Exploring Kanazawa: A Peaceful Alternative to the Overcrowded Kyoto
Most people who consider travelling to Japan have undoubtedly heard of Kyoto due to it being part of Japan’s “Golden Route”, but Kanazawa remains a hidden gem that should be recognized with its own golden title. The gold leaf capital of Japan certainly deserves to be on more people’s radars as there is no shortage of things to do and see; whether you are hoping to relax in nature, seeking out photo opportunities, have an interest in Japanese history and cultural experiences, or want to eat exceptional food, Kanazawa offers something for just about anyone--but without insane crowds. As an added bonus, we discovered that the city is also quite pet-friendly!
Getting Around Kanazawa
While Kanazawa is a lovely destination, I will admit that getting around using the city transportation can be a bit more challenging than if you were to visit the bustling Kyoto. The main sightseeing spots are accessible via bus, but Kanazawa’s bus system can be awkward to use as some buses do not accept pre-paid cards and only take exact change. Within the city centre, the fare remains a consistent 210 yen regardless of the distance travelled. I also found that buses were often late and it was confusing knowing which bus to board; on more than one occasion, I boarded the wrong bus and then had to pay considerably more to get to my final destination. If you’re not keen on taking the bus or if you’re able to split the fare with other people, there are a couple taxi companies in the area that are all reasonably priced and I found all the drivers to be very friendly towards foreigners.
If the weather is nice and you don’t mind walking 10-15 minutes between locations, it’s completely possible to explore Kanazawa’s downtown area on foot. I would actually recommend this as there were tons of hidden corners and cool side streets that would otherwise be difficult to discover.
Recommendations for Things to Do in Kanazawa:
Traditional geisha districts
Higashi Chaya District
Kazuemachi Chaya District
Nagamachi District
Museums
21st Century Museum
D.T. Suzuki Museum
Ninjabuki Museum
Phonograph Museum
Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
Landmarks
Kenroku-en
Kanazawa Castle Park
Omicho Market
Oyama Jinja Shrine
Ishiura Shrine
Recommended Activities while in Kanazawa
Gold leaf workshop
Traditional dyeing workshop
Ninja star throwing at Ninjabuki
Modern sushi making at Coil
Traditional tea ceremony in Kenroku-en
Mizuhiki workshop
Kimono Rental at wargo
Michelin star dining
Cafe hopping
For more ideas on what to see and do, you can visit the official Visit Kanazawa website.
I loved each and every one of these activities, but if you are short on time, I would definitely recommend the gold leaf or traditional dye workshops as the products you make are great for taking home as souvenirs.
Living History in Kanazawa
Japan has awarded only three geisha districts with a cultural asset designation, and while most people know about Kyoto’s Gion, not as many people realize that the other two districts exist within Kanazawa. The Higashi Chaya District was established in 1820 and features many traditional wooden houses with “kimusuko” which is a special latticework that allows for privacy from those peering in while still allowing for visibility outwards. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest geisha district in Kanazawa and the well-preserved buildings allow visitors to gain a glimpse of the Edo period.
Located just five minutes away from the Higashi Chaya District is the Kazuemachi Chaya District which was established a little later in the 1860s. Known traditionally as entertainment districts where the wealthy could be entertained by geisha, these districts are now major tourist destinations with many of the buildings containing cafes or souvenir shops.
The streets are also very picturesque and you can capture a few great shots without having to fight the same level of crowds that you might find in Kyoto.
Kanazawa as a Nature Retreat
The abundance of nature within Kanazawa was one of the reasons I fell in love with the place. The city boasts tons of greenery on every street and I felt so at peace wandering through the streets, especially after having spent a week in Tokyo where greenspace seems to be more of a luxury.
Kanazawa is also host to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. I visited the garden in the spring, but unfortunately I was a few weeks too late for the cherry blossom displays. Still, the garden is popular all year round and the entry is only 300 yen. I would recommend visiting before opening hours as entry is free and there’s something especially charming about exploring the curving trails without other tourists in sight.
