Kanazawa Attractions
Located on the side of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa has been spared from the wars several times and hence preserves a large number of historical sites, earning the reputation as “Little Kyoto”. Kanazawa attractions including traditional Japanese style Kenroku-en Garden with magnificent scenery in all seasons, Kanazawa Castle with rich historical and cultural charm, Higashichaya Old Town with geisha performances and ancient teahouses, Omicho Market with various fresh seafood and delicacies, Ninjadera with hidden traps and rooms, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art with the charm of craft and art, and Oyama Shrine and Ozaki Shrine with stunning scenery, are all worth your time. Kanazawa is definitely an excellent tourist destination for foreign tourists who want to experience and understand the unique beauty of Japan.Top Kanazawa Attractions to Visit
1. Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en Garden Photos ( 28 )
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2. Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle Photos ( 16 )
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3. Higashichaya Old Town
Higashichaya Old Town Photos ( 26 )
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Except for Higashichaya Old Town, there are two other geisha districts in Kanazawa, Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya Districts. Located on the banks of Asano River, Kazuemachi is three minutes walking away from the famous Higashichaya Old Town. Kazuemachi is known for its quaint street view, with the road lined with restaurants and bars, and with path and vertical grid doors one after another. Nishi Chaya District is small with a flagstone road stretching for about 100 meters (110 yards). If you’re lucky, you’ll also come across the geishas in kimonos going to the banquet. These three districts give different charm at night when the lights are turned on.
4. Ninjadera
Ninjadera, also known as Myoryuji Temple, is a Buddhism temple having a long history and mysterious atmosphere. It is like an escape prison game house with hidden traps and secret rooms. And there preserved many exhibitions and items related to ninjas, through which visitors can have a deep impression of the history and culture about ninjas. Before visiting, you need to make a reservation in advance.5. Omicho Market
Omicho Market Photos ( 10 )
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6. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
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7. Tsuzumi-mon Gate
Tsuzumi-mon Gate
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8. Oyama Shrine
As an iconic shrine of Kanazawa, Oyama Shrine worships Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga clan and his wife, Omatsu no Kata. The front gate of the shrine is three-story blending Japanese, Western and Chinese styles. As it was built in 1875, it is now designated as an important cultural property of Japan. Inside the Oyama Shrine, you can enjoy the scenery including the fake island shaped by ancient instruments such as pipa, the pond and strolling-style garden with a bridge. In addition, there are portraits of Maeda Toshiie and his wife placed within the shrine.9. The Samurai District
There are many well-preserved samurai houses along two canals of the Samurai District, which is a great site to have a glimpse of the life and culture of samurai. Among these houses, Nomura-ke Samurai Residence belongs to two of the eight high-ranking officials of Kaga clan, which was also the residence of the middle and upper-class samurai at that time. After entering modern times, although the appearance of folk housing has been changed, architectural relics such as narrow paths, earthen walls, and long house doors have been well preserved. You can also find cafes and restaurants in the Samurai District.
More Kanazawa Attractions to Visit
1. Ozaki Shrine
Ozaki Shrine, originally named Toshogu Shrine, was built in 1643 by Mitsutaka Maeda, the third lord of the Kaga Domain. The shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate in Japan. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), it was renamed Ozaki Shrine. With magnificent architectural style and exquisite details, it has been designated as an important cultural asset of Japan.2. Ishiura Shrine
Ishiura Shrine Photos ( 10 )
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