The Kanazawa Boom Is Here! Top 10 Recommended Shops (Also Popular with Foreign Tourists)

Kanazawa Boom! Top 10 Recommended Spots (Also Popular with International Tourists)

In recent years, Kanazawa has been attracting significant attention from both domestic and international travelers thanks to the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen and a renewed appreciation for its traditional culture. With its historic streets dating back to the Edo period, the culture of the Kaga Domain, beautiful crafts, and fresh seafood, Kanazawa offers a wealth of experiences. Here are the top 10 popular shops and attractions to visit when you come to Kanazawa.

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1. Omicho Market

Known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” this market offers fresh seafood such as black sea bream, sweet shrimp, and crab, along with many excellent sushi restaurants and seafood bowl shops.

2. Higashi Chaya District

This charming area is lined with traditional teahouse buildings. Gold leaf soft-serve ice cream and matcha sweets are also popular. The district is illuminated in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere.

3. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

A renowned contemporary art museum. Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool” is highly popular on social media.

4. Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center

This facility offers Kaga Yuzen kimono displays and dyeing experiences. It is a popular cultural experience spot for international tourists.

5. Hakuichi / Sakuda Gold Leaf Shop

Kanazawa produces approximately 98% of Japan’s gold leaf. Visitors can enjoy gold leaf application experiences and sweets made with gold leaf.

6. Kenrokuen Garden

One of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen offers seasonal scenery, while its winter snow supports are an iconic image of Kanazawa.

7. Kanazawa Station Hospitality Dome

The drum-shaped Kazu Gate and glass dome, visible immediately upon arrival at the station, serve as Kanazawa’s gateway. It is perfect for commemorative photos.

8. Kinchasaryo

A renowned restaurant specializing in Kaga cuisine. Its beautiful tableware and delicately prepared dishes allow visitors to fully enjoy Kanazawa’s culinary culture.

9. Yaoyorozu Honpo

This multi-purpose facility offers a wide selection of Kanazawa’s traditional crafts and souvenirs in one place. It features stylish goods and sweets.

10. Edo Saryo – Shibuya, Aoyama, Harajuku

Edo Saryo is a popular cultural experience spot in Tokyo that is also highly recommended for visitors traveling to Kanazawa.

It offers hands-on workshops where even beginners can enjoy the traditional art of painting ceramics, which has continued since the Edo period. After the experience, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets using the tea bowl you painted.

• Beginners welcome: Staff provide attentive support

• Completed in a short time: Can be enjoyed between sightseeing and shopping (90–120 minutes)

• Perfect as a souvenir: Take home a one-of-a-kind tea bowl you made that same day

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Tips for Enjoying Kanazawa

• Visit markets and popular sightseeing spots in the morning, then explore craft experiences and hidden cafes in the afternoon to avoid crowds

• Visit Japanese sweets and matcha dessert shops early to avoid missing out

• Including a “make-and-enjoy” cultural experience like Edo Saryo will make your travel memories even more special

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