Highlights
Kenroku-en Garden
Many would argue that Kanazawa’s highlight is the gorgeous Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Located in the centre of the town, its name refers to the six attributes that are considered vital in the creation of the perfect garden – seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, antiquity, an abundance of water, and marvellous views. Take time to explore the beautiful pond, traditional tea houses and utter beauty of the garden, whether during spring when the blossom has bloomed, or autumn when the leaves turn a gorgeous shade of red. There is a small entrance fee for visitors, excluding those over 65 years old.
Kanazawa Castle
Located across the road from the Kenroku-en Garden and originally built in 1580, this striking castle was home to the Maeda samurai clan for fourteen generations before its destruction by fire in the late 19th century. Luckily, the impressive entrance gate, Ishikawa-mon, survived and still invites you into the castle today.