Kanazawa is a historic castle town located near the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa is well known for its traditions and activities, including handicrafts. During wartime the area was not affected by the bombings and its historical scenery and streets still exists. This has lead to Kanazawa becoming a popular tourist spot.

Kanazawa has many well known tourist attractions; Chayamachi, Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenroku garden, and the Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum being a few.

Chayamachi

In Kanazawa there are three chayamachi (lit. Teahouse Street); Higashi (lit. East), Kazue-machi and Nishi (lit. West). The biggest and most prestigious within the chayamachi is the Higashi chayamachi.

The stores which line the chayamachi have latticed bay windows and the streets are paved with stone. The chayamachi has an old-fashioned atmosphere to it, and each district carries its own unique feeling.

Chayamachi

You can also visit craft souvenir shops which are decorated with gold leaves and Kaga-yuzen (a style of fabric dying and a luxury brand of kimono). There are many shops lining the streets and you can also buy some green tea and traditional Japanese sweets to enjoy while taking a break.

As the sun goes down

Night view

As the sun sets and the day turns to night, the atmosphere of the streets change. Night brings a quite, calm, and peaceful feeling to the area.

Entrance

Traditional doll

Streets of Kanazawa

Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku Garden

Kanazawa Castle Park is located ten minutes, by walking, from the Higashi chayamachi. You can enter into the Kanazawa castle grounds by passing under an enormous Ishikawa gate made out of piled rocks. From there you can see the beautifully reformed images of the Hishiyagura (lit. a diamond shaped turret), Gojikkennagaya (lit. storehouse), Hashizumemon tsuzukiyagura (lit. gate tower) and Kahoku gate.

Arriving at Kanazawa castle

Castle tower

Surrounding moat

Kenroku Garden is located next to Kanazawa Castle Park. Kenroku Garden is in fact a Japanese garden that the descendents from the Kaga domain had worked on for 170 years.

Kenroku Garden during autumn

Autumn colors

A carpet of moss

The landscape is shaped by many rolling hills, and you can enjoy waterfalls and inclines as well as an easy stroll around the garden. Each season brings a new atmosphere with it as well; spring decorates the garden with flowers and fall brings red and yellows with its falling leaves.

In the winter the Karasaki pine trees located in the garden are prepared for the heavy, wet snow that falls every year in Kanazawa. Due to the snow damaging the trees and breaking their branches, the trees are supported by pillars and hundreds of pieces of rice-straw rope.

Preparing the trees

From Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku Garden it is just a short walk to the Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum.

The Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum has become famous all across Japan and it is well known for its contemporary art facility. Every year there are many people who visit the museum.

Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum

Front glass hall

Inside the museum

Omi-cho Market

Omi-cho Market is a traditional market with over 170 shops. The majority of the shops are food shops, and many of them sell fresh fish and seafood from the Sea of Japan, which Kanazawa is located by. There are also many vegetable, fruit and dried food shops. Aside from the food shops there are many clothing shops and restaurants which are very popular with tourists.

Omi-cho Market

Fresh sea food

Fresh crabs

From Omi-cho Market it is easy to return to Kanazawa station. On foot it only takes about five minutes, or you can take a bus, which can be found across the street from the market.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa station has a very interesting design, and the glass dome brings a sense of openness. Inside of the station there are many useful areas for tourists and travelers; information booths, umbrella and rain boot rental shops, and convenience stores.

Entrance