Things to Do in Kanazawa: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefectural Library, and Cafes

Summary

This time, I went on a trip to Kanazawa to visit art and cafes🚌In addition to art museums, Kanazawa is full of art, including libraries and parks🤩 I also visited two cafes, so please stop by for a short break on your trip. ☕️

Hope it will be a helpful reference for your trip! Enjoy your art trip 🌿!

* Please note that the information and prices listed are subject to change.

Travel Itinerary

09:30am Kanazawa Station

This trip starts from Kanazawa station! I’m off to my next destination by bus🚌.

Kanazawa Station in Kanazawa City is a station of West Japan Railway Company and IR Ishikawa Railway Co. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the station. From Kanazawa Station, visitors can take a bus that tours around the castle town of Kanazawa, or the sightseeing train “Hana-noren-go” that runs between Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen. The Motenashi Dome “Tsuzumi-mon” at the Kenrokuen entrance is also a popular photo spot. It is illuminated at night and offers a beautiful view. This is a spot that can be enjoyed not only by using the station but also as a sightseeing spot.

10:00am 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

Arrived! So much art to explore here! 🤩 There is also a lot of art on display that you can actually experience it✨.

The Swimming Pool – Leandro ERLICH, 2004

This artwork is the one you should see and experience in person! 🤩

Green Bridge – Patrick BLANC, 2004

A wall made of real green! Green is just soothing✨.

The Man Who Measures the Clouds – Jan FABRE, 1998

It seems to be inspired by a movie based on a true story 👀.

Spherical Pavilion “MARU”

It’s like a kaleidoscope inside! This is another piece you should definitely go and see in person 🥰.

Museum Shop

There were works by local artists on display and for sale! from the cute to the unusual✨

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a public art museum in Kanazawa that houses contemporary art. Located in the center of Kanazawa, it is a very popular tourist spot within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. The museum can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and facilities such as nursing rooms and childcare centers are available. In particular, the “The Swimming Pool” by Leandro ERLICH can not to be missed! There is also a museum shop and restaurant, so visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.

11:30am Honda No Mori Park

After enjoying the art in the museum, I took a break in the forest park, which is a 10-minute walk away. 🌿 The combination of retro red brick buildings and greenery creates a very relaxing space✨ It’s also a great spot for picnic😋

Honda No Mori Park is located in Dewamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The park is a lush green space with red brick retro buildings. This park is an ideal place to take a break or take a walk, providing visitors with a relaxing experience. Visitors can also eat lunch in the park and relax.

12:30pm HUM&Go# Ishikawa Prefectural Library Cafe

Arrived by bus at a cafe next to the library, ☕️ a very relaxed atmosphere🌿 Had lunch here!

Shop interior

The interior of the shop has a modern atmosphere that is very relaxing. ☕️

Special seat

What a surprise, it’s a café but with a big sofa seat! You can take off your shoes and relax 🤩.

Lunch

Gapao rice with colorful vegetables: 950 yen

Soy latte: 550 yen

Both were delicious😋

HUM&Go, located inside the Ishikawa Prefectural Library, is a popular restaurant with multiple locations in Ishikawa Prefecture. Adjacent to the library, it boasts a relaxed atmosphere, and some menu items are available for takeout. The store also hosts regular workshops and events.

1:30pm Ishikawa Prefectural Library

After having lunch, I went to the library next door. It has a stylish theater-like atmosphere✨ It feels wonderful to be able to read books here🥰

Spacious and relaxing space to enjoy reading!

Looks like a lecture room 👀

“Bookrium”

It is interesting to enter a favorite word into this machine and a related book will be shown on the screen📕

“Bridge”

This space is called “Bridge” and it’s like a living room floating in the air ✨.

Garden

Lots of flowers in the garden 💐 It’s nice to read in the garden 📕

Located in Kodatsuno, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the Ishikawa Prefectural Library features a large reading space like an amphitheater. It is used by local residents as a center of local knowledge, learning, and entertainment, offering not only reading but also exposure to traditional Ishikawa culture.

4:00pm kobashi cafe OTABA

I got a lot of reading done, so I took a bus to a cafe with a chic and relaxing atmosphere ☕️🍰

Interior

The interior is cozy and relaxing. Good for a quick break ☺️

Menu

I had the matcha cake this time 🤩 Everything looked good so it took me a while to decide what to eat😂

Matcha cake

A soft cake with green tea flavor and a hint of sweetness 🥰 Love it😋

Kobashi Cafe OTABA is located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, along the Asano River, by a small bridge. The atmosphere is chic and relaxed. Parking is also available.

5:00pm Monochro CHAYA

monochro means monochrome

There is one more cafe I’m interested in, so I hit another cafe…This cafe’s interior is all in black and white, like a scene from a comic book.

Shooting Space

I was shown to the photography space! Wow, they say you can take all the pictures you want for 5 minutes here 📷

Eating and drinking space

Eating space on the second floor ☕️ Black and White is a Wonder✨

Ice and drink set

The ice cream is very tasty! Pairs perfectly with the lovely wafer💕

The interior of the Monochro CHAYA café in Kasaichi-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is made entirely in black and white, like a scene from a manga. Here, you can enjoy your café time in a unique atmosphere. You will be able to taste delicious drinks and sweets while being surrounded by the monochrome world.

At the end of the trip, I returned to Kanazawa station! I was very happy to see art and delicious food! I hope you all enjoy your trip!