Local Kids’ Picks: Family-Friendly Spots Around Kanazawa Port
When people think of sightseeing in Kanazawa, they often visit famous places in the city center such as Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, and the Higashi Chaya District. However, there are also many interesting places outside the city center, especially around Kanazawa Port.
The area around Kanazawa Port, where cruise ships arrive, has many hidden spots that are perfect for family trips.
With this idea in mind, students from Class 5-1 of Kanazawa University Elementary School (as of February 2026) visited Kanazawa Port themselves. From a local kids' point of view, they researched and shared their recommendations and ideas for how families can enjoy the Kanazawa Port area.
We hope this guide will be helpful when you visit Kanazawa with your children on your next trip!
Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal
Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal is the sea gateway to Kanazawa and a base for visiting cruise ships.
Right in front of the terminal, you can often see a large patrol vessel from the Japan Coast Guard. These ships belong to the Japan Coast Guard, which protects Japan’s seas. Visitors can see them up close.
“Wow, it’s so big!” “What does this ship do?”
It is a great spot for a walk, where children’s curiosity grows and the whole family can enjoy exploring together. Why not take photos and make special memories while enjoying the beautiful harbor view?
More Fun Ideas for Families!
- Kanazawa Port Ship Handling Simulator
At the “Kanazawa Port Learning & Experience Room” on the 2nd floor of the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal, you can try the Kanazawa Port Ship Handling Simulator. You can choose the time of day and weather, and experience operating a ship just like a captain. Both children and adults can enjoy this realistic experience. The main simulator, surrounded by large screens, costs 100 Japanese yen per session. There is also a free simulator where you can operate a small boat. There are also quizzes about ships and the sea, so you can learn while having fun.
- Restaurant “Bay Arce”
From your seat, you can enjoy views of cruise ships and the sea. The restaurant has a cute interior and offers meals inspired by the ocean.
- Observation Deck
The deck is very spacious. Children can run around and stay active, while adults can relax and enjoy views of the cruise ships.
Yamato Kouji Park
Yamato Koji Park is located at the headquarters and factory of Yamato Soy Sauce & Miso. It is a place where you can experience Japan’s fermented food culture and the power of koji.
In addition to food tastings, there are guided tours of facilities such as the koji storehouse.
You can also enjoy hands-on experiences such as a koji hand bath, which makes your hands smooth, and workshops where you can make miso balls to take home as souvenirs. Both children and adults can learn about fermentation while having fun.
You can also shop for original items such as T-shirts, as well as products made here, including soy sauce, dashi (soup stock), amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), and miso rice crackers. A popular treat is the soy sauce soft-serve ice cream, a unique combination of traditional soy sauce and ice cream. It’s a special flavor you can only try here—don’t miss it!
The park is designed like a network of small alleyways, allowing visitors to walk through the area as if exploring a traditional town. This makes the experience more than just a factory tour—you can also enjoy the atmosphere of the Ono district. Located close to the sea, the scenery changes depending on the season and time of day. In winter, icicles form and the buildings look beautifully translucent in the cold air. At sunset, the entire area turns orange. It is also a great spot for photos.
More Fun Ideas for Families!
- Kanazawa Cheesecake Specialty Shop “Kome to Hana”
Located inside Yamato Koji Park, this is a new cheesecake specialty shop that uses the traditional fermentation techniques of Ono, Kanazawa. The cheesecake is caramelized after you order, which is exciting to watch for both children and adults. From cheese pudding popular with kids to seasonal cheesecakes loved by adults, there is something for everyone.
- “Fermented Food Festival”
This seasonal event is held several times throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy tastings, miso-packing experiences, free food samples, and a lottery game. Please check the Yamato Kouji Park website or social media for upcoming event dates.
Kanazawa Port Iki-iki Market
This lively market is filled with fresh seafood caught in the waters near Kanazawa. As its name suggests, it has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It is a hidden gem loved by locals and not widely known among tourists.
Fresh seasonal seafood is available throughout the year. In winter, you can find Kanou-gani (male snow crab) and Koubako-gani (female snow crab), while other popular choices include snow crab, sweet shrimp, and nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch). You can enjoy a ready-made seafood bowl sold at the market, or create your own original bowl by adding extra seafood you purchase separately. It’s a fun experience for the whole family.
In addition to fresh fish, the market also offers dried seafood, homemade dried fish and dashi (soup stock).
Ono Odaiba Park
This park is built on the site of a former coastal defense area (odaiba) from the late Edo period.
You can still see the remains of old gun batteries, allowing you to enjoy both history and a sense of openness. Located close to Kanazawa Port, the park also offers views of large cruise ships and fishing boats, with the sea stretching out in front of you. There is a stage designed to look like a Kitamaebune, a merchant ship that was active along the Sea of Japan from the Edo to Meiji periods. The park also has ship-shaped playground equipment, grassy areas, slides, swings, and benches. Both children and adults can enjoy many activities here while feeling the sea breeze and taking in the harbor views.
