All Reviews of JR Kanazawa Station

The moment I walked out of Kanazawa Station, I was immediately struck by the magnificent Tsuzumi-mon Gate! The enormous wooden pillars paired with the transparent glass Motenashi Dome make it instantly recognizable, and it has become Kanazawa’s most iconic city landmark. The gate stands 13.7 meters tall and was inspired by the drums used in Kanazawa’s traditional Noh theater. Its two massive wooden pillars use modern construction techniques, combining traditional charm with a contemporary feel. The Motenashi Dome above was designed around the idea of “holding up an umbrella for travelers,” reflecting Kanazawa’s rainy and snowy climate. On my first visit to Kanazawa, the station itself already made a lasting impression, so it’s no wonder it was selected as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations.

JR Kanazawa Station is a major transportation hub for traveling throughout the Hokuriku region, as well as the main transfer point for sightseeing around Kanazawa. The side with the Tsuzumimon Gate is the East Exit/Kenrokuen Exit. Most buses to city attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the Higashi Chaya District depart from this side.
The other side is the West Exit/Kanazawa Port Exit, which does not have the Tsuzumimon Gate. Many highway buses to Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Nagoya, and other destinations depart from this side, so be sure to check whether you are at the East or West Exit before boarding. Although the two exits are connected by a straight passage, it is quite long and takes a fair amount of time to walk.
The Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center inside the station is also very useful. It is near the Shinkansen ticket gates, and you can pick up sightseeing information for Kanazawa and other parts of Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as purchase a one-day bus pass for Kanazawa. The center also offers services such as luggage delivery to your accommodations and free rentals of umbrellas, rain boots, and wheelchairs.
There are also station-exclusive capsule toys, and a mailbox at the West Exit has a very local-looking doll on top. At first glance, I thought it looked a little creepy, but the longer I looked at it, the more oddly distinctive it seemed.

Kanazawa Station has a fresh, distinctive exterior design that perfectly blends tradition and modern style. The famous Tsuzumi-mon Gate is impressive, and it looks even more beautiful when lit up at night.
With plenty of shopping and dining inside, it’s a landmark you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Station! Known as one of the “most beautiful stations in the world,” Kanazawa Station perfectly blends modern architecture with traditional culture. The biggest highlight is the massive Tsuzumi-mon Gate, which symbolizes Kanazawa’s Noh culture, paired with the glass-covered Motenashi Dome. As soon as you step out of the station, you can’t help but stop and take photos.

Kanazawa Station has also been selected for lists of the world’s most beautiful stations, making it the first photo spot for many travelers arriving in Kanazawa.

The instruments used in Kanazawa's traditional Noh theater, Kaga Hosho, are the inspiration here, really showing off the area's deep cultural roots.

JR Kanazawa Station is so thoughtful! The umbrella theme is perfect for visitors, letting you stay dry from the rain or snow. You can really feel the warmth and hospitality of Kanazawa here.