Step into a city where the Edo period lives on. From the koto music of Higashi Chaya to the legendary stones of Kenrokuen.
Considered the pinnacle of Japanese landscape design.
During winter, witness the iconic "snow ropes" protecting the ancient pine trees. It is a striking geometric art form unique to Kanazawa's heavy snowfall.
The Kotoji-toro lantern is the symbol of the city. Its curved legs are designed to resemble the bridges used to tune a Japanese koto harp.
Experience a formal tea ceremony overlooking the pond, using the same recipes enjoyed by the Maeda Lords centuries ago.
The Nagamachi district remains exactly as it was. Earthen walls, hidden water canals, and private samurai residences tell the story of a warrior class that valued art as much as the sword.
Walk the winding alleys designed to disorient invaders. Visit the Nomura Family house to see a perfectly preserved samurai home with a garden that has been ranked top-tier globally.
Traveler Tip
Visit the 'Ninja Temple' (Myoryuji) full of trapdoors and secret passages, though it was never actually for Ninjas!
When walking through Nagamachi, you will notice "Koshi-mado" (latticed windows). These were designed so samurai could see out without being seen. Respect the privacy of the residents—many of these are still private homes today.
The largest and most iconic. Famous for its beautiful wooden lattices (kimuso) and gold-leaf ice cream. Best for afternoon photography.
— The Iconic ChoiceLocated along the river. It offers a more somber, intimate atmosphere with narrow "dark slope" alleys. Best for evening walks.
— The Romantic PathSmaller and quieter. You are more likely to hear the sound of geisha practicing the shamisen here than anywhere else.
— The Local SecretKanazawa produces nearly all of Japan's gold leaf. Master artisans beat gold into sheets so thin (1/10,000mm) they would vanish if touched by a finger.
Artisan Secret: High humidity is required to keep the leaf from cracking.
A modern Kanazawa ritual: eating soft-serve ice cream wrapped in a literal sheet of edible 24-karat gold leaf. It is as much a photo op as it is a luxury.
"If you visit in June, don't miss the Hyakumangoku Matsuri. The entire city transforms into a vibrant parade of samurai armor and fire-engine kagura. It is the moment Kanazawa's heart beats loudest."
Heavy Snow.
Sea of Japan Winds.
Gentle Thaw.
Castle Blossoms.
Humid Glow.
Festival Nights.
Deep Crimson.
Perfect Clarity.
The Maeda lords used to have snow brought down from the mountains in mid-summer just to cool their sake.
In winter, look at the Asano River. Artisans still rinse 'Kaga Yuzen' silk in the freezing water to set the dyes.
Notice the T-junctions in the samurai district. They were designed to prevent enemies from seeing down the whole street.
The 'Tatsumi' canal has flowed through the city since 1632, providing fire protection for the wooden castle.
"Hidden staircases, trapdoors leading to pits, and a lookout tower disguised as a skylight. Myoryuji was built to protect the Maeda lords from the Shogun's spies."
Commonly known as the **Ninja Temple**, this structure actually had nothing to do with Ninjas. Instead, it was a secret military outpost for the Maeda clan. While the law restricted buildings to two stories, this temple secretly contains **seven floors** and **twenty-three rooms** hidden within its structure.
While Kyoto's silk is known for its embroidery and gold, Kanazawa's **Kaga-Yuzen** is defined by its realistic depictions of nature, flowers, birds, and landscapes hand-painted with a distinctive "blurring" technique.
Indigo, Crimson, Ochre, Plum, and Black.
The ancient practice of rinsing the silk in the cold city rivers to remove excess paste.
Visit the Nagamachi Yuzen Kan to see master painters at work.
Start with a breakfast of fresh Sea of Japan sashimi. The "Kaisendon" (seafood bowl) here is legendary for its quality and gold-leaf garnish.
Spend the midday hours wandering the ponds and bridges. In winter, focus on the 'Yukitsuri' rope structures; in spring, the ancient plum blossoms.
Visit a 200-year-old tea house. Listen for the sound of the Shamisen while enjoying gold-dusted matcha and wagashi sweets.
As the sun dips, walk through the Samurai district. The shadows lengthening against the earthen 'mud' walls create a somber, cinematic atmosphere. It is the quietest hour in the district.
End your day in Katamachi, the city's modern neon heart. Seek out a hidden Izakaya for 'Jibuni' (duck stew), a local specialty that has warmed Kanazawa residents for centuries.
"Forget your lunch, but never forget your umbrella."
☔ **Rental Umbrellas:** Many hotels and even public buildings provide "Okyaku-san" umbrellas for free use if it starts raining.
🧊 **Underfloor Heating:** Kanazawa was a pioneer in melting snow using under-road hot water pipes—watch for the sprinklers in the street!
Direct from Tokyo in just 2.5 hours. The Kagayaki express is the fastest; the Hakutaka stops at more charming mountain towns along the way.
Kanazawa is very walkable, but the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" connects the station to Kenrokuen and Chaya every 15 minutes for a flat fee.
"We are currently inside the tea houses of Higashi Chaya, documenting the 400-year-old craft of Kaga-Yuzen silk dyeing to build the most refined cultural guide for your 2026 visit."
The gold leaf is being set. The guide arrives soon. Stay with us.
A Note to our Guests
Thank you for appreciating the quiet elegance of Kanazawa. We are proud to preserve the spirit of the Maeda clan for the modern traveler.
— The Kanazawa Travel Team