Kanazawa, a hidden gem on Japan’s west coast, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Its well-preserved neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. As you read our tips below, you’ll encounter stunning traditional architecture, exquisite gardens, and delectable local cuisine.
Where to eat, shop, explore, and relax in the capital of the country’s Ishikawa Prefecture.
Traveling to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on central Honshu (Japan’s main island), feels like discovering a slice of untouched Japan. Steeped in history, the city is a thriving hub for traditional arts and crafts and the cultural jewel of the Hokuriku region – an area that encompasses the Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata, and Fukui prefectures, bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Japanese Alps to the east. Here, travelers explore beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, striking temples, and refined museums. Kanazawa is reminiscent of Kyoto, yet there are far less visitors reaping its bounties.
It’s easy to add a stay in Kanazawa onto a trip to Japan – the city is just over two hours by bullet train from Tokyo and about two hours from Kyoto. Plan on spending at least three days in Kanazawa to wander its food markets and museums, explore the abundant nature of nearby Hakusan National Park, and take in its centuries-old architecture, such as the Kanazawa Castle. Here are the experiences to add to your list.
Jibuni, a Kanazawa staple, is made by coating duck meat in flour and simmering it with vegetables in stock.
Japan National Tourism Organization
Dine on Fresh Yellowtail and Traditional Kaiseki
Kanazawa rose to prominence under the rule of the powerful Maeda clan, which governed the Kaga domain – known now as Ishikawa – during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. The city’s large samurai community drew skilled craftsmen and merchants, who flourished due to the Maeda clan’s substantial patronage of the arts. Along with its artistic legacy, the city’s culinary heritage is also revered, showcasing fresh seafood sourced from the Sea of Japan as well as traditional regional dishes such as jibuni, or duck hot pot.
Some of Kanazawa’s best restaurants, such as Kataori and Zeniya, specialize in kaiseki, a classic Japanese multicourse dinner. Steps away from the Saigawa River, Zeniya’s owner and executive chef, Shinichiro Takagi, sources ingredients from local markets, and his signature dish, abalone steak, takes ten hours to cook. About a 20-minute drive southwest, chef Takayoshi Yamaguchi perfects the art of sushi at the Michelin-starred Sushidokoro Mekumi. A reservation is a must at this eight-seat restaurant, where Yamaguchi handcrafts every sushi dish.
Omicho Market, a 300-year-old covered market that’s a 15-minute walk from the Kanazawa train station, offers a lively introduction to Kanazawa cuisine, with stalls hawking a cornucopia of the area’s prized Kaga vegetables, street-food favorites, confections such as mochi ice cream, and freshly caught seafood. In summer, search for locally grown lotus root, pumpkins, Japanese whiting fish, and rock oysters. Winter is the prime season to sample delicacies such as fatty yellowtail and snow crab.
Intricately decorated shikki lacquerware.
Japan National Tourism Organization
Create Your Own Kanazawa Ceramics
During the Edo era, local Kanazawa artisans began painting patterns on tableware and objects with lacquer, then sprinkling them with gold or silver dust. The process, known as shikki, symbolized the town’s wealth and influence. Travelers can bring home shimmering examples of shikki from Nosaku, a lacquerware shop and manufacturer in the city’s downtown Korinbo district. Established in 1780, Nosaku also offers a 90-minute workshop where travelers can adorn their own bowls or dishes.
Known for its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and high-quality craftsmanship, kutani-yaki pottery originated in the Ishikawa village of Kutani in the 1650s and was revived in Kanazawa by the Maeda clan in the early nineteenth century. Kosen Kiln, which dates to 1870, is one of the city’s only remaining kutani-yaki ceramics makers, specializing in intricate, hand-painted porcelain. The kiln also offers pottery workshops for travelers.
A geigi outside of a teahouse in Kanazawa.
Japan National Tourism Organization
Immerse Yourself in Japanese Art
Art is everywhere in Kanazawa: in the food, the tableware, and especially the architecture. Wander through the narrow, cobblestoned alleys of the Nagamachi district to the Nomura-ke samurai residence, where the meticulously maintained Japanese gardens and Edo-era architecture transport travelers to the city’s feudal past. About a ten-minute drive east in the lively Higashi Chaya neighborhood, one of Kanazawa’s three historic geisha districts, the Machiyajuku Wa-no-Jiku experience offers lessons in the artistry and etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony inside a 100-year-old renovated wooden townhouse.
For a deep dive into traditional Japanese entertainment, attending a geigi, or geisha, performance is a must, says Virtuoso travel advisor Luke Breaux: “The mesmerizing dances and music reflect Kanazawa’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.” Your Virtuoso travel advisor can help arrange access to one of the city’s most popular geigi dinners and performances.
The D.T. Suzuki Museum in the Hondamachi neighborhood is dedicated to the modern Zen Buddhist philosopher Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki. The space – which encompasses three rooms designed for exhibition, spiritual education, and contemplation – will reopen after a renovation in spring 2024. And in the city center, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa features interactive installations, permanent collections, and special exhibitions, with a famed swimming pool installation by Leandro Erlich as its centerpiece.
Discover the timeless beauty of Kanazawa. From visiting ancient places to tasting traditional cuisine, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy exclusive discounts and cashback offers on your hotel bookings with Bellhopping. Check our IG for more.
Reference: [https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/articles/exploring-kanazawa-japans-charming-traditional-neighborhoods]