What to do in Kanazawa · gold, gardens and the Sea of Japan
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All 6 places on this map are pinned at their exact location. Each one comes with a short note on what it is and why it is worth your time. Browsing is free, and with an Ikuzo account you can copy the whole map and reshape it into your own trip.
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Kenrokuen
One of Japan's three great gardens, and the one that holds up best in winter: the conical ropes protecting the pines from snow are the photo everyone brings back from Kanazawa.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Right across from Kenrokuen, on the other side of the bridge. The Maeda ruled here over the second-richest domain in Japan, which explains the rest of the city.
Higashi Chaya
The teahouse district, and it still works: geishas really perform here. Shima and Kaikaro can be visited, which is rare and worth it.
Nagamachi, the samurai district
Ochre earthen lanes between the walls of residences, with the straw mats that protect them in winter. The Nomura house is open and keeps its original garden.
Ōmichō Market
The city's belly for three centuries. Crab in winter, and this is where you understand why Kanazawa sushi stands up to Tokyo's.
D. T. Suzuki Museum
The philosopher who brought Zen to the West was born here. The museum is almost empty, on purpose: one room, one pool, and as much time as you want to spend there.