FUKUI
1 hour 25 minutes by car from Nomachi Villa - directions
Fukui City, the capital of Fukui Prefecture, is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan and is known for its rich history, cultural sites, and natural beauty. Fukui is also famous for its connection to Zen Buddhism, being near Eiheiji Temple, one of the most important Zen training centers in Japan.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
1 hour 25 minutes by car from Nomachi Villa - directions
Open: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: No Closures
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums. Established on July 14, 2000, the museum is situated near the Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry, a significant site where numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered, including several species unique to the region such as Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis and Fukuisaurus tetoriensis .
Cost: Adult ¥1,000
✦ Kenroku-en Gardens
8 minutes by car from Nomachi Villa - directions
Kenrokuen Parking Lot - directions
Open: 7:00am–6:00pm (8:00am–5:00pm from October 16th to end of February.
Closing time is extended to 9:30pm. to allow visitors to enjoy ‘yozakura’, or night cherry blossom viewing after the official announcement of the start of the cherry blossom season in Kanazawa, typically late March ~ Early April
Closed: No Closures
Justifiably classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries.
Cost: Adult ¥320
Kaga-Yuzen Kimono Center
directions
Open: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: Wednesdays
The history of Kaga Yuzen dyeing dates back 500 years, to when Umezome (plain dyeing) was the distinctive dyeing technique of the Kaga district. In the mid 17th century, pattern and picture dyeing were introduced to produce elegant designs, and those techniques evolved into today’s Kaga Yuzen dyeing technique. In 1712, Yuzensai Miyazaki, a noted designer of fans, came to Kanazawa from Kyoto as a designer and dyer of the Tarodaya dyeing house. With his outstanding skill in dyeing using paste, he contributed greatly to the development of Kaga Yuzen dyeing. Kaga Yuzen dyeing flourished in Kanazawa under the patronage of the feudal lords of the Kaga district, and the city produced many outstanding dyers and designer.
Kaga-Yuzen Dyeing Experience
Try you hand at Kaga-Yuzen. Kaga Yuzen uses five basic colors; indigo, crimson, ocher, dark green and royal purple, and the designs depict beautiful elements of nature such as flowers, birds and landscapes. The dyeing style is characterized by the technique of shading from the outside to the inside of the patterns, and by realistic motifs such as plants and flowers with leaves bitten by insects.
Duration: 20 ~o 60 minutes
Cost: ¥1.650 ~ ¥2,750 - dependant on item and dying method chosen
You can book ahead of time (recommended) - booking link
Same-day booking is possible on the day of the workshop for a group of up to four people.
Please book a week in advance for a group of five or more people.
✦ Kanazawa Castle - Seaat of the powerful Maeda Clan
directions
Open: 7:00am ~ 6:00pm
Closed: No Closures
Kanazawa Castle is a historic landmark that once served as the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Originally built in 1580, the castle has been reconstructed several times due to fires and other damage. Today, its impressive stone walls, restored gates, and wooden structures like the Ishikawa-mon Gate and Gojikken Nagaya storehouse offer a glimpse into feudal architecture.
Cost: Entry to the Hishi Yagura, Gojuken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura : Adult ¥320 / Child (6~17) ¥100
🍴 Kaikaro Teahouse Cafe - Largest Teahouse in Higashi Chaya
18 minutes by car from Nomachi Villa - directions
Nearby Parking - directions
Open: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: Wednesdays
Kaikaro Teahouse is one of the largest and most renowned teahouses in the Higashi Chaya district of Kanazawa, known for preserving the traditions of geisha culture. This elegant teahouse dates back to the Edo period and offers visitors a glimpse into the world of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and geisha entertainment.
Check out their menu
Make a reservation
Geisha Evenings (bookings open July 1st)
At Kaikaro Tea House in the east-most teahouse district of Higashi Chaya, a living museum by day, working tea house at night, special “Geisha Evenings” are available to the public during select days in autumn and spring each year.
The host is the gregarious Lady Baba, proprietor of the tea house. She provides an introduction into the house and geiko culture, dance, taiko and photography sessions. What’s more, Lady Baba gives her presentation entirely in fluent English, making hers one of the most engaging—and most popular—geisha events in Kanazawa
Start Time: 5:00pm ~ 6:30pm
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: ¥14,000 ~ ¥20,000 depending on the seat
Prior Reservation is required - tickets
Reservations are popular, be sure to check in for updates regularly