Amazing park to get lost in or walk around. Getting there before 9/10am is key since after that the tour buses start to roll in. But fair warning if you come earlier the food/tea shops won’t be open yet. However you will have great opportunities to take photos without people in the background. Park is smaller than it seems so it is easy to walk the entirety of it. Pebbled walkways so stroller got stuck a bit but we managed. Bathrooms are plentiful but trash cans are not so make sure you have a plan for any trash you bring in.
My girlfriend and I visited Kanazawa Castle Park and enjoyed it very much! The grounds are huge and beautifully kept, with a very good vibe. The white walls of the castle buildings are stunning, especially against the blue sky. It is a very peaceful and comfortable place to walk and learn about history. 10/10 experience!
Kanazawa Castle Park is truly a gem! 🏯 I absolutely loved exploring the beautiful grounds and historic architecture. This is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Ishikawa. Highly recommend! 🌳🌸✨
Kanazawa Castle has a spacious interior area, beautifully designed like a Japanese garden. The atmosphere is calm and perfect for relaxing or even going for a jog. It’s not crowded and the grounds are very clean.
A big bonus is that it’s right next to Kenroku-en Garden—you can walk between the two easily. The castle itself has been nicely renovated and looks fresh and well-maintained. If you’re visiting Kanazawa, it’s definitely worth a stop.
The castle is being rebuilt and most of the surrounding structures are also recent. The big scaffolding isn’t pretty, so your photos won’t turn out great, but it’s understandable. However, if you have already visited other castles in Japan, like in Osaka, Kyoto or Himeji, you’ve already seen plenty. Here, the main attraction are the outdoors and the gardens. Today it was sunny and it was beautiful. Some parts can become crowded, but it’s not too hard to find a quiet place for yourself, to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
If you follow Google Maps directions on foot, it can be misleading, I had to cross a wooden structure/bridge over the street to get to the castle from where I was coming from (the train station).