Things to Do in Kanazawa

Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, is a masterpiece of landscape design located in Kanazawa. Every season transforms this spacious garden into a different work of art—from snow-laden yukitsuri structures protecting pine trees in winter to cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. Wander past tranquil ponds, elegant bridges, historic fountains, and meticulously sculpted trees while enjoying panoramic views of Kanazawa from the upper grounds.

Myouryuji, famously known as the Ninja Temple, is a fascinating Buddhist temple in Kanazawa that conceals an intricate maze of hidden rooms, trap doors, secret tunnels, and concealed staircases designed for defense during feudal times. Despite its nickname, the temple has no actual connection to ninjas, but its ingenious architecture featuring 29 staircases and 23 rooms in a deceptively compact structure feels straight out of a spy thriller. Visitors can only explore this architectural marvel through mandatory guided tours that reveal the temple's clever defensive mechanisms and escape routes.

Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa's beautifully preserved geisha district, where traditional wooden teahouses line atmospheric cobblestone streets that transport visitors back to the Edo period. The two-story wooden machiya buildings, with their distinctive latticed facades, now house elegant tea rooms, craft shops, and museums where you can learn about geisha culture. Stroll through this enchanting neighborhood to experience old Japan, sample gold leaf sweets, and perhaps catch a glimpse of geiko (Kanazawa's geisha) in their stunning kimono.

The Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a stunning circular glass building that has become one of Japan's most innovative art spaces since opening in 2004. The museum's most famous installation is Leandro Erlich's 'The Swimming Pool,' where visitors can view others seemingly underwater from above or walk beneath the pool's surface. With free access to outdoor installations and public zones, plus rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art from Japanese and international artists, this museum offers an accessible and playful introduction to modern art.