'''Kanazawa''' (____) is a historic city in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.
Understand
Kanazawa is one of the overlooked jewels of Japanese tourism - although not by the Japanese, who visit in droves. Its relatively remote location, off the beaten (shinkansen) track, has perhaps unfairly contributed to its low standing among Western tourists. However for those travellers who want to see perhaps the best-preserved major Edo-period city in the country (along with Takayama), it is hard to beat. Kyoto's offerings of temples and shrines are all very well, but Japanese history and culture is not just about them. The samurai, the merchants, the geisha, and the lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa in a compact, easily navigable central area.
Climate
Kanazawa is famous for rain. A local proverb says "even if you forget your lunchbox, don't forget your umbrella". It is never a good idea to bank on it being fine in Kanazawa, and winters in particular are cold and grey. Kanazawa is in the Snow Country, the area along the Japan Sea coast of Honshu where cold Siberian winds dump large amounts of snow in orographic precipitation, and while it does not get as much as more inland areas, half a metre or more is not uncommon. Most of the main roads have lines of sprinklers down the street to wash the snow away, but the smaller roads often do not.
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport serving Kanazawa is in the city of Komatsu ({{IATA|KMQ}}). JAL offers flights into Komatsu Airport from Tokyo Haneda Airport, and from Okinawa. ANA flies into Komatsu from Tokyo Haneda and Narita Airports, as well as Sapporo Chitose, Sendai and Fukuoka. Internationally, Komatsu serves Seoul (four times a week) and Shanghai (three times a week).
From Komatsu airport, buses run directly to Kanazawa (50 minutes, ¥1100). Or you could take a bus to Komatsu Station and a JR train from there, which is somewhat cheaper and, depending on your luck with connections, not much longer. Taxis are frequent though not cheap, and there are several rental car places in the area.
By train
Kanazawa's train station, a futuristic marvel that integrates a traditional wooden temple gate with glass and steel, is located on the West Japan Railway's '''Hokuriku Line'''.
From Tokyo Station, there are two routes that can be used to reach Kanazawa. One way is to take the hourly Tokaido Shinkansen ''Hikari'' train and transfer at Maibara (____) to the ''Shirasagi'' (________) limited express for the run to Kanazawa. This takes approximately 4 1/4 hours, and a regular ticket for this run costs around ¥15000. The journey is fully covered under the Japan Rail Pass.
The other route is to take a Joestu Shinkansen train (''Toki'', ''Max Toki'', ''Tanigawa'' or ''Max Tanigawa'') to Echigo-Yuzawa (_z______) and change to the ''Hakutaka'' (________) to get to Kanazawa. This northerly route takes four hours and a regular ticket is much cheaper at around ¥13000. A portion of this journey is on the non-JR Hokuetsu Railway between Echigo-Yuzawa and Naoetsu; '''Japan Rail Pass''' holders will have to pay a ¥1450 surcharge each way. The '''JR East Rail Pass''' will cover both the Shinkansen and the Hakutaka as far as Naoetsu; beyond that it costs ¥5500 to continue the journey on the Hakutaka to Kanazawa.
A third route exists by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen further to Nagaoka (____) and changing to a limited express there. While this particular journey is also covered under the Rail Pass, express trains from Nagaoka are very sparse, whereas journeys to Kanazawa via Maibara or Echigo-Yuzawa are more frequent.
All three of these routes will likely be replaced by one convenient route in the future, as the Hokuriku (Nagano) Shinkansen is in the process of being extended from Nagano to Kanazawa. Travel times will decrease dramatically with the extension of this bullet train line to Toyama in 2012; the line will eventually reach Kanazawa by 2014.
Frequent ''Thunderbird'' (_T_____[_o_[_h) and ''Raich?'' (____) limited express trains run to Kanazawa from Osaka and Kyoto in Kansai. The one-way ride from Osaka lasts around 2 1/2 hours on the fastest service and costs ¥7640 (No charge for Japan Rail Pass holders).
The overnight ''Hokuriku'' (_k__) and ''Noto'' (_\_o) trains make daily runs to Kanazawa out of Tokyo's Ueno station, and it is also a morning stop on the ''Twilight Express'' (_g___C___C_g_G_N_X_v___X) from Sapporo and ''Nihonkai'' (___{_C) train from Aomori.
By car
Kanazawa is served by the Hokuriku Expressway, which runs through the western edge of the city. It has three interchanges: Kanazawa East and Kanazawa West feed into National Route 8, and Kanazawa Morimoto feeds into the Mountainside Loop Road (_R________ ''Yamagawa kanj?-sen''). The cost for a normal car from Kyoto-East via Maibara is 5500, and the distance is 245km (to Kanazawa West). From Osaka it is 6850 yen and 296 km. From Niigata it is 6350 yen and 293km. From Tokyo it is 11,800 yen and 585km.
The national Route 8 is also a good option for those on a budget or who wish to take a leisurely trip, stopping off to see various sights along the way. It is four-lane for much of the way, and so passing those slow old farmers in their white mini-trucks is actually possible. There are other routes into the city, such as via the base of Hakusan, or over the hills from Toyama prefecture.
By bus
Several bus companies make runs from western Tokyo to Kanazawa. Two daytime buses and two night buses run from Ikebukuro, and the same frequency of buses run from Shinjuku. The trip takes seven hours and costs ¥7840 one-way.
JR Bus runs four daytime trips to/from Osaka, taking 4 3/4 hours, and an overnight service, taking 7 hours. The cost is ¥4300 one-way.
From Kyoto to Kanazawa, several bus companies (for example Keihan, JR, Hokutetsu) run about 5 times a day. The trip takes 4 hours and the one-way fare is 4,060 yen.
'''123bus''' [http://www.123bus.net/index.html] is another company which provides daily night time bus services between Tokyo and Kanazawa. 123bus has an English online booking service.
By boat
Get around
By bus
Kanazawa has a decent bus system to help you get where you need to go. There are three types of buses: city buses, a tourist bus, and community buses (Furatto-Bus). The tourist bus makes a loop around the main sights in 15 minutes and costs ¥200 per trip or ¥500 daily. There are three community bus routes which make 15 minute loops around different districts of the city and cost ¥100.
By bicycle
Bicycles can be hired from JR Kanazawa station and due to the winding streets and plethora of traffic lights and one way systems are often the fastest way to travel around town.
On foot
As the central city is fairly compact, one of the best ways to get around (at least when the weather is cooperative) is simply walking, exploring the narrow side streets. From east (Higashiyama) to west (Teramachi) would take about an hour at a leisurely pace, though to see everything between them properly would take days.
By car
Driving in Kanazawa itself is not for the inexperienced. The old city in particular is a labyrinth of narrow twisting streets once you leave the main roads, and you need to be good at judging just how wide your vehicle is at times. Parking in the old city is also at a premium. However the newer areas on the outskirts are car-friendly, and parking is ample. For those using Kanazawa as a base to explore the Hokuriku and Hida regions, renting a car would be a good idea as public transport between some of the more far-flung areas is far and few between.
Remember that a valid Japanese or Geneva Convention International Driver's Licence must be carried at all times, and that driving while drunk results in at best some extremely stiff fines: up to 300,000 yen and instant loss of licence. Driving without a valid license will set you back 100,000 yen. Note that the official "drunk driving" blood-alcohol limit is 0.25mg, but there is a separate "driving under the influence" which has no set minimum. Don't do it.
See
Many of the links below are only available in Japanese. However almost all major tourist sites in Japan have English pamphlets, and Kanazawa is no exception.
'''Kenroku-en Garden''' (___Z__), [http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/]. 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. While not completed in its final form until the waning years of the Edo Shogunate, it still represents one of the peaks of Japanese strolling garden design. The way in which water is piped from many kilometres upstream to fill its streams and ponds before going on to fill the castle moats is one of the great engineering feats of the Edo period. In part of the grounds, and with a steep separate 700 yen entrance fee, is the Seisonkaku Villa, build by a Maeda lord for his mother. Only part of it remains today, but is a rare example of existing daimyo palace architecture. The upper floor, with its bright blues and reds, is in distinct contrast to the muted earth tones of Kyoto style. Admission is ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for children age 6-17. Open 7 AM to 6 PM daily. During cherry blossom season, entry to the park is free and it's open and lit up at night until 9 PM.
'''Kanazawa Castle Site'''. At the centre of Kanazawa is the former site of Kanazawa's castle. Recently 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 time in its 400-plus years of history. The imposing '''Ishikawa Gate''' (______), so named as it faced the Ishikawa district, was once a side entrance to the castle grounds, but after several fires and man-made destruction, it is one of the few original buildings left on the site, the other being the '''Sanjikken Nagaya''' (_O_\______) storehouse near the top. However the long '''Gojikken Nagaya''' (___\______) that once guarded the castle palace has recently been rebuilt according to traditional methods, and is open to the public for a 300 yen entry fee.
'''Nagamachi Samurai District''' (___________~). 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 fact that almost none of the actual samurai houses remain does little to daunt the enthusiasm of the tourists. While historically dubious, it is a pleasant area to stroll, and the one of the best of the remaining samurai districts in Japan. In Nagamachi, the '''Nomura House''' is open to the public (¥500), and boasts a small but exquisite garden. A short walk from there the city has relocated and restored two ''ashigaru'' (___y: the lowest rank of samurai) houses that are open for free, and provide a lovely place to rest and enjoy the peace of a traditional Japanese house. Towards the Asano River to the north, there are a couple more samurai houses, not preserved or set aside as museum pieces, but actually lived in (and not open to the public).
'''Kazoemachi''' (___v__). A small but very nice area of geisha houses along the riverbank_@across from Higashiyama.
'''Higashi-Chayamachi''' (____________), 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''' (¥400) is open for all to see, and is well worth the entry fee for a chance to experience its refined and elegant atmosphere. Quite a few of the buildings have been converted into speciality shops and teahouses (of the non-geisha variety), so poke around freely and don't miss out on a cup of tea and a Japanese sweet (¥500-1000). Behind this area is a temple district, and the roads between the main road and the mountain are a twisting labyrinth of narrow lanes perfect for exploring on foot.
'''Nishi-Chayamachi''' (__________). The "west" to Higashi's "east", this is another district of restored geisha houses. However, this is considerably smaller (and quieter) than Higashi, with effectively just a single street, and aside from the (free) information centre it's not possible to enter any of the houses.
'''Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall''' (Old Merchant House). The Old Merchant House was Kanazawa's leading Chinese medicine shop in Minami-machi during the 18th century. The shop was established in 1759 and provided medicine for the feudal leaders. The merchant's family was given high status by the elders of the town. The shop was instrumental in maintaining the elegance of the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and haiku during the time period in which it was open. The shop currently has a bridal exhibit on the second floor with examples of bridal gifts and a large flower arrangement made entirely out of sugar.
Temples and shrines
The river to the south, the Sai River, has on its far bank the main temple district of '''Teramachi''' (____). One of the more impressive ones in Japan, both sides of the road are lined with imposing walls and looming black-tiled roofs. Its eastern counterpart is the Higashiyama Temple District. In contrast to Teramachi's straight road, the eastern temples are dotted around the hillside in a maze of narrow streets. The Kodatsuno ridge also has a small temple area, dominated by Tentokuin.
'''Ninja Temple''' (______ ''My?ryu-ji'') [http://www.myouryuji.or.jp/map.html] - The tour guides insist there is no connection between the 'Ninja Temple' and actual ninja assassins. But with 23 rooms and 29 staircases, an impressive array of trapdoors and hidden rooms, and a sepukku (ritual suicide) chamber, it is easy to see why people would make that assumption. Call ahead to book a tour. The tour is conducted in Japanese, but they give travellers a folder with English translations. Local lore has it that there was an underground tunnel from the castle to the temple, to allow the Maeda lords an escape route in case of attack. However, no documentary proof of this has been found, and, like the ninjas, it merely adds to the myths of the place. Unfortunately, the staff have a well-deserved reputation (amongst both Japanese and foreigners) for being rude and unhelpful. ¥800 for adults, and you're supposed to make a reservation in advance, although they'll squeeze you in if there's space. The hour-long tour was well worth the price.
'''Oyama Shrine''' (___R____), on the other side of the castle. Built in the early Meiji period to honour the founding father of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshiie. It is notable for a unique gate with stained-glass windows that is a fusion of Japanese and Western architecture. The back gate to the shrine is also one of the few remaining parts of the original castle: a gate from the palace compound that escaped destruction when it was moved to the shrine. "Oyama" was the original name for the hill on which Kanazawa Castle was built.
'''Tentoku-in''' (_V___@), the largest temple in Kanazawa during the Edo period, it stood at the eastern end of the city. It was built to house the spirit of Tama-hime (___P: the Princess Tama), the wife of Maeda Toshitsune (the third Maeda lord). She was born in 1599 as the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the daughter of the second Shogun, Hidetada. It was a political marriage: the Tokugawa were worried about a possible attack from the powerful Maeda, historically supporters of the Toyotomi clan. Toshitsune sent his mother to Edo as a hostage, and in return received the Shogun's daughter in marriage. She was three years old at the time (though the actual marriage was carried out when she was 14), and her arrival in Kanazawa is commemorated each year in the Kaga Hyakumangoku Parade. She died at age 24.
'''Daij?ji Temple''' is an old and active Zen Buddhist Temple set away from traffic on a hillside. The temple in its current location dates from 1697. Old trees shade dense moss. There is a large bell hanging under the gate along the path which visitors may ring. Strikingly loud at first, the sound fades to accentuate the tranquillity. There are free early-early-morning pray-with-the-Zen-monks sessions for those so inclined, be prepared to join in with sweeping and cleaning afterwards. The whole place is extremely "wabi-sabi", spiritually mellow.
'''Shinmeiguu Shrine''' _____{ (''a few metres up from the Saigawa ?hashi bridge on the right hand side of the road'') this shrine is famous for the 900 year old plus Zelkova tree (keyaki) in its grounds. The shrine used to be on the banks of the Sai River, before land was reclaimed, and the tree was used as an anchor point for boats. Iron bars driven into the trunk so that boat hooks could be attached are still visible half-way up the tree. Sadly the rest of the grounds are used for parking and you will be kept at a safe distance from the tree by 3 fences: one bamboo, one steel and of course one made of concrete!
Museums
'''21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art''' [http://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/] - Located across from Kenroku-en, this modern marvel offers a fascinating juxtaposition to the traditional splendour of Kanazawa. Even if you don't enter the permanent or temporary exhibitions, the building itself is worth a look and there are usually some free exhibits inside. Don't miss the cafe!
'''Honda Forest''' (_{_____X ''Honda-no-Mori''). Near Kenrokuen is this pleasant green park-like area which houses the very interesting Prefectural Museum (housed in three long narrow prewar army storehouses of brick), the Art Gallery, and a few other smaller museums, as well as the Prefectural Noh Hall and the National Defence Shrine (________ ''Gokoku Jinja''), a smaller regional version of the main Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Just outside the shrine, which is built in the pure Japanese traditional style, is a tall pillar commemorating the dead of the "Great East Asia War" (Dai Tou-A Sensou: __________) that was the subject of considerable controversy when erected for its listing of groups that did not wish to be listed on a right-wing commemoration. It takes its name from the powerful Honda family, whose mansion once occupied this area in the Edo period.
'''Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts''', 1-1 Kenroku-machi, tel. 076-262-2020, [http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/densankan]. A craft museum that displays 36 types of traditional arts and crafts cultivated by the people who lived in Ishikawa province. The exhibits are grouped by type and well-displayed. Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30). Closed: April to November: 3rd Thursday of the month; December to March: Thursdays, Year-end and New Year. Admission fee is ¥250 for adults; ¥200 for seniors, and ¥100 for children under 17. Group rates are available. The museum is located near the Kenrokuen Garden.
'''Ishikawa Prefectural Museum''' [http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/muse/rekihaku/] Entry ¥250 (more when special exhibitions are held). Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30). Housed in three long brick buildings, restored armouries from the time when the area was used by the Imperial Japanese Army, it features a chronological display of local history in a modern and well-laid-out setting. There is also an area for hands-on history, where you can try on various outfits, including samurai armour. As with most tourist sites in Kanazawa, an English-language pamphlet is available.
'''Ishikawa Confectionery Culture Center''' (___q________ ''Kashi-bunka-kaikan''), [http://kashikaikan.or.jp]. Devoted to the fine art of making Japanese confectionery for all those teahouses, the first floor houses a cluster of high-end shops, while the second floor has a museum (¥300). While almost all signage is only in Japanese and the main exhibition on the history of candy is predictably yawn-inducing, it's worth the entrance fee just to see the exhibition of jaw-droppingly realistic flower bouquets, sets of samurai armour and more ''built entirely from candy''.
'''Kanazawa Museum of Modern Literature''' [http://kinbun.com/]. Entry ¥400. Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30). Housed in the Meiji-era brick building of the former Fourth Upper School (preparatory schools for the Imperial Universities), the fore-runner of Kanazawa University, it houses displays relating to famous local (generally) authors from the Meiji to pre-war period. Probably only of interest to students of Japanese literature rather than casual tourists, as many of the displays are original copies of books or manuscripts, written in Japanese.
Do
'''Asanogawa Riverside Garden Party''' 2nd Saturday and Sunday of April along the Asano River banks. 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. There are enchanting, graceful performances of singing and dancing by local geisha and maiko from Higashi Chaya-Machi district. Keep an eye out for the water jugglery "Mizu-gei" performance. ''7 minutes by Hokutetsu bus for Nishiki-Machi from JR Kanazawa Stations West Exit. Get off at Hashiba-Cho bus stop and follow the crowd.''
'''Hyakuman-goku Festival''' _____S___________@June 6th - 8th, 2008. 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 production in the area. The annual rice yield was one million bushels (JP: hyakuman-goku; _S____) or roughly 150,000 tonnes. The festival stretches out over three days and includes a parade, a citywide folk dancing competition, public tea ceremony at Kenroku-en and a children_fs lantern parade. The parade route was recently changed and now begins in front of JR Kanazawa Station. The highlight of the parade is the costumed pageant recreating the entry of Maeda Toshiie, featuring costumed warriors and ladies from the late Warring States period and early Edo Period. The role of Toshiie is usually given to a famous Japanese star.
Learn
'''Kanazawa University''' (_______w). Kanazawa University is composed of 8 faculties. About 8,000 university students study there. There is also a large post-graduate program. The main campus is Kakuma.
'''Kanazawa Gakuin University''' (_____w_@___w). Kanazawa Gakuin University is composed of 3 faculties.
'''Hokuriku University''' (_k_____w). Hokuriku University is composed of 4 faculties with about 3,000 students.
'''Kinjo University''' (_______w). Kinjo University has faculty of welfare.
'''KIDI Parsons'''. Kanazawa International Design Institute is an affiliate school of Parsons School of design in New York. Students learn foundation English and Design skills for two years, then have a portfolio interview for the option to continue studying at Parsons.
Work
As a large and fairly youthful city, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English. Do research and be prepared. It would be unwise to turn up and expect to find legal work easily, however, the better your Japanese ability the better the chances. In recent years NOVA, ECC and Berlitz closed operations in Kanazawa.
Buy
Japanese-style confectionery from Kanazawa makes a good souvenir.
Kanazawa is famed for '''gold leaf''' production (____ ''kinpaku'') and an interesting and reasonable priced gift is a small box of gold leaf fragments, which can be used to decorate cakes and food or for adding sparkle to cups of sake. Within the station are a plethora of shops selling tourist items. Another area speciality is '''lacquerware''' (____ ''shikki'') with products available to suit all budgets. Wajima (in Noto) and Yamanaka are two main areas of production.
'''Hakuza''' (____), Higashiyama 1-13-18 (''on Higashi-Chaya main street''), tel. +81-76-251-8930, [http://www.hakuza.co.jp/]. A well-known purveyor of all things covered or decorated with gold leaf, this shop is worth a visit just to see the stunning platinum and gold leafed teahouse inside. Open 9:30 AM to 6 PM daily.
Kenroku-en is ringed by shops catering to the tourist trade. Be aware that the lower priced chopsticks on sale will no doubt have been made in China!_@Look for the characters _____@to indicate a Chinese made product.
Kanazawa is known as a trendy city, and fashion reflects this. The Tatemachi shopping street is full of stores, many of which house good deals if you look hard enough.
Kohrinbo 109. ohrinbo 2-1-1. cross from Daiwa dept. store. ttp://www.kohrinbo109.com/index.html. The place to go for fashion, Kohrinbo 109 houses several floors dedicated to showcasing and selling all of the newest trends. There is a floor exclusively for men, and a movie theater on the top floor which shows a number of independent and foreign films.
Belsel Building. atemachi 24. ttp://www.tatemachi.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WebTatemachi.woa/3/wo/C2OxpygVlgfbawoNR8tJFg/5.1.0.9.5.0.3. For those interested in Japanese "otaku" culture, the Belsel building is the place to go in Kanazawa. This building houses several stores dedicated to selling products such as anime/manga, figures, and doujin works. In addition, the first floor is full of fashion stores specializing in goth, punk, lolita, and others.
Eat
A famous local dish is ''jibuni'' (______), made from boiled and seasoned duck and various vegetables. Crabs are another local favourite served up during the winter months, common types include the hairless male crab (zuwaigani) or smaller female crabs with eggs still attached. Served cold with a light vinegar or in nabe style hot pots. Sushi made with fish from the neighboring sea is also popular, the sweet shrimps (''amaebi'') are especially good in this region. In Spring the tiny gray river fish ''gori'' is a well known delicacy. Sometimes served deep fried with salt or in miso soup. Eaten whole it is an aquired taste.
Budget
'''Dai-Nana Gy?za'''(_____L_q)[http://www.white-gyouza.co.jp/index.html]: opposite the Mori-no-Sato Jusco shopping centre 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. Part of a small but insanely popular chain of "white gyoza" (named after the founder, a Chinese man named Hak (__), or "white". Ten gyoza are 360 yen. Go early to get a seat - it's very popular with students and young salarymen.
'''Gyoza-no-?sh?'''(_L_q______)[http://www.ohsho.co.jp/new/index.html] Katamachi, ''(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 for \180, large rice will set you back \200 and mains are in the \500 - \600 region. Look for the gaudy yellow, red and white sign near the bus stop. All Osho restaurants have a bilingual (English-Japanese) menu.
'''8-Ban Ramen''' Hachi-ban ramen, founded in Ishikawa in 1971 has outlets scattered throughout Kanazawa including one near the Saigawa Bridge in Katamachi. Cheap, but not known for the quality of its ramen. In fact Kanazawa as a whole is not the place to go for good ramen.
'''?mich?-ichiba''' (___]___s__) [http://ohmicho-ichiba.com/]. A local market selling fish, vegetables, fruits and meat. There are a number of great kaiten-sushi restaurants in this market, great for eating well on a budget.
'''Sakanaya''' (______), Hyakumangai (''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'' (_C_N__________, ¥980), a bowl of rice topped with all sorts of raw seafood goodies.
'''Skylark Family Restaurant''', a few minutes walk from the station between a car dealership and Toyoko Inn Hotel. Cheap and cheerful Western style food as well as Japanese dishes. Ask for the drink bar option to get unlimited access to the buffet style hot/cold soft drinks for only a couple of hundred yen. There are many other "family restaurant" style places in Kanazawa, from Big Boy to Joyful, though most are out in the suburbs.
Mid-range
Right next to Kanazawa train station is a new shopping complex called '''Forus'''. The 6th floor is dedicated to restaurants and has a very good conveyor style sushi restaurant. No English is spoken but they do have a picture menu and all tables have an electronic menu device. Be aware that if you do not finish all of your food, the Forus restaurants will not give you a box to take your leftovers! Other options include Chinese; Indonesian; Italian and Korean restaurants. Nearly all restaurants have a lunch special in the \1000 range.
'''Pilsen''' _i_________j,_@Katamachi, tel. 076-221-0688. 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. Limited English is spoken but they are used to foreign customers and have an English food menu. Drinks from \600 main dishes start around \800. Closed on Sundays.
'''MoriMoriZushi''' (____________), Forus 6F (''right outside Kanazawa stn''), Tel: 076-265-3510. Excellent sushi starting at \120 per plate. The salmon is divine and they even do a meat lovers' hamburger nigiri! The house special is the "three-point plate" (_O______) which gets you three different seasonal delicacies for ¥598. You can sit at the counter or for more elbow room ask for a table. No smoking throughout.
'''Osteria Albero''', Katamachi, tel: 076-236-1580 Open 18:00 - 24:00. Serving up great Italian food in a quiet corner of town. The pasta is handmade while you wait (around \1500 per dish) and the focaccia is superb and a bargain at \250. Menu in Japanese and Italian.
'''Le Mars''' (___}___X), Kohrinbo, tel./fax: 076-262-5343 Open 11:30 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 22:30 closed on Wednesdays. Husband and wife team serving up tasty Belgian inspired food in a relaxed atmosphere. Good range of European beers available. Tucked away down a side street near the '''Excel Hotel'''.
'''The Cottage''', Nagamachi area, tel. 076-262-3277 Open 12:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 22:00 closed on Wednesdays. Run by the very friendly Tony and Momo. Serving up homestyle cooking with plenty of conversation thrown in. A cozy restaurant popular with resident foreigners and tourists.
'''Hatsuchoya''', Katamachi. Its halfway between the "Scramble" and "Kohrinbo" (Its on the left-side of the street as you head from the Scramble towards Kohrinbo). The entry is hard to spot because you have to head down a set of stairs from street level (its underground). The best way to describe this place is a "refined" izakaya. The fare here is a modern twist on izakaya food. The quality of the food is unbelievable for the price. It has sunken seating by the open kitchen or private tatami style rooms and very cosy. Not much English is spoken but you manage to get your message across. Be adventurous, point to the menu and you can't go wrong. Staff is very friendly and efficient.
Splurge
'''Tsubajin''' (_____r), Teramachi, Tel: 076-241-2181 (Japanese only). Open for Lunch and Dinner, reservations required (http://www.tsubajin.co.jp/yoyaku.asp). Founded in 1752, and the premiere Japanese dining experience in Kanazawa, Tsubajin has hosted daimyo, members of the Imperial Family, government ministers, and others who can afford the hospitality of this 250-year-old ryotei - dinners start at \20,000 per person, and rise into the upper stratosphere. A mere \9,000 will allow you to taste their lunch set menu. The current building dates from the early Taisho period (1912-1925), and is designed in the finest Kanazawa style.
'''Takeshi''' (______), Saigawa, Katamachi Tel: 076-234-2121 (Japanese only) opening hours : 1700 - 2300 closed on Sundays. Modern Japanese cuisine in stylish surroundings. The color yellow is a major theme and even the chef's phone is yellow! Courses start at \5250 per person for 8 dishes, not including drinks. Reservations essential.
'''Ume No Hana''' (_~____), 1-101 Tomizu-machi, Tel: 076-237-4188 (Japanese only) open every day for lunch 11:00 - 14:30 and dinner 17:00 - 21:00. For a true Japanese dining experience that is hard to beat this place will make even ex-pat lifers in Japan misty eyed. Beautiful landscaped gardens; immaculate tatami rooms with each room having themed pottery; a mind bending array of tofu dishes and phenomenal service. Kaiseki lunches start at \1,500 while dinner starts at \3,500 per person. Allow plenty of time to savour the experience as dish after dish will be brought to you. A nice discrete touch is that instead of a check you will be given a keyring to handover when you leave. Ensuring only the bill payer sees the total! Reservations essential even at lunch time. Away from the main sights so a taxi is the easiest way to get there. You will never look at tofu in the same way again!
'''Taiheizushi''' (________), Nonoichi-machi, Taihei-Ji, 076-248-5131 closed Wednesdays. Open for lunch 11:00 - 14:00 and dinner 17:00 - 23:00. When Japanese celebrities visit Kanazawa this is the place they go for superb sushi. The master chef is soccer crazy and speaks excellent English. Lunch begins at \5000 per head and dinner starts from \10,000. Watch out for the wasabi rolls. Worth every penny/yen! Counter seats 12. ''Book well in advance.''
Drink
; ____ : The name may mean "tea shop", but the main selling point of a ''chaya'' is geishas, not tea.
; ___[ : A "tea room" (''sab?'') is a tea house that serves traditional Japanese tea and sweets.
; ____ : A "tea pavilion" (''sary?'') is where formal tea ceremonies are conducted.
; ___X : True to the name, a "tea shop" (''chaten'') sells tea (the leaf) and its utensils, but doesn't serve it.
; ______ : The "tea space" (''cha-no-ma'') is what the Japanese call living rooms.
; _i___X : These days ''kissaten'' or "tea enjoyment shop" usually means a coffeeshop — including Starbucks!
While in Kanazawa, don't miss the opportunity to sample tea ceremony tea (____ ''matcha''), served with either an incredibly dry and tasteless sweet (_____q ''higashi'') or a rather more appetizing fresh one (_____q ''namagashi''). Figure on ¥5000-1000 depending on where you try it; the Higashi-Chaya geisha district probably offers the nicest teahouses.
The Katamachi area in central Kanazawa is wall to wall with bars of all shapes and sizes. Some buildings such as the '''Elle Building''' are almost exclusively full of hostess bars (often referred to as lounge bars) which may not always be foreigner friendly. Many bars will hit you for a cover charge anywhere upwards of \500 per person stretching into thousands. As the competition is stiff bars without a charge will often advertise it quite clearly. The '''St.Louis Jigger Bar''' run by Suntory is one such cocktail bar on the corner of the Scramble.
'''Nyumba''', JR Station area, 2-19-4 Hon-machi, 076-233-7405 open 11:30am - Midnight, closed on Sundays. A stylish, modern family run cafe/bar near Kanazawa station. They do lunch specials for around \900 (11:30 - 14:00). Draft beer goes for \500 and they have a range of teas and coffees from \300. Cocktails are in the \600 range.
'''Machrihanish''', Katamachi Area, Kigura-machi, 076-233-0072 open 18:30 - 02:00, closed on Sundays. The best selection of Single Malts in Kanazawa bar none. The English speaking owner spent several years working at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and has visited ''every'' distillery in Scotland! If whisky is your thing this is the place to visit. Draft Kilkenny is \900 a pint, cocktails start at \750 and the vast whisky selection kicks off at \700. The fish and chips is recommended. It is on the 2nd floor next to a bar called '''Cadeau''' look for the large white sign.
'''Ozi''', Tatemachi shopping street, open 11:00 - 23:00, closed on Mondays. A great place to sit and people watch while sipping a drink. Draft beer is \500 and soft drinks are \250. Kebabs, tortilla rolls and pizzas are on the menu and the friendly owner, who hails from Istanbul, speaks English, Persian and German. A popular spot with resident foreigners.
Sleep
The largest concentration of hotels is around the station area including all the usual suspects: ANA, APA, Nikko etc. Toyoko Hotel and Route Inn hotel are two of the newest. For cheaper options, the Kanawaza Ryokan and Hotel Society runs the '''Yadotime''' [http://www.yadotime.jp/index_e.html] booking engine, also available in English.
Budget
'''Ryokan Shibaya''' (__________), 2-19-7 Hon-cho, ''+81''-762-223-270 [http://www.yadotime.jp/shisetsu/12/index.php]. 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. Only a short walk from the station, it has a peaceful atmosphere, free green tea vending machines in the hallways and big bright rooms (western style or tatami available). Unfortunately, you may have to ask your hosts to turn on the hot water system if you fancy a morning shower. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful but their English is limited. From ¥4300/person (Western or tatami), breakfast ¥700 extra.
Mid-range
'''Dormy Inn''' (_h_|_~-_C______), Kanazawa Station area (''1 minute walk from the East Exit, opposite Forus''), tel: ''+81''-76-263-9888. Opened in November 2006. Singles for \8,500 and Twin rooms for \15,000. Complete with onsen style bathing on the 14th floor to relax those travel weary muscles. Free internet in the lobby. Special rates available, enquire at the Tourist Information office inside the station.
'''Daiwa Roynet Hotel''' Kanazawa Station area (''1 minute walk from the East Exit, opposite Forus''), tel: ''+81''-76-224-7755, [http://www.daiwaroynet.jp web site]. Brand new, with elegantly designed rooms. Professional staff. Internet in the rooms, as well as at internet terminals in the lobby. Very convenient and price competitive.
'''Toyoko-Inn Hotel''' Kohrinbo (''5 minute bus ride from train station but gets you close to Shopping centre, Kenrokuen garden, Samurai district and "The Scramble"''), [http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/ web site]. New, business style hotel - included simple Japanese breakfast. Professional staff. Internet terminals and free WiFi service in the foyer, as well as wired internet connections available in every room. Very convenient and price competitive. Clean and neat as a pin.
Splurge
'''The Nikko Hotel''', 2-15-1 Hon-machi (''3 minutes walk from JR Kanazawa Station's East Exit''), ''+81''-76-234-1111. Opened in April 1994, this hotel is one of Kanazawa's most distinctive landmarks and at 130m the tallest hotel on the Japan Sea side of the country. Standard singles are __16,747 while doubles cost __28,875. Deluxe Twin Standard rooms are __57,750. The Nikko Floor consists of the 26th and 27th floors and rooms on these levels go for several thousand yen more. At the top end of the price range is the Imperial Suite at a whopping __288,750 per night!
Contact
There are free Internal terminals in the underground plaza just below the station, although they're usually patronized non-stop by the local homeless community getting their online mahjong fix.
'''Information Office, Kanazawa Tourist Association''', Kanazawa Station, Hirookamachi. Tel: (+81) 076231-6311.
'''Kanazawa International Exchange Foundation''', 2-2-43, Nagamachi, Kanazawa. Tel: (+81) 076220-2522
Stay safe
As with most if not all cities in Japan, Kanazawa is a very safe place to visit. The central crossing in Kanazawa`s Katamachi area (known locally as the Scramble) can get a bit rowdy on the weekends. The worse that is likely to happen is a snide comment or two. The usual common sense rules apply and single female travellers would be wise to keep their wits about them at night-time.
Cope
English is not as widely spoken as in other bigger cities and many restaurants will only have a Japanese menu. A big smile and a bit of patience will work wonders in these cases. In many cases, the waitperson can probably speak some English if you give them a chance to get over their nervousness.
Get out
Komatsu — the site of Nata-dera Temple, a favourite among Japanese tourists
Noto Peninsula. A rugged and spectacular peninsula jutting out into the Japan Sea.
Mount Haku (''Hakusan'') — One of Japan's three most sacred mountains, the others being Mount Fuji and Tateyama.
'''Shishiku Heights''' Tsurugi Town. Offers freestyle snowboarding during the winter, with a half pipe and selection of jumps and rails. When there is no snow you can rent protective gear and go grassboarding! Another adventurous option is para-gliding.
Take the Hokutetsu bus bound for Arimatsu from JR Kanazawa Station`s East Exit. Get off roughly 20 minutes later at Nomachi bus stop and walk downhill 1 minute to Hokuriku Railway Nomachi Station. Take a train to Kaga-Ichinomiya Station (35 minutes). From here you can take a fairly long walk or catch a taxi to Park Shishiku which is at the base of Shishiku Heights. There is a boarding area for the gondola that will take you up to the mountain top. It is possible to hike down from top during the warmer months. Great views can be had stretching across the Kaga Plain all the way to the Sea of Japan.
'''Tedori Kyokoku''' (Tedori Gorge). An ideal place to relax during the humid summer months. Boasting impressive cliffs rising up to 30m and a roaring waterfall. In the summer, the gorge offers the chance to go rafting and canoeing along the fast flowing Tedori river.
Roughly 1 hour by Hokutetsu bus for Shiramine from JR Kanazawa Station. Get off at Komonbashi or Furobashi bus stop and walk for several minutes. It is clearly signposted in English and easily accessible by car from Kanazawa.