Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and national parks, has well-preserved art and culture.
As it is one of the few major cities in the country that was spared from the fire bombing in World War II, it is the best-preserved Edo Period city in Japan. Known to the locals as little Kyoto because of its beautifully preserved traditional neighborhoods, but without the throngs of tourists, this is one charming city you wouldn’t want to miss! As a guide, read on for the 10 things you can do in Kanazawa!
1. Ninja Temple
Myoryuji Temple (妙立寺, Myōryūji), commonly known as Ninja Temple (Ninjadera in Japanese), was built in 1585 by Lord Maeda Toshiie as a place of worship during the Edo Period. It gained its nickname because of its many deceptive defences to guard against intruders or attack. The temple looks like a 2-story building on the outside, but it is actually a four-story building with a complicated structure designed to fool enemies and intruders. Explore the Ninja Temple to see for yourself the fascinating designs of this ancient architecture!
2. Kanazawa gold leaf soft serve
Recognised as a City of Crafts and Folk Art in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Kanazawa is Japan’s capital of gold leaf. It seems only logical that Hakuichi, the city’s main gold leaf producer, also started selling soft serve cones wrapped in real gold leaf. Pretty images of this eye-catching sweet treat are now all over social media in Japan, a novel experience that is fast catching up for both locals and tourists alike. So don’t forget to grab a trendy gold-topped ice cream cone when you are in Kanazawa!
3. Walking in the Kanazawa Higashi Chaya District
There are three well-preserved chaya districts in Kanazawa, with the largest and most interesting being the Higashi Chaya District. Chaya, which means teahouse in Japanese, played an important role in designated entertainment districts during the Edo Period. Guests to the exclusive restaurant would be entertained by geisha (professional entertainer) with traditional song and dance. In this cultural district, take your time to shop and enjoy a unique cafe-hopping experience along the central street. Discover the intriguing teahouse heritage at the Shima Teahouse which has been converted into a museum.
4. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (金沢21世紀美術館) is one of the most popular art museums in Japan exhibiting works of notable contemporary artists in the country and all over the world. The deliberate design of the circular museum architecture without any main entrance makes it unique, standing out from other museums and buildings around Kanazawa. Immerse yourself in this modern art space and be amazed by the creative exhibits in the museum!
5. Kanazawa handicraft experience
Join a half-day tour in the creative city of Kanazawa, to experience the making of gold lacquer decoration, one of the city’s greatest arts! You will also be able to enjoy tantalising local sweets and green tea at the famous Nosaku and marvel at the beauty of the historical Kenrokuen (兼六園) garden established during the Edo Period. Finally, bring a miniature Samurai armour model home, a great souvenir from Japan!
6. Nagamachi Bukeyashiki, the samurai district
The Japanese samurai refer to the middle and upper class warriors during the Edo Period. Travel back into pre-modern Japan as you roam the historic samurai district in Nagamachi Bukeyashiki. Notable attractions in the district include the Nomura-ke - a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era, and the Shinise Kinenkan Museum - a restored pharmacy that prospered following the decline of the samurai.
7. 1-day trip from Kanazawa to the neighbouring Gifu Prefecture
Less than 2 hours away from Kanazawa lies the mountainous Gifu Prefecture with spellbinding landscapes. You can book a one-day trip to the scenic Gokayama, Shirakawago or Takayama where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Shirakawago village and Ainokura village) and best-preserved traditional old towns in Takayama. Have fun making your own senbei rice crackers in the traditional shopping street - Sasaraya at Gokayama!
8. Kenrokuen Garden
The ancient Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) built during the Edo Period is one of the Great Three Gardens of Japan, and the top attraction for Kanazawa visitors. These attributes make for a perfect garden. The wide variety of flowering trees gives the spacious private garden a different look every season. Come visit the garden in different seasons and experience the difference for yourself!
9. Dine in one of the small restaurants in Katamachi area
The strategic location of Kanazawa between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps makes it a great place to tuck into amazingly fresh sashimi and sushi. At the Katamachi area, there are many reasonably-priced small restaurants where you can tuck into fresh sushi and sashimi made right in front of you. Experience a homely dining experience without burning a hole in your wallet!
10. D.T. Suzuki Museum
Opened in 2011, D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館, Suzuki Daisetsu Kan) is a small museum honouring the life and works of a prominent local Buddhist philosopher - Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro. Just like the Japanese Zen philosophy that Mr. Suzuki believes in, the museum’s use of clean, simple designs and open spaces allows visitors to pause, immerse in the serenity of the surroundings and reflect. Visit the museum to unwind from the hustles of the city!
Read also: Top 9 things to do in Himeji, Japan
from : https://wikitopx.com/orther/top-10-things-to-do-in-kanazawa-japan-705685.html
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