Recently, I traveled to Kanazawa. Despite having visited many places in Japan, I had never been to Kanazawa before, so I was really looking forward to this trip. Kanazawa offers a rich blend of fresh seafood, historic streets, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for adult travelers. Here, I’ll introduce some of the must-visit attractions and dining spots that I highly recommend.
Kanazawa Station and Tsuzumi-mon Gate
I took the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Kagayaki” from Tokyo to Kanazawa. The journey takes about two and a half hours, so I arrived around noon. As soon as I stepped out of Kanazawa Station, I was greeted by the city’s landmark, Tsuzumi-mon Gate. This impressive wooden gate, standing 13.7 meters tall and 24 meters wide, is designed to resemble a pair of traditional “tsuzumi” drums used in Kaga Hosho Noh theater, symbolizing Kanazawa’s rich cultural heritage. Together with the Motenashi Dome, which is part of the station, the gate warmly welcomes visitors to the city. Kanazawa Station has even been ranked among Japan’s most beautiful stations.
Kanazawa Maimon Sushi
After admiring Tsuzumi-mon Gate, I headed for lunch. When it comes to Kanazawa, fresh seafood and sushi are a must. Among the many famous sushi restaurants in the city, I highly recommend Kanazawa Maimon Sushi, a high-quality conveyor belt sushi restaurant. They source their seafood from local Kanazawa Port and other markets across Japan, and the sushi is crafted by skilled chefs. (Although it’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, the sushi itself is not rotating on the belt.) I visited the Shinkanda branch, and every dish was not only affordable but also reflected Kanazawa’s commitment to quality, from the rice and seasonings to the tableware and sake. It was a fantastic place to enjoy the flavors of Hokuriku.
Kenrokuen Garden
After indulging in the finest sushi, I visited Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. Built by the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, this stunning landscape garden features breathtaking scenery throughout all four seasons. Highlights include the iconic Kotoji Lantern, the oldest fountain in Japan, and the famous yukitsuri—ropes tied around trees to protect them from heavy snow in winter. When I visited in February, a light layer of snow covered the garden, adding a uniquely Japanese winter charm. The garden is vast, but you can explore it in about an hour. If you visit Kanazawa, this is a must-see attraction!
Kanazawa Castle Park
Next, I headed to Kanazawa Castle Park, located just across from Kenrokuen. This park preserves the remains of Kanazawa Castle, the former residence of the Maeda Clan. Several structures, such as Ishikawa Gate and Gojikken Nagaya (long storehouse), have been beautifully reconstructed, making it a great spot to experience both history and nature. While there is an admission fee for entering the historic buildings, the park itself is free to enter, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing walk through the spacious grounds. On a sunny day, just strolling around the park is truly refreshing.
Nihonshu Bar Kanazawa Shushu
For dinner, I visited Nihonshu Bar Kanazawa Shushu, a stylish izakaya specializing in Hokuriku sake. Recently, many popular restaurants in Kanazawa have become difficult to get into without a reservation, but I was lucky to secure a spot. Surprisingly, about half of the customers were foreign visitors, reflecting the growing international interest in Japanese sake. Although I don’t drink alcohol, sake lovers will appreciate the sake tasting sets, allowing them to compare different local varieties. The food, including dishes like Japanese omelet, was also excellent and reasonably priced (around 500–700 yen per dish). The cozy ambiance and friendly staff made it a memorable experience.
Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
For my stay, I chose Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, which opened in December 2022. Since it’s a relatively new hotel, everything—from the rooms and bathrooms to the public areas—was immaculately maintained. The complimentary amenities, including water, coffee, and toiletries, were also excellent. The breakfast featured a variety of local dishes, making it a satisfying start to the day. The staff was welcoming, ensuring a comfortable stay from start to finish. I stayed in a Superior King Room, which cost about 35,000 yen per night. Considering the quality of the service and facilities, I found it to be a great value for the price.
Source: THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA
Higashi Chaya District
On the second day, I visited Higashi Chaya District, a historic area that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. Known for its traditional wooden townhouses, this area is home to tea houses, cafés, confectionery shops, and gold leaf craft stores. I stopped by a café called Rin, located on a quieter side street within the district. The cozy interior had both tatami seating and counter seats. I ordered a seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweet) and café latte, which were delicately balanced in flavor and absolutely delicious. If you want to escape the crowds and experience authentic Kanazawa charm, I highly recommend finding a hidden tea house like this.
Final Thoughts on Kanazawa
Through this trip, I discovered the beauty of Kanazawa and its incredible attractions. Many foreign visitors come to Japan seeking historical townscapes, but Kyoto has become overwhelmingly crowded in recent years. In contrast, while Kanazawa is gaining popularity, it still offers a more relaxed experience where you can enjoy the traditional streets, historic buildings, and local cuisine without excessive crowds. With the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Kanazawa is only about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, making it a perfect destination for a short getaway. If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend adding Kanazawa to your travel list!
