Overzicht
Kanazawa was ruled by the wealthy Maeda clan and avoided major wartime destruction, preserving historic districts and a strong arts-and-crafts tradition — the city produces the vast majority of Japan's gold leaf.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo makes it an easy add-on, and the line was extended southwest to Tsuruga in 2024. Kanazawa also works as the gateway to Shirakawa-go.
Wat te Zien & Doen
- Kenroku-en: Considered one of Japan's three great landscape gardens; beautiful year-round, with rope supports (yukitsuri) protecting trees in winter.
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Circular glass museum known for Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool'. Some areas require timed tickets.
- Omicho Market: The city's kitchen for 300 years — seafood rice bowls and snow crab in season.
- Kanazawa Castle Park: Reconstructed turrets and gates, with impressive stone walls.
- Myoryu-ji ('Ninja Temple'): Temple full of hidden defensive features; guided tours by reservation.
- D.T. Suzuki Museum: Tranquil museum dedicated to the Zen Buddhist philosopher.
Lokale Keuken & Specialiteiten
- Seafood: Snow crab (winter), nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), sweet shrimp and sushi.
- Jibuni: Duck stew thickened with flour, a classic Kaga dish.
- Kanazawa curry: Thick, dark curry served with cabbage and a cutlet.
- Gold-leaf soft serve: A whole sheet of gold leaf on ice cream — touristy but fun.
- Wagashi: Kanazawa is one of Japan's great sweets cities, thanks to its tea culture.
Bereikbaarheid & Openbaar Vervoer
Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo (around 2.5–3 hours). From Kyoto and Osaka, take the Thunderbird limited express to Tsuruga, then change to the Shinkansen. Komatsu Airport has domestic flights and an airport bus.
Loop buses run from Kanazawa Station past the main sights; a one-day bus pass is available. Many sights are walkable from each other, and the city operates a bike-share scheme.
Waar te Verblijven
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses near the station and Higashi Chaya.
- Middenklasse: Business hotels near the station or Korinbo.
- Luxe & Ryokan: Ryokan and boutique hotels; Yamanaka and Yamashiro onsen towns are nearby for hot-spring stays.