21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

Kanazawa's 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima, is one of Japan's most unique museums. It's circular form and sleek modern aesthetic give the museum a highly futuristic look, yet distinct inner courtyards still lend a humble, natural juxtaposition to the stylized building. Along with galleries, the museum includes community gathering spaces, libraries, a lecture hall, and a children's workshop, making the museum an ideal family excursion. Please visit here for more information.

During the spring and autumn months, the The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is host to two major outdoor events, Golden Marubi Week and Marubi de Party. Both events feature music and art performances, art workshops, and open areas where artists can sell their work.

Discover the Wonderful Treasures of Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a city located in the center of Japan that features some of the most rich, culturally and naturally abundant treasures throughout the entire country. It is in Kanazawa that many historic homes and buildings are preserved to showcase Japan's traditional arts and lifestyle crafts.

As the center of the city, Kaga Castle Park is famous for its historic significance as well as its Kenroku-en Garden, believed to be one of the top three gardens in Japan thanks to its diverse plant life and creative use of contours of the surrounding land. The Japanese have elevated the maintenance of Kenroku-en to a fine art which can be most notably witnessed through the garden's yukitsuri, the artistic use of rice-straw ropes used to protect the boughs of the ancient pine trees from harsh winter. The meticulously restored castle along with the adjacent Kenroku-en Garden is an ideal destination to begin discovering the region of Kanazawa.

The cuisine of Kanazawa is also a unique experience for visitors to indulge in. Largely focusing on such local delicacies as yellowtail, snow crabs and sweet prawns, Kaga Cuisine was the culinary symbol of royalty during Kanazawa's feudal period. Jibuni, a traditional soup made from boiled and seasoned duck is one of Kanazawa's most iconic culinary classics. In the wintertime, many locals flock to the 300-year old Omicho Market in this region when food stands are piled high with crabs from the Sea of Japan. For visitors, the traditional district of Higashi Chaya, geisha girls will entertain guests with dance and musical performances as they dine on Kanazawa's exceptional fare. This district is particularly attractive during the summer months as beautiful lanterns covered with Kaga-Yuzen silk fabrics will line the streets of the region, creating a wonderful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

After enjoying the riches of Kaga Cuisine, travel to any number of hot spring destinations around the city, which have garnered praise for their illustrious scenery and unparalleled hospitality. Luxury ryokans can be found all over the city, offering visitors impeccable service along with traditional hospitality. Finally, travel to one of several special cultural resources in this area, including the Nagamichi district's Myoryuji, which has been nicknamed the "Ninja Temple" for its labyrinthine hidden passages, concealed chambers, and trick doors. Affectionately known as the Samurai Quarter, Nagamichi is not to be missed while traveling to Kanazawa.