Kanazawa is a city of Ishikawa Prefecture in HOKURIKU (the northwestern part of Japan). Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen added Kanazawa station in 2015, it became easier to get there from around Tokyo. Here are our recommendations for what you should do and eat while you are visiting Kanazawa.
Place to Visit:
5 Essential Places in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is known for many historical attractions such as restored residence and districts, as well as modern museum. I suggest you 5 places in Kanazawa including historical place and entertainment place.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen is one of the Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens”. Since its open to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen is the city’s major attraction. Here, you will find historical teahouses, trees, seasonal flowers and waterfalls. In teahouses, visitors can enjoy drinking tea and eat traditional Japanese sweets “Wagashi”. The street leads to Kenrokuen is a beautiful rest spot in Spring, since the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Omicho Ichiba
Omicho Ichiba (Market) is a famous local market in the center of Kanazawa. Omicho Ichiba has been popularly known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen” since 1904. There are about 170 shops selling a variety of things such as fresh fish, vegetables, side dishes and sweets, etc. You cannot miss its unique atmosphere created by shop keeper’s loud and cheerful shouts flying all around the market.
21st Century Museum
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world. Its architecture is unique and definitely good place to visit in Kanazawa.
Higashi Chaya District
Chaya (Teahouse) is a traditional place for entertainment once geisha (traditional female Japanese entertainers) entertained people by performing dance and playing music in Edo period. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most attractive place. The Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse are open to the public. Cafes and shops are along the central street and one of the shops “Hakuza” sells gold leaf products which is a specialty of Kanazawa.
Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)
Myoryuji Temple which is also known as Ninja Temple was built in Edo Period. Even the temple is not actually associated with Ninja, it earned its nickname because of its secret doors and traps. Since the temple’s many deceptive defenses are made to guard against intruders or attack, there are hidden tunnels, secret rooms and traps in everywhere. Once you visit there, you may become a NINJA!
What to Eat:
While there are many places in Kanazawa, you should not forget about the freshest seafood catch and local cuisine reflective of the city’s well-preserved traditions and history. Found on the coast adjacent to the Sea of Japan, you are going to have a great food experience in Kanazawa. Here are some of our suggestions you would not want to miss when you are there.
Kaisen-don
Kaisen don is a bowl of rice with sashimi (raw fish) on top. You can enjoy a variety and freshest seafood at one time. Omicho Market is known for its restaurants where you can eat excellent fresh Kaisen-don, I highly recommend you to eat there.
Wagashi
A traditional Japanese sweet often served with a cup of green tea. Wagashi is considered an art form since it is made in a wide variety of shapes and consistencies. You can enjoy eating Wagashi also making Wagashi at Kanko Bussankan where Wagashi workshop is offered. It is definitely the thing to eat and the place to enjoy for sweet lovers!
Ice cream wrapped in gold leaf
In Higashi Chaya District, “Hakuza”, you can have an ice cream wrapped in gold leaf. While gold is known as expensive thing, this ice cream only costs 891 JPY! Do not miss this ice cream which is definitely a perfect for Instgrammable photo.
日本海に面している石川県、金沢は新鮮な海鮮丼やお寿司をはじめ、東茶屋街では外せない金箔アイス、日本伝統の和菓子の名所として知られています。
食の名所としても有名ですが、観光スポットも多々あります。
日本三名園の1つとして知られる兼六園を始め、伝統的な東茶屋街、現代美術館で有名な21世紀美術館や活気溢れる近江市場などとても魅力的な場所ばかりです。
都心からは、北陸新幹線で2時間40分程でアクセスができるので、ぜひ1度訪れてみてはいかがでしょうか。
外国からのお友だちに日本を案内する際にも、金沢はオススメです！
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