Kanazawa Station Live Webcam Ishikawa, Japan
Kenrokuen Garden, Ishikawa Japan
Here is a comprehensive guide to sightseeing in Kanazawa, often called “Little Kyoto” for its beautifully preserved historical districts and rich artistic heritage.
🌸 Introduction: Why Visit Kanazawa?
Located on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa is a city where tradition meets modernity. It was one of the few major Japanese cities spared from bombing during WWII, leaving its samurai and geisha districts intact. Today, it is famous for its stunning gardens, fresh seafood, and gold leaf craftsmanship.
🏯 1. Top Sights to Visit
Kenrokuen Garden
- What it is: One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
- Highlights: The iconic two-legged stone lantern (Kotoji-toro) and the yukitsuri (ropes protecting trees from snow) in winter. It is beautiful in every season, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.
Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
- What it is: A preserved geisha district with traditional wooden lattice buildings.
- Highlights: Strolling the historic streets, visiting a tea house (some are open to the public), and buying gold leaf products.
- Must-Try: Gold leaf soft-serve ice cream.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
- What it is: A circular, glass-walled museum known for interactive art.
- Highlights: The famous “Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich (where people appear to be walking underwater).
- Note: It offers a stark, modern contrast to the city’s traditional history.
Omicho Market
- What it is: Known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” this covered market has been running for over 300 years.
- Highlights: Fresh seafood (crabs, shrimp, yellowtail).
- Must-Eat: A Kaisendon (rice bowl topped with fresh sashimi) for lunch.
Nagamachi Samurai District
- What it is: The former residential area of the samurai class.
- Highlights: The earthen walls and the Nomura Clan Samurai House, which features a stunning small garden and restored interior.
🍣 2. Food & Drink
Kanazawa is a gastronomic hub thanks to its proximity to the sea and mountains.
- Kano-gani (Snow Crab): A winter delicacy available from November to March.
- Jibu-ni: A traditional duck or chicken stew with wheat gluten and vegetables, thickened with flour.
- Sake: The Ishikawa region is famous for high-quality rice wine.
🎨 3. Arts & Crafts
Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s domestic gold leaf. You will see it everywhere, from crafts to food.
- Kutani Ware: Elaborate, colorful porcelain.
- Kaga Yuzen: A traditional technique for dyeing silk fabrics for Kimonos.
- Experience: You can book workshops to try applying gold leaf to chopsticks or plates yourself.
🚌 Practical Tips
- Access: Kanazawa is easily accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Getting Around: The Kanazawa Loop Bus is very convenient for tourists. It circles the main attractions (Garden, Castle, Market, Chaya District).
- Weather: There is a local saying: “Even if you forget your lunchbox, don’t forget your umbrella.” The weather changes frequently, so always carry a folding umbrella.