Top attractions to visit in Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Thanks to the new shinkansen, it will be easier to get there. Why don't you visit the historic city on your next vacation?

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

This circular and light-filled museum focuses on art produced since 1980 and is heavy on installations, video and mixed-media pieces, much of it playful, energetic and thought provoking. The museum holds a variety of display spaces and function rooms and the museum is spacious enough to absorb the huge crowds that usually fill the place. 

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya is the main entertainment district in Kanazawa. It is a charming area of teahouses much like Gion in Kyoto and has its own community of geisha.

The photogenic streets of Higashi Chaya are perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll with a stop at one of the many cafes or historic tea houses. If you are looking for a special souvenir, there are many craft shops to browse including the glittering Hakuza Gold Leaf Store where you can visit their tea ceremony room completely covered in gold leaf.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station is one of the gates of Kanazawa to visitors. The station has a huge glass dome called the Motenashi Dome. The Motenashi Dome looks like a huge umbrella and it is said that this dome is offering visitors an umbrella as Kanazawa has many rainy days.

There is a huge wooden gate called the Tsuzumimon  in Kanazawa station. A tsuzumi is traditional Japanese hand drum, and "mon" means gate. When you arrive at Kanazawa station, you can feel the welcoming mood and historical atmosphere right away.

D.T. Suzuki Museum

D.T. Suzuki was the Japanese writer responsible for introducing Zen Buddhism to the West. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is the perfect monument to the man and his work. Like Zen, the museum invites you to contemplate and empty your mind of distraction. The water “garden” outside the museum is sublime and do not miss the fine traditional Japanese garden behind it.

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Often overlooked by visitors who rush to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, this fine museum of Japanese art is well worth a visit. The small but excellent collection covers the main fields of Japanese art. And, downstairs, there is a brilliant café where you can refuel with some delicious coffee, tea and pastries.

Omicho Market

Omicho Market has been in the center of Kanazawa for more than 280 years. In the market, there are large numbers of stores including fish stores, vegetable stores, grocery stores, and so on.

In some fish stores, they offer a special sushi where you can taste fresh fish caught in the Sea of Japan. You may also find unique Kaga vegetables grown in the Hokuriku area. Omicho Market is always very crowded, but you must visit.

Read more: Top 5 hot springs in Japan

Source Internet