I took a trip to Kanazawa over the New Year holidays. Arriving at Kanazawa Station on the E7 Shinkansen, I was greeted by the Motenashi Dome and the Tsuzumi-mon gate. Right next to the glass-structured Motenashi Dome is the eye-catching wooden gate shaped like a drum.
Kanazawa is a charming city with many attractions like Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. However, here are some things to keep in mind when visiting.
IC Transit Cards Are Not Accepted
Make sure to bring change when visiting Kanazawa.
Hokutetsu Kanazawa Bus, which operates buses in Kanazawa, does not accept IC transit cards. Although they have their own IC card called “ICa” based on Felica technology, it isn’t compatible with other IC cards.
This means you’ll need cash, and since 10,000 yen bills are not accepted, make sure to have 1,000 yen bills ready.
If you plan to visit multiple places, the “1-Day Unlimited Kanazawa City Pass” is a great deal. Buy it through a smartphone website, and simply show the screen to the driver to enjoy unlimited rides.
Don’t Wear Leather Shoes in Winter
Wear waterproof, non-slip shoes.
Kanazawa in winter often has heavy snowfall. While snow in Tokyo is rare in December, Kanazawa is often blanketed with fluffy powder snow. There’s a saying in Kanazawa, “Don’t forget your umbrella, even if you forget your lunch,” since it’s a region with frequent rain, which means snow in the colder months.
Kanazawa also has sprinklers embedded in roads to prevent icing. Unfortunately, these can hit your shoes directly, and in some areas, they spray water up to knee height, so be careful when walking.
Take caution when walking on compacted snow, as it’s slippery. Step firmly and proceed slowly.
Beware of Snow Falling from Roofs and Trees
This is another winter-specific tip: when walking under eaves, be wary of snow falling in chunks from above.
Falling snow can soak your clothes, so try to walk away from buildings or stay directly under covered areas when possible.
Final Thoughts
These are general tips, but they apply not only to Kanazawa but to any snowy region in winter.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of gloves. While taking photos of the scenery on my iPhone with bare hands, the skin on the back of my hands became chapped and raw. Cold-weather protection is essential.
Lastly, if you want to see the famous “pool you can look up from” at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, note that reservations are required. Although you can also reserve exhibition tickets, this pool requires a separate reservation. Entry tickets have specific times, which can be a bit inconvenient. I ended up skipping the 21st Century Museum altogether.
