Stunning Destinations in Kanazawa You Won’t Want to Miss

Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is located in the Hokuriku region of Japan along the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa itself was ranked as one of the best cities to live in by Japanese men’s lifestyle magazine, GQ, and it’s not hard to see why after visiting this breathtaking city for yourself! While you’re there, make sure to check out some of these stunning Kanazawa destinations that you won’t want to miss during your visit!

Kenrokuen

One of the most beautiful places in Kanazawa is Kenrokuen, a world-famous garden that dates back to the Edo period. The garden features a variety of traditional Japanese elements, including ponds, streams, and bridges. The garden is also home to a tea house, which is the perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
In addition to being an incredible natural space, Kenrokuen has plenty of examples of art and architecture that showcase tradition in all its forms. Visitors will enjoy exploring this lovely oasis and discovering the unique details at every turn. Another great destination for those who want to explore natural beauty is Kinkakuji Temple, one of Japan’s most iconic structures.
Located just outside of town, it’s easy to get lost in the wonderment of Kinkakuji’s architecture and natural beauty.

Kanazawa Castle

Standing proudly since the 1500s, Kanazawa Castle is one of the most beautiful places in the city. A must-see when visiting Kanazawa, the castle is surrounded by stunning gardens and is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Make sure to explore the castle’s many rooms and take in the views from the top of the keep!
We also recommend checking out Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of Japan’s three most scenic gardens. Located on an island near the center of town, it features wide lawns with an abundance of trees and bushes, meandering paths through ponds lined with cherry blossoms in springtime, and exquisite landscaping. If you are lucky enough to visit during summertime be sure to pack your swimsuit for a dip in the riverside baths!
Next up is the Kaga Museum of Art which has been lauded as one of Japan’s finest museums. With over 8,000 pieces spanning across two floors, there is something for everyone here.

Higashi Chayagai / Higashi Chaya District

A visit to Kanazawa isn’t complete without a stroll through one of the city’s stunning chaya districts. Higashi Chayagai is the largest and most popular of Kanazawa’s chaya districts, and it’s easy to see why. With its beautifully preserved teahouses and traditional architecture, Higashi Chayagai is a truly unique place.
If you’re looking for a taste of old-world Japan, this is the place to go. The district is also home to Nakamachi Samurai House, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to samurai culture. It’s well worth the trip! So if you find yourself in Kanazawa with some time on your hands, be sure to check out Higashi Chayagai.
It will offer you a glimpse into what life was like back when Japan was still ruled by feudal lords. For more information about Higashi Chayagai, or any other attractions in Kanazawa, head over to our blog page.

The Myoryuji Temple

Also known as Ninja Temple, this site is a must-see for any history buff or enthusiast of Japanese pop culture. The Myoryuji Temple was built in 1643 and served as a training ground for ninjas. Today, it stands as a popular tourist destination and is one of the best-preserved temples in Kanazawa.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and history! Visitors can tour the premises and enjoy stunning views from inside the temple. Admission is 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children between 6-18 years old, and free for children under 6 years old. To get there, take the subway and get off at Higashi-Hokuriku station.
Take Exit 1B and turn left onto Hokuriku street until you reach myoriyuki temple . There are plenty of nearby shops, restaurants, cafes, parks to explore before visiting the Myoryuji Temple.

Nomura Clan Samurai House

The Nomura Clan Samurai House is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved homes from the Edo period. The home was built in 1615 and belonged to a powerful samurai family. Today, the home is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the life of a samurai family. The Nomura Clan Samurai House is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese history or architecture. It’s been restored to what it looked like in 1615, so visitors can see what life was like during that time. There are also guided tours available where visitors can learn more about the house’s history and how it operated during this time.
In addition to the Nomura Clan Samurai House, you’ll want to explore other sites such as Kanazawa Castle which has been rebuilt twice since its original construction in 1597 and Honmachi Street with its 19th century buildings still intact today.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kanazawa. The museum is home to a wide variety of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The museum also has a cafe and a shop, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
While this may seem like a missed opportunity, those who do will be rewarded with beautiful views from their hotel window at night. Whether you want to see Japanese traditional architecture or just get away from all the crowds, there are many hotels in Kanazawa that offer views of stunning sunsets. From the Rooftop Lounge Bar at Le Méridien Yokohama Bay Hotel to Hyatt Regency’s Peninsula Club Lounge, visitors can find breathtaking views without even having to step outside!

However, if they’re looking for something with more culture, they should head over to the Historical and Cultural Museum of Kaga Domain. With artifacts dating back as far as the 13th century, guests can view everything from samurai armor to swords!

The Kenrokuen garden

Considered one of Japan’s three great gardens, Kenrokuen is a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscape design. The garden features a large pond, meandering streams, beautifully manicured trees, and a tea house. Visitors can also enjoy views of the castle and the city from the garden.
A 5-minute walk will take you to another popular attraction in Kanazawa: Hirosaka Castle Park. Located on top of Mount Atago, Hirosaka Castle Park offers sweeping views of the city and ocean. The park features a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot, as well as its own lake with canoes for hire and ducks that people are free to feed.
If you’re looking for more watery fun, head to Shibata Hot Springs where visitors can relax in natural hot springs with mineral water that are said to have healing properties. With over ten different baths at varying temperatures, this place has something for everyone.

The Hakusan national park

Hakusan National Park is one of the most stunning places in Kanazawa. The park is home to Mt. Hakusan, which is the tallest mountain in the prefecture. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Hakusan National Park is the perfect spot. Hakusan National Park is one of the most stunning places in Kanazawa.

The park is home to Mount Hakusan, which is the tallest mountain in the prefecture. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Hakusan National Park is the perfect spot. It’s not too far from the bustling heart of downtown Kanazawa, but it feels like a world away once you get up on top of the mountain.
Tozan and Omuro Hiking Trails. I recommend taking Tozan Trail as it’s slightly less crowded than Omuro Trail and gives an incredible view of Lake Taki.