What is Kanazawa, Japan famous for?
Kanazawa, often called Kanagawa, is a city renowned for being Japan’s most important centre for culture and art during the era of Edo periods. Such a brilliantly preserved Edo period district is home to Kenrokuen Gardens, number of historic temples, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and ancient Buddhist Shrines making it heaven for art lovers and history seekers.
Located amidst the Sea of Japan and Japan’s main island Honshu. Kanazawa is a place where visitors shop for traditional Japanese crafts like gold decorated lacquer ware and Kutani Yaki pottery. Try to look out for traditional crafts like gold leaf productions, and Nagamachi Samurai district while taking a leisurely stroll amidst the Omicho Market, popular for fresh seafood and local products.
Let’s try to understand more about Japanese Kanazawa in order to read about its 7 best things to do.
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7 Best Things to Do in Kanagawa, Japan
1. Visit Kanazawa Castle
If you want to get a great start here in Kanazawa, then you need to start your expedition from Kanazawa Castle. It is located in Kenrokuen Garden, just 20 minutes away from Kanazawa Station. This is a restored Castle built in1583 by the Maeda family, primarily built as a Buddhist temple and later restored as a fortified centre for Maeda rules. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed due to natural disaster and massive fire effects. Today what we were seeing was just the surviving structure of the castle. But major restoration projects and initiatives help us to see most of the remaining evidence in Kanazawa Castle today. If you visited Nijo Castle in Kyoto, probably you will observe low rising wooden building here in Kanazawa castle too.
2. Explore Yokohama Chinatown
Another popular attraction in Kanazawa is Yokohama Chinatown. It is Japan’s largest Chinatown bustling with vibrant souvenir shops, Chinese restaurants, shops for street foods and many cultural landmarks. Visiting Chinatown of Yokohama could be a great idea to experience the Chinese Spring Festival (includes lion dance, dragon dance and parade of the emperor), enjoy mouth-watering cuisines, especially Chinese tastes, unique cultural significance and vibrant atmospheres. Do not miss to visit Yokohama Kantei-byo Shrine and Yokohama Ma Zhu Miao Temple.
3. Take a Blessing from Great Buddha at Kotoku in Kamakura
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Buddha located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. This is a sitting giant Buddha with a height of 11.4 meters, considered as the 2nd largest Buddha statue in Japan. Built in 1252, within a large temple hall, 14th and 15th centuries tsunamis damaged temple buildings and were destroyed many times. But after that Buddha is available to travelers and the general public in the open air. Since statues are located where temples and scenic spots, never miss to experience along with it.
4. Enjoy Yokohama Landmark Tower and Sky Garden
Yokohama Landmark Tower is the highest observation deck in Yokohama and Sky Garden, which is located on the 69th floor. Located in the centre of Minato Mirai 21 district, the tower is often recognised for its high end technologies, top notch amenities options like Dockyard garden and perfect panoramic views of the Yokohama city.
Under Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Sky Garden Observation Deck is the main attraction. Nestled above 273 meters where we can see Tokyo city, Yokohama and popular Mount Fuji. If you are a photographer and looking to take perfect scenic captures and enjoy romantic views then you should climb to the 69th floor of the building.
5. Experience Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island is a small island in Japan located off the Shonan coast of Japan’s Kanagawa. Enoshima Island is often known for its intrinsic attractions like parks, Enoshima Aquarium, natural caves, shrines and observation towers. Enoshima Shrine is a popular attraction here which is dedicated to Benten, a popular god of wealth, fortune and knowledge. Moreover, even today people of Enoshima believed that Enoshima had this entire island. Additionally, the island offers a perfect view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
6. Take a Leisurely Stroll to Kamakura’s Hasedera Temple
This is the largest wooden Buddhist statue in Japan, Kamakura’s Hasedera Temple located in the Kannon-zan Mountains. This temple has a total 9.18 meter tall statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. The interesting part here is, this wooden statue which was carved from the same tree that existed centuries ago. Built around 1300 years ago, Hasedera Temple is home to a variety of flowers which bloom throughout the year. Never miss to capture the most picturesque spot in Kamakura from its observation platform.
7. Just Relax at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amusement park home to around 1, 20,000 sea creatures from 700 species, making it the largest aquarium in Japan. Located at Hakejima Station, the park includes a theme park, shopping area, restaurants, and hotels including aquariums. This sea paradise offers us to watch sea creatures like dolphins, Fureai Lagoon and other sea fishing and creatures. Never forget to climb the 6th floor for the 3D maze deck and the Sea paradise tower for a 360 degree view of Mount Fuji. Opened on May 8, 1993, visitors are free to enter (fee only for Aqua Resorts and Rides of Pleasure Land).
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