Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons Why it Is!

Are you planning a trip to Japan, wishing to travel deeper, and wondering “is Kanazawa worth visiting”? Or maybe you still haven’t found a city to help you travel deeper? Then you’re in the right place!

Kanazawa City, located in the Ishikawa Prefecture, is a hidden gem and one rich in beauties and Samurai history. As you’ll read below, this city is perfect for those who want to experience a more quiet, and less touristy, side of Japan. Here you’ll find everything from one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens to breathtaking parks and Castles, experience the most gorgeous cherry blossoms, and so forth.

Before I get carried away in fangirling over this city, here are 14 reasons why Kanazawa IS worth visiting!

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Table of Contents

14 Reasons Why Kanazawa is Worth Visiting

Kanazawa Castle, a traditional Japanese samurai castle with a tiled roof is seen in the background, surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees. Blossoms in the foreground frame the image, creating a picturesque scene filled with soft pink and pastel hues, making one wonder, "Is Kanazawa worth visiting?

1. History & Culture

Kanazawa is a hidden gem rich in history and culture. This is one of Japan’s most important castle towns, in which the samurai Maeda clan ruled the Kaga Domain from, for about 300 years.

The Maeda clan is responsible for the rich culture and endless beauties we get to enjoy in Kanazawa today. For example, they developed one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.

As you’ll read soon, Kanazawa is a great place to immerse yourself in authentic experiences and old Japanese traditions, and spaces.

2. Samurai History

If you are fascinated by the Samurai, their culture, and history – Kanazawa is the best place to be!

Kanazawa is known as one of the best places in Japan to learn about the Samurai. Here you will find well-preserved Samurai Districts, landmarks, cultural experiences, and so on.

Something I loved seeing were the Katanas found in certain museums and stores. Katanas are the samurai swords, are nothing short of spectacular works.

3. Architecture

As you’ll read soon, Kanazawa has lots of impressive and historic architecture dating back to the Edo Period.

Depending on where you are, let’s say the Samurai District, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the past times. In the Nagamachi Samurai District you’ll find the traditional Samurai residences, tschi-kabe (earthen) walls, narrow cobblestone streets and so forth.

Don’t get me started on the Kanazawa Castle’s mesmerizing architecture!😍

4. Kanazawa Castle & Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle, a traditional Japanese samurai castle with white walls and gray roofs set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a cloudy sky. The Kanazawa Castle Park grounds feature well-manicured lawns, flowering bushes, and a few scattered trees, creating a serene and picturesque scene that makes you wonder, is Kanazawa worth visiting? The answer being, ABSOLUTELY.

Built by the Maeda clan, specifically the founder of the Kaga Domain, the Kanazawa Castle is a stunning samurai castle. This castle is where the Maeda family continued to rule the Kaga Domain for hundreds of years.

The castle is surrounded by breathtaking parks and gardens. Two being the Kanazawa Castle Park and the Kenroku-en Gardens, the “outer” garden.

This is one of the most breathtaking and impressive spots to visit in Kanazawa. In the spring, you will see some of the most spectacular cherry blossom moments. One of my favorites being the pergola-like paths that form.

5. Kenroku-en Garden | Japan’s Most Beautiful Garden

A serene garden, Kenrokuen Garden, in Kanazawa features a small red torii gate and a stone lantern surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the background, there is a tall statue of a standing figure, possibly a deity, partially hidden by the foliage. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and a reason why Kanazawa is worth visiting.

A serene Japanese garden, Kenrokuen Garden, features a stone lantern on the bank of a calm pond, Kasumigaike Pond, surrounded by lush greenery. The sky is partly cloudy, and the opposite shore is adorned with trees and shrubs. Scattered rocks and blooming flowers add to the picturesque scene. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and a reason why Kanazawa is worth visiting.

A serene Japanese garden with a traditional wooden teahouse, Yugao-tei Tea House, partly visible through the trees. The garden features a moss-covered ground, stone pathways, and a calm pond reflecting the surrounding greenery. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and a reason why Kanazawa is worth visiting.

Part of the 3 Great Gardens of Japan, the Kenroku-en Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

Kenroku-en translates to “Garden of the Six Sublimities”. This name explains that this garden has all the six sublimities that make a garden perfect. The sublimities are spaciousness, tranquility, antiquity, water features, scenic views, and artifice.

Some main highlights include the Kasumigaike Pond, Yugao-tei Tea House, and Karasaki Pine. Something I thought was really cool is the care that goes into this garden; for example, many trees have structures supporting them as they grow.

Read my Ultimate Guide to the Kenrokuen Garden to make the most of your visit!

This garden is famous for it’s year-round magic, as it transforms beautifully every season. Depending on the season, you could experience the magical cherry blossoms, a winter wonderland, or a vibrant foliage.

This is not just a beautiful garden to walk around, but a cultural and historical treasure that simply must be visited.

If you are a matcha-lover and/or want to have an authentic teahouse experience, this is the perfect Kenroku-en Garden experience for you! Book your spot before it sells out.👇

6. Nagamachi Samurai District

Out of all the districts I’ve visited in Japan, this was easily one of the most beautiful ones!

The Nagamachi Samurai District, thanks to its historic look, makes you feel like you’re in a Samurai town back in the Edo period, from 1603 to 1868.

Here you will find narrow streets lined with Bukeyashiki, the traditional samurai residences. As you walk around this district you will find everything from artisan stores, to teahouses with Geishas, restaurants, and so forth.

Some highlights of this district are the Nomura-ke, and the Kaga Yuzen Silk Dyeing studios.

This district holds a strong cultural and historical significance, and will likely be one of your favorite parts of Kanazawa!

If you want to dive deeper and learn all about the Samurai district, along with Kanazawa’s other main attractions – check out this best-rated tour. Book it before it sells out!👇

7. Higashi Chaya District

A group of people walk down a narrow, stone-paved street in the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa, lined with traditional teahouses, each adorned with red and white lanterns. Trees with green foliage and some cherry blossoms can be seen in the distance under a clear, bright sky. So, is Kanazawa worth visiting? Absolutely.

Higashi Chaya, “Eastern Tea House District” was once the designated entertainment area of teahouses. This is where Geishas entertained their guests through music, dance, and so forth..

Kanazawa has three chaya districts, and Higashi Chaya is the largest and most interesting of the three. Some highlights of this district include the Shima Teahouse, which is now a museum, the Kaikaro Teahouse, and the Hakuza Gold Leaf Store.

This district dates back to the Edo Period and is the perfect place to attend a traditional tea ceremony with a Geisha.

Important Note. While I wish this was common sense, there are far too many tourists out there who severely lack etiquette, manners, and respect towards the next. Many of these tourists, are responsible for the latest tourist bans on certain areas. With that said, when visiting a Geisha district, DO NOT harass the Geishas! Simply admire them and appreciate them – DO NOT expect pictures, ask them to pose, touch them, and so forth.

8. Cherry Blossoms & Vibrant Foliage

Hilltop Kanazawa Castle is surrounded by cherry blossom trees and lush greenery. Tall evergreen trees frame the scene, and a wooden fence runs along the base of the hill. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a peaceful, sunny day—a vision that answers "Is Kanazawa worth visiting?" with a resounding YES.

Being a smaller city with few skyscrapers, Kanazawa makes room for it’s splendid nature to bloom.

Whether you’re walking through the Kenroku-en Garden or the Kanazawa Castle Park, or just any simple – you will be able to find seasonal beauties.

In the spring time, thousands of cherry blossoms will surround you. If you visit Kanazawa in the fall, you will get to enjoy vibrant autumn colors and foliages.

Which of the two seasons would you pick, Spring or Fall? Let me know in the comments!

I got to immerse myself in an endless ocean of Cherry Blossoms, and it could not have been a more magical sight.

9. Omicho Market | 300 Year Old Market

A storefront in the Omicho Market of Kanazawa featuring a large red crab model above the entrance. Traditional Japanese lanterns hang below the crab, while wooden glass doors and colorful signs with food menus complete the inviting scene. Is Kanazawa worth visiting? Absolutely!

The Omicho Market, dating back to 1721, is an incredible 300 year old market that hosts over 180 stalls. Not only that, the Omicho Market is also Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since its inception.

I am a strong believer that one of the best things to do when traveling to a new place is visiting food markets. By visiting food markets, you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture, see the locals’ day-to-day, and enjoy authentic food.

In the Omicho Market you’ll find everything from the freshest seafood to street food, Japanese treats, as well as a few stores with Japanese goods. I tried fresh crab and a strawberry daifuku (mochi) and couldn’t have been happier!

10. Kanazawa Gold Leaf | Kanazawa Haku

Kanazawa is popular for it’s many traditional crafts and artisan culture – particularly the Gold Leaf. As a matter of fact, Kanazawa produces almost 100% of all the Gold Leafs in Japan!!

Also named Kanazawa Haku, the Kanazawa Gold Leaf can be used on everything – from Temples and Castles to covering national treasures, or traditional crafts. Whenever you see gold in certain sites, you now know that it was likely produced in Kanazawa.

As a fun fact, there are two types of Gold Leafs – the Entsuke and the Tachikiri. The Entsuke is over 400 years old and is “essential for the preservation of Japan’s important cultural properties” (Japan Travel). The Entsuke has been passed down through generations, and being a very strict process, there is only a handful of artisans can make it.

The Tachikiri, on the other hand, originates from the 1960’s and helps with the mass production of gold leafs.

If you want to learn more about the Gold Leafs, Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum!

11. Epicenter of Traditional Crafts and Artisanship

As mentioned above, Kanazawa is home to some of the finest and longest-standing craftsmanship culture. Some other crafts that are unique to Kanazawa City, or originate from there, are the Kanazawa Glass Craft, Kaga Yuzen Silk Dyeing, Kaga Mizuhiki, and Kutani Porcelain.

Wherever you may be traveling, I strongly encourage you to consider supporting local businesses and artisans. By doing so, you help the businesses continue to flourish and keep the traditions alive. In Kanazawa, you will find endless traditional crafts and artisan products that will become the best souvenirs.

12. Serene Atmosphere | Not Touristy

Because Kanazawa remains a hidden gem, this city offers a serene atmosphere that allows you to be present and take deep breaths.

13. Easy Day Trip | Visit Shirakawago

Kanazawa is perfectly positioned and can be both a great day trip, or a great home base for day trips. For example, this city is 2 hours away from Kyoto, Shirakawago, and 1.5 hours from Toyama.

The day trip I recommend the most from Kanazawa is Shirakawa – a day trip I meant to go on, but a mistake cost me greatly.😂😭

Shirakawa’s Ogimachi Village is a beautiful village in the Japanese Alps known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses.

These houses have unique thatched-roofs designed to help with heavy snowfall and harsh winters. These houses date back to the Edo Period and were mainly built by farming families, which explains their functional design.

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and simply a must-visit if you want to dive into a traditional farming village and the Japanese Alps.

Book this highly-rated tour to travel hassle free and enjoy Shirakawa-go to the fullest!😍👇

Oh my mistake? I thought I had to take a regular bus to get to this UNESCO town, and it resulted I needed to hop on a special bus. Due to this, I didn’t have the tickets and everything was sold out. Furthermore, the only bus was a one-way, meaning we would have had to stay the night in Shirakawa and wait for the following morning.

Despite the sadness of not being able to visit, I did enjoy having extra time in Kanazawa and enjoying this city further.🥹

14. Food Scene

Kanazawa, besides the phenomenal Omicho Market, is home to amazing restaurants and cuisine.

Due to being celiac, I was not able to visit traditional Japanese restaurants. Luckily enough, I found some delicious, gluten-friendly restaurants – Aashirwad, and The Godburger.

The Indian Restaurant, Aashirwad, is nothing short of phenomenal and is a place I would fly back to in an instant. During lunch there is a set menu to pick from, while at dinner the world is your oyster. Here I’ve had the most incredible Indian food ever, the staff was so hospitable and kind, and the Mango Lassi is something I’d sell my kidney for. I’m not kidding.

A round metal tray contains a serving of white rice in the center, surrounded by small bowls of various dishes including salad, curry with eggplant, another curry, pickled vegetables, and a light broth. This is one of the best restaurants in Kanazawa and another reason why this city is worth visiting!

Make the most of your visit with these 6 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Kanazawa!

The Godburger is an incredible restaurant that serves the most heavenly fries and most delicious burger I’ve had. Something I love about this restaurant is that the Chef, who is Japanese, has one important rule: the first bite must be without any sauces.

In other words, this chef has created such a perfect patty that he wants people to first savor the high quality flavor before automatically adding any sauces, and “ruining” the flavors. I’m getting hungry just thinking of this restaurant.

If you’re staying 2 days in Kanazawa, or more, it’s worth considering going on a fun experience! If you’re a foodie, check out these best-rated cooking and food tours.😍👇

So, is Kanazawa worth a visit?

Personally, Kanazawa is definitely a city worth visiting. This is especially if you want to dive deeper into a more traditional and historic side of Japan.

FAQ

Is one day in Kanazawa enough?

Despite being a smaller city, Kanazawa is rich in things to do, admire, and experience. I strongly recommend visiting for at least 2 full days – with 3 days being the sweet spot!

Overall, it’s best to spend one day in Kanazawa than spend no days at all! only have one day in Kanazawa. If you want a hassle-free day, check out this highly rated, private tour.👇

Where to Stay in Kanazawa?

I recommend staying in the Omicho Market area. Here you’ll be close to the Kanazawa Castle Park, other attractions, and the Kanazawa Station! Check out the hotels and stays in the area.👇

Is Kanazawa good for tourists?

Abso-freaking-lutely it is! As I mention, Kanazawa is a perfect place to immerse yourself in a more traditional side of Japan and go beyond the main attractions.

How many days should I spend in Kanazawa?

2 to 3 full days in Kanazawa allows you to see all of Kanazawa’s main attractions and gems. Furthermore, it allows you to enjoy the city to the fullest and at the perfect pace. Stay tuned for my Kanazawa itineraries!

Why do people go to Kanazawa?

I went to Kanazawa because I wanted to experience a more authentic and serene side of Japan. I also wanted to immerse myself in traditional and historic settings, instead of only surrounding myself in futuristic concrete jungles like Tokyo.

If you want to experience a more historic and traditional side of Japan with a rich culture, look no further than Kanazawa.

What is a fun fact about Kanazawa?

Two fun facts about Kanazawa is that it’s name means “Marsh of Gold” and is the #1 producer of gold leaf in Japan.

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If you want extra help on your Kanazawa travels, check out my Thatch page and book my services!

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Which of these reasons convinced you to visit Kanazawa? Let me know in the comments!😍👇

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Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons Why it Is!