Local Guide
Modern and cute traditional Kanazawa crafts you'll want to take home as souvenirs

Kanazawa has a unique culture that blends the atmosphere of the ancient capital with a modern sense of style. You can find many cute sundries that are modern interpretations of traditional crafts at stores in the city. Here are some of the most popular stores that offer a selection of wonderful traditional crafts perfect for souvenirs.

Stylish lineup of sundries based on the theme of traditional Hokuriku crafts

Kaga yubinuki
Kaga yubinuki" are made by two local artists and cost between 5,500 and 7,700 yen per piece.

This is a select store run by "Hakuichi," a famous brand of Kanazawa leaf (gold and silver leaf). Located on the outskirts of Higashi Chaya-gai, the shop offers a variety of products that can be easily incorporated into daily life under the theme of traditional Hokuriku crafts, such as Wajima lacquerware and Kaga yuzen. In particular, the shop offers a wide variety of sundries for women's tastes, such as hair clips and earrings made of mizuhiki and modern-patterned Kutaniyaki ceramics. Many items are made by both up-and-coming and veteran artists, and about 10% of the items are originals that can only be found at this store.
It is said that Kaga Yuzen seamstresses started making "Kaga Yubinuki," which are elegant with the luster of silk threads. It is also beautiful to wear as a ring or scarf ring, and there are about 40 different designs, including scaly patterns, kanoko (baby deer), arrow feathers, and more. We also recommend the "Kinpaku Uchigami Aburatorigami" (oil absorbent paper made by the gold leaf beating method), which was created from furuya paper, a byproduct of gold leaf production, for its outstanding absorbency.
On the second floor, visitors can try their hand at gold leaf crafting at the "Foil Pasting Experience.

Kanazawa Bikazari Asano
  • Address 1-8-3 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus Direction From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) around Kanazawa Castle Town. 10 minutes by bus, alight at Hashiba-cho (Higashi/Sukkeicho Chaya-gai) and walk about 3 minutes.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-18:00, Experience of applying leaf leaf leaf: 10:00-16:00
  • Closed Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday)
  • TEL 076-251-8911
  • Parking None

Luxurious cosmetics containing gold leaf to support beauty

CHAYA cosme's Cream for Body, Red Plum Scent 50g, 1,430 yen, etc.
CHAYA cosme's Cream for Body, Red Plum Scent 50g, 1,430 yen, etc.

Gold leaf is a traditional craft representing Kanazawa. When applied to the skin, it is said to promote blood circulation and make the skin supple and shiny. This store is a concept store of "beauty" operated by "Foilza," a long-established gold leaf manufacturer and seller. Located in the Higashi Chaya-gai district, it is a good place to stop by while sightseeing. The shop mainly sells its own brand of cosmetics containing gold leaf, and "CHAYA cosme" is a body care and makeup series recommended as souvenirs. The affordable price and cute packaging are attractive, and the body cream, which comes in three different scents including plum blossom, is especially popular.
Also popular is the "Touch of GOLD" series of basic cosmetics using platinum gold leaf, an original gold leaf containing 99% gold. In addition, the store offers a lineup of food products such as tea, honey, and vinegar drinks blended to suit specific purposes, such as "beauty skin" and "relaxation.

Chaya Bijin
  • Address 1-26-17 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa MAP
  • Bus Direction From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) around Kanazawa Castle Town. 10 min. ride and get off at Hashiba-cho (Higashi/Sukkeicho Chaya-gai) stop. 4 min. walk from the stop.
  • Hours of Operation 9:30-18:00 (Winter - 17:30)
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 076-253-8883
  • Parking None

World-renowned Kanazawa ceramics brand

From the Kanazawa Collection Hanatemari Series, chrysanthemum-shaped bowls and plates: 9,680 yen each, 18 cm plates: 3,300 yen each
From the Kanazawa Collection Hanatemari Series, chrysanthemum-shaped bowls and plates: 9,680 yen each, 18 cm plates: 3,300 yen each

The Nikko brand of western tableware was born in Kanazawa in 1908. The pure white porcelain, said to be the whitest in the world, is highly effective in making food look beautiful and is favored by top chefs from all over the world.
Located in the Higashi Chaya-gai district, this store is an antenna store for Nikko, offering not only white porcelain dishes, but also modern dishes that incorporate Kanazawa's culture and Japanese essence. We recommend the "Kanazawa Collection Hana Temari Series," which is inspired by Kaga Temari. The gorgeous design is popular among women and is a limited edition available only at this location. Also, "Sumi no Toki" was designed by Hiroko Koshino with a motif of light black ink. This remarkable series won the Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2018, a global competition.
At the attached café, visitors can enjoy a "Kanazawa Latte" and other specialties from a choice of three different "Nikko" coffee cups.

Tableware shop & cafe White porcelain
  • Address 1-25-6 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus Direction From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise route) around Kanazawa Castle Town. 10 min. ride, 5 min. walk from Hashiba-cho (Higashi/Sukkeicho Tea House Street) stop.
  • Hours of Operation 10:00-17:30 (Cafe L.O. 17:00), Banquet 18:00-21:00 (reservation required)
  • Closed Thursdays
  • TEL 076-256-1089
  • Parking None

Meboso Hari", an official product of the Kaga Domain, established over 440 years ago

Harinezumi Sewing Set (Needle Hill Pattern)
Harinezumi Sewing Set (Needle Hill Pattern)" with needle holder and mini scissors: 4,180 yen. The set includes two sets of five different needles.

Founded in 1575, this store specializes in needles. Its signature product, the "Meboso Needle," is a historic sewing needle named after a lord of the Kaga domain. The needle holes are long and narrow to make threading easier, the surface has fine scratches to reduce friction with the fabric, and the needle tips are sharper than those of ordinary needles, making them very comfortable to use. There are about 100 types of needles available in a wide variety of sizes and uses, including for embroidery and leather. Souvenirs include a sewing set with a hedgehog-shaped needle holder and other accessories, as well as a needle hook with "Kanazawa oden" ingredients and "Kaga vegetables" decorations on the head. They are popular because they are cute and make needlework fun.
Kaga wool hooks are also recommended for those who love fishing. They are handmade using the feathers of wild birds such as kingfishers and pheasants, and are designated as a traditional handicraft of the prefecture. Brooches and hair ornaments arranged with hairpins are also available, and their vivid colors and modern designs are appealing.

Meboso Hachirobei Shop
  • Address 11-35 Yasue-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 8 min. walk from JR Kanazawa Station
  • Business hours 9:30-17:30
  • Closed Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday)
  • TEL 076-231-6371
  • Parking Free of charge

Kaga's traditional mizuhiki work has been transformed into colorful Japanese accessories.

Awaji-knot
Awaji-knot" scent bags 1,000-5,000 yen (tax not included), 12-23 different colors

Mizuhiki is a decorative cord used to hang gift bags and gifts. Kaga mizuhiki is especially famous for its three-dimensional and gorgeous workmanship used for betrothal gifts.
This store is the workshop and store of a Kaga mizuhiki craftsman. The shop is characterized by a modern style that combines traditional knots and designs with a modern sensibility.
The store features seasonal interior accessories such as cherry blossoms and goldfish, as well as business card holders that take advantage of the beauty of knots. All of them are full of playfulness and have a great sense of color matching. Especially popular are the scent bags arranged in the "awaji-knot" style. The more the two ends are pulled, the tighter the knot is tied, which is a lucky knot used for wedding gifts. The inside is filled with a unique fragrance made from a blend of sandalwood and various other natural fragrances.
Special orders are available, and chopstick bags and gift bag decorations are also accepted from a single item.

Chitose Mizuhiki
  • Address Inside Okayoshi Building, 1-9-26 Owari-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus Direction From JR Kanazawa Station East Exit, take the Hokutetsu Bus "Left Turn Route", 5 min. ride and get off at "Musashigatsuji/Omi-machi Market (Ichibakan-mae)", 8 min. walk.
  • Business hours 10:00-16:00
  • Regular holiday Sundays *Check the blog for holidays and consecutive holidays.
  • TEL 076-221-0278
  • Parking Free of charge

Kaga Hachiman "Okiagari", a standard Kanazawa gift

Kaga Hachiman Okiagari
Kaga Hachiman Okiagari" No. 3, 880 yen and up; No. 4 in the photo, 1,100 yen. Experience painting is also available.

This Kaga doll store has been in business since 1862. The founder was a craftsman who specialized in making dancing masks for kyogen plays, and now uses his skills to handcraft papier-mâché dolls and local toys.
The "Kaga Hachiman Kigarashi" is a traditional Kanazawa doll known by the nickname "Hachiman-san" (meaning "Hachiman" in Kanazawa). It is a lucky doll depicting pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, and is said to have originated when the Hachiman shrine's god, Emperor Ojin, wished for the growth and happiness of his child by copying the red maternity clothes of the emperor when he was born. It is customary to give it as a gift at the time of a girl's birth or first Doll's Festival, and it is also used as a wedding or wedding present, as it is believed that if it is stored in a chest of drawers, there will be no need to worry about clothes. It is also used as a gift to wish for prosperous business and recovery from illness.
In addition, "Kaga dolls" depicting the classical performing arts of Kaga and local toys inspired by karakuri dolls are also available.

Nakajima Menya
  • Address 2-3-12 Owari-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Direction From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus "Leftward Route" around Kanazawa Castle Town. 5 min. on the bus and get off at Musashigatsuji/Omi-machi Market (Ichibakan-mae). 4 min. walk from the Ichibakan-mae stop.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:30, Painting Experience 10:00-16:00 (last admission)
  • Closed Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday)
  • Admission Fee Painting Experience: from 880 yen
  • TEL 076-232-1818
  • Parking None
  • Memo For details on the Painting Experience, check the official website.

A variety of unique Hokuriku gifts from sundries to food

Various Kutaniyaki porcelains. Iroebai rice bowl
Various Kutaniyaki porcelains. Iroebai rice bowl" by a popular Kutani artist, 2,640 yen (left), etc.

Under the theme of "Made in Hokuriku," the lineup includes products related to the three prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama. A wide variety of goods are available, from modern handicrafts created by young local artists to traditional sweets, seasonings, and household goods. The common denominator is that the products are of high quality and made using traditional methods. The high quality of the designs is also a key point, and there is a wide selection of attractive items such as yuzen-dyed handkerchiefs with pop designs, Kaga mizuhiki accessories, packaged cans in the shape of "Kaga Hachiman Okiagari," a local toy, and pickles made from Kaga vegetables.
Kutani ware is particularly popular, with a wide variety of types and patterns, including bean plates and chopstick rests. The shop also offers a wide range of originality in the form of works by local designers and collaborations between potteries and world-renowned designers.

[Gift Shop
  • Address Nakamura Building, 1-2-18 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • Bus Direction From the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus (clockwise or counterclockwise route). 18-20 minutes from the Hirozaka/21st Century Museum stop, approx. 3 minutes walk from the bus stop.
  • Business hours 10:00-18:00
  • Regular holiday Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following weekday), Year-end and New Year holidays
  • TEL 076-222-2126
  • Parking None
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.