[Winter sightseeing in Kanazawa] Thrilled by the snowy scenery and delicious food! Recommended for girls' trips

3 captivating snowy spots you can only find in Kanazawa in winter!

We will introduce three tourist spots where you can enjoy the unique snow scenery of Kanazawa, including the "Yukitsuri" (hanging hangings) at Kenrokuen Garden.

Kenrokuen: Winter art created by Yukitsuri

Kenrokuen is a strolling garden (where you walk around the garden to appreciate it) that is counted as one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. The symbol of Kenrokuen, the Kotoji Lantern, located on the north bank of Kasumigaike Pond, is covered in snow, revealing a beauty that can only be seen in winter.

Don't miss Japan's largest snow hangings, which are placed on Karasakimatsu, a black pine with the most beautiful branches in Kenrokuen.Yukitsuri, which protect tree branches from the weight of snow, are beautiful on snowy days and off, and are said to be a winter feature of Kenrokuen.

The morning after it snows the night before, you can see the rare sight of snow piled up on the ropes of the yukitsuri. In February, you can also enjoy the golden illumination of the yukitsuri.

It takes about 13 minutes by taxi from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen Garden. Access is also about a 3-minute walk from the "Kenrokuenshita/Kanazawa Castle" bus stop on the Kanazawa Castle Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railroad Bus, and West Japan JR Bus.

It is also Access from the "Kenrokuenshita" bus stop on the Kanazawa Flat Bus (Zaimoku Route), about a 3-minute walk away.

Higashi Chaya District: A charming townscape

Higashi Chaya District is a popular area lined with traditional teahouse buildings that make for great social media photos. Its high historical value has been recognized and it has been protected by the government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Among them, the teahouse "Shima," which remains as it was in the Edo period, is famous and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In winter, Higashi Chaya District is a charming townscape where you can enjoy the old townhouses with latticed windows and the snow piled up on the cobblestone streets.

Higashi Chaya District is home to around 40 shops, including sweet shops, cafes, and souvenir shops, and is a great place to enjoy gourmet food and shopping.Why not rent a kimono and stroll through the snowy scenery, visiting the shops that catch your eye?

It is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Kanazawa Station to Higashi Chaya District, or a 5-minute walk from the Hashibacho bus stop on the Kanazawa Castle Town Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railroad bus, or West Japan JR bus.

It is also about a 5-minute Access from the Asanogawa Ohashi bus stop on the Kanazawa Furatto Bus (Zaimoku Route).

The Nagamachi Samurai Residence Ruins are enveloped in silence

The Nagamachi Samurai Residences are an area lined with magnificent samurai residences built by upper and middle-ranking samurai during the Edo period. The old earthen walls and stone-paved alleys still remain, and you can experience a sophisticated, sophisticated atmosphere that is a little different from Higashi Chaya District.

The "komokake" that can be seen at the Nagamachi Samurai Residence Ruins in winter to protect the earthen walls from snow and ice is a beloved winter feature of Kanazawa.Watching the snow fall gently through the quiet alleys is one of the joys of winter in Kanazawa.

The only place in the Nagamachi Samurai Residence area that is open to the public is the Nomura Family Samurai Residence. Its beautiful Japanese garden, which has been highly praised overseas, is a must-see, with its beautiful harmony of old trees, lanterns, and meandering streams.

It takes about 7 minutes by taxi from Kanazawa Station to the Nagamachi Samurai Residences. It is located close to the "Nagamachi Samurai Residences" bus stop on the Kanazawa Furatto Bus (Nagamachi Route).

Warm your body from the inside out! Kanazawa's exquisite winter cuisine

Kanazawa in winter is full of delicious, visually stunning, and photogenic gourmet foods. Here we introduce three carefully selected gourmet foods.

Enjoy seasonal "kobako crab" and piping hot oden at Omicho Market!

If you want to enjoy Kanazawa cuisine, you should definitely visit Omicho Market, also known as "Kanazawa's Kitchen." There are about 170 specialty shops within the market, where you can eat sushi, seafood bowls, and buy sweets.

When visiting Kanazawa in winter, we especially recommend trying the "kobako crab (female snow crab)," which can only be eaten from early November to late December.The uchiko (orange ovaries inside the shell) and sotoko (brown granular eggs outside the shell) are delicious, and the fish is said to be the queen of winter delicacies.

Kanazawa oden, which is especially delicious during the cold season, can be enjoyed at Omicho Market, the Higashi Chaya District area, Korinbo, etc. In addition to shellfish and red sushi rolls, in winter you can also enjoy "crab noodles," which are hairy crab shells stuffed with meat and eggs.

A sweet and warm moment spent at a stylish Japanese cafe

Kazuemachi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's three teahouse districts, along with Higashi Chaya District and Nishi Chaya District. It is known for its beautiful maze-like narrow alleys and rows of latticed windows.

Higashi Chaya District and Kazuemachi Chaya District can be explored in about 1-2 hours.We also recommend taking a break at the teahouse district or a cafe in the surrounding area and enjoying a leisurely stroll.

At Morihachi Main Store, located near Kazuemachi Chaya District, you can enjoy a set of Kaga Kenjo Stick Tea, which is characterized by its fragrant aroma, and beautifully presented high-quality fresh sweets.

There are plenty of sweets you'll want to post on social media, such as the "Gold Leaf Shining Soft Serve Ice Cream" at "Hakuichi Higashiyama Store" near Higashi Chaya District. You can also enjoy eating while walking around.

Rain or snow? No problem! Enjoy Kanazawa's indoor art and experiences

Kanazawa is full of art museums and traditional arts experiences that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Here are three recommendations.

Experience art at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is scheduled to close for an extended period starting in May 2027, so you'll want to visit it now.The contemporary art spread throughout the circular building will tickle your senses, making this the perfect spot for a girls' trip.

One of the highlights is "Swimming Pool" by Leandro Erlich, a participatory art piece that makes it appear as if people are in the pool. The spherical pavilion "Maru" by Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA at the entrance is also famous.

The "Exchange Zone," which creates a place for encounters and interaction, is also recommended as it is easy to drop in. There is an art library where you can see artists' collections, a museum shop, and a cafe Restaurant where you can Food while looking at outdoor art.

It takes about 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Board the bus at bus stops 3 or 8 at the East Exit Bus Terminal and get off at the "Hirosaka 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" bus stop.

The perfect memento of your trip! Experience Kanazawa's traditional crafts

Why not create a one-of-a-kind original item as a memento of your trip? Kanazawa offers a wide range of programs perfect for a girls' trip, such as gold leafing and Kaga Yuzen painting, which can be enjoyed together.

Kanazawa boasts a 99% share of the nation's gold leaf production. In this hands-on program, you can quickly create gold leaf-decorated accessories such as small cases and hand mirrors. The gold leaf application experience at the Ishikawa Prefectural Tourist and Products Center near Kenrokuen Garden is perfect for casually stopping by in between sightseeing.

Beautiful Kaga Yuzen dyeing, featuring floral patterns, is one of Kanazawa's most representative traditional crafts. At the Kaga Yuzen Kaikan near Kenrokuen Garden, you can make your own Kaga Yuzen goods, such as handkerchiefs and tote bags.

Please note that some facilities require reservations, so be sure to check before visiting.

Experience the history and culture of Kaga's million koku domain

Experience Kanazawa's history and culture to make your trip even more memorable. Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple) and Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History are recommended indoor spots where you can learn about history and culture.

Myoryuji Temple is a popular temple with a variety of interesting features, similar to a ninja house.There is a donation box that acts as a trap, a hidden staircase, and a well that is said to be an escape route to Kanazawa Castle. Reservations are required to view the interior of the hall.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History is a museum where you can enjoy learning about Ishikawa's history from ancient times to modern times through actual materials, dioramas, models, and screens.Some areas, such as the museum theater and gallery, are open to the public free of charge. The historic red brick building was once used as an army arsenal and the Kanazawa College of Art.

Access from Kanazawa Station to Myoryuji Temple

Approximately 15 minutes by taxi, or 30 minutes by bus (get off at Hirokoji or Nomachi Hirokoji bus stop).

Access from Kanazawa Station to Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History

It's a 10-15 minute taxi ride, or about 25 minutes by bus (get off at Dewamachi, Hirosaka, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art bus stop).

Relaxing in a comfortable hotel is one of the joys of traveling

Your winter visit to Kanazawa will be even more special if you make the most of your hotel stay. Here are three recommended hotels where you can stay comfortably.

HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Kanazawa

Located about a 5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, this hotel is conveniently located for touring tourist spots by bus or taxi. All Guest rooms are spacious, measuring over 32 square meters, and some rooms are equipped with ReFa hair dryers and shower heads, making them perfect for a girls' trip.

HOTEL MYSTAYS Kanazawa Castle

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, this hotel is known for its modern Japanese atmosphere. With a total of 13 different types of Guest rooms, you can choose the perfect room to suit your budget and preferences. The breakfast buffet, which features Kanazawa oden and blackthroat seaperch, as well as the large public bath are also popular.

HOTEL MYSTAYS Kanazawa Katamachi

Located about 15 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station, this hotel is located in the heart of Katamachi, the most bustling shopping district in the Hokuriku region. In addition to Guest rooms equipped with ReFa hair dryers and shower heads, there are also Guest rooms with separate washrooms, bathrooms, and toilets. The breakfast buffet, where you can make your own hanton rice, a Western dish originating in Kanazawa, is very popular.

You can also find travel information for Kanazawa here.
Recommended trips on the Hokuriku Shinkansen | Iconia Hospitality [Official]

Now you can rest easy! Preparations and Q&A for your winter trip to Kanazawa

We'll introduce you to information you need to know to enjoy winter sightseeing in Kanazawa, including temperature and recommended clothing.

What month is the snow season in Kanazawa?

In Kanazawa, the first snow falls between the end of November and early December.The real snow season begins in January and February.

However, the average annual snowfall is only a few centimeters, and it is said that snow rarely remains in urban areas for long (although there are years when a severe cold wave brings heavy snowfall).

As March approaches, the number of snowy days decreases, with the last snowfall occurring in early April.

What is the temperature in Kanazawa in winter?

The average temperatures (°C) in Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Osaka from December to February are as follows. The temperature difference between Kanazawa and Tokyo is about 0.9 to 1.9°C. The temperature difference between Kanazawa and Osaka can be more than 2°C depending on the month.

Furthermore, Ishikawa Prefecture often experiences strong winds in winter, so you may feel colder than the temperature difference would suggest.

What to wear when visiting Kanazawa in winter

There is no need to prepare special clothing like you would for a cold climate.Bring your usual sweaters, fleece, and other cold weather clothing. For outerwear, we recommend a thick coat or down jacket.

Also, be sure to bring a scarf, hat, gloves, etc. to help regulate your body temperature. Waterproof, non-slip boots are recommended. It's also a good idea to bring disposable hand warmers in case it gets cold.

Summary

Winter in Kanazawa is a great time to enjoy the flavors and spectacular views that are only possible in the cold season. There are plenty of photogenic spots and cafes that are perfect for posting on social media, making it especially recommended for girls' trips. It's also a good idea to incorporate indoor art museums and experience programs into your itinerary.

Choosing a comfortable hotel will make your trip even more fulfilling. Find your favorite spots and hotels from among those introduced here and head out on a girls' trip with your friends.