Kanazawa (金沢) in Ishikawa Prefecture is often referred to as a mini-Kyoto. Just a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, this historical city boasts architectural gems reminiscent of Kyoto. However, Kanazawa offers more than just a glimpse into the past. With its abundant art museums, it captivates the hearts of art enthusiasts.
Join us as we explore the must-see attractions and delightful restaurants that harmoniously blend traditional and contemporary Japanese art.
Contents
- Kenrokuen (兼六園)
- Higashiyama (東山)
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa (金沢21世紀美術館)
- D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館)
- KAMU Kanazawa
- Omicho Market (近江町市場)
- Itaru (のど黒めし本舗 いたる)
- Make your own sushi at COIL (金沢手巻き寿司 COIL)
Kenrokuen (兼六園)
Kenrokuen Garden, ranked as one of Japan's top three beautiful gardens, is a must-visit destination. Begin your tour early in the morning, entering through the Renchimon Gate or the Katsurazaka Gate. This expansive garden encompasses ponds, bridges, a fountain, a teahouse, and even a museum. Impeccably designed, it adheres to the principles of Feng Shui.
Popular among both Japanese and foreign tourists, the garden's highlight is the enchanting yukitsuri (雪吊り), wherein trees are supported by bamboo poles and ropes to protect them from winter snow. Combined with its picturesque waterfront, Kenrokuen Garden offers a captivating sight that attracts visitors from all over.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/E9MGfrrJM8CL9gQQ6
Higashiyama (東山)
Kanazawa, often referred to as Mini Kyoto, boasts several neighborhoods reminiscent of its larger counterpart. Among them is Higashiyama, also known as the Geisha District, which exudes a traditional Japanese ambiance while showcasing renovated tea houses and taverns. Visitors can indulge in the delights of traditional tempura dishes prepared by staff adorned in silk kimono, accompanied by enchanting folk songs.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore shops selling gold items, as Kanazawa is renowned for its gold craftsmanship. The city's association with gold dates back to when a local discovered gold dust in a marsh and named the area Kana-Araizawa (金洗沢), which later evolved into Kanazawa.
Dressing up in yukata and capturing photos along this street has become a favorite activity for visitors, who can also immerse themselves in the city's captivating atmosphere by exploring the shops housed in historic buildings.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/5fgoTBjyweVc6myw7
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (金沢21世紀美術館)
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa has gained immense popularity and has become a must-visit destination for travelers. While Kanazawa boasts numerous historical museums and old buildings, this museum stands out by showcasing modern art that appeals to young audiences.
The museum offers plenty of photo-worthy spots, with the highlight being a unique swimming pool that visitors can stand inside, attracting photography enthusiasts seeking exotic angles.
The exhibits are spread both indoors and outdoors, with free access to the outdoor displays. However, it is recommended to book tickets in advance for the indoor area, as they tend to sell out quickly. Reservations can be made through the museum's website provided below for a guaranteed visit to the inner workings of this fascinating museum.
Official website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/WdMhXp8h1ZZiHF8K9
D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館)
The museum showcases the works of renowned philosopher D.T. Suzuki and features an exquisite architectural design by Yoshio Taniguchi, complemented by a stunning garden with captivating water and light displays. Inside the building, visitors can explore a collection of books, pictures, and philosophical poems, immersing themselves in the wonderful atmosphere of Mr. Suzuki's philosophy.
Please note that photography is not permitted inside the exhibition building. However, the garden area, with its expansive water platform, provides ample opportunities for visitors to freely capture photographs and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/pbpGmUscpMRkh3EH9
KAMU Kanazawa
Get ready for a fun and unique museum experience at KAMU Kanazawa! This museum hosts events in small buildings scattered throughout Kanazawa city. Tickets can be purchased at the KAMU Center, offering options for 1-day or 2-day passes. Upon ticket purchase, you'll receive a QR code and a map indicating the locations of the museums spread across Kanazawa. If you're confident you can visit all of them in a day, the 1-day pass is recommended.
On the first floor of the ticket building, you'll find the INFINITE STAIRCASE, an art corner featuring an intriguing maze of endless stairs. Don't forget to capture a memorable photo in this artwork.
Another unique installation is doro ashi (泥足), a blue transparent foot made of wire and net, measuring 8m in size, 3m in width, and 3.6m in height. This exhibit is located at Honda Park (本多公園) and can be viewed free of charge.
KAMU BlackBlack is an art gallery situated away from the KAMU Center. Here, you'll witness a large-scale artwork display created by sound, strobe lights, and laser beams projected above the heads of viewers, resulting in a unique atmosphere. This longitudinal rectangular installation spans approximately 3 meters in width, 7 meters in height, and 20 meters in depth.
Official website: https://www.ka-mu.com
Google map KAMU Center: https://goo.gl/maps/XDrbWMSutXNe8B1S7
Omicho Market (近江町市場)
Omicho Market, also known as Kanazawa's Kitchen, is a bustling fish market that receives daily deliveries of fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. What makes this market truly remarkable is its rich history spanning over 300 years. Since ancient times, Omicho Market has been an integral part of Kanazawa, enduring fires and continuous relocations until settling in its present location.
Today, visitors can indulge in the freshest seafood available, either by sampling street food from the lively stalls or dining in the market's restaurants, which also specialize in dishes prepared with the finest, locally sourced seafood.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/ushRq6PN5rzxiMVr6
Itaru (のど黒めし本舗 いたる)
Indulge in the renowned Kanazawa delicacy, nodokuro (のど黒, blackthroat seaperch) at the famous Itaru restaurant in town. Their specialty is the nodokuromeshi, a flavorful dish served in a stone pot along with nodoguro broth. To fully enjoy the meal, start by savoring the fish and rice, allowing the flavors of the nodokuro to permeate the entire bowl. The set also includes side dishes, providing options to vary the taste as desired.
If you wish to switch up your eating experience, pour the restaurant's specially prepared broth into a separate bowl. This will transform the dish into something similar to ochazuke, bringing out a whole new level of deliciousness from the fish.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/NC4H8xeEKCYksoUr7
Make your own sushi at COIL (金沢手巻き寿司 COIL)
Discover the unique and interactive sushi experience at COIL, an experiential sushi restaurant where you can unleash your creativity and enjoy the art of making your own sushi. This popular establishment caters to both Japanese and foreign patrons alike.
At COIL, you have the freedom to choose your preferred fillings and ingredients. The restaurant provides a tray containing seaweed, rice, seafood and other ingredients, leaving you responsible for the fun task of stuffing and rolling your sushi creations. You'll quickly realize that making sushi requires skill and precision, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
COIL offers a delightful combination of entertainment and delicious food, ensuring a memorable sushi adventure for all.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/zVifX5UbBaGPNYRA6
So what did you think of Kanazawa? If you get a chance to squeeze in Kanazawa during your trip to Japan, we hope you can refer to this feature.
