Kanazawa is the most famous city in the Hokuriku region, having made its name as "Kaga Hyakumangoku" (one hundred million stone capital of Kaga). In addition to historical spots such as Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya-gai district, Kanazawa is also filled with cultural spots such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.
Kanazawa prospered as the castle town of "Kaga Hyakumangoku. The city center is dotted with sightseeing spots of historical value and scenic beauty, such as Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, Gyokuseninmaru Garden, and the Higashi Chaya-gai district.
There is also the Yasue Gold Leaf Craft Museum, where visitors can learn the traditional craft of gold leaf making. Kanazawa is also one of the most hotly contested wagashi districts in Japan, where you can compare and taste the best wagashi made by the best wagashi craftsmen.
To enjoy Kanazawa sightseeing
Kanazawa, which prospered as the castle town of "Kaga Hyakumangoku," is home to Kenrokuen Garden and Gyokusen-in-maru Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, as well as the Higashi Chaya-gai and Nagamachi Bukeyashiki Ruins, where you can feel the atmosphere of an Edo period town as you walk through the city.
The Myoritsuji Temple, famous as a ninja temple, is located in the temple district south of Kanazawa Castle, while the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art are located near Korinbo, where young people gather to enjoy the world of art. The Yasue Kanpaku Kogei Kanazawa Museum, where visitors can learn about the traditional craft of gold leaf making, is another tourist attraction where visitors can indulge in cultural contemplation.
History of Kanazawa
In the Middle Ages, Kaga was called "the country where the peasants have their own land" and was self-governed for about 100 years. During the Warring States period, the Maeda Toshiie family ruled the area for about 280 years until the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The Kaga clan, which boasted the highest stone value among the feudal lords, enjoyed a flourishing samurai culture centering on Kanazawa, its home town, and traditional industries such as gold leaf production and pottery developed. From the Edo period to the early Meiji period, Kaga became a strategic point for the Kitamae Ship, which connected Hokkaido to the Seto Inland Sea, and the Sea of Japan coastline developed as well.
In modern times, Kanazawa continued to flourish as the center of the Hokuriku economy without major damage during the war, and in 2015 the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train service opened between Tokyo and Kanazawa. The renewed JR Kanazawa Station, with its gold-leaf decorated pillars, conveys the elegance of Kaga Hyakumangoku to the present day.
Kanazawa's Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties
Kanazawa's proximity to the Sea of Japan makes it possible to enjoy fresh seafood throughout the year. Especially in winter, when the fish are fatty, you can enjoy premium ingredients such as bluefin tuna and snow crab, as well as cold yellowtail and amaebi (sweet shrimp).
It is also a pleasure to eat Kanou crab landed in Noto and Kabako crab, which is filled with roe and miso (soybean paste). There is also a wide selection of local cuisine, such as sasazushi, made by wrapping vinegared ingredients and vinegared rice in kumazasa bamboo leaves; kaburazushi, made by sandwiching ingredients between slices of kabura and fermenting them; and jibeni, a sweet-and-salty stew of duck meat dipped in flour and vegetables.
While the area is steeped in history and tradition, where Kaga vegetables are still cultivated, it is also a treasure trove of B-class gourmet foods, such as Kanazawa curry, which features a combination of thick roux and sauced pork cutlet, and Hanton rice, an omelet with fried white meat fish.
In addition, since Japanese confectionery has long flourished in Kanazawa, there are many famous confectionery stores throughout the city, so you will have no trouble comparing different types of sweets and choosing the best souvenirs to take home with you. You will never be able to eat them all, so research before your trip is a must!
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is one of the city's leading cultural attractions, located in the heart of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Opened in 2004, the museum focuses on contemporary art from Japan and around the world, presenting works that encourage visitors to explore new ideas and experience art in unexpected ways....»
Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Located beside Kanazawa Castle in Ishikawa Prefecture, this beautiful Japanese landscape garden was developed over generations by the Maeda family, the feudal lords who ruled the Kaga Domain during the Edo period (1603–1868). With its tranquil ponds, winding paths, elegant bridges...»
Higashi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's most picturesque historic neighborhoods, known for its traditional wooden teahouses, latticed facades, and atmospheric streets. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, this district preserves the elegance of Japan's Edo-period entertainment quarters and offers visitors a glimpse into the city's refined cultural heritage....»
Myoryuji Temple, widely known as the Ninja Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Despite its nickname, it is not a temple associated with ninja warriors. Instead, it is famous for its ingenious architectural features, including concealed staircases, hidden rooms, secret passages, and unexpected changes in floor levels. The temple is located in the Teramachi district, an a...»
The Nomura Samurai Residence is a historic samurai home in the Nagamachi Samurai District of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Once the residence of the Nomura family, who served the powerful Maeda clan for generations, the house offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle, culture, and refined tastes of samurai families during Japan’s feudal era. Nagamachi retains much of its traditional atmospher...»
The Nagamachi Samurai District is a historic neighborhood in central Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, where samurai once lived under the rule of the powerful Maeda family, lords of the Kaga Domain. Its narrow lanes, traditional earthen walls, tiled entrances, and small canals preserve the atmosphere of a Japanese castle town during the Edo period (1603–1868). Located southwest of Kanazawa Castle, N...»
Kanazawa Castle Park is one of the most important historical attractions in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda family, rulers of the Kaga Domain during the Edo period, the castle played a central role in the region's political, economic, and cultural development. Today, its restored gates, impressive stone walls, traditional architecture, and landscaped gardens offe...»
Omicho Market is a historic food market in the center of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known locally as the city's kitchen, it has served residents and visitors for generations, offering an abundant selection of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, fruit, local delicacies, and regional specialties. With its lively atmosphere, colorful displays, and tempting aromas, the market is one of the best p...»
The Ninja Weapons Museum in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, introduces visitors to the weapons, tools, and techniques associated with Japan's legendary ninja. The museum offers an opportunity to learn about the practical equipment used for espionage, infiltration, and survival during Japan's feudal era....»
Kanazawa wagashi are traditional Japanese confections celebrated for their delicate flavors, elegant appearance, and exquisite craftsmanship. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best-known centers of wagashi culture, alongside Kyoto and Matsue. These sweets are an essential part of the city’s culinary heritage and make wonderful treats to enjoy during a visit or take home as...»
Kanazawa Curry is a beloved local dish from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its thick, dark-colored sauce and generous toppings, this distinctive style of Japanese curry has become one of the region’s signature comfort foods. It is popular with local residents and visitors alike, offering a satisfying meal after a day exploring Kanazawa’s historic districts, gardens, museums, and t...»
Hanton rice is a popular local dish that originated in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. At first glance, it resembles Japanese omurice, a dish of rice topped with or wrapped in a thin omelet. However, Hanton rice has its own distinctive character: fried seafood is placed on top of the egg, and the dish is finished with ketchup and creamy tartar sauce. This hearty combination of rice, eggs, crispy f...»
Jibu-ni is one of the signature dishes of Kanazawa and a treasured part of Ishikawa Prefecture’s culinary heritage. This comforting Japanese stew features tender duck meat, seasonal vegetables, and wheat gluten simmered in a savory broth that has a distinctive, silky thickness. With its delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, Jibu-ni offers visitors a delicious introduction to the refined fo...»
Kabura-zushi is a distinctive traditional food from Ishikawa Prefecture, especially associated with Kanazawa and the winter season. It is made by sandwiching salted yellowtail between slices of salted turnip, then fermenting the ingredients with rice koji, a cultured rice malt used in traditional Japanese food production. Although its name includes the word “sushi,” Kabura-zushi is quite differen...»
Kobako crab rice bowl is a prized winter specialty in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It features kobako-gani, the female snow crab caught in the waters off Ishikawa, served over a bowl of rice. Although smaller than the male snow crab, kobako-gani is highly valued for its distinctive roe, rich crab innards, and sweet, delicate meat. The name “kobako” means “small treasure box,” an apt description...»
Tai no Karamushi is a traditional dish from the Kanazawa area of Ishikawa Prefecture, deeply rooted in the region's samurai heritage and ceremonial food culture. It consists of a whole red sea bream stuffed with seasoned okara, the soybean pulp left over from making tofu, and then carefully steamed until the fish is tender and flavorful. More than an ordinary seafood dish, Tai no Karamushi has lo...»
Toriyasai Nabe is a beloved hot pot dish from Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its flavorful miso broth and generous portions of vegetables. It is made by simmering ingredients such as Chinese cabbage, onions, and green onions in a specially seasoned miso sauce, creating a warming meal with a satisfying balance of sweetness, savory depth, and gentle spice. The dish is popular with local families an...»
Gori Tsukudani is a traditional specialty of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, made by slowly simmering small freshwater fish known locally as gori in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and sake. The fish are generally cooked whole, allowing their delicate flavor to blend with the rich, sweet-and-savory seasoning. Although gori may look rather unusual to visitors unfamiliar with small river fish, the ...»
Buri Daikon is a traditional Japanese dish featuring yellowtail simmered with thick slices of daikon radish in a savory, gently sweet broth. It is especially popular in Ishikawa Prefecture, where the rich seafood traditions of the Sea of Japan have shaped the region's distinctive winter cuisine. The dish brings together two seasonal ingredients: fatty yellowtail, known as buri in Japanese, and da...»
Nodoguro bouzushi is a specialty sushi from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, made with nodoguro, also known as blackthroat seaperch or rosy seabass. This prized fish from the Sea of Japan is famous for its rich, delicate fat and naturally sweet flavor. Combined with seasoned sushi rice and carefully pressed into a neat, elongated shape, it becomes an elegant local delicacy. In Kanazawa, nodoguro is...»
Hasumushi is a traditional local dish from Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, made primarily with grated Kaga lotus root and steamed with seafood or other ingredients. Its distinctive feature is the naturally sticky texture of the lotus root, which becomes soft and almost mochi-like when cooked. The dish is finished with a warm, lightly thickened sauce that enhances its delicate flavors. Hasumushi ...»
Daikon-zushi is a traditional fermented food from Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly associated with the Kaga region around Kanazawa. It is made by fermenting daikon radish with dried herring, rice malt, and amazake, a naturally sweet drink made from rice and koji. The result is a distinctive regional delicacy that combines the crisp texture of radish with the savory richness of fish and the gentle...»
Amaebi, meaning “sweet shrimp” in Japanese, is one of Ishikawa Prefecture's best-loved seafood delicacies. Known for its translucent pink color, tender texture, and naturally sweet flavor, this small shrimp is especially popular in Kanazawa and along the Noto Peninsula. Amaebi is commonly known in English as northern pink shrimp or Alaskan pink shrimp. Its Japanese standard name is hokkokuaakaebi...»
Kobako-gani is the name given in Ishikawa Prefecture to female snow crab, a prized seasonal delicacy enjoyed during the early winter months. Although smaller than the male snow crab, it is highly valued for its rich flavor and the variety of textures found inside its shell. The name kobako means “small box,” an apt description of a crab filled with delicious roe and creamy innards. Harvested in t...»
Kano-gani is the name given to male snow crabs landed in Ishikawa Prefecture. Renowned for their sweet, succulent meat, firm texture, and rich crab miso, these crabs are among the region's most prized winter seafood specialties. They are particularly associated with the Noto Peninsula, Kanazawa, and the fishing ports along Ishikawa's Sea of Japan coastline. The name Kano-gani combines the words “...»
Kaga vegetables, known in Japanese as Kaga yasai, are a collection of traditional vegetables associated with Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Cultivated locally for generations, these vegetables are an important part of the region's food culture and are widely used in traditional Japanese cooking. Today, 15 varieties are officially recognized under the Kaga vegetable brand. To qualify, the v...»
Takenoko, or bamboo shoots, are a popular spring ingredient in Japanese cuisine. In Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly around Kanazawa, fresh bamboo shoots are prized for their tender texture, natural sweetness, and mild flavor. They are one of the traditional Kaga vegetables, a group of local specialties closely associated with the region's food culture. Kanazawa's bamboo shoots are known for bei...»
Utsugi Akagawa Amaguri Kabocha is a traditional pumpkin grown in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the 15 officially recognized varieties of Kaga vegetables, a collection of local produce that reflects the area's long agricultural and culinary traditions. This distinctive pumpkin is instantly recognizable by its vivid vermilion-orange skin and attractive, chestnut-like shape. Benea...»
Kaga tsurumame is a traditional vegetable grown in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known elsewhere in Japan as hyacinth beans, fujimame, or sengoku-mame, these beans are cultivated for their flat, curved green pods, which have a distinctive aroma and a delicate yet satisfying texture. Kaga tsurumame is one of the 15 officially recognized Kaga vegetables, a group of traditional local crops ass...»
Kanazawa watermelon is a popular summer fruit grown in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its rich sweetness, abundant juice, and satisfyingly crisp texture, it is one of the region's best-loved seasonal agricultural products. Much of the cultivation takes place on sandy coastal farmland west of central Kanazawa. The well-drained soil and differences between daytime and nighttime tempe...»
Goroshima Kintoki is a traditional sweet potato grown in the Goroshima area of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its natural sweetness, attractive reddish-purple skin, and golden-yellow flesh, it is one of the region's best-loved agricultural specialties. Goroshima Kintoki is associated with Kanazawa's distinctive food culture and is widely used in both traditional Japanese dishes and...»
Kanazawa ippon futonegi is a traditional thick green onion from Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the 15 vegetables officially recognized as Kaga vegetables, a group of local specialties that have been cultivated in Kanazawa since before 1945. As its Japanese name suggests, this onion is notable for its long, thick white stalk. Its mild flavor and natural sweetness make it especial...»
Mikohara kuwai is a traditional Japanese vegetable grown in the Mikohara district of Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known in English as arrowhead, kuwai is an aquatic plant whose edible underground tubers have long been used in Japanese cuisine, particularly in dishes prepared for the New Year. Mikohara kuwai is prized for its distinctive aroma and pleasantly chewy texture. It is cultivated in ...»
Kaga renkon is a traditional lotus root grown mainly in Kanazawa City and the reclaimed land around Kahokugata Lagoon in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the 15 recognized Kaga vegetables, a group of traditional local crops closely associated with Kanazawa's distinctive food culture. Compared with ordinary lotus root, Kaga renkon has thick flesh and a high starch content. Its most distinctive fe...»
Kanazawa pears are part of the diverse pear-growing tradition of Ishikawa Prefecture, where Asian pears are prized for their crisp texture, abundant juice, and refreshing sweetness. The name refers to pears produced in and around Kanazawa, as well as the broader range of varieties cultivated in the prefecture. Pear cultivation in Ishikawa dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Over time, growi...»
Noto beef is a premium brand of Japanese Black Wagyu raised in Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly in the Noto Peninsula. Known for its finely textured meat, delicate marbling, and rich yet refined flavor, it is one of the region's most prized local specialties. The beef is appreciated for its tenderness and the way its fat melts in the mouth. Its flavor is rich and savory, while the fat has a smoo...»
Crab is one of Ishikawa Prefecture’s most celebrated winter delicacies. The prefecture’s coastline along the Sea of Japan provides a rich variety of seafood, and freshly caught snow crab is a highlight of the local food scene. From elegant restaurant meals to casual seafood dishes, crab offers visitors a delicious way to experience Ishikawa’s seasonal culinary traditions....»
Kanazawa oden is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish and one of the signature foods of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. A variety of ingredients are gently simmered in a flavorful broth, allowing them to absorb its rich umami. Although oden is often associated with winter in Japan, Kanazawa is known for enjoying it throughout the year. What makes Kanazawa oden distinctive is its combination of...»
Fukura-jirushi Tarako Can is a beloved local specialty from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. First introduced in 1923, this distinctive canned food has been enjoyed for generations as a savory accompaniment to rice and a popular snack with drinks. Its nostalgic packaging and traditional preparation make it a memorable example of Hokuriku's regional food culture....»
Ukokkei egg pudding is a popular sweet from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, made with eggs from the Japanese Silkie chicken, known as ukokkei. The pudding is prized for its rich egg flavor, smooth texture, and gentle sweetness. It offers a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy the distinctive qualities of these prized eggs....»
Fukusa mochi is a popular Japanese confection from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It combines three delightful textures: a soft, fluffy outer layer, smooth sweet red bean paste, and chewy gyuhi rice cake. The balance of these ingredients creates a gentle sweetness and a satisfying contrast in every bite....»
Kaga Goshiki Namagashi is a traditional assortment of five Japanese confections from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. These colorful sweets are closely associated with weddings and other celebratory occasions. Each confection represents a different element of the natural world, collectively expressing the beauty and abundance of nature....»
Mameya Kanazawa Bankyu is a confectionery brand from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its creative Japanese and Western-style sweets made with carefully selected local ingredients. Among its signature products are flavorful bean snacks presented in charming, hand-painted containers called mamebako. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary confectionery, these sweets make memor...»
Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall is a museum in the Nagamachi area of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, dedicated to the history and culture of the city's long-established shops and merchant families. Housed in a restored traditional medicine shop, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives, business practices, and customs of Kanazawa's townspeople. Its exhibits include traditional house...»