Top Things To Do In Kanazawa (Japan) In 2026 - 2027

Top 6 things to do in Kanazawa

1. 1. Visit Kenrokuen Garden

   Kenrokuen Garden is recognized as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Spanning an area of approximately 11.4 hectares, it is a beautiful example of a strolling-style landscape garden, designed to incorporate different styles of landscapes in one setting. A former outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it showcases artificial ponds, hills, and buildings positioned thoughtfully to create scenes of natural beauty. Visitors will be enchanted by seasonal blooms such as cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and irises in early summer, and vibrant autumn leaves. The iconic Kotoji-Toro, a two-legged stone lantern, and the oldest fountain in Japan powered by natural water pressure, are among its prominent features. The name 'Kenrokuen' means 'Garden that Combines Six Characteristics,' referring to the six attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and panoramic views.

   Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Free for Kanazawa residents, ¥310 for adults, ¥100 for children

2. 2. Explore Kanazawa Castle

   Kanazawa Castle, a partially-restored fortress, stands adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden and has been an emblem of the Kaga Domain since the Edo Period. While fires and historical events have led to the loss of the original structures over the centuries, reconstruction efforts using traditional methods and materials have revived parts of the castle, such as the Hishi Yagura turret, the Gojikken Nagaya warehouse, and the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura turret. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, enjoy the impressive stone walls and moats, and examine the Ishikawa-mon Gate, a historic relic that survived through time. The castle's architecture features unique, lead-tile roofing and distinctive, whitewashed earthen walls. Inside, there are exhibits explaining the construction techniques and the history of the castle, providing a deep insight into Kanazawa's samurai heritage.