APA Hotel Kanazawa West

Kawakita fire festival

by Mr.Sparkle

Kawakita fire festival is the largest fireworks festival around Kanazawa. There is dancing, taiko playing, lots of things to burn down and killer fireworks. The festival goes all day, rain or shine. The only problem is getting there. No trains or buses go there and its literally in the middle of nowhere. You best hope is to arrange a car, but expect tight parking and lots of traffic. If you can make though you won’t be disappointed.

Like most fireworks festivals in Japan, this is held in early August, usually the first weekend.

金沢 The Golden Swamp

by Mr.Sparkle

The name Kanazawa (金沢) is broken into two kanji symbols, one meaning gold, 金, and the other swamp, 沢. Hence, golden swamp. I’ve made this place my home for the last three years. It’s been an incredible time of learning and growth in my life. The landscape is blessed with many fantastic sites as well all 4 seasons. The city itself is wedged between the Japanese alps and the sea of Japan. Generally, the area is free from most natural disasters, such as tsunamis, volcanoes and earthquakes. We do get the occasional typhoon though. Mostly they are pretty weak. The down side to Kanazawa is the miserable weather we get most of the year. Winter’s are not the best time to visit, that is if you’re planning to make it to this part of Japan. Most days are rainy or snowy between November and early March. Spring and Autumn are by far the best times to visit. Summer can be just as rainy as the Winter and really hot and humid.

For those who brave the weather and make the journey, there is certainly plenty to do in the area and lost of great places to eat.

Kanazawa was spared bombing during WWII, so the city and its surrounding retain some of its old world charm. Like many cities in Japan, Kanazawa is dubbed “Little Kyoto”, but Kanazawa actually deserves the title. Come and visit and I’m sure you’ll agree.

So, when’s the best time to visit Kanazawa????? Your best bet for an enjoyable visit is April-May or August-September. Both these periods are known for their clear weather and abundance of festivals.