Kanazawa’s 5 Best Photo Locations

After 4 consecutive years of visiting Kanazawa it is time to put together this list. Being in the right place at the right time is imperative in capturing the perfect photo.

I like to compare Kanazawa to Kyoto. Located on the Japan Sea side it’s an easy Shinkansen Ride (Bullet Train) from Tokyo. Many day trippers manage to still get around and see all the key locations.

Unlike Kyoto, Kanazawa is much smaller in size and easy to get around on foot. Thanks to Google Maps I have mapped out a perfect walk you can tackle over two days.

1. Omicho Market

   Breakfast at the fish market is the perfect way to start the day. When Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo moved to a new brand new location, I felt it lost a little bit of it’s history. Luckily, I have found a fabulous substitute at half the prices.

   The prime quality of the produce come fresh from the Japan sea only a short drive from the city. If you are snapping some portraits of vendors make sure they don’t have any signs prohibiting photography.
   

   When in doubt, simply gesture to ask for permission. Sushi Don (Assorted sashimi on rice) King Crab (Kani), Sea Urchin (Uni) and Eel (Unagi) are always a stand out.

2. Kanazawa Castle

The interior of the castle is not the main attraction but the actual exterior and the grounds surrounding the castle are impressive.

If you are here in spring or autumn, then you will need half an hour to walk around the perimeter. After breakfast at the fish market a short 10 - 15 minute walk will help digest a full stomach.

Many opportunities for street portraits of young ladies in kimono.

3. Kenroku-en Garden

Rated as the third best garden in Japan. The best spots to shoot from are around the pond. The large pine trees are another attraction.

Most ancient trees are propped up with poles to support the hanging branches. Some of the Karasaki pine trees are from the 18th century.

Every November, Kanazawa prepares its beautiful gardens for the heavy winter snows of the Sea of Japan, protecting its trees with yukizuri ropes and its earthen walls with komo straw mats.

Having lunch at the tea house over looking the pond, sitting on the tatami (straw) matt floor and basking in the afternoon sun are a very relaxing experience.

4. Higashi Chaya Tea District

Literally translates as east area tea houses. This is the area where Geisha live and work. Many of their homes are tea houses.

Renting a kimono and taking photos in the back alleys is such a fun way to explore. Kanazawa is known as the gold leaf product centre of japan. Don’t be surprised to see gold leaf in almost everything you eat and drink.

Even soft serve ice cream and sushi has gold leaf. Lacquerware craftsmen are also know in Kanazawa. This is a Unesco heritage listed district.

The local government also assists all locals with maintenance costs to keep uniformity and beauty in the architecture. Not to be missed, is the Shimonshincho area across Asano river at dusk.

5. Nagamichi Samurai District

Nomura house is a small Samurai museum with a very compact but picturesque Japanese garden.

Being a lower ranking Samurai Nomura san would only receive 1200 units of rice from the emperor compared to the Kanazawa castle which received over a 1 million units.

Nevertheless, the samurai district has many more smaller homes that have been converted to tea houses and restaurants.

Side Trip - Ainokura

If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend a night in a 200 year thatched roof farmhouse. The Unesco Heritage listed village of Ainokura has less tourists than Shirakawago.

It’s a bit difficult to get to which makes it more appealing.

My Travel Photography Kit

Camera: Fujifilm XT3 | Lenses: 35mm (F1.4) & 14mm (F2.8) | Tripod: Sirui T024SX | Macbook Pro 13 inch | Total Weight: 5 Kg.