VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

The Ishikawa Barrier-Free Tour Center (a certified Nonprofit Organization) provides travel information and assistance for people with disabilities or mobility challenges who wish to travel, enjoy hot springs, or savor local cuisine in Ishikawa Prefecture—including the areas of Oku-Noto, Noto, Kanazawa, and Kaga.

The center introduces barrier-free travel information and offers consultation services to help travelers enjoy their trip in comfort and safety.

Whether you are a wheelchair user, a senior traveler, or simply anxious about accessibility during your trip, the center can help you plan a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Available Information and Services:

・Information on accessible public restrooms

・Accessibility details for major tourist attractions

・Travel and tourism consultations

・Introduction to “Kimonor”, a wheelchair-friendly kimono rental service

Contact:

TEL & FAX: +81-(0)76-255-3526

For taxis that are wheelchair accessible, please contact one of the following companies:

• 
  

• Ishikawa Kotsu　Tel: 076-231-4131

• Daiwa Taxi　Tel: 076-266-5166

• Kinjo Taxi　Tel: 076-258-2100

Please note that telephone inquiries are handled in Japanese only.

(Universal Design Taxis are designed to be accessible for everyone, including passengers using wheelchairs.)

Tourist information centers across Kanazawa provide not only sightseeing information but also various services to make your trip more comfortable—such as same-day hotel bookings, luggage delivery, and free rentals of umbrellas, boots, and wheelchairs.

Writing communication (for visitors with hearing impairments) is also available.

Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center (in front of Oyama Shrine, Minamicho)

• Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Open daily)

• Tel: +81-(0)76-254-5020 / Fax: +81-(0)76-254-5028

→ Visit the detailed information page below

■Kenrokuen Garden 

Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government and known as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen is a vast strolling-style garden featuring landscaped hills, ponds, teahouses, and bridges that change their appearance with each season.

While some paths are covered with gravel and gentle slopes, the garden can be enjoyed by wheelchair users with assistance.
Wheelchair support equipment (“Akuro Jinriki” – a traction device that helps move a wheelchair on uneven ground) is also available.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids are available for loan at the following gates: Katsurazaka, Hasuike-mon, Kodatsuno, and Zuishin-zaka.
Electric wheelchairs are also available.

■Kanazawa Castle Park 

The castle grounds were once the seat of the Maeda clan, lords of the Kaga Domain.
The park features both original Edo-period structures such as the Ishikawa Gate and reconstructed wooden buildings including the Gojukken Nagaya (Long Storehouse), Hishi Yagura (Diamond Turret), and Hashizume-mon Gate.

Wheelchair rentals are available at:

• ・Ishikawa Gate Rest House (General Information Center)

• ・Park Management Office

• ・Gyokusen’inmaru Rest House

Indoor wheelchairs are also provided at facilities such as Gojukken Nagaya, Kahoku-mon, Nezumita-mon.

Please note that the slope between Ninomaru Square and Gyokusen’inmaru Gate is steep; therefore, entry via Gyokusen’inmaru Gate is recommended for easier access to the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden.

→ Visit the official websites of Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park below.

The Kanazawa Noh Museum introduces the rich Kaga Hosho Noh tradition, which flourished under the patronage of the Maeda lords of the Kaga Domain.
For generations, Noh—an elegant blend of music, dance, and drama—was cherished and promoted not only among samurai but also among the townspeople, earning Kanazawa the saying “Songs of Noh fall from the sky.”

Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits such as Noh masks, costumes, and a restored model of the Kanazawa Noh Theater. Interactive features, including an AR (augmented reality) viewing system, allow you to experience Noh from new perspectives.

Enjoy learning about one of Japan’s most refined traditional performing arts.

Gold leaf production has thrived in Kanazawa since the Edo period（1603-1868) under the encouragement of the Kaga lords.
Today, nearly all of Japan’s gold leaf is made here in Kanazawa.

The Yasue Gold Leaf Museum showcases the fascinating world of this art—featuring exhibits on the history and production process of gold leaf, which is just 1/10,000th of a millimeter thick.

The museum displays masterpieces such as gold folding screens, lacquerware with Kaga maki-e decoration, metalwork with inlay, textiles with gold thread, ceramics, cloisonné glass, calligraphy, and sculptures.
In 2020, the traditional “hand-beaten gold leaf” technique was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Visitors can gain a deep appreciation for both the artistry and craftsmanship behind Kanazawa’s golden legacy.

The Kanazawa Phonograph Museum houses about 600 phonographs from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras（1860～), with 150 on display at any given time.
Visitors can hear demonstrations of famous phonographs, compare the sound quality of SP records, and even listen to LPs in a special listening room.
Experience the rich and nostalgic tones of analog sound while exploring the evolution of audio technology in Japan.

A trip to Kanazawa wouldn’t be complete without trying your hand at a local craft!

At accessible facilities throughout the city, visitors—including those using wheelchairs—can enjoy workshops that celebrate Kanazawa’s artistic heritage.

Wagashi (Japanese confectionery) Making Experience – Ishikawa Local Products Center
Located near Kenrokuen Garden, this center offers several hands-on activities, such as making traditional Japanese sweets under the guidance of professional confectioners and applying gold leaf to small items.
Wheelchair rental is available for in-house use, and a multipurpose restroom is located on the basement floor.
Reservations are required (same-day reservations are accepted).

Fragrant Sachet-Making Experience – Kaga no Kaoriya “Koya”
Located near Omicho Market, this workshop invites you to blend natural aromatic ingredients to create your own personalized scent, placed in a drawstring pouch.
Friendly staff will guide and assist you throughout the process.

Kanazawa Sign Language Guided Tour “Kagayaki-R”

Operated by the Kanazawa Association for the Welfare of the Hearing Impaired, Kagayaki-R offers guided tours in Japanese Sign Language for hearing-impaired visitors.
Volunteer guides accompany guests to popular tourist attractions and share Kanazawa’s culture and history through sign language.

For details and reservations, please check the usage guide on the Kagayaki-R official website.

Contact: Kanazawa Association for the Welfare of the Hearing Impaired