Kanazawa Tours and Vacations

Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens, designed around winding paths, ponds, bridges and carefully arranged seasonal planting. Kenrokuen means ‘garden combining six,’ which refers to the six characteristics it is believed gardens should showcase: spaciousness, human ingenuity, seclusion, antiquity, water, and wonderful views.

The gardens change noticeably throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered trees in winter. Teahouses, quiet corners, and miniature landscapes throughout the grounds make it a place best explored slowly.

Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa’s largest and best-preserved geisha district, where traditional lattice wood teahouse facades still line the streets. Many of these historic buildings now house restaurants, cafés and small museums.

While in Higashi Chaya, make sure to visit the Shima and Kaikaoro Teahouses for a glimpse back in time into original rooms where geisha would perform. Museums like the Kanazawa Asanokawa Garden Hall also provide a fascinating introduction to teahouse culture. Make sure to visit at night; the district remains one of the city’s most atmospheric areas to walk through in the evening.

Nagamachi Samurai District is an immersive sample of Kanazawa’s former samurai quarter. Narrow lanes and earthen walls surround restored residences once occupied by high-ranking families. Visit former samurai residences like Nomura-ke where you can see beautiful, preserved tatami rooms, gardens and displays of armor and swords offering a closer look at samurai life.

History lovers will enjoy the district’s variety of museums like Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan dedicated to the once ruling Maeda family or Shinise Kinenkan Museum displaying traditional Kanazawa crafts.

Operating since the Edo period, Omicho Market remains one of Kanazawa’s busiest food markets, with hundreds of stalls selling seafood, produce and regional specialties. Fresh seafood is a particular highlight, with many vendors serving seasonal dishes prepared to eat on the spot. Enjoy fresh-caught fish at sushi counters and in seafood rice bowls, or find snacks like oden (fish cake) and croquettes to satisfy your appetite.

Kanazawa Castle once served as the seat of the powerful Maeda clan and today remains one of the city’s most important historic landmarks.

Many of the original structures have been lost over time, but recently some buildings have been carefully reconstructed. This includes the imposing Hishi and Tsuzuki Yagura turrets as well as the long Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. One of the few surviving original structures is the Ishikawa-mon Gate, which still stands at the castle entrance.

While visiting, make sure to explore Kanazawa Castle Park’s many scenic walking paths that connect gardens, like Gyokuseninmaru Garden, and restored sections of the grounds. In spring, the park becomes one of the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.