Kanazawa is a beautiful city to enjoy at a slower pace. It’s not too crowded, very walkable, and known for great food and well-preserved traditional areas.
If this is your first time visiting, here are some of the best things to do in Kanazawa, Japan, based on my experience.
If you’re looking to plan your Kanazawa trip & around in May, see also:
1. Drink Hojicha When You’re in Kanazawa
If there’s one thing you should get in Kanazawa, it’s roasted tea, or what’s more commonly known as hojicha.
What makes Kanazawa special, though, is a local variation called Kagabocha. You’ll see this name on a lot of menus in cafés and restaurants around the city.
Unlike regular hojicha, which is made from roasted tea leaves, Kagabocha is made from roasting the tea stems. The result is a stronger, toastier aroma which feels incredibly comforting.
I’m a huge hojicha fan, so Kagabocha was absolutely a Kanazawa trip highlight for me.
I had it iced and hot, from the bottled ones by Pokka Sapporo (I think it’s special to Kanazawa? I could not find it in Tokyo), to the actual loose-leaf (stem) I ended up buying as a souvenir from Kanazawa.
2. Unpopular Opinion: Skip the Gold Leaf Ice Cream
Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf, and you’ll see gold leaf ice cream shop somewhere.
I skipped it.
I personally think it’s not really worth the money and the gold doesn’t really add anything to the taste. I’d rather save that money for tea or proper food.
That said, it does make a pretty good photo though!
3. Walk Around Kazuemachi Chaya District
Kazuemachi Chaya District is quieter and more lowkey compared to Higashi Chaya District.
You can just walk, look around, and enjoy the calm atmosphere. It’s a nice stop if you want a slower moment in your day.
4. Walk Around Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District is one of the most popular places to visit in Kanazawa, and it’s easy to see why.
Traditional wooden buildings, small shops, and teahouses line the streets.
One thing to note, many shops here close fairly early, so maybe best to visit here around mid-afternoon.
5. Visit Sabo Issho (If You Can)
If you’re a serious tea lover and you manage to get a seat at Sabo Issho, I think it’s worth the visit.
I did not manage to get in because I came in when they’re about to close at 5:00pm and there was also no table left. Still, the atmosphere looked warm and nice. I’d love to visit for a tea tasting one day.
I did, however, buy a bag of their Kagabocha. It was heavenly.
6. Have Tea at Kureha
If you’re more of a casual tea drinker, I think Kureha could be a good option.
Good tea, nice hojicha, and a peaceful atmosphere at a traditional setting. It’s a good place to get some desserts. Their matcha ice cream was a bit too sweet for my liking though.
7. Visit Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a must if you’re a foodie.
Similar to many markets in Japan, it’s known for fresh seafood, but even if you’re just walking through, it’s still worth visiting. It’s like Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, but far less crowded.
Highly recommend getting a wagyu skewer here.
8. Try Making Your Own Temaki Sushi
Instead of going for a formal sushi dinner, I tried a place where you make your own temaki sushi; it’s at a place called COIL.
You choose the fillings, roll your own sushi, and eat at your own pace. It’s a fun experience and a great way to enjoy Kanazawa’s seafood without the formality of omakase.
Also, they have so many options for tea. You get to select one and brew it yourself too!
9. Walk Around Kanazawa Castle
Of course we can’t skip Kanazawa Castle.
You don’t need to explore every corner, just walking around the area or until you see the entrance to Kenrokuen Garden.
10. Visit Kenrokuen Garden
Right next to the castle is Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan.
It’s beautiful and ideal for a relaxed walk.
There’s several souvenir shops and cafes near the entrance to the garden. I grabbed an iced hojicha here before entering the garden.
You’re not allowed to bring outside drink and should only drink at designated areas (they got cafes and teahouses inside though).
11. Pass by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
After exiting Kenrokuen Garden, you can walk straight to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Even if you don’t go inside, it’s stil worth passing by.
They got interesting installations outdoor, which was already so fun to look at.
12. Take a Quick Look at Kanazawa City Hall
This isn’t a major attraction, but Kanazawa City Hall is nearby and easy to pass by if you’re walking between spots.
13. Grab World’s Second Best Melon Pan
This was a random stop, but it’s a fun memory for me.
Grabbing a melon pan from a shop claimed to make the second best melon pan in the world. It’s a pretty good snack.
I just checked on Google Maps, and it’s listed as permanently closed.. but I’m still leaving this here, just in case it ever comes back.
14. Eat at Turban Curry Main Store
If you want something filling and local, Turban Curry Main Store could be an option.
Kanazawa-style curry is rich and comforting, especially after a long walking day.
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t a huge fan. Still, it’s a well-known place and might work better for others.
15. Walk Around Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi Samurai District feels noticeably quieter than other parts of Kanazawa.
The narrow streets and preserved walls make it a nice place to walk if you want a calmer atmosphere. It kinda felt like being transported to feudal Japan.
16. Enter a Samurai House
If you’re already in Nagamachi, entering a samurai house adds some context to Kanazawa’s history.
It’s not overwhelming or too time-consuming, it’s always interesting to learn more about a place through its well-preserved history; especially when it’s still maintained so beautifully.
—
Kanazawa probablyyy doesn’t need to be overplanned.
Walking, tea breaks, good food, and leaving space in your schedule is what makes the city enjoyable. If you’re into slow travel, I think Kanazawa is an easy city to love.
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