Best Things to do in Kanazawa | Must-see attractions 2025

Kenroku-en

7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

1 Kenrokumachi

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Kenroku-en, located in Kanazawa, Japan, is one of the country's three 'perfect gardens', showcasing seasonal beauty and historical significance.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

2-1 Dewa-machi

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Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa, Japan, showcases regional Japanese artwork including national treasures like 17th-century incense burner scrolls and samurai costumes.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Paid. Discounts may apply for students and groups.

Kanazawa Castle Park

Mo-Su 09:00-16:30

Park

1-1 Marunouchi

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Kanazawa Castle Park features the Ishikawa Gate, moat, and reconstructed 16th-century buildings, set in lush gardens once home to the Maeda clan.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special tours may incur a fee.

Saigawa Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Katamachi-Nomachi

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Saigawa Bridge in Kanazawa, Japan, offers a historical crossing with scenic views of the Saigawa River, blending accessibility and cultural significance.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. No entry fees required to cross the bridge.

Pref. Museum of history- 加賀本多博物館

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3-1 Dewamachi

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The 加賀本多博物館 (Pref. Museum of History) in Kanazawa showcases artifacts from the Honda clan, including samurai attire, weaponry, ceramics, and equestrian gear.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kanazawa Noh Museum

Tu-Su 10:00-18:00

Museum

1 Chome-2-25 Hirosaka

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Kanazawa Noh Museum in Japan showcases traditional Noh theater through exhibitions, performances, and artifacts, providing a rich cultural experience.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid. Admission fees vary for adults and children, check the official site for specifics.

Shiinoki Cultural Complex

Mo-Su 09:00-22:00; Dec 29-Jun 03 off

Museum

2-1-1 Hirosaka

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Shiinoki Cultural Complex in Kanazawa, Japan, features renovated architecture from 1924 and offers cultural activities alongside information on nearby Kenrokuen Garden.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Shinise Kinenkan Museum

9:30-17:00

Museum

2-2-45 Nagamachi

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Shinise Kinenkan Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, features a historic 120-year-old building that was once a Chinese pharmacy, showcasing crafts and local tools.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Park Shishiku

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

110 Ri Yawatamachi

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Park Shishiku in Kanazawa, Japan, is a serene space featuring walking paths, traditional landscaping, and seasonal flora, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some seasonal events may require a paid ticket.

Nakanohashi Bridge

Open all day

Bridge

Kazuemachi

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Nakanohashi Bridge in Kanazawa is a wooden pedestrian bridge known for its traditional design and beautiful surroundings, providing scenic views across the Asano River.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free.

Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum

9:30-17:00

Museum

1 Chome-19-1 Higashiyama

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Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, honors the life and works of novelist Tokuda Shusei. An insightful visit for literature enthusiasts and historians.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may have admission fees.

Yanagi Sori Design Memorial

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

2-12-1 Owaricho

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Yanagi Sori Design Memorial in Kanazawa, Japan, honors designer Yanagi Sori, showcasing his innovative works in furniture and design, coupled with beautiful garden settings.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Shirogane Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

2-2-24 Hosai

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Shirogane Church in Kanazawa, Japan, features unique architecture and a rich history, serving both the local community and visitors of all backgrounds.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a registration fee.

Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Kazuemachi

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Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge in Kanazawa, Japan, serves as a vital crossing over the Asano River, celebrated for its striking architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: About 30 minutes.

Free. No admission fees required.

Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3-22 Sennichimachi

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Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum in Kanazawa features a comprehensive collection focused on modern art. A key cultural site in Ishikawa Prefecture, it embodies regional heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adult: 500 JPY, Child: Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Shofukaku Garden

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

3-2-1 Hondamachi

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Shofukaku Garden in Kanazawa, Japan, features traditional Japanese landscaping with scenic views, historical structures, and seasonal flowers, offering a tranquil escape for visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Ishikawa Jumoku Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Sannomiyamachi

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Ishikawa Jumoku Park in Kanazawa, Japan, features diverse species of trees and stunning landscapes, offering a serene experience in nature.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Kanazawa Yuwaku Yumeji-kan Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

I-144-1 Yuwakumachi

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Kanazawa Yuwaku Yumeji-kan Museum showcases modern and contemporary Japanese art, located in Kanazawa, Japan. It features unique architecture and a serene garden.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Paid. Adult: ¥500, Child: ¥250, Discounts available for groups.

Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum

09:30-17:00

Museum

2 Chome-25-18

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Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, presents the rich history of tea culture and traditional tea houses, reflecting the region's historical significance.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Hikosoryokuchi

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

1-294-1 Hikosomachi

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Hikosoryokuchi is a public park in Kanazawa, Japan, showcasing traditional Japanese landscaping, walking paths, and historical significance since its establishment.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated costs.

Ishikawa Prefectural Natural History Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Ri-441 Choshimachi

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Ishikawa Prefectural Natural History Museum in Kanazawa features exhibitions on regional natural history, fossils, and unique wildlife with extensive collections.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Sotobori Park Hakuchoro

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Marunouchi

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Sotobori Park Hakuchoro, located in Kanazawa, Japan, features historical architecture, varied flora, and cultural heritage, suitable for leisure and exploration.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No ticket required for general admission.

Ishikawa Ongakudo

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

Showa-machi20-1 (Kanazawa Station Higashiguchi)

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Ishikawa Ongakudo is a state-of-the-art concert hall in Kanazawa, Japan, featuring two performance spaces for diverse musical events.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Pricing varies by event. Some performances are ticketed, while others may be free.

Myoryuji

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

1-2-12 Nomachi

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Myoryuji, a Buddhist temple in Kanazawa, Japan, features hidden rooms, secret passageways, and defensive mechanisms. Tours reveal its unique architecture and history.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

300 JPY for adults, 150 JPY for children. Free for younger children.

Gyokusen'inmaru Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

3 Marunouchi

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Gyokusen'inmaru Park is a historic Japanese garden located next to Kanazawa Castle in Japan, featuring scenic walking paths, a tranquil pond, and night lighting.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Memorial Monument of the Birthplace of D. T. Suzuki

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3-4-20 Honda-machi

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The Memorial Monument of the Birthplace of D. T. Suzuki in Kanazawa honors the renowned Buddhist philosopher and introduces Zen to the West.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Meiji Memorial Monument

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

兼六町 (兼六園内)

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Meiji Memorial Monument in Kanazawa honors Emperor Meiji with its grand architecture, tranquil gardens, and historical significance as a landmark of the Meiji Restoration.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Su-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-20:00

Museum

1-2-1 Hirosaka

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The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa features a unique glass architecture housing contemporary art. Entry is free; fees apply for special exhibitions.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1-9-3 Nagamachi

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Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum provides insight into the lives of ashigaru, Japan's foot soldiers, through Edo-era homes and a serene garden.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2-11-21 Owaricho

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The Kanazawa Phonograph Museum in Ishikawa, Japan, features vintage phonographs and records, showcasing daily demonstrations and historical artifacts.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Ono Lighthouse

Open 24 hours

Lighthouse

Kanazawa

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Ono Lighthouse in Kanazawa, Japan, built in 1871, guides ships with its historic light and offers scenic coastal views and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No additional charges for entry.

Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3-1 Dewa-machi

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Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum in Kanazawa offers historical displays and interactive exhibits, including a hands-on room for children to explore period costumes and crafts.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kenrokuen Garden

7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

1-1 Marunouchi

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Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Japan, ranks among the top three gardens in the country, known for its six essential attributes that enhance its beauty and tranquility.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. No special entry fees apply.

The Gyokusen-en Garden

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1-1 Marunouchi

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The Gyokusen-en Garden in Kanazawa, Japan, is a historic feudal garden, rebuilt in 2015, featuring traditional architecture and scenic elements.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free.