Attractions · Kanazawa

Things to do in Kanazawa.

One great garden, one castle, the geisha districts, and the thatched village of Shirakawa-go as its excursion.

One of Japan's three great gardens, every element composed: pines, lanterns, ponds and borrowed distance.

How to book: Tickets at the gates; go early for it at its calmest.

The preserved geisha district of wooden teahouses, gold-leaf shops and narrow lanes.

How to book: Free to walk; two teahouses open as museums for a small fee.

Kanazawa's kitchen since the 1700s: hundreds of stalls of Sea of Japan seafood, eaten as you go.

How to book: Free to browse; mornings are freshest.

The rebuilt castle turrets and gates, across the park from Kenrokuen.

How to book: Grounds are free; the restored buildings charge a small fee.

The circular glass museum famous for the swimming pool you view from underneath.

How to book: Tickets online or at the door; the under-pool view books up, reserve ahead.

A high-ranking samurai's house in the Nagamachi district, its garden ranked among Japan's finest.

How to book: Tickets at the door.

Kimono for the day in the chaya districts; rental shops sit by the station and near Kenrokuen.

How to book: Booked online by the day.

The thatched farmhouse village in the mountains: Kanazawa's classic day out, in any season.

How to book: Full-day bus tours from Kanazawa station; winter light-up days need their own reservations.

The mountain crossing of the Northern Alps: snow walls in spring, high trails in autumn.

How to book: Seasonal, mid April to November; snow-wall season books out.

An iaido lesson in a temple hall: real blades, careful instruction, an hour or two.

How to book: Booked online, small groups.

Guided walks pairing the Nagamachi samurai lanes with the chaya districts and craft studios.

How to book: Small-group tours booked online.

Planning the stay itself: the city guides cover what is on, and the hotels page covers where to sleep near it.

More places