Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

1. Kanazawa Betsyaku Kannon

A famous Buddhist temple complex with over 10,000 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.

Historical Significance: Originally built in 1620, it's one of the oldest temples in Kanazawa.
Architectural Beauty: Featuring unique wooden structures and a beautiful garden.
Religious Experience: A serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer.

Known for its iconic gate and beautiful garden, Myōjin-ji Temple is a must-visit.

Gorgeous Garden: Featuring over 300 varieties of cherry blossoms.
Historical Significance: Established in the Heian Period, it's one of the oldest temples in Japan.
Architectural Beauty: Famous for its unique 'Kasuga-zukuri' style architecture.

Walk through the preserved district of Kanazawa's samurai and wealthy merchants.

Cultural Experience: Learn about the culture, history, and lifestyle of the samurai.
Historical Significance: Many of the buildings were constructed during the Edo Period.
Scenic Beauty: A picturesque district with well-preserved traditional houses and gardens.

A beautiful villa inside the Kanazawa Castle Park that showcases the Maeda family's luxurious lifestyle.

Historical Significance: Built in 1630 for the ruling Maeda family.
Architectural Beauty: Features beautiful sliding doors and screens painted by famous artists.
Scenic Beauty: Located within the stunning Kanazawa Castle Park.

A scenic pilgrimage route connecting eight temples and shrines in the city.

Religious Experience: A chance to visit multiple religious sites in one journey.
Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of Kanazawa's mountains and gardens.
Cultural Experience: Provides insights into the spiritual life of the people in Kanazawa.

A shrine dedicated to the god of Mt. Dewa and believed to bring good fortune.

Historical Significance: Originally built in the 8th century.
Architectural Beauty: Featuring a beautiful red torii gate and traditional architecture.
Religious Experience: A peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.

One of Japan's top three gardens with beautiful landscapes and unique features.

Scenic Beauty: Featuring over a dozen different types of landscapes.
Historical Significance: Originally created in the 17th century for the Maeda family.
Cultural Experience: A chance to learn about traditional Japanese garden design.

A beautiful pilgrimage route leading to the Suganuma Shrine dedicated to the god of fishermen.

Religious Experience: A chance to visit a shrine with strong ties to Kanazawa's fishing community.
Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and surrounding mountains.
Cultural Experience: Provides insights into the fishing culture and history of Kanazawa.

A well-preserved samurai residence open to the public.

Cultural Experience: Offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Kanazawa's samurai.
Historical Significance: Originally built in the late Edo Period for the Nakamura family.
Architectural Beauty: Featuring beautiful wooden structures and a traditional garden.

A bustling street filled with traditional shops and restaurants.

Cultural Experience: A chance to immerse in Kanazawa's traditional culture.
Shopping Opportunities: Offers unique souvenirs and local delicacies.
Scenic Beauty: A picturesque street with well-preserved traditional buildings.

Offers panoramic views of Kanazawa and the surrounding mountains.

Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of Kanazawa and its surroundings.
Historical Significance: Originally a castle site, now converted into a park.
Relaxation: A peaceful place for relaxation and picnics.

Learn about the history and techniques of gold leaf production in Kanazawa.

Cultural Experience: Offers insights into Kanazawa's famous gold leaf craft.
Historical Significance: Gold leaf production has been a significant industry in Kanazawa for centuries.
Shopping Opportunities: Opportunity to buy gold leaf products as souvenirs.

Explore Kanazawa's famous Kutaniyaki pottery district filled with shops and workshops.

Shopping Opportunities: A chance to buy beautiful Kutaniyaki pottery as souvenirs.
Cultural Experience: Offers insights into the art and history of Kutaniyaki pottery.
Historical Significance: Kutaniyaki pottery has been produced in Kanazawa since the Edo Period.

Explore contemporary art from Japan and around the world.

Cultural Experience: Offers insights into contemporary Japanese art.
Historical Significance: Features a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Relaxation: A peaceful place for relaxation and contemplation.

Experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony at this charming teahouse.

Cultural Experience: A chance to learn about and participate in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Historical Significance: Higashichaya Ochaya has been a part of Kanazawa's cultural landscape since 1872.
Relaxation: A peaceful and serene environment for relaxation.