.jp/
Fully Savoring Kanazawa's Exquisite Food
When visiting Kanazawa, I recommend enjoying exquisite gourmet dishes such as fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and local cuisine made with locally produced vegetables.
Kanazawa has plenty of spots where you can enjoy various local gourmet foods, including historic markets where local flavors gather and bustling downtown areas that represent Kanazawa. As one of the top Kanazawa Things to Do 2025, exploring the food scene should be on every tourist's itinerary.
Here, I'll introduce two recommended spots where you can savor Kanazawa's unique exquisite gourmet cuisine.
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a treasure trove of food with a history of about 300 years. The market has about 170 stores lined up, offering Kanazawa's specialty products such as fresh seafood caught near Kanazawa and local traditional vegetables. There are also stores where you can taste local gourmet food on the spot, such as seafood dishes, Kanazawa curry, and grilled Noto beef skewers.
Among these, my recommendation is the seafood rice bowl where you can taste a wide variety of seafood at once.
You can enjoy Kanazawa's specialty products such as Blackthroat seaperch and sweet shrimp at reasonable prices. Since the stores in Omicho Market are close to each other, it's perfect for those who want to eat their way through various Kanazawa gourmet foods.
<Information>
- Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by store (many stores operate around 9:00-17:00)
- Regular Holidays: Varies by store
- Phone Number: 076-231-1462
- Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Katamachi
The Katamachi area is a bustling downtown district representing Kanazawa, where izakayas (Japanese bars), Japanese restaurants, and stylish bars are packed together.
You can taste various Kanazawa gourmet foods, such as sashimi made with fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan and local dishes including Jibuni (simmered duck meat and vegetables).
Among these, "Kanazawa Oden," a simmered dish where boiled eggs and vegetables are soaked in dashi broth, is a local flavor I always taste when dining in Katamachi.
In addition to the standard oden ingredients like daikon radish and eggs, crab and shellfish oden are unique delicacies that are distinctive to Kanazawa, which is blessed with seafood.
In Katamachi, please enjoy the nightlife by savoring local gourmet food and delicious sake.
<Information>
- Address: Around 1-chome and 2-chome Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Varies by store (many stores are open around 17:00-23:00)
- Regular Holidays: Varies by store
- Phone Number: 076-232-0630
- Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/detail_4954.html
If you want to fully enjoy exquisite gourmet food in Kanazawa, the city of gastronomy, I recommend joining the "Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour" guided by local guides.
On this tour, you'll visit three hidden izakayas and restaurants in Kanazawa's bustling downtown area of Katamachi, where you can enjoy local gourmet food such as fresh seafood and Kanazawa oden.
The Katamachi area has many high-level restaurants such as Michelin-starred sushi restaurants and authentic Japanese cuisine restaurants, making it difficult for first-time foreign visitors to find the best restaurant.
By joining this tour, you'll be guided to restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors, such as hidden izakayas.
My recommended point about this tour is that you can also stroll through the samurai residence district at night. Since you'll be walking through the city at night, please wear comfortable shoes.
<Information>
- Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
- Tour area: Korinbo to Katamachi
- Start time: 17:00/ 18:00-
Enjoying Kanazawa's Hidden Charm of "Art"
In addition to its historic traditional culture, Kanazawa is also known as a city of art where contemporary art and traditional arts coexist.
Throughout the city, diverse art spots are scattered, from art museums exhibiting internationally acclaimed contemporary art to facilities introducing traditional performing arts.
Below, I'll introduce in detail three places: a contemporary art museum that harmonizes with Kanazawa's cityscape, a facility related to Kanazawa's traditional performing arts, and a museum exhibiting Japanese traditional crafts.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Source:Wikipedia
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum that opened in 2004. It features innovative circular architecture and is based on the concept of "a museum like a park open to the town" with no distinction between front and back.
The iconic work of this museum is "The Swimming Pool," where you can enjoy an unrealistic immersive experience as if looking up at the sky from inside a pool.
Additionally, there are many interactive outdoor exhibition works in the plaza outside the museum that can be viewed for free, and my favorite point is that you can casually enjoy art.
Please experience "Kanazawa, the City of Art," where history, tradition, the city of Kanazawa, nature, and contemporary art are fused together.
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: [Exhibition Zone] 10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) [Exchange Zone] 9:00-22:00
- Regular Holidays: [Exhibition Zone] Mondays (or the following weekday if it falls on a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays [Exchange Zone] Year-end and - New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 076-220-2800
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
Kanazawa Noh Museum
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
The Kanazawa Noh Museum is a specialized art museum that exhibits materials related to Noh (Japanese traditional stage art) of the Kaga Hosho school, which developed in Kanazawa.
Inside the museum, you can view precious works such as Noh masks and costumes used on the Noh stage up close, and you can also wear Noh masks and costumes for commemorative photos.
The Noh mask collection is particularly worth seeing, and I always find myself absorbed in it.
When you carefully observe each Noh mask, you can feel the subtle differences in expression and the high level of craftsmanship. Please learn about Kanazawa's unique traditional performing arts and experience Kanazawa's charm more deeply.
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-25 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00-18:00 (admission until 17:30)
- Regular Holidays: Mondays (or the following weekday if it falls on a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 076-220-2790
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-noh-museum.gr.jp/
National Crafts Museum
Source:Official website
The National Crafts Museum, opened in 1977, is the only museum in Japan specializing in exhibiting craft and design works.
It relocated from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2020 and exhibits about 4,000 craft and design works from Japan and abroad, including ceramics, glass, lacquerware, woodwork, and textiles from the late 19th century to the present.
The museum building is a relocated and restored former wooden military facility, and the building itself is a valuable cultural property.
Since the National Crafts Museum is within a 10-minute walk from the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, please enjoy both traditional crafts and contemporary art in Kanazawa.
<Information>
- Address: 3-2 Dewa-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:30-17:30 (admission until 17:00)
- Regular Holidays: Mondays (or the following weekday if it falls on a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, and other irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 050-5541-8600
- Official Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/cg/
