Kanazawa is known as a city where many cultural assets, Japanese-style atmospheres, and buildings remain. It is also a highly popular travel destination, attracting many people of all ages and from both Japan and abroad.
This time, we will introduce recommended Instagrammable cafes, restaurants, and sightseeing spots in Kanazawa, while also suggesting recommended courses for exploring Kanazawa.
Please read to the end.
＞＞If you're looking for kimono rental in Kanazawa, try Wargo
10 Recommended Instagrammable Cafes & Restaurants in Kanazawa
DORUMIRU | Artistic Parfaits You Can't Help But Gaze At
DORUMIRU partners with fruit farmers to offer exquisite sweets. Their artistic parfaits are a luxurious treat, packed with sweet fruits in a shallow glass.
In addition to parfaits that you'll want to admire from every angle, they offer a wide selection of "delicious and cute foods" that can only be purchased here, such as cakes and P-can.
Be sure to visit and experience these sweets, crafted with attention to both taste and appearance.
Address: 1-1 Tatemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 7-minute walk from Katamachi bus stop
Hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Budget: 2,000 yen ~
Official Website: DORUMIRU
fluffy | Fluffy Pancakes in a Traditional Japanese House
Fluffy is a popular traditional Japanese house cafe where fluffy pancakes are highly Instagrammable. Although it's a bit far from Kanazawa Station, many people visit it as a hidden gem.
It features a wide variety of pancakes, from classic sweet options to savory meal-style dishes. This makes it a great choice even when dining with someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth.
Address: Nu-79 Tsukihashimachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa
Access: 15-minute walk from Himiko Station
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: Fridays
Budget: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen
Official Website: Pancake Cafe fluffy (@pancakecafe_fluffy) • Instagram photos and videos
Kafe MURAKAMI | Relax with Freshly Made Wagashi
At "Kafe MURAKAMI," where you can enjoy handmade, freshly made wagashi, you can savor delicious Japanese sweets that you wouldn't normally encounter. They also offer a wide range of Japanese-style desserts beyond traditional wagashi, so it's worth a visit even if you're not usually a fan of wagashi.
Their dango (sweet dumplings) are particularly popular for being Instagrammable. The "2-tama dango," featuring two small dumplings, are cute, easy to eat, and visually appealing for photos.
They also have seasonal limited-edition items, so be sure to visit when you go to Kanazawa.
Address: 1-4 Izumihonmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 2-minute walk from Nimando bus stop
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: New Year's Day
Budget: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen
Official Website: Kafe Murakami
CHARLIE’SELECT | A Select Shop Purveyor to the British Royal Family
CHARLIE'SELECT is a highly popular select shop, purveyor to the British Royal Family, located on the 1st floor of Cross Gate Kanazawa, a 2-minute walk from Kanazawa Station.
While primarily selling chocolates, they also offer a variety of British-style goods. You can also purchase drinks and sweets for takeout, so be sure to take a commemorative photo with the shop in the background.
It's also a recommended shop for buying souvenirs.
Address: 1-1-1F Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 2-minute walk from Kanazawa Station
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Budget: ~1,000 yen
Official Website: CHARLIE’SELECT (@charlieselect) • Instagram photos and videos
CAFE DUMBO | A Healing Space Where You'll Accidentally Linger
CAFE DUMBO is a popular cafe known for its healing atmosphere where you'll find yourself lingering. With an interior reminiscent of the Dumbo district in Brooklyn, NY, a relaxed and calm time flows here.
The drink cups are generously sized, perfect for a leisurely stay. Among the menu items, healthy cakes made with body-friendly ingredients are particularly popular. Why not take a relaxing break during your sightseeing, enjoying carrot cake or cheesecake?
Address: 2-11-6 Korinbo, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 5-minute walk from Korinbo bus stop
Hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Budget: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen
Official Website: DUMBO (@cafe_dumbo) • Instagram photos and videos
Sunglasses and Cafe Mito | Glasses? Cafe? Both!
Sunglasses and Cafe Mito is a unique establishment that sells eyeglasses and sunglasses while also operating as a cafe.
Enjoy latte art featuring glasses motifs and original waffles, while trying on over 300 pairs of sunglasses.
You might just find the perfect pair for you.
The shop's exterior features a pop yellow wall adorned with rough, graffiti-like art. Taking photos from outside is also recommended for an Instagrammable shot.
Address: Seseragi Passage 1-C, 2-12-10 Korinbo, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 2-minute walk from Korinbo bus stop
Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Budget: ~1,000 yen
Official Website: Mito Eyewear Shop
Kaho Kazu Nakashima | Savor Kanazawa's Signature Sweet: Jou-Namagashi
At "Kaho Kazu Nakashima," a 140-year-old traditional Japanese confectionery shop, you can savor Jou-Namagashi, which can be called Kanazawa's signature sweet.
This shop creates new products daily, based on the concept of "living wagashi." It's a popular establishment that maintains an elegant Japanese atmosphere while being innovative, attracting many fans of all ages.
They offer not only non-alcoholic beverages but also alcoholic drinks, so it's recommended to spend a luxurious time enjoying delicious wagashi with sake.
Address: 1-7-6 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Station
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed: Thursdays
Budget: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen
Official Website: Kaho Kazu Nakashima
Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku Parti | Enjoy an Adult Moment at the Lounge Cafe
Parti is a lounge located in Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku. It's easily accessible from tourist spots like Kanazawa Castle Park and is popular as a cafe that can be used even by non-guests.
In the interior, which exudes a Taisho Retro atmosphere and a sense of luxury, you can enjoy tea time with antique tableware.
Aim for an Instagrammable shot with menu items that prioritize both appearance and taste, such as Jou-Namagashi, matcha, and gold leaf blended coffee.
Address: 6-3 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 6-minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle bus stop
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (until 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: None
Budget: 1,000 yen - 2,000 yen
Official Website: [Official] Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku | Natural Hot Spring for Beautiful Skin ≪Best Rate Guarantee≫
Hyakubanya | Snap a Photo with the New Specialty "Nodoguro Soft Serve"!
The new specialty "Nodoguro Soft Serve," inspired by Kanazawa's famous nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), is a sweet treat that can only be enjoyed at Hyakubanya. This dish, featuring soft serve ice cream served in a pink cone shaped like a nodoguro, is simple yet impactful and has garnered attention for being Instagrammable.
The cone itself is specially made from "fu-yaki" (a type of baked wafer) using mochi rice from Ishikawa Prefecture, making it a definite good memory of your Ishikawa sightseeing.
Address: 3-3-35 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 1-minute walk from Hashibacho 3/4 bus stop
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays (mostly Wednesdays)
Budget: ~1,000 yen
Official Website: Hyakubanya
mame nomanoma | Enjoy 6-Minute Shelf-Life Monaka and Special Mamemitsu On the Spot
At mame nomanoma, located next to "Amanatto Kawamura," they sell items like 6-minute shelf-life monaka and shaved ice made with special mamemitsu (bean syrup). After ordering at Amanatto Kawamura, you can immediately enjoy them in the rest space.
Seasonal limited-edition products can be checked on their official Instagram, so it's recommended to take a look before actually visiting the shop.
Enjoy a variety of wagashi that are best eaten on the spot, in a stylish rest space.
Address: 2-24-7 Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 2-minute walk from Hirokoji bus stop
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Weekdays: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Closed: First Tuesday of the month, New Year holidays
Budget: ~1,000 yen
Official Website: Amanatto Kawamura
10 Recommended Instagrammable Spots in Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya District | Stroll Through a Town Overflowing with Japanese Charm
Higashi Chaya District is one of the three chaya districts in Kanazawa and has been selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
The townscape, which has continued since the Edo period, is filled with an atmosphere as if you've time-traveled, lined with prestigious kappo restaurants, machiya cafes, and traditional craft shops.
If you want to avoid crowds, a morning stroll is recommended.
Address: Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 5-minute walk from Hashibacho bus stop
Official Website: Higashi Chaya District | Sightseeing & Experiences - Kanazawa City
Also check this out if you're going to Higashi Chaya District!
Recommended Spots in Higashi Chaya District
Nishi Chaya District | A Town Where Traces of Edo Remain Strong
Alongside Higashi Chaya District, Nishi Chaya District is another highly popular chaya district in Kanazawa, a town where glamorous geiko (geisha) are active.
Two-story chaya architecture and long-established kappo restaurants line the streets, exuding a distinctly Japanese atmosphere that has continued since the Edo period.
In the evenings, you can often see geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha) heading to work, and the sound of shamisen (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument) fills the air.
Address: Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 3-minute walk from Hirokoji bus stop
Official Website: Nishi Chaya District | Sightseeing & Experiences - Kanazawa City
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa | Relax in a Museum Like a Park
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, characterized by its relaxed, park-like atmosphere, hosts contemporary art exhibitions whose content changes from time to time.
You can spend time for free in the Exchange Zone without entering the Exhibition Zone, and the spacious, bright grounds allow you to take various photos.
Leandro Erlich's "The Swimming Pool" is an exhibit that offers the experience of walking underwater, and many photos of it have been posted on Instagram.
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access:
Hours (Exhibition Zone): 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Opening hours (Interaction Zone): 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Admission fee (Exhibition Zone): Varies by exhibition
Admission fee (Interaction Zone): Free
Official Website: Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Kenrokuen Garden | A garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty
Kenrokuen Garden is one of Kanazawa's most popular tourist attractions, a special garden designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty. It is a garden that has been cultivated over approximately 180 years and is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. The vast grounds feature ponds, islands, and abundant plants that adorn them, making every photo beautiful no matter where you shoot. Furthermore, it's a landscape that suits kimonos, so if you visit wearing one, you'll be able to take wonderful portraits.
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access:
Visiting Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM from mid-October to February)
Admission Fee: 320 yen for ages 18 and over, 100 yen for ages 6-17
Official Website: Cultural Property Designated Garden Special Place of Scenic Beauty Kenrokuen
Nagamachi Samurai District | The former residential area of samurai during the feudal domain era
In the Nagamachi Samurai District, you can walk through the town where samurai lived during the feudal domain era. Samurai residences line the streets, and many are open to the public, making it an irresistible spot for history buffs. Designated as a Traditional Environment Preservation Area and Scenic District by Kanazawa City, the landscape that has survived through the ages to the present day has a unique charm. It's also a place that shows different expressions throughout the four seasons, so you'll be able to take great photos no matter when you visit.
Address: Nagamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 5-minute walk from Korinbo bus stop
Official Website: Nagamachi Samurai District | Sightseeing & Experiences
Ishikawa Prefectural Products Center | A place packed with Ishikawa's charm
The Ishikawa Prefectural Products Center, packed with Ishikawa's charm such as famous sweets, tsukudani (simmered seafood/seaweed), and traditional crafts, not only offers local specialties for purchase but also features an experience floor. At the experience corner, you can try making wagashi (Japanese sweets) and small items using gold leaf, learning from artisans to create three types of wagashi. You can take home what you make, so please give it a try.
Address: 2-20 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 1-minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle bus stop
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:50 PM
Official Website: Ishikawa Prefectural Products Center
Oyama Shrine | A mysterious shrine featuring a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles
Oyama Shrine is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain, and his principal wife, Omatsu. The Shinmon gate standing at the entrance to the shrine grounds is built using a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles, making it a rare structure nationwide. If you visit around sunset, the stained-glass section, known as "Giyaman," is lit up, creating a fantastical beauty. Oyama Shrine, with its unique style compared to other shrines, is also highly popular as an Instagrammable tourist spot.
Address: 11-1 Oyamacho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 3-minute walk from Minamicho / Oyama Shrine bus stop
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Oyama Shrine
Kanazawa Station | A station with a track record of being chosen as one of the most beautiful stations in the world
Kanazawa Station is a popular Instagrammable spot, a new landmark in Kanazawa born from the spirit of hospitality. The architecture, designed with the concept of offering an umbrella to protect visitors from the rain and snow common in Kanazawa, is beautiful and has even been chosen as one of the most beautiful stations in the world. The majestic Tsuzumi-mon Gate and the beautiful geometric glass ceiling are breathtaking, boasting a level of perfection that allows it to be counted as a tourist destination despite being a station.
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: Kanazawa Station
Official Website: Kanazawa Station | JR Odekake Net
Ishiura Shrine | Kanazawa's oldest shrine, connecting bonds and destinies
Address: 3-1-30 Hondamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 1-minute walk from Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum bus stop
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Ishiura Shrine
National Crafts Museum | Beautiful exterior and surrounding scenery
The National Crafts Museum, specializing in contemporary crafts and design, exhibits approximately 4,000 works based on various themes. If you visit during a special exhibition or co-hosted exhibition, you might be able to see works not usually on display. Famous works such as "Twelve Hawks" by Suzuki Chokichi and "Brooch with Winged Spirit of the Wind" by René Lalique are also housed here. Furthermore, the building itself, which utilizes a former Imperial Japanese Army facility from the late Meiji period, is also a highlight.
Address: 3-2 Dewamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Access: 10-minute walk from Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum bus stop
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Admission Fee: Varies by exhibition
Official Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/
Recommended Instagrammable Courses in Kanazawa
Touring classic spots from Higashi Chaya District
This course starts from Higashi Chaya District and takes you through Kanazawa's classic spots. We've included spots that even first-time visitors to Kanazawa will enjoy.
① Higashi Chaya District
② Kaho Kazunakashima
③ Omicho Market
④ Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
⑤ Kenrokuen Garden
When strolling through Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, and other areas, it's recommended to take your time and make detours. Be sure to find memorable spots.
Touring Japanese-style places from Nishi Chaya District
This course, which includes Nishi Chaya District, allows you to enjoy different atmospheres by visiting Nishi Chaya District twice, once in the morning and once in the evening.
① Nishi Chaya District stroll
② mame nomanoma
③ Nagamachi Samurai District stroll
④ Kanazawa Castle Park
⑤ Ishikawa Prefectural Products Center
⑥ Nishi Chaya District
If you don't have much energy or time, it's recommended to walk through Nishi Chaya District in the evening, perhaps spotting geisha or listening to the sound of the shamisen. And if you don't forget to include delicious food and experiences, it will surely be a memorable trip.
Fully experience Kanazawa culture
This course is recommended when you want to experience Kanazawa's culture and have an intellectual journey. Let's visit spots where you can feel and learn about history and culture in order.
① D.T. Suzuki Museum
② National Crafts Museum
③ Oyama Shrine
④ Nagamachi Samurai District stroll
⑤ Kanazawa Station
For this course, which offers an intellectual journey while also covering Instagrammable spots, it's recommended to bring some well-prepared items like a camera or related books.
Instagrammable-focused course for young people
This course is designed for young people, with an emphasis on Instagrammability. We've included spots to ensure a casual trip while fully enjoying the essence of Kanazawa.
① Kenrokuen Garden
② Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
③ Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku Parti
④ Hyakubanya
⑤ Higashi Chaya District stroll
At Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District, you can experience Japanese culture unique to Kanazawa, while at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku Parti, you can enjoy taking Instagrammable photos. Let's enjoy a relaxed Kanazawa sightseeing trip while eating and drinking delicious things.
Enjoy your trip even more with "Kimono Rental Wargo"
Kimono Rental Wargo offers one-day kimono rentals and dressing services. Walking through Kanazawa, where Japanese history and culture remain strong, in a kimono will not only lift your spirits but also allow you to aim for a higher-grade Instagrammable photo. We offer kimonos for women's trips, of course, but also for men, so why not try wearing a kimono to add color to your journey?
Summary
Kanazawa has many charming places where you can experience Japanese culture and Kanazawa's history. Furthermore, there are also many places where you can encounter contemporary art, so if you plan carefully, you can enjoy your trip without getting bored. If you're aiming for Instagrammable photos during your Kanazawa sightseeing, close-ups are recommended, as are portraits. Take photos with friends or capture two-shots to preserve your memories of Kanazawa sightseeing. By renting a kimono and walking through the city in an unaccustomed outfit, you can spend an even more special time. Kimono Rental Wargo offers assistance for wonderful trips through kimono rentals. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
