Activities in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, located in Japan's Ishikawa prefecture, is a city rich in history and culture, with several distinct districts offering a variety of unique experiences to visitors. Here are some of Kanazawa's most notable districts:

• Higashi Chaya District (Higashi Chayagai): This is one of Kanazawa's most famous teahouse districts, where you can admire traditional wooden buildings and cobblestone streets. It's the perfect place to enjoy a cup of green tea in one of the historic teahouses, a must for your visit.

• Nishi Chaya District (Nishi Chayagai): Similar to Higashi Chaya, this district is also filled with charming traditional teahouses.

• Nagamachi Samurai District: A former samurai district, Nagamachi is renowned for its narrow, winding streets lined with earthen walls and canals. It is home to several well-preserved samurai residences. A visit here is ideal for gaining an insight into their history

• Korinbo and Katamachi: These districts are the commercial heart of Kanazawa, home to numerous stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

• Kenrokuen: This district is famous for the Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, as well as the nearby Kanazawa Castle.

• Omicho Market: This lively market offers a variety of fresh produce, including fish, fruit and vegetables. It's a great place to sample local Kanazawa cuisine.

• Kanazawa Station Area: This modern area contrasts with the city's historic quarters. Here you'll find Kanazawa Station, with its Tsuzumi Gate and glass dome, as well as many modern stores and restaurants.

Getting around Kanazawa for a visit is fairly easy, thanks to its compact size and its public transport network, which can be used throughout the day.

• Bus: Kanazawa's well-developed bus network serves the whole city. Buses are frequent, comfortable and easy to use. Two tourist bus lines, the Kanazawa Loop Bus and the Kenrokuen Shuttle, make it easy to visit the main sights.

• Bike hire: Kanazawa is a relatively flat and compact city, making it ideal for cycling. There are several places in town where you can rent a bike for the day.

• Walking: Because of its compact size, walking is often the best way to see Kanazawa, especially if you want to explore historic districts like Higashi Chaya District or Nagamachi Samurai District.

• Cabs: Taxis are also readily available and can be a convenient option for longer journeys or if you're traveling with a lot of luggage.

• Car rental: Although it is possible to rent a car in Kanazawa, this is generally not necessary, as public transport is efficient and the city is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in one day, consider buying a daily bus and bicycle pass. These cards offer an unlimited number of journeys for one day and can help you save on the price.

Japan is known for its low crime rates. The cities are generally considered a safe destination for tourists due to its low crime rates and well-maintained public spaces. Visitors can explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and attractions with peace of mind. You can feel secure while sightseeing, shopping, or dining in the city. The public spaces, including streets, parks, and transportation facilities, are kept clean and in good condition, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience for visitors. Moreover, the people in Japan are generally friendly and helpful, making it easy for tourists to ask for assistance or directions when needed.

While it is a safe destination, it's still important to follow basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Booking activities is a straightforward process. Simply go to the activity page of the desired experience, follow the steps to book and pay for the activity online.

After booking, you will receive instructions about the meeting place, the time and the tickets via email. Depending on the activity, you may receive your tickets via email or through the post office. Be sure to check the instructions carefully to ensure that you have all the necessary information before your activity.

If you have any questions or concerns about booking activities, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Yes, our activities are designed to be enjoyed by all age groups. However, some may require a certain level of fitness or may not be suitable for very young children. We always encourage our customers to check the details of each activity to ensure that it is suitable for all participants. Our team is also available to help you select the best experiences to suit your needs.

Yes, Kanazawa hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable ones not to be missed during a visit:

• Hyakumangoku Festival (Hyakumangoku Matsuri): This is Kanazawa's biggest festival, usually held in June. It commemorates the arrival of Lord Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Maeda clan, in the city. The festival includes a grand parade of historical costumes, a torch-lit Noh theater dance in the Kenroku-en garden and a boat race on the Asano River.

• Kanazawa Festival for Culture and the Arts (Kanazawa Bunkasai): This October festival celebrates the region's traditional arts and culture. It features Noh theater, folk dance, handicraft workshops and other cultural events.

• Kaga Yuzen Toro Nagashi: Held in August, this festival involves the lighting of floating lanterns on the Asano River. These lanterns are painted with Kaga Yuzen motifs, a style of silk dyeing typical of the region.

• Higashi Chaya Festival: This neighborhood festival, usually held in April, offers an opportunity to discover Kanazawa's geisha district. The highlight is a procession of geishas and traditional musicians through the picturesque streets.

• Kanazawa Film Festival: This festival, usually held in September, is a major event for cinephiles, with a selection of national and international films.

Here are some of the main sights you should consider when visiting Kanazawa:

• Kenroku-en Garden: Considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, Kenroku-en offers a varied landscape and impressive views in all seasons. It is particularly renowned for its plum, cherry and azalea trees.

• Kanazawa Castle: adjacent to the Kenroku-en garden is Kanazawa Castle, which was the seat of the powerful Maeda clan for over 300 years. Although the castle has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, parts of its stone walls and moat date back to the 16th century.

• Higashi Chaya geisha quarter: This is one of the few remaining geisha quarters in Japan. Visitors can stroll the cobbled streets, visit historic teahouses and even watch geisha performances.

• Nagamachi samurai district: This district was once the home of Kanazawa's samurai class. Visitors can explore the winding lanes, visit restored samurai houses and learn about the samurai way of life.

• Omicho Market: This is the city's largest food market, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, vegetables and other local specialties.

• Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: This modern art museum is famous for its innovative architecture and its collection of works by contemporary artists.

• Kanazawa Gilding Workshop: Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf. Visitors can learn more about this craft, take part in gilding workshops and even taste dishes containing gold leaf.

Kanazawa is an excellent starting point for a variety of day trips. Here are a few options to consider:

• Shirakawago: Located in Gifu prefecture, this village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its traditional thatched houses called gassho-zukuri. Shirakawa-go is particularly picturesque in winter, with its snow-covered roofs, and can be reached in about an hour by bus from Kanazawa.

• Gokayama: In Toyama prefecture, Gokayama, like Shirakawago, is famous for its gassho-zukuri houses and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gokayama is smaller and less crowded than Shirakawago, offering a quieter, more authentic experience. It is about an hour and a half by bus from Kanazawa.

• Noto Peninsula: Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Noto Peninsula is known for its impressive coastal scenery, cliffs and small fishing villages. You can also visit the Noto Hanto National Park for a hike or picnic.

• Takayama: This small mountain town in Gifu prefecture is known for its well-preserved Edo streets, excellent sake and local specialties such as Hida beef. Takayama can be reached by train and bus in around two hours from Kanazawa.

• Toyama: Both a town and a prefecture, Toyama is famous for Kurobe Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in Japan, and for Mount Tateyama, part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Road. Toyama is about an hour by train from Kanazawa.

• Fukui: This is both a city and a prefecture. Fukui is famous for the Eiheiji Temple, one of the two main temples of the Soto Zen sect, and for the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, one of the best dinosaur museums in Asia. Fukui is easily reached by train from Kanazawa.

It's advisable to check transport prices and timetables in advance to plan your visits.

Kanazawa offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. If you're looking for an authentic and comfortable experience, Japan Experience houses are a great option. These traditional houses, known as machiya, have been renovated to offer all modern conveniences while retaining their historic charm. They offer a private space in which to relax after a long day's sightseeing, and are often located close to the main sights, facilitating group or individual visits.

However, if you prefer more international accommodation, there are plenty of hotel options in Kanazawa. Taking a hotel in Kanazawa may mean taking a high-end luxury hotel, but there are also more economical hotel options, while still offering easy access to the city's major attractions.

Whatever your choice, it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Be sure to check the price and services included before making your reservation.