Discover Kanazawa: Gardens, Art and Teahouses

Kanazawa offers a variety of experiences, including a large strolling garden, contemporary art and three traditional teahouse districts. You can explore Kanazawa through the visitor themes that interest you most.

Garden Art and Getting to Kenrokuen

Kenrokuen is a large daimyo garden laid out in the strolling-garden style. Its design took shape over many years, influenced by successive lords of the Kaga Domain. The garden thus reflects development across several phases of design. For garden enthusiasts, a visit brings together the strolling-garden layout and its long history. The term “strolling garden” refers to the changing viewpoints visitors experience as they explore the grounds.

Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle bus stop is a useful landmark when planning your journey. From there, the garden is about a three-minute walk if you arrive on the Jokamachi-Kanazawa Loop Bus, a Hokuriku Tetsudo local bus or a JR West Japan bus. Check the route and current service information before travelling.

Contemporary Art in the City Center

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is in central Kanazawa and collects and exhibits contemporary art from Japan and abroad. A visit to the museum therefore encompasses art from a range of origins. One permanent installation is Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich: viewed from above, it makes people appear to be at the bottom of a swimming pool. In the basement, visitors can experience it as if they were underwater. The change in perspective shapes how the installation is perceived. As access arrangements may change, check the current visiting conditions before your visit.

Teahouses and Traditional Hospitality

Kanazawa has three teahouse districts: Higashi, Nishi and Kazuemachi. In the Higashi Chaya District, rows of traditional teahouses preserve Kanazawa’s historic character; the district is designated as a protected historic townscape. Across the three districts, around 40 geishas preserve the traditional hospitality culture passed down since the feudal era. The number may change.

During an ozashiki entertainment experience, geishas host guests in an ozashiki room. The experience is offered at teahouses that do not accept first-time visitors. Dates and participation requirements for the 2026–27 program may change. Check in advance whether you can participate under this access restriction.

Getting Around on Foot and by Bus

Kanazawa’s main attractions lie within a 2 km radius of Kanazawa Castle and can be visited efficiently on foot. The Jokamachi-Kanazawa Loop Bus is considered a convenient way to sightsee around the city. It is also listed as a bus option for getting to Kenrokuen. Check current routes and service information before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Nomi, Hakui, Anamizu, Wajima, Kahoku, Nonoichi, Nanao, Komatsu

For the broader travel overview: Ishikawa Prefecture.