Highlights
Kenroku-en Garden
Many would argue that Kanazawa’s highlight is the gorgeous Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Located in the centre of the town, its name refers to the six attributes that are considered vital in the creation of the perfect garden – seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, antiquity, an abundance of water, and marvellous views. Take time to explore the beautiful pond, traditional tea houses and utter beauty of the garden, whether during spring when the blossom has bloomed, or autumn when the leaves turn a gorgeous shade of red. There is a small entrance fee for visitors, excluding those over 65 years old.
Kanazawa Castle
Located across the road from the Kenroku-en Garden and originally built in 1580, this striking castle was home to the Maeda samurai clan for fourteen generations before its destruction by fire in the late 19th century. Luckily, the impressive entrance gate, Ishikawa-mon, survived and still invites you into the castle today.
Tradition and Culture
Kanazawa still boasts a strong sense of Japanese tradition with wonderfully well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. Visit the traditional Nomura Samurai House, stroll the Higashi Chaya geisha district, and sip green tea in the Shima teahouse. For a true glimpse of local life, be sure to visit the Omi-Cho Market, offering a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and sounds. Kanazawa is also where 99 percent of Japanese gold leaf is made, home to many traditional workshops and stores filled with gold leaf handicrafts, as well as more unusual uses of the metal – including gold leaf cosmetics and even ice cream covered in gold!
Museums
Contrasting the city’s traditional offerings, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is an ultra-modern, low-rise venue surrounded by glass. Inside, discover a collection of both permanent instalments and changing exhibitions, all showcasing unique artwork from acclaimed contemporary artists of Japan and beyond. Other museums to visit include the DT Suzuki Museum, a spiritual tribute to the Buddhist philosopher Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki, and the compact Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Products & Crafts.
Yamashiro Onsen
The hot spring resort of Yamashiro Onsen has been famous for its mineral-rich hot springs for over 700 years. At the centre of the town is the Yunogawa district, home to the Meji-style Kosoyu bathhouse and the decorative Yamashiro Soyu bathhouse, filled using natural hot water and offering a great chance to experience the traditions of the area. The resort is also home to authentic eateries, traditional ryokan inns and the Kutani Kiln Remains Museum, showcasing the history of Kutani porcelain and housing the world’s oldest Kutani bank kiln!