Kanazawa

Towards the coast from Oyama Shrine, this is an area of a few streets where considerable effort has been expended in order to recreate the feel of the samurai housing areas.

The most famous sight in Kanazawa, the Garden of Six Attributes is considered one of Japan's Top 3 gardens. Once the outer pleasure gardens of the Maeda Lords, it gradually expanded to take over the entire block.

At the center of Kanazawa is the former site of Kanazawa Castle. It has been vacated by the national university, which took over the site once used by the Ninth Division of the Imperial Army, the castle is public space now for the first…

Across the Asano River, Kanazawa's most famous geisha district. Many of the tall narrow houses are still used as high-class entertainment, but the Shima House is open for all to see, and is well worth the entry fee for a chance to…

a short distance from Myoryuji Temple (Ninjadera-Ninja Temple), to the south of the Sai River

The "west" to Higashi's "east", this is another district of restored geisha houses. This is considerably smaller (and quieter) than Higashi, with effectively just a single street, and aside from the (free) information center it's not…

A small but very nice area of geisha houses along the riverbank across from Higashiyama.

This is the big daddy of Ishikawa festivals. The festival celebrates the entry of Lord Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa Castle in 1583 and the following 3 centuries of prosperity due to the massive levels of rice…

Every summer, locals are drawn to the river side to watch impressive fireworks displays (free of charge). Special buses ferry people from the station to the river bank and back. On a nice evening, this is certainly worth the effort.

Along the Asano River banks. 7 minutes by Hokutetsu bus for Nishiki-Machi from Kanazawa Station's west exit. Get off at Hashiba-Cho bus stop and follow the crowd.

A delightful place for a stroll among the blossoming cherry trees. This event always draws a large crowd who come to watch traditional displays on an elevated stage built over the river.

a 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Station (or a one-bus stop ride)

This is a relatively large covered market housing many shops and stalls selling fish, vegetables, fruits and meat. According to its website, it has been Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period.

Head towards Kanazawa Station; from Omicho market, take the underground path towards the appropriate exit.

An excellent and affordable Izakaya restaurant run and owned by a former sumo wrestler. Enjoy local sakes, along with a range of Japanese dishes, including a specialty dish, "Nodoguro ramen", which features a Blackthroat Seaperch fish, as…

opposite the Mori-no-Sato Jusco shopping center near the Kakuma Campus of Kanazawa University

A restaurant that specialises in gyoza. Counter seating as well as private rooms upstairs that are available for hire. The gyoza, known as "white gyoza", are famous in the region, and very unlike normal gyoza.

2-31-32, Katamachi

Well worth a visit to try the fantastic tebasaki (crispy chicken wings), order at least 3 per person! The young owners speak limited English but have an English menu available.

1 minute walk from the Scramble [part of a nationwide chain] and in other locations in Kanazawa

Serving cheap Chinese food in a brightly-lit and often smoky environment. Chinese dumpling (gyoza) are 6 large rice will set you backand mains are in therange. Look for the gaudy yellow, red and white sign near the bus stop.

shopping annex of the JR station

Counter seating only, this little joint is always packed with locals looking for a quick serve of cheap seafood. Try the kaisen tonkomori-don (海鮮とんこ盛丼, a bowl of rice topped with all sorts of raw seafood goodies.

2-22 Rokumai-machi

Opened in 2009 in a traditional Japanese house, the small guesthouse is adjacent to one of the picturesque canals. The owner is friendly and extremely helpful, and speaks English very well. They also speak some Spanish and Portuguese.

2-19-7 Hon-machi

The best thing about this traditional Japanese inn is the bath in the basement. A piping hot, onsen sized affair with bubbling jets that guests can reserve for private use.

1-1-27, Hirosaka

Kikunoya Ryokan is a 1960s-style Japanese inn. In a good area for nightlife. 1 person2 personAll rooms tatami mat. TV in room, a/c, refrigerator, towels, Yukata, tea set, Wi-Fi in room.

around the corner from the Katamachi bus stop

Small traditional inn runs has 11 Japanese style tatami rooms with common toilet and bath facilities. The staff speak good English and are incredibly helpful. Wi-Fi is available, as well as a PC downstairs.

Katamachi

Opened in 1968, this German beer hall style restaurant is well known in Kanazawa. There is a long counter downstairs and more intimate table seating upstairs.

right outside Kanazawa stn

Excellent sushi starting per plate. The salmon is divine and they even do a meat lovers' hamburger nigiri! The house special is the "three-point plate" (三点盛り) which gets you three different seasonal delicacies You can sit at the counter or…