Capital to one of the wealthiest regions of the Edo era and unsullied by foreign wars or natural disasters, Kanazawa has enriched west Japan with the fruits of its samurai history and artisan culture.
In addition to its many man-made wonders, Kanazawa boasts breath-taking natural wonders as well, with easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the main island and nestled against the Japanese Alps.
The construction of the Hokuriku Bullet Train in spring of 2015 transformed travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa into a swift and easy commute, opening the doors for everyone to explore this previously hidden gem of Japan.
Our goal in welcoming you to Kanazawa—this beautiful and historic city we call home—is to share with you the best Kanazawa has to offer, to give you “the best Kanazawa experience,” as we set out to do when we first created our company.
However, we realize that what is “best” differs for each person. For starters, we introduce some ideas for what to do in Kanazawa, especially in the lesser-known secret gems of this castle town.
People vary in both their known interests and in yet-to-be-discovered loves! How then can we provide you, our guest, with a customized experience?
With this in mind, we have opened up four venues along Tatemachi Street in downtown Kanazawa.
TATEMACHI STREET
Over the course of its 400-year existence, Tatemachi has hosted a variety of shops, old and new, some hip and stylish, some with more traditional fare, still owned by the families that established them so many years ago. The promenade serves as a gathering place for the young and the artistic, a route for parades and lanterns, living Lo**ta dolls, trick cyclists, fashionistas, soulful buskers, and starry-eyed newlyweds.
With its sunshine, sense of play, selection of dining and sweet snacks, and youthful faces that keep us hopeful about Japan’s future, Tatemachi has become more than just home to many of our staff, and certainly more than just work to all of us at Kaname.
For us, Tatemachi is a cultural hub, and a microcosm of Japan’s—and certainly Kanazawa’s—interweaving of the historic and the modern, where human values and tastes transcend time and—we believe—national and language boundaries.
OUR HISTORY
Beginning in October of 2016, we established Kaname Hostel as a comfortable and affordable space for independent backpackers with itchy feet and a love of Japan.
Alongside Kaname Hostel, we opened Kaname Bar with a connection to the local community through music events, language exchange opportunities and, of course, great cocktails in a casual, English-friendly atmosphere.
Amid the falling cherry blossoms in April of 2017, Kaname Inn Tatemachi and Kanazawa Music Bar opened, bringing a new level of comfort and travel flexibility to the city.
Kanazawa Music Bar readily became a focal point in the local bar and café scene, ideal for a relaxed lunch while exploring Tatemachi or for enjoying a cocktail or two in the evening while listening to Kanazawa Music Bar's professional selectors choose from the impressively curated vinyl collection.
To guests throughout the world and throughout Japan: Welcome to Kanazawa. We will always strive to make “the best Kanazawa experience” for you.
OUR COMPANY
Kaname Japan aims to give our guests the best Kanazawa experience through information and assistance while touring Kanazawa, and in providing a comfortable place to relax between travels. With several rest stops along the modern shopping district of Tatemachi in downtown Kanazawa, Kaname is just a 12-minute walk from the grand Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's three must-see gardens. We're also a short stroll from Kanazawa Central Park, the world-famous 21st Century Museum, the "Samurai District," numerous art and history museums unique to Japan, as well as one of Kanazawa's three mysterious geisha districts and the largest of Kanazawa's rivers, the Saigawa, along which festivities are held year-round.
KANAME INN TATEMACHI
OUR PREMIER HOTEL
kaname-inn.com/inn/
Kaname Inn Tatemachi has thirty-eight generously spacious rooms in a stylish, modern decor, providing the perfect place to heal a weary body after lengthy travels through Japan. Our reception staff are available round the clock to cater to any need, from pointing out that perfect place to obtain unique Japanese ceramics to reserving a table on your behalf at the right restaurant for your culinary desires.
KANAZAWA MUSIC BAR
BREEZY LOUNGE & BAR
kaname-inn.com/musicbar/
Kanazawa Music Bar on the first floor of Kaname Inn Tatemachi is a unique experience for Kanazawa, though this kind of DJ-style lounge has grown in popularity in Europe and Tokyo. Enjoy drinks or a seasonal dish of local ingredients while the music selector sets the mood with vintage vinyl records through our high-quality sound system.
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BACKPACKER’S LODGING
kaname-inn.com/hostel/
Looking for a cheap place to stay in Kanazawa with other travelers? Kaname Hostel is perfect for the independent backpacker who just needs a comfortable bed between adventures. (Of course, other amenities are available, too!) Less than a minute walk from Kaname Bar & Café, this hostel is not only a short walk from the best sites in town, but also some of the best drinks, while still providing a separate, and quiet, place to sleep.
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ENGLISH-SPEAKER’S ESCAPE
kaname-inn.com/cafebar/
fb.com/kanamebarkanazawa (events list)
Part concierge, part drinking hole, part event space, part meeting place, it’s the perfect venue for expats, tourists and locals to mingle. Get some great tips on Kanazawa and enjoy a specialty cocktail or two without the premium price tag, or perhaps one of the American IPA-style craft beers waiting patiently in the fridge. Music and social events monthly.
We’re waiting to welcome you to Kanazawa.
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