The Atlas Obscura Guide To Kanazawa

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kanazawa, Japan

Updated June 19, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

Myouryuji (Ninja Temple)

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Kanazawa, Japan

Tsuzumi-mon Gate

A massive, photogenic gate designed after a traditional hand drum used in the regional noh

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Takaoka, Japan

Takaoka Daibutsu: The Great Buddha of Takaoka

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

23 miles from Kanazawa

Project Mercury space capsule replica.

Hakui, Japan

Cosmo Isle Hakui

A museum of space exploration in the UFO capital of Japan.

24 miles from Kanazawa

The village of Shirakawa-gō in winter.

Shirakawa-mura, Japan

Shirakawa-go

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

24 miles from Kanazawa

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