Geisha and Samurai in a medieval castle town

A thriving historical centre and the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.

At its heart is a 17th century castle surrounded by ancient neighbourhoods and reconstructed streets. Discover the Nagamachi samurai district and the Chaya geisha entertainment quarter, which exist pretty much exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. Kanazawa is one of the few Japanese towns where the geisha tradition remains alive, making it a popular spot for those wishing to explore this fascinating tradition.

Kanazawa has a horde of other cultural attractions such as the Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjikken Longhouse, but its unchallenged main attraction is Kenroku-en Garden. Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and considered by many as the most beautiful of them all, making Kanazawa the drawcard of the Ishikawa region.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

  • Taste Kanazawa's cuisine preview image
  • Take in scenic gardens preview image
  • Visit the ancient Geisha District preview image

Taste Kanazawa's cuisine

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Enjoy fresh sashimi platters, warm soups and delicious meat dishes in the Korinbo District.

Take in scenic gardens

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Explore Kenrokuen garden with a local guide before enjoying tea with a tea master at Gyokusen-en’s teahouse.

Visit the ancient Geisha District

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Wander past wooden lattice fronts on old geisha houses before visiting a teahouse to learn more about the geisha history.

A word from one of our experts

Higashi Chaya in Kanazawa is the largest of Japan’s historical geisha districts. I recommend visiting a traditional tea house and learning the art of making matcha tea from a teamaster.

Rachel O Leary headshot
Rachel O Leary

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Kanazawa

There are many incredible places to stay in Kanazawa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

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Personalised design

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Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Kanazawa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Kanazawa adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Meet your Asia team

When to visit Japan

Japan is a year-round destination. Visit in March and April to catch the cities cloaked in cherry blossom and from October to November to see the maple trees explode in clouds of orange and red.

Cherry blossoms

March–April

Autumn leaves

November–December

See Mount Fuji

November–February

When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

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Plan your trip to Kanazawa

Whatever you want from your adventure in Kanazawa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.