Kanazawa's hidden spots for those in the know
In addition to the standard tourist attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Higashi Chaya-gai, we would like to introduce some hidden popular spots in Kanazawa that you should definitely visit. Why not visit a famous spot known only to those in the know, such as the Ninja Temple with its surprising tricks, a shrine dedicated to Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga Clan, or a long-established Kutani pottery or Kaga Yuzen shop?
<Recommended hole-in-the-wall sightseeing spots in Kanazawa
1Myoryuji Temple
Full of intricate structures and tricks, called "Ninja Temple" by people.
About a 10-minute walk from Katamachi, Kanazawa's downtown area. The temple was moved from near Kanazawa Castle and built in 1643 in Teramachi, where about 70 temples are concentrated. At that time, the shogunate prohibited buildings with more than three stories, so at first glance, the temple appears to be a two-story building, but in fact, it is a four-story, seven-story structure inside. Inside the complex structure, there are as many as 23 rooms and 29 staircases, making it look like a labyrinth. The temple is also known as the "Ninja Temple," although there were no ninja in the area.
The clever hidden stairs and pitfalls are a must-see!
In front of the main hall is a large pit about one tatami mat in size, camouflaged as a money-offering box. A hidden staircase disguised as a passageway allows enemies to fall in when the floorboards are removed. There is a lighted staircase in front of the room for servants who live in the house, and the shadows cast by the lighted staircase make it possible to quickly detect intruders. There is also a legendary well in the courtyard that is said to lead to Kanazawa Castle. Other highlights include the Daimyo Tea Room, where the wife of a Kaga feudal lord's wife decorated her tea room with uchikake (a type of tea ceremony utensils). Visitors can make reservations for a 40-minute tour with a tour guide.
- Myoritsuji Temple
-
1-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus "Left Turn Route" around Kanazawa Castle Town. 15 minutes by bus, alight at "Hirokoji" and walk about 3 minutes.
Weekdays, winter 9:00-16:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays - 16:30 *Reservations required (reservations can be made by phone from 8:00)
Buddhist memorial service days
1,000 yen, elementary school students 700 yen *Pre-school children are not allowed to visit.
076-241-0888
None
2Oyama Shrine
A historic shrine dedicated to Toshiie Maeda and his wife Omatsu no Mata
The shrine was built in 1873 near Kanazawa Castle and is dedicated to Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga domain. The shrine is dedicated to Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga Clan. Since the shrine is dedicated to a warlord, it is said to bring good fortune in the areas of "Bunbu-budo" and "Kikacho," and is known locally as a power spot that brings good luck. In 1998, his wife, Omatsu-no-mata, was also enshrined at the shrine. Since the couple was on good terms with each other, many people pray for "family safety," "fulfillment of love," and "safe delivery of children. The Kanaya Shrine, where the second and subsequent heads of the Maeda family and their wives are enshrined, is also located on the premises.
The exotic shrine gate is a symbol of Kanazawa
The most eye-catching feature is the shrine gate, built in 1875 (Meiji 8). It is a unique gate that uses three styles, Japanese, Chinese, and Western, and has become a symbol of Kanazawa City. The first layer is a gate made of massive Muroto stone. The second and third stories are made of white plaster walls covered with copper plates, and the third story in particular is covered on four sides with five-colored glass, which sparkles in the morning and evening sun. The shrine grounds also include a pond garden and a glass-enclosed awarding office. From sunset to 10:00 p.m., the shrine gate is illuminated, offering a fantastic view from the main street.
- Oyama Shrine
-
- 11-1 Oyama-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
- 5 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
From JR Kanazawa Station East Exit, take the Hokutetsu Bus (Kanazawa Castle Town Tour Bus), approx. 7 min. on the "Left Turn Route", alight at "Minamimachi, Oyama Shrine", and walk approx. 3 min.- Jiyu
- 076-231-7210
- Free of charge
3Gyokusenin Maruteien (Gyokusenin Round Garden)
The beautiful garden loved by the lords of the Kaga domain has been restored.
A beautiful garden, which was cared for and enjoyed by successive lords of the Kaga domain, used to be located in the Gyokusenin-maru area of Kanazawa Castle. Although the garden was abandoned during the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was recreated over a period of seven years in the Heisei period (1926-1989). The garden was revived as a magnificent daimyo's garden in the pond-and-river style, using the Tatsumi water source, which was drawn into the castle in the early Edo period. In addition to the pond, bridges, waterfalls, and other features, even the 22-meter difference in elevation has been faithfully reproduced in a three-dimensional structure. The view of the elegant garden from the top of the hill is captivating. Every Friday, Saturday, and the day before a national holiday, from sunset to 9:00 p.m., the garden is illuminated according to seasonal themes.
A resting area overlooking the garden for a relaxing break
For a more authentic experience of the garden, visit the Gyokusen-an, which includes an information center, rest area, and tea ceremony room. The spacious teahouse, where full-scale tea ceremonies are sometimes held, has a wonderful location with a view of the pond and wooden bridge in front of it and the massive stone walls beyond. The original sweets, which change every two months, are made by a Japanese confectionery shop in Kanazawa according to the season. Enjoy an elegant moment while feeling like a lord or princess.
4Kaburaki Shoho
A wide selection of dishes, from affordable small plates to Kutani ware of living national treasures
Kutani Pottery, established in 1822, has a long history. In a corner of Naga-machi, where the ruins of samurai residences stand side by side, you will pass through a brick door, take off your shoes, and enter the building, where you will find a beautiful array of colorful Kutani-yaki porcelains. In 2017, a new store called "Kasugayama Kiln Mokubeian" opened three doors down with a workshop attached. The shop offers a full lineup of original items made by young female craftspeople, including cute beckoning cats that change monthly.
Shapes and designs that enhance the taste of sake
Especially popular are the gorgeous wine and sake glasses, a combination of European glasses and Kutani ware ceramics. The 8th generation owner of the restaurant, who is well versed in wine and sake, created these glasses so that customers can choose the one that best suits the type and flavor of sake. Inside the restaurant, there is a café with a garden view and a Dining Area where you can enjoy a Japanese-style meal, Kaga vegetable curry, Kanazawa oden, and other dishes. The restaurant also serves Hokuriku sake, beer, and wine, so it is fun to try a glass to see how it feels.
- Kaburaki Shoho
-
- 1-3-16 Kanazawa-Chayomachi, Ishikawa MAP
- From JR Kanazawa Station East Exit, take Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) for 10 minutes, get off at "Korinbo" and walk 5 minutes.
- 9:00-22:00 Sunday and Monday to 18:00
Meals 11:30-15:00, 18:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30), Sun. 11:30-15:00
Coffee shop 10:00-22:00, Sun & Mon-18:00 - Open daily (irregular holidays several times a year) *Meal service is closed on Mondays.
- 076-221-6666
- None
5Yachiya Sake Brewery
A long-established sake brewery with over 430 years of tradition
About a 10-minute drive northeast from JR Kanazawa Station, you will find a sake brewery in a townscape that still retains the appearance of the Hokkoku Kaido (Northern Highway) used by the feudal lords in the old days to travel to and from Kanazawa. The brewery was founded in 1583 when its founder, Kamiyauchiiya Jinemon, moved from Owari to Kanazawa to brew sake for the Maeda Toshiie family. The sake cellar, built at the end of the feudal era, is a storehouse structure with over 250 years of history, and the pillars of the main building are also tilted as if bowing toward the street, an interesting architectural feature. Both the sake cellar and the main building are designated as tangible cultural properties by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
The "Sake Brewery Tour" course allows visitors to observe the brewing process and sample Kaga Tsuru sake.
Passing through the entrance, visitors will find a space for direct sales of "Kaga Tsuru," a famous sake loved by successive feudal lords. The name "Kagatsuru" was given to the brewery in 1628 by the third lord of the Kaga domain, along with the trade name "Yachiya," which is a combination of "Kaga" and "Tsuru," which means "crane. The brewery uses "Gohyakumangoku" and "Ishikawamon" sake rice grown by local farmers under contract, and water from the Mt.
Visitors can sign up for a "Sake Brewery Tour" to see inside the storehouse, observe the sake brewing process, and taste sake.
- Yachiya Sake Brewery
-
- 8-32 Ohi-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
- 10 minutes by cab from JR Kanazawa Station
- 10:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:00
- Sundays (open on Sundays and closed on Mondays if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
- Sake brewery tour 1,500 yen (discount available when purchasing sake at the store)
- 076-252-7077
- Free of charge
Sake brewery tours are held three times a day from 10:30, 13:30, and 15:00 (40 minutes each). Advance reservations required by phone during business hours.
Sake brewery tours are held twice a day from 13:30 and 15:00 (40 minutes each). Advance reservations required by phone during business hours.
6Kaga Yuzen Maida Senga Kogei
Experience Kaga Yuzen coloring to create the world's only accessory
A workshop with a famous Kaga Yuzen artist. Kaga Yuzen is known for its elegant designs based on floral and classical motifs, and here visitors can observe the process and experience coloring using the same dyes used for kimono.
Especially popular is the experience of coloring earrings and pierced earrings. Visitors can choose from about five different designs, including seasonal patterns such as cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks and goldfish in summer, and maple trees in autumn. A color scheme is modeled for you to choose from, but you can also change the color combination, add blurring, and make other arrangements. Depending on your ingenuity, you can create a one-of-a-kind work of art.
In addition, visitors can also experience coloring a small furoshiki or a single brushstroke.
A lineup of fashion accessories that go well with clothing
Unusually for Kaga yuzen, which is a division of labor, the entire process from designing to finishing is done in the studio at Maeda Somega Kogei, which has been in business for three generations. The advantage of this is that it is easy to reflect ideas in the work. The products are well known for their traditional beauty with a modern sense of style, making them easy to incorporate into modern life.
In the showroom, some of their works are displayed and sold. There are beautiful kimonos that look like a painting, as well as "Somegaku," framed yuzen prints. Clothing accessories such as stoles, accessories, neckties, and other small items such as business card holders are also available.
- Kaga Yuzen Maida Senga Kogei
-
- 3-9-19, Honda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
- From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus (Kanazawa Castle Town Shuttle Bus), take the "clockwise route" or "easterly route" (approx. 19 min.), alight at "Honda-machi" and walk approx. 4 minutes.
- 9:00-17:00, Experience of coloring: 10:00-16:00 (last admission)
- Sundays, Saturdays once a month, and national holidays
- Experience coloring: Pierced earrings 4,000 yen (tax not included, shipping 800 yen), small furoshiki cloth 15,000 yen, one-stroke experience & visit 1,500 yen
- 076-221-3365
- Free of charge
- Reservations required at least 2 business days in advance for coloring experience and tour; from 2 persons accepted; elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
7Yamato Koji Park
A small theme park that transmits fermented food culture
Ono, a port town on the outskirts of Kanazawa City, is one of the five major soy sauce production centers in Japan, dating back to the early Edo period. Yamato Miso Soy Sauce is a long-established business with a history of more than 100 years since its establishment in Ono. The Yamato Koji Park was established to let visitors enjoy fermented food culture by utilizing its warehouse and other facilities.
The warehouse where soy sauce was brewed at the time of its establishment has been turned into a "fermented food beauty diner," serving brown rice that has been put to bed and monthly malt dishes. At the "Hishiho Kura" direct sales store, you will find a variety of soy sauce, miso, ponzu (Japanese citrus juice), and amazake (sweet sake) from the brewery, so you can sample them and take your favorites home as souvenirs. You can also taste soy sauce-flavored and brown rice amazake-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Enjoy a variety of Experience programs!
We have prepared a variety of Experience programs here to encourage you to incorporate fermented food culture into your daily life. They include "guided tours of the Koji warehouse" where Staff/staff members guide you around the Koji Park, "Koji hand bath" (hand bath), "miso soup drinking comparison," "making salted malt and soy sauce malt," and others that you can easily enjoy. We recommend the "Misoboruru (miso soup) making experience," in which you choose three ingredients of your choice, such as homemade raw miso paste, soup stock, green onions, and wakame seaweed. The miso balls are wrapped in cute wrappings, and simply by pouring hot water over them, you can make instant miso soup. The price of 1,000 yen includes a miso souvenir.
- Yamato Koji Park
-
- 4-170, Ono-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
- 15 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
- 10:00-17:00, Fermented food beauty diner 11:30-14:30 (L.O.13:30)
- Wednesdays (Wednesdays, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays for the Fermented Food Restaurant, Wednesdays and 2nd Fridays for the Misoboru Experience), year-end and New Year holidays
- 076-268-5289
- Free of charge
MAP
- <Recommended hole-in-the-wall sightseeing spots in Kanazawa
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Koya Suzuki Active Kaga Men
Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture- OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi
- Katamachi is Kanazawa's best gourmet town. The hotel is also conveniently located for Direction to Kanazawa's representative tourist attractions.
Yamashiro Hot Spring, Ishikawa Prefecture- Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga
- A traditional hot spring hotel in Kaga where new sensibilities come alive. The traditional building with impressive red latticework is a registered tangible cultural property.