Perhaps some of you may have arrived at this article after watching a YouTube video. In this particular video, Kanazawa is featured as part of a 14-day journey through Japan’s beautiful tourist destinations. The video is exceptionally well-made, especially the footage capturing the journey from Kyoto to Kanazawa. Incidentally, starting in 2024, the train route from Kyoto to Kanazawa has changed slightly, now requiring a transfer at Tsuruga.
In the video, buses are recommended as a means of transportation in Kanazawa, and even today, sightseeing by bus remains highly recommended. Buses are the most convenient way to get around the city and can be accessed for around 200 yen in cash.
In the video, the stay in Kanazawa was for two nights and three days, which I believe is sufficient to fully enjoy the main sights in Kanazawa. However, for those who want to take their time, I recommend spending three nights and four days.
Additionally, while restaurants such as Morimori Sushi, Ramen Taiga, and Ippei Sushi are introduced in the video, Kanazawa has many other excellent dining options, which I will introduce separately in this article.
In this article, I, as a resident of Kanazawa, will provide detailed explanations of the places introduced in the video and suggest the best sightseeing route over two days. Please use this article as a reference and enjoy your time in Kanazawa to the fullest.
| Tourist Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Higashi Chaya District | A well-preserved district from the Edo period, known for its traditional wooden teahouses and charming streets. |
| Kenrokuen Garden | One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, offering beautiful seasonal scenery, particularly famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. |
| Omicho Market | A bustling market loved by locals and tourists alike, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. |
| Oyama Shrine | A shrine dedicated to Lord Maeda Toshiie, featuring a unique gate that blends Japanese and Western architectural styles. |
| 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa | A renowned museum of contemporary art, famous for Leandro Erlich’s interactive “Swimming Pool” installation. |
| D.T. Suzuki Museum | A museum dedicated to the philosopher D.T. Suzuki, offering a tranquil environment for exploring his Zen teachings. |
| Kanazawa Station (Tsuzumi-mon Gate) | The iconic gateway to Kanazawa, known for its unique Tsuzumi-mon Gate and beautiful nighttime illumination. |
| Ramen Taiga | A popular ramen shop near Kanazawa Station, known for its rich miso ramen and loved by locals. |
| Ippei Sushi | A sushi restaurant known for its fresh local ingredients and English-speaking staff, making it welcoming to foreign tourists. |
Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s most popular tourist attractions, is characterized by its elegant streets that date back to the Edo period. Traditional wooden buildings stand side by side, preserving the teahouse culture of the time. Walking along the stone-paved pathways, you can visit cafés where you can enjoy Japanese sweets and tea, or browse through shops selling Kanazawa’s specialties, making it a fun and enjoyable sightseeing experience. It is also a popular photo spot, with scenery that looks great on social media.
Kenrokuen Garden is widely known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It offers beautiful seasonal scenery and attracts many tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season. The vast grounds are dotted with sights such as Kasumigaike Pond, Kairakuen Garden, and Shiguretei, where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. You can also savor a special moment by having tea in one of the garden’s teahouses.
Omicho Market is loved by both locals and tourists for its abundance of fresh seafood. The market is home to many seafood bowl and sushi restaurants, where you can enjoy Kanazawa’s fresh seafood. Strolling around the market offers a chance to discover rare Kanazawa specialties and enjoy conversations with locals. Morimori Sushi, in particular, is very popular with tourists for its reasonably priced, high-quality sushi.
Oyama Shrine is dedicated to Lord Maeda Toshiie and is a place where visitors can feel the history of Kanazawa. The shrine’s unique Shinmon Gate, in particular, is notable for its blend of Japanese and Western design elements. At night, the gate is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. The shrine also has a lovely garden where visitors can take a peaceful stroll. This is the perfect spot to experience Kanazawa’s culture while appreciating its historical significance.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, is renowned for its collection of contemporary art and is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad. One of the most popular exhibits is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool,” a unique interactive art installation that allows visitors to enter the bottom of a pool. The museum offers many other exhibitions, providing visitors with new perspectives and inspiration through art. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts looking to experience cutting-edge art in Kanazawa.
The D.T. Suzuki Museum is dedicated to introducing the philosophy and life of D.T. Suzuki, the philosopher who brought Zen to the world. This museum provides an ideal setting for self-reflection and understanding Suzuki’s philosophy in a tranquil environment. The architecture itself is stunning, and the views of the water and gardens from within the museum have a calming effect. This is a must-see spot for those interested in experiencing the cultural depth of Kanazawa.
Kanazawa Station serves as the gateway to the city and welcomes many tourists. Its symbol, the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, with its unique design, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The gate is especially striking when illuminated at night, creating a spectacular and beautiful sight. The area around the station is also home to numerous shopping malls and cafés, making it a great place to rest between sightseeing activities. We recommend taking a memorable photo at the Tsuzumi-mon Gate as a way to wrap up your visit to Kanazawa.
Ramen Taiga, located near Kanazawa Station, is a popular ramen shop loved by locals. It is particularly well-known for its rich miso ramen, which is perfect for refueling during your sightseeing adventures. Enjoying a hearty bowl of ramen here is an excellent way to recharge while exploring Kanazawa. This spot is ideal for a quick and satisfying meal during your sightseeing.
Ippei Sushi is a sushi restaurant that has gained a reputation for its English-speaking staff, making it welcoming to foreign tourists. Visitors can enjoy delicious sushi made from fresh local ingredients while also experiencing Japanese culture through conversation with the friendly staff. This restaurant is recommended for those who wish to enjoy authentic sushi in Kanazawa.
In this article, we have cut out and introduced only the tourist attractions in Kanazawa that were introduced on YouTube. Kanazawa is a fascinating city where history and modernity merge, and every spot has its own unique charm. We hope you enjoy your visit to Kanazawa using this plan as a guide.
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