Discovering Kanazawa : Attraction Guide (Japan)

Discovering Kanazawa : Attraction Guide (Japan)

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japanโ€™s central Honshu Island. It's known for well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums and regional handicrafts ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ With rich craft traditions, distinctive local cuisine, traditional architecture and cutting-edge contemporary art, Kanazawa is a must-visit destination ๐ŸŒŸ This is a comprehensive guide with a list of attractions you can add to your Kanazawa itinerary. For a more personalised experience, order a custom itinerary travel guide package for Japan from my services that is catered to your needs and wants! ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ
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Attractions

1. Shirakawa-Go (็™ฝๅทๆ‘)

Entry: FREE

Shirakawa-go
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This isn't located in Kanazawa, but you can access it easily with a bus service within an hour and a half. Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture, offers visitors a glimpse into traditional rural Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Famous for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, the village is a living piece of history โ„๏ธ Although it is famed for the snow season, the village is equally beautiful during other seasons! ๐ŸŒธWhether blanketed in winter snow or surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, Shirakawa-goโ€™s timeless charm invites travelers to experience a serene, picturesque side of Japan far from the hustle of modern life ๐Ÿ”๏ธ The Higurashi Game is also based on this little village and you can find souvenirs and motifs of the game around the village.

Getting Thereย 

From Kanazawa Station (West Entrance), look for the Shirakawa-Go bus terminal. Bus tickets have to be booked in advance with at least 2 days notice from the bus ticket office at Kanazawa station.

Total Time: 1 hour and 34 minutes

Total Cost: ยฅ2,600ย 

2. Higashi-Chaya District (ๆฑ่Œถๅฑ‹่ก—)

Entry: FREE

Higashi Chaya District
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Higashiyama Chaya District in Kanazawa transports visitors back to Japanโ€™s Edo period with its beautifully preserved teahouses and traditional wooden architecture. Once a flourishing hub for geisha performances, the district still exudes an air of elegance and old-world charm โœจ Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, visit historic teahouses like Shima and Kaikaro, and soak in the rich cultural history that defines this enchanting corner of Kanazawa. The timeless beauty of Higashiyama Chaya offers a captivating glimpse into Japanโ€™s refined past. Be sure to try their gold covered ice-cream!ย ๐Ÿฆ

Getting There

From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Flat Bus Konohana Route to Hikoso Ryokuchi Garden stop, Then walk 7 minutes to Higashi-Chaya District.

Total Time: 20 minutes

Total Cost: ยฅ100

3. 21st Century Museum (้‡‘ๆฒข21ไธ–็ด€็พŽ่ก“้คจ)

Entry: FREE

Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
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The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa is a striking blend of modern architecture and cutting-edge art, making it a must-visit for lovers of contemporary creativity ๐Ÿ’ก Its circular design invites exploration, with open spaces and interactive exhibits that blur the lines between art and viewer โญ•๏ธ Known for iconic installations like Leandro Erlichโ€™s "Swimming Pool", the museum offers a thought-provoking journey through global and local contemporary art ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Perfect for those seeking a modern twist on Kanazawaโ€™s rich cultural heritage, this museum is a refreshing and dynamic experience.

Getting There

From Kanazawa Station, take Bus no.18 to Hirosaka: 21st Century Museum stop. Then walk 2 minutes to the museum following street signs.ย 

Total Time: 15 minutes

Total Cost: ยฅ210

4. Ishiura Shrine (็Ÿณๆตฆ็ฅž็คพ)

Entry: FREE

Ishiura Shrine
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Getting There

From Kanazawa Station, take the No.18 bus to Hirosaka: 21st Century Museum stop and walk for 1 minute to the shrine.ย 

Total Time: 15 minutes

Total Cost: ยฅ210

Have Fun!

Check out my social media @dearorla for more Japan travel content ๐ŸŒธ

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Welcome! ๐ŸŒธ Iโ€™m Waiyan, a Brit living, exploring and learning about the culture in Japan since 2017 ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Since then, my passion for Japanese food and culture has continued to grow. So far, I have explored 22/47 prefectures in Japan and I plan to conquer them all ๐Ÿ—พ I love finding and exploring off-the-beaten path locations and local food finds. My recommendations are always up-to-date ๐Ÿค“ My guides always include a wide range of restaurants and cafes โ˜•๏ธ ๐Ÿฑ As well as popular (and hidden) parks, temples, shrines, museums, interesting finds, art, Instagram worthy spots, and more! โ›ฉ๏ธ I love helping travellers discover hidden gems and build connections through authentic experiences. I can also help you plan a trip from scratch to make your Japan vacation stress-free โœˆ๏ธ Connect with me on social media (IG) : @dearorla Happy travels! ๐Ÿ’Œ๐Ÿ“
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