Things to do in Kanazawa

Activities, attractions and tours

Nagamachi Samurai District which includes a sunset and night scenes
Nagamachi Samurai District which includes a sunset and night scenes
Kanazawa showing a city and a high rise building
Kanazawa Castle which includes heritage architecture
Oyama Shrine showing heritage architecture
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Most popular experiences in Kanazawa

Tours & day trips

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Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shir...

Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shir...

Activity duration is 7 hours and 20 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 83 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €53 per adult
Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shir...Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Kanazawa Private Walking Tour with a Local

Kanazawa Private Walking Tour with a Local

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €87 per adult*
Kanazawa Private Walking Tour with a LocalOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Kanazawa: Nighttime Izakaya Tour with Local Guide

Kanazawa: Nighttime Izakaya Tour with Local Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €18 per adult
Kanazawa: Nighttime Izakaya Tour with Local GuideOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

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Kintsugi Experience in Kanazawa-Craft, Mindfulness & Wellness

Kintsugi Experience in Kanazawa-Craft, Mindfulness & Wellness

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €120 per adult
Kintsugi Experience in Kanazawa-Craft, Mindfulness & WellnessOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

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Kanazawa Half Day E-bike Tour

Kanazawa Half Day E-bike Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €106 per adult*
Kanazawa Half Day E-bike TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Kanazawa

Popular places to visit

Kanazawa showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements

Kenrokuen Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Kenrokuen Garden, a lovely green space in Kanazawa. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Kenrokuen Garden
Omicho Market which includes street scenes and night scenes

Omicho Market

During your visit to Kanazawa, you can do some window-shopping at Omicho Market. Amble around this culturally rich area's gardens or experience its museums.

Omicho Market
Kanazawa Castle which includes heritage architecture

Kanazawa Castle

You can find out about the history of Kanazawa when you stop by Kanazawa Castle. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Castle
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art featuring outdoor art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

You can study the exhibits at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Nagamachi District. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
秋の金沢旅行・石川県立歴史博物館

Honda Koen Park

After visiting Honda Koen Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kanazawa. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Honda Koen Park
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum which includes signage

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

You can study the exhibits at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Kanazawa. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three in Kanazawa and the most interesting.

Higashi Chaya District

Learn about the local history of Kanazawa when you take a trip to Higashi Chaya District. Make time to visit the monuments and shops while you're in the area.

Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa Umimirai Library showing interior views

Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Kanazawa Umimirai Library is just one of the places to see in Kanazawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Kanazawa Umimirai Library
Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine

After visiting Oyama Shrine, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kanazawa. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Oyama Shrine

Areas of Kanazawa

Historical street at Higashichaya district, Kanazawa, Japan

Downtown Kanazawa

While visiting Downtown Kanazawa, you might make a stop by sights like Kanazawa Castle Park and Kanazawa Castle.

Downtown Kanazawa
Light up in Kenrokuen Garden at night in Kanazawa, Japan

Katamachi

When in Katamachi, you can plan a visit to Shinise Memorial Hall and Nomura Samurai House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Katamachi
Nagamachi Bukeyashiki 2 , Ishikawa Prefecture,Nagamachi,Japan February 2016

Korinbo

5/5(2 area reviews)

Korinbo might not have many top sights, but Shinise Memorial Hall and Nomura Samurai House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Korinbo
Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa Japan

Higashi Chaya District

You'll enjoy the museums and shopping in Higashi Chaya District. You might want to make time for a stop at Higashi Chaya District or Ochaya Shima.

Higashi Chaya District
Hiraokano Shrine

Hirooka

Though Hirooka may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Motenashi Dome and Omicho Market.

Hirooka
Kanazawa is filled with flowers in the spring!

Higashiyama

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Higashiyama. You might want to make time for a stop at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum or Higashi Chaya District.

Higashiyama

Frequently asked questions

Is Kanazawa worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Kanazawa is explore Kanazawa Castle. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa Castle and Kanazawa Castle Park are two awesome places to start your adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Kanazawa while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kanazawa?
The top tourist attraction in Kanazawa is Kanazawa Castle, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Kanazawa?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum with a three-day escape to Kanazawa. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Kaga.
Is Kanazawa a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Kanazawa, such as Kanazawa Castle and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Kanazawa is Hirooka and Korinbo is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kanazawa with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Kanazawa with kids.

What to do in Kanazawa for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Kanazawa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to D.T. Suzuki Museum or Kanazawa Phonograph Museum.
Are there free things to do in Kanazawa?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Kanazawa is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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