Kanazawa's 5 Best Sightseeing Spots｜We want to enjoy more than just the standard sightseeing spots. Hidden places where you can experience history and handicrafts
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
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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.
9:00-16:00 *Reservations required (reservations can be made by phone from 8:30).
Buddhist memorial service days, January 1 and 2
1,200 yen, 800 yen for elementary school students *Pre-school children are not allowed to visit; younger elementary school students must bring proof of age (e.g., insurance card).
076-241-0888
2Oyama Shrine_Kanazawa Sightseeing (Anaerobic)
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 eye-catching feature is the Shinmon 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 four-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
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- 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.- Free* Gokusenin Maru Teien (Gyokusenin Maru Teien is a free gift shop) and red seals are available from 9:00-17:00.
- 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 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 splendid daimyo's garden in the pond-and-river style, using the Tatsumi water source that 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 Saturday and on designated days and days before national holidays, from sunset to 9:00 p.m., the garden is illuminated with seasonal themed lights.
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.
- Gyokusenin Maru Garden
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- 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
- 7 minutes drive from JR Kanazawa Station
- Take a bus from JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle, and walk about 3 minutes.
- March 1-October 15: 7:00-18:00, October 16-February 31: 8:00-17:00
- Year-end and New Year's holidays
- 076-234-3800 (Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Management Office, Ishikawa Prefecture)
4Kaburaki Shoho
A wide selection of dishes, from affordable small plates to Kutani ware of living national treasures
The historic Kutani Pottery was established in 1805. In a corner of Naga-machi, where the ruins of samurai residences are still standing, visitors pass through a brick door, take off their shoes, and enter the building to find a beautiful array of colorful Kutani ware vessels. Three doors down is "Kasuga-yama Kiln, Mokubeian," which has its own workshop and is known for its original items made by young craftsmen.
Shapes and designs that enhance the taste of sake
Especially popular are the gorgeous wine and sake glasses, which are a combination of European glasses and Kutani-yaki ceramics. The 8th generation owner, who is well versed in wine and sake, created these glasses so that customers can choose the glass that best suits the type and taste of sake. Inside the restaurant, there is a café with a garden view and a Dining Area where you can enjoy Kaga vegetable curry, Kanazawa oden, and other dishes. They also serve Hokuriku sake, beer, and wine, so it is fun to try the comfort of a glass here.
- Kaburaki Shoho
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- 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.
- 9:00-18:00
Meals 11:30-14:30, Coffee shop 10:00-18:00 *Reservations required for evening meals (please inquire for details). - Open daily (closed irregularly several times a year) *Meals are served on Wednesdays and Thursdays; coffee shop is closed on Wednesdays.
- 076-221-6666
5Kaga Yuzen Maida Senga Kogei
Experience Kaga Yuzen coloring to create the world's only accessory
A studio with a famous Kaga Yuzen artist. Kaga yuzen is known for its elegant designs based on flowers 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 their favorite design from a selection of about three types, and color in the outline of the glue. A model is provided for the color scheme, but it can be arranged by changing the color combination, adding blurring, etc. Depending on your creativity, you can create a one-of-a-kind work of art. Depending on your ingenuity, you can create a work that is unique in the world.
In addition, visitors can 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. In addition to beautiful kimonos that look like a single painting, visitors can also view the "GlassYuzen" gallery, in which yuzen is sandwiched between glass. You can also get clothing accessories such as stoles, accessories, and ties, as well as small items such as business card holders.
- Kaga Yuzen Maida Senga Kogei
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- 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)
- Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and non-scheduled holidays
- Experience coloring: Pierced earrings 8,800 yen (shipping fee 1,000 yen not included), small furoshiki cloth 15,000 yen, one-stroke experience & tour 1,500 yen and up
- 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.
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
OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi
Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Katamachi is Kanazawa's best gourmet town. The hotel is also conveniently located for Direction to Kanazawa's representative tourist attractions.
Access by bus Approx. 4 minutes walk from Korinbo bus stop
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From ³ ,200
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga
Yamashiro Hot Spring, Ishikawa Prefecture
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.
Access by bus Approx. 10 minutes by cab from IR Ishikawa Railway Kaga Onsen Station
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From ¥19,000