Until recently, Kanazawa was a destination mostly attracting domestic tourists. However, this more or less changed overnight, when the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension was completed and opened for business in March 2015.
Cutting travel times between the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and Tokyo from four to two and a half hours has been a boon for tourism to Kanazawa – early reports are talking about a fivefold increase in the number of visitors, and a growing number of those are international, too.
Kanazawa is nicknamed “Little Kyoto” for good reason. Just like Kyoto, Kanazawa was one of few major cities that did not get bombed by the allied forces during the Second World War. The visual similarities are striking, and if that is not enough, Kanazawa too has a rich history including all the expected elements — Geisha, Samurai, and feudal clans fighting each other, as well as being a city where several important trade routes once connected. If you feel inclined to learn more, we strongly suggest picking up a history book, or at least have a look at the unusually thorough Wikipedia article on Kanazawa.
Here’s our guide to some of the most interesting historical places in Kanazawa.
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01
Kanazawa castle
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One of the most impressive castles in Japan, Kanazawa Castle was completed in 1580 and was in use until it was consumed by fire at the end of the 19th century. For a while, the grounds where then occupied by a campus belonging to Kanazawa University, but in the late 1990s the campus moved elsewhere and the process of rebuilding the castle began. The grounds are free to enter, but some of the buildings require you to pay an entrance fee. In exchange for a few hundred yen, you will be treated to an exhibition about traditional Japanese carpentry, as well as the history of the castle. The reconstruction of Kanazawa Castle is still a work in progress, with the most recently completed part being Gyokuseninmaru, a lovely traditional Japanese garden behind the castle.
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- Kanazawa Castle Park
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4.0
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Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku
6-3 Marunouchi Kanazawa Ishikawa
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02
Kenrokuen
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Kenrokuen dates back to the 1620’s, and is often featured highly in the rankings of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. The name derives from the fact that the garden was designed with the six most important garden design principles from China in mind. These three complimentary pairs are spaciousness and seclusion, fabrication and antiquity, as well as bodies of water and panoramic views. The many pathways lined with different plants and flowers, and the tastefully placed stones and sculptures make for a very comfortable experience. Also, do not miss the vantage point that gives you a spectacular view of the valley where most of Kanazawa city is located. Kenrokuen lays a few minutes’ walk from Kanazawa castle.
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- Kenrokuen Garden
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3.5
4 Reviews -
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- Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kenrokumachi 1
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House Hotel Kenrokuzaka
Koshomachi 8-36 Kanazawa
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03
Higashi Chayagai
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Higashi Chayagai is the biggest of the “Chayagai”, or traditional tea house districts, in Kanazawa. Back in the day, most visitors came here to be entertained by dancing and singing geisha. Today, it is mainly cafés, restaurants and small shops selling crafts and souvenirs which attract the large crowds of tourists. However, don’t be too surprised if you happen to bump into a geisha even today, as they do still exist. A word of warning though, the narrow streets here can be get quite crowded with suitcase-toting tourists, in particular on weekends and during daytime, so if possible, avoid peak hours for the best experience.
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古都とき Kototoki
東山1-13-4 Kanazawa
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04
Oyama Shrine
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Oyama shrine is a Shinto shrine located in central Kanazawa, famous for it’s unique gate designed by a Dutch architect. The gate features elements from traditional Japanese shrines, as well as Chinese and European architecture. The coloured windows on the third floor were made in Holland.
- Oyama-jinja Shrine
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- Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Oyamamachi 11-1
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Kanazawa New Grand Hotel PRESTIGE
4-1 Minami-cho Kanazawa Ishikawa
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Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)
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The original name is Myoryuji, but this temple is more commonly known as Ninjadera or Ninja Temple, thanks to it’s myriad of defences and escape routes. These once served to make it easier to repel attacks and alert the castle if enemies were sighted. Although there aren’t actually ninjas here, it’s still a unique place worth a visit, with advance reservations guaranteeing entry even on busy days.
- Myoryu-ji Temple
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2-3-10 Nomachi Kanazawa Ishikawa
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