Summer Kanazawa Travel Guide: A Refreshing Walk by the Water and in the Shade

This strolling garden was created by successive lords of the Maeda clan and is regarded as one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens.
Ponds, winding streams, artificial hills, and other features are scattered throughout its vast grounds of approximately 28.6 acres, creating a landscape designed to be appreciated from many stops along the way.
The ponds bring a refreshing quality to the scenery, while the deep summer greenery makes for a relaxing walk through the garden.

This historical park occupies the former castle grounds of the Maeda clan, lords of the wealthy Kaga Domain. Visitors can learn about the castle’s history while viewing reconstructed turrets, gates, and stone walls.
In 2020, the Nezumitamon Gate and Nezumitamon Bridge were completed, restoring them for the first time in approximately 140 years after they burned down during the Meiji period.
In addition to walks through the lush summer grounds, the illuminations reveal a strikingly different side of the park after dark.

Former residences of Kaga retainers remain here, creating a classic castle-town landscape of stone-paved streets and earthen walls.
The Onosho Canal, which has long supported local life, still flows through the area. In winter, straw mats called komo are placed over the earthen walls to protect them from snow.
A refreshing atmosphere surrounds the quiet streets beside the canal, where visitors can stroll while tracing the legacy of samurai culture.

Set across hills surrounded by abundant nature, this park offers expansive views over central Kanazawa and as far as the Sea of Japan.
The grassy hill midway up the slope is one of the park’s most popular spots, providing a panoramic view of the city below. Against a backdrop of blue sky and vivid greenery, visitors can spend time as they please while admiring the broad lawn and seasonal flowers and trees.

This atmospheric neighborhood along the Asano River is one of Kanazawa’s three geisha districts.
Traditional restaurants and teahouses line its narrow streets, and their lights create an enchanting atmosphere at dusk.
Enjoy the pleasant breeze from the river and experience the distinctive character of Kanazawa while visiting evocative spots such as Kuragari-zaka and Akari-zaka slopes.

This villa was built by Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th lord of the Kaga Domain, for his mother, Shinryu-in. Its ornate interior features elaborate design details throughout. Combining samurai shoin architecture with a sukiya-style shoin design, it is the only surviving residence of its kind in Japan built for the wife of a feudal lord.
Visitors can take their time admiring architecture that embodies the aesthetic ideals of the Kaga Domain while looking out over the garden’s greenery.

This museum introduces the life and philosophy of Kanazawa-born Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki. Despite its location in the city center, the museum is enveloped in profound quiet, making it easy to lose track of time.
Its exhibits, three gardens, and corridors create a setting for contemplation. Visitors can relax amid the tranquil atmosphere and scenery reflected in the Water Mirror Garden.

This shrine enshrines Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, and his wife, Matsu. It is known for its gate, which incorporates Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles.
The unusual top floor is fitted with stained glass. The sacred light shining through it once illuminated Kanazawa and served as a landmark for ships sailing on the Sea of Japan.
Walk through the leafy shrine grounds and garden to appreciate the historic architecture up close.

Located in the free area of Kenrokuen Garden, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning.
Along with its principal deity, Sugawara no Michizane, the shrine also enshrines the white snake dragon deity and Hakuashi Inari Daimyojin as accompanying deities in the main sanctuary.
Its quiet, tree-lined grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere and make a pleasant stop during a walk through Kenrokuen Garden.

Located near Kenrokuen Garden, this strolling pond garden is known for its tranquil scenery, preserved since the mid-Edo period.
Comprising the main, west, and east gardens, it was inspired by a landscape painting by the Chinese Southern Song dynasty monk-painter Fen Yujian. It follows the rare Gyokukan style, found at only six gardens in Japan.
Visitors can spend a leisurely time admiring the greenery and pond scenery.

More than just a hub for cruise ships, this waterfront facility at Kanazawa Port includes an observation terrace and interactive facilities. The second floor houses an observation terrace known as Hyakumangoku Marine Terrace, as well as a restaurant.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, while after sunset, visitors can admire the port illuminated at night.

Historic gardens and buildings are scattered throughout Kanazawa, including Kenrokuen Garden, which changes with the seasons, and Nishida Family Garden Gyokusen-en.
Walking among ponds and trees reveals refreshing summer scenery and the aesthetic sensibility of the wealthy Kaga Domain.

The Nagamachi Samurai District and Kazuemachi Chaya District retain stone-paved streets, earthen walls, and traditional townhouses that recall the Edo period.
Yukata rental shops can also be found nearby. Walking beside the canals and the Asano River in a yukata is an atmospheric way to spend a peaceful summer day in Kanazawa’s castle town.

A short trip from the city center brings you to the Kanazawa Port area on the Sea of Japan.
From its oceanfront decks and observation spaces, visitors can relax while watching the open sea, passing ships, and characteristic port scenery. These expansive waterfront views provide a refreshing contrast to the historic castle town and a pleasant way to spend time by the sea in summer.

Run by a former fishmonger, this izakaya in Omicho Market serves exceptionally fresh seafood delivered directly from the market.
A recommended dish is the seafood bowl, lavishly topped with pieces of seafood so large that they extend beyond the rim.
Along with a generous selection of seasonal seafood, the popular nodoguro rice can be eaten three different ways, offering a full taste of the market’s bounty.

Established in 1927, this long-running restaurant is a well-known destination for Kanazawa oden and has long been popular with locals.
Its light yet flavorful secret broth soaks deeply into the ingredients. The recipe has been passed down since the restaurant opened, and fresh broth is reportedly added to it every morning without fail.
Local ingredients such as kuruma-fu wheat gluten, Japanese ivory shell, and red-and-white fish cake offer a taste of the restaurant’s enduring tradition.

Operated by Maruhachi Seichajo, this café specializes in roasted green tea and offers fragrant Kaga bocha alongside seasonal sweets.
The seasonal selection ranges from traditional Japanese confections such as jonamagashi to Western-style sweets such as tarts, so the day’s offering is part of the experience.
In summer, relax with aromatic roasted green tea in a cool setting. Tea leaves and works by local artists also make suitable travel souvenirs.

Located in front of JR Kanazawa Station, this luxury hotel is one of the largest in the Hokuriku region.
Every guest room is on the 17th floor or above, offering sweeping views over Kanazawa. With a wide range of restaurants and bars, it provides a relaxing conclusion to a summer day of sightseeing.

This renovated hotel is based on the concept of a place that “draws from” Kanazawa’s traditions. Exhibitions by local artists and workshops are held inside, while in summer, guests can experience Kanazawa’s traditional culture over Kaga bocha at the tea salon.
Its location near Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle Park also makes it a convenient base for sightseeing.

With only four guest rooms, this auberge is ideal for a culinary getaway. Two rooms are in the main building and two in a separate annex.
Guests can savor creative Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients or dinner at a renowned partner restaurant, then unwind in the calm surroundings during summer.

Kanazawa’s largest annual festival commemorates the entry of Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa Castle.
Its main event, the Hyakumangoku Procession, is an elaborate parade that draws large crowds from outside the prefecture.
A wide variety of events, including traditional performing arts and tea ceremonies, take place against the backdrop of the summer castle town, offering insight into Kanazawa’s history and culture.

This traditional event at Yuwaku Onsen has its origins in the Kaga Domain’s Edo-period practice of presenting snow and ice to the Tokugawa shogunate. Himuro Biraki is held every year on June 30.
A Shinto ritual is performed to cut out snow stored since winter, and the snow and ice are also displayed at Kanazawa Station and Omicho Market. On July 1, himuro manju buns are sold with wishes for good health, making this a seasonal tradition that marks the arrival of summer in Kanazawa.