
Best Backpacking Destinations in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
1. Kenrokuen Garden
A historical garden dating back to the Edo period, boasting beautiful landscapes with ponds, tea houses, and over a thousand pine trees.
- Historical Landmark: One of Japan's 'Three Great Gardens'
- Beautiful Scenery: Offers a peaceful and picturesque setting.
- Year-Round Attraction: Garden is beautiful in all seasons, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
2. Kanazawa Castle
A well-preserved castle with stunning architecture, offering a glimpse into the feudal era of Japan.
- Historical Building: One of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan.
- Architectural Marvel: Features a unique, ornamental style known as Kaga-yaki tiled roofs.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in English to help visitors understand its history.
3. Naga-machi Samurai District
A traditional district filled with preserved samurai residences and charming narrow streets.
- Historical Neighborhood: One of Japan's 'Three Great Historic Districts'
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of the samurai class.
- Shopping and Dining: Features local shops selling traditional crafts and delicious, regional cuisine.
4. Higashi Chaya District
A district filled with beautifully preserved tea houses dating back to the Edo period.
- Traditional Architecture: Features traditional buildings known as machiya.
- Tea Ceremony Experience: Visitors can participate in traditional tea ceremonies in some tea houses.
- Shopping and Dining: Offers shops selling local crafts, sweets, and other items.
5. Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)
A secret temple hidden behind a false exterior wall, filled with trap doors, sliding walls, and other ninja techniques.
- Historical Landmark: One of the few remaining temples with secret ninja passages.
- Unique Experience: Provides guided tours to explore its hidden passages and traps.
- Ninja History: Offers insight into the lives of ninjas during the Edo period.
6. Ishikawa-mori Gotenzan Outdoor Museum of Art
An open-air museum displaying over 150 modern and contemporary sculptures amidst beautiful nature.
- Outdoor Art Experience: Features works by renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Yayoi Kusama.
- Nature Surroundings: Set within a beautiful, forested area with views of the Sea of Japan.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails connecting various art installations throughout the park.
7. Katamachi Wide Street
A bustling commercial district with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
- Modern District: Features modern buildings alongside old machiya.
- Shopping and Dining: Offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options, including local specialties like gold leaf desserts.
- Public Transportation Hub: Serves as a major transportation hub for buses and trams in Kanazawa.
8. Seisonkaku Villa
A beautiful villa built during the Edo period, known for its ornate wooden carvings and elaborate design.
- Historical Building: One of the most lavish buildings in Kanazawa Castle's park.
- Architectural Marvel: Features intricate wood carvings and ornamentation.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in English to help visitors understand its history.
9. Utatsu-basho (Open Air Bathhouse)
A traditional open-air bathhouse located near the beautiful Utatsu Waterfall.
- Traditional Experience: Provides an authentic Japanese bathing experience.
- Scenic Surroundings: Located near a beautiful waterfall in a forested area.
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Offers a relaxing, rejuvenating experience after a day of exploring Kanazawa.
10. Kanazawa Gold Leaf Museum
A museum dedicated to the art and history of gold leaf, one of Kanazawa's most famous local products.
- Cultural Experience: Provides insight into the traditional craft of gold leaf production.
- Gold Leaf Shopping: Sells gold leaf products, including desserts and souvenirs.
- Gold Leaf Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at gold leaf crafting.
11. Kanazawa Daimon Gate
A grand gate serving as the main entrance to Kanazawa Castle, featuring beautiful wood carvings and a stunning design.
- Historical Landmark: One of the most iconic landmarks in Kanazawa.
- Architectural Marvel: Features intricate wood carvings and ornamentation.
- Photo Opportunity: Offers a picturesque setting for photos.
12. Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
A museum showcasing works by both Japanese and international artists.
- Art Appreciation: Offers a chance to appreciate various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Features temporary exhibitions showcasing different themes throughout the year.
- Architectural Design: Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange.
13. Sea of Japan Coast (Nanao Port)
A beautiful coastal area with stunning views of the Sea of Japan, offering opportunities for fishing and seafood dining.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the Sea of Japan.
- Fishing Activities: Offers fishing experiences for visitors, such as crabbing and seaweed harvesting.
- Seafood Dining: Features fresh seafood restaurants serving local catches.
14. Kanazawa Hakkei Sekisui-tei Garden
A beautiful garden modeled after the eight famous views of Kanazawa, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
- Scenic Landscape: Represents eight famous landscapes in Kanazawa.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and calming environment to relax.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides beautiful, picturesque settings for photography.
15. Kanazawa Baseball Stadium (Katahaka Stadium)
A modern baseball stadium where you can catch a game or even join a baseball training session.
- Sports and Entertainment: Offers an opportunity to watch a baseball game, a popular Japanese sport.
- Training Opportunities: Provides training sessions for visitors who want to learn or practice baseball.
- Modern Architecture: Features a modern, unique design, with its roof resembling a baseball glove.