Kanazawa with kids

Central Kanazawa

The Kanazawa Loop Bus and Kenrokuen Shuttle circle the main sights from the station, and the central districts (Kenrokuen, Castle Park, Higashi Chaya, Nagamachi) are each walkable once you arrive.

Kenrokuen / Kanazawa city centre · near Kanazawa Station (Kenrokuen Shuttle / Loop Bus)

One of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens, with ponds, teahouses, streams, and seasonal displays including winter yukitsuri rope supports.

Hirosaka / city centre · near Kanazawa Station (Loop Bus to Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum)

A circular contemporary-art museum with interactive installations, including Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool, plus a free public zone that families can enjoy without a ticket.

Marunouchi / city centre · near Kanazawa Station (Loop Bus to Kenrokuen-shita)

The reconstructed grounds of the Maeda clan's castle, with restored turrets and gates, open lawns, and free entry to the park (paid entry to the interior structures).

Omicho / near Musashigatsuji · near Musashigatsuji Omicho Market bus stop (Loop Bus); ~15 min walk from Kanazawa Station

A 300-year-old covered market with more than 170 stalls selling fresh Sea of Japan seafood, produce, and street food, popular for seafood rice bowls.

Higashiyama, along the Asano River · near Kanazawa Station (Loop Bus to Hashiba-cho / Higashi Chaya-gai)

A preserved Edo-era geisha teahouse quarter of wooden chaya, now home to gold-leaf shops, cafes, and museum teahouses such as Shima and Kaikaro that are open to the public.

Nagamachi · near Kanazawa Station (Loop Bus to Korinbo, then short walk)

A restored upper-samurai residence in the Nagamachi district, notable for its cypress ceilings, painted sliding doors, and a compact prize-winning garden with a stream and old bayberry tree.