Kanazawa Castle: Hokuriku’s Horizontal Hold

15.02.2023

Sightseeing Spots

Kanazawa Castle is an impeccably restored wooden fortress, a marvel of carpetntry, stone masonry and defensive capabilities, and a history of war with fire.

a hundred taiko drums in front of Kanazawa Station's drum gate at the Hyakumangoku Festival Parade

Kanazawa’s 3-Day Festival: Hyakumangoku

15.02.2023

Seasons, Events, & Festivals

More than a mere historical reenactment, the Hyukumangoku Festival, with its three full days of samurai, dancing, and numerous cultural activities, celebrates Kanazawa culture and history like no other event!

Children shoveling snow into the Himuro Koya in Yuwaku

Two Japanese Ice House Festivals: Winter Warmup & Summer Snow

26.01.2023

Seasons, Events, & Festivals

courtesy the city of Kanazawa In southeast Kanazawa, on a mountainside, nestled in a dense forest, up a hill and beside a lake, is the tiny thatched hut, Himuro Koya, the “Ice House Cottage.” Twice a year folks from all over Is…

100 Taiko Drums in front of Kanazawa Station's Drum Gate for the Hyakumangoku Festival

Events In and Around Kanazawa, a Masterlist

09.12.2022

Seasons, Events, & Festivals

Hoping to catch a festival or just want to know what to do in Kanazawa while you're here? Here's our ever-updating masterlist of events for you!

little excavator landscape photo by Fukui Tourism Association

Family Friendly Spots in and around Kanazawa

30.11.2022

Sightseeing Spots

Here is our list of family-friendly spots for each child's need, be it a playground, a source for entertainment or education, or a dedicated place to relax.

Dinosaur skeleton on display at the Fukui Dinosaur Museum

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

22.11.2022

Day Trips from Kanazawa

For the dinosaur lover, young and old, no visit to Japan is complete without a day trip from Kanazawa to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Main Hall, Kanazawa

To Go or Not to Go? Kanazawa’s 21st Century Museum

02.04.2021

Art & Culture

One of Kanazawa's biggest draws is the 21st Century Museum. While world-famous, it often receives mixed reviews. Why is this, and is it worth visiting?

Naoko dishes out some freshly cooked fish cake dumpling soup

Kanazawa’s Cooking Class: From Fish Market to the Kitchen

19.02.2020

Art & Culture

family friendly Japanese food Japanese living tours We’ve talked a bit about Kanazawa’s famous fish and shopping market before: Hiroshi gave us his recommended spots to sample as you go in Omicho. It’s excellent if you li…

38 Museums In and Around Kanazawa

22.09.2019

Sightseeing & Travel

Kanazawa has an insane number of museums of all sizes, each with its own focus and theme. Below are 34 notable museums within the city for a wide range of tastes and interests, plus 4 more just outside Kanazawa worth an extra trip. Regiona…

Tatemachi Rooftop Film Fest Mockup with Bohemian Rhapsody

Silver Screen, Diamond Sky: Tatemachi Rooftop Film Fest

30.05.2019

Seasons, Events, & Festivals

The newest film fest in Kanazawa raises the movie-going experience to the stars—literally! On Tatemachi, even the parking lots are tourist attractions.

Yosakoi group shot, Komatsu, by Tamaya Greenlee

Yosakoi: Experiencing Japan’s High Energy Festival Dance

17.05.2019

Seasons, Events, & Festivals

Sarah Morris – "I can’t recommend going to see yosakoi enough, especially the Kanazawa festival. Eat some festival food, have a blast, AND JOIN IN THE FESTIVITIES! There’s a giant dance at the end that everyone can join in together."