ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa Local Area

Kenroku-en Garden is one of Japan's three great gardens, and one of Kanazawa's signature landscapes. Shaped over generations by the Maeda lords of the Kaga clan, it holds ponds, bridges and tea houses across wide grounds. Cherry blossom in spring, deep summer green, autumn maple and the Yukizuri snow ropes of winter each give the garden a different face. Selected evenings run seasonal illuminations. Easily reached from our hotel by the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which departs from Kanazawa Station.

Kanazawa Castle sits in the centre of the old castle town, once the seat of the Maeda family who ruled Kaga for nearly three centuries. The Hishi-Yagura, Go-jukken nagaya and Hashizume-mon-Tsuzuki-Yagura turrets were rebuilt in 2001 using traditional carpentry, and the Kahoku-mon Gate has since been restored. Stone walls, gates and turrets reward a slow walk. Ishikawa-bashi bridge connects the castle to Kenroku-en. Easily reached from our hotel by bus from Kanazawa Station.

Kanazawa has three Chaya districts: Higashi-chaya, Nishi-chaya and Kazuemachi-chaya, where atmospheric streetscapes and geisha culture continue to be preserved. Higashi-chaya, with wooden tea houses along a stone street, is the city's signature Chaya scene, home to gold-leaf workshops and machiya museums. Nishi-chaya suits a quieter walk; Kazuemachi-chaya lines the Asano River. Easily reached from our hotel by the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which departs from Kanazawa Station.

Nagamachi Samurai District preserves the earthen walls and stone-paved lanes of a historic quarter, designated a Traditional Environment Preservation Area and Scenic District, with a streetscape carrying the feel of the clan era. Nomura House opens its restored interiors, garden and tea room to visitors; winter komo-kake straw-mat coverings are a seasonal highlight. Walking distance from Korinbo, and easily reached from our hotel by the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which departs from Kanazawa Station.

The D.T. Suzuki Museum is dedicated to Kanazawa-born Buddhist philosopher Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki, known for introducing Zen to Western readers in the early twentieth century. Exhibits present his life and thought, and the still architecture, set around a water-mirror garden, is as much a draw as the collection. A museum for a quiet visit. From our hotel, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus at Kanazawa Station, get off at Honda-machi, and walk 4 to 5 minutes.

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is the city's landmark contemporary art museum, a low circular building where exhibitions and outdoor works turn an art stop into a city walk. Close to Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle. From our hotel, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station. Note: closed for major renovation from 6 May 2027 to March 2028. Check the latest before visiting.

Omicho Market is a highlight of Kanazawa's food culture. Fresh fish, produce and prepared foods set the scene, and kaisen-don, sushi, nodoguro and street-food snacks make for a memorable stop on any trip. Morning is a good time to visit, when the market is at its liveliest. Some stalls close on Wednesdays. 15 to 20 minutes on foot from our hotel, or one Kanazawa Loop Bus stop with a one-day pass from the station.

Myoryuji, known as the Ninja Temple, is an early Edo-period temple. From outside it looks like an ordinary temple. Inside is a labyrinth of hidden staircases, trap doors and a deep well. Visits are by reservation-only guided tour. A popular site in the Teramachi temple quarter. 15 to 20 minutes from our hotel by taxi, or by bus from Kanazawa Station.

Oyama Shrine enshrines Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga clan, and his wife Matsu. The signature is the Shinmon Gate, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that combines Japanese, Chinese and Western design elements. The colourful glasswork above the gate adds to a distinctive Kanazawa mix of styles. The shrine's peaceful garden is also worth a visit and makes a convenient stop en route to Kanazawa Castle or Korinbo. Reach it by bus from Kanazawa Station.

The Tsuzumi-mon Gate outside Kanazawa Station's Kenroku-en Exit is the city's landmark, modelled on a Noh drum and framed by the glass Motenashi Dome above. For most arrivals, it's the first sight of Kanazawa. The hotel sits a minute's walk away via a covered walkway. Bus terminals, taxi ranks, restaurants and shops around the station make an easy starting point for a Kanazawa day.