Kanazawa is famous for its gardens, samurai streets, and beautifully preserved districts—but it’s also famous for rain. Locals will tell you that a drizzle is practically part of the city’s charm. Luckily, Kanazawa is packed with fascinating indoor attractions that make a rainy day feel like an opportunity rather than a setback.
Whether you’re into art, history, architecture, or simply staying warm and dry with a good cup of tea, here are the best places to spend a rainy day in Kanazawa.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
This unusual museum, near to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen, houses an eclectic mix of modern art.
Many exhibits are interactive:
- Stand inside Leandro Erlich’s famous “Swimming Pool” without getting wet
- Whisper across the courtyard through giant underground funnels
- Wander through immersive rooms that challenge your sense of space
With free entry for everything but the special exhibitions, it is a popular meeting place that boasts a nice stationary shop and cafe as well as an extensive library.
Kanazawa Noh Museum
This is a museum dedicated to the fascinating and beautiful style of Japanese theatre called Noh and is just a short walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The plot of Noh plays tend to be drawn from folklore. While there is a narrator and a few musicians, the majority of the story is told through an elegant and mesmerising dance.
The Kanazawa Noh Museum gives some great background to the style, especially the Kaga Honsho school which originated in Kanazawa during the Edo Period.
Alongside a wealth of information, it has displays of priceless costumes and the stunning Noh masks that can show a different emotion with just a tilt of the head. It also has a small stage on which samples of Noh plays are performed.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exquisite silk costumes
- Hand‑carved masks that shift expression with the tilt of a head
- Exhibits on the Kaga Hosho school, which flourished in Kanazawa during the Edo period
- A miniature stage where short performances and demonstrations are held
Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)
Myoryuji is probably more widely known as Ninja-dera or Ninja Temple and is a popular attraction in the Teramachi temple district in the southern part of Kanazawa.
This fully functioning temple actually has very little to do with those most stealthy agents that give it its nickname. It actually takes its name from its clever construction and its secret alternative use as a military outpost. The inside of the temple is a maze of corridors, secret rooms, escape tunnels and traps.
Its construction was ordered by famous samurai and Lord of Kanazawa, Maeda Toshiie, to act as an early warning system and the first line of defence in case of invasion and had to be disguised as temple due to military restrictions put on regional lords by the shogun.
It is possible to reserve a guided tour with the temple but these are Japanese language only. However, English guidebooks are also available to take you through:
- Escape tunnels
- False floors
- Hidden lookout points
- Ingenious architectural tricks designed to confuse intruders
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum
This museum occupies three large red brick buildings in Honda-no-Mori Park, not far from Kenrokuen Garden. This museum complex offers a deep dive into the region’s history.
Highlights include:
- Hands‑on costume experiences and a recreated Meiji‑era classroom
- Extensive exhibits on Ishikawa’s cultural and political development
- The Kaga‑Honda Museum, showcasing armour, swords, and artefacts from one of the Maeda clan’s most important samurai families
The buildings themselves are former armories dating back to the Meiji and Taisho Period from the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The central building holds the ticket office and shop as well as areas where you can try on various historical costumes or get a traditional classroom experience. The left building has several large exhibition rooms covering the history of the city of Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture in great detail.
The right-hand building contains the Kaga-Honda Museum which focuses on the Honda Family, important retainers of the Maeda Clan. This part of the museum has many artefacts belonging to the Honda, including katana and armour. This museum as a whole offers a fascinating glimpse into almost 10,000 years of history in the region.
D.T. Suzuki Museum
A serene, minimalist museum dedicated to the life and philosophy of D.T. Suzuki, the Buddhist scholar who introduced Zen to the West. Designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the museum is a masterclass in calm.
Visitors come for:
- Quiet contemplation rooms
- Simple, elegant exhibits
- The famous Water Mirror Garden, which is especially beautiful in the rain
It’s one of the most peaceful indoor spaces in the city.
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
Kanazawa produces over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, and this museum celebrates the craft in all its shimmering detail.
Inside, you can:
- Learn how gold leaf is made
- See tools and techniques used for centuries
- Admire gold‑leaf artwork and lacquerware
- Try your hand at applying gold leaf in a workshop
A perfect stop if you’re looking for something hands‑on.
Omicho Market (Indoor Sections)
While parts of the market are open‑air, many aisles are covered—making it a great rainy‑day wander. You’ll find:
- Fresh seafood stalls
- Local produce
- Tiny eateries serving donburi, sushi, and grilled fish
Grab a warm bowl of seafood rice and watch the rain from under the market’s protective awnings.
Make the Most of a Rainy Day in Kanazawa
Rain is part of Kanazawa’s identity, and the city embraces it with style. From world‑class museums to hidden historical gems, there’s no shortage of things to do when the skies open up. In fact, some places—like the D.T. Suzuki Museum or the Water Mirror Garden—are arguably even more beautiful in the rain.
Special Thanks to:
Photo Credits: Kanazawa Tours