Kuragarizaka: Kanazawa's Enigmatic Slope
Discover Kuragarizaka in Kanazawa: A historic 'Dark Slope' offering a glimpse into the city's geisha district and Edo-era secrets.
Kuragarizaka, or 'Dark Slope', is a historic alleyway in Kanazawa, Japan, known for its dimly lit stone steps and past as a discreet passage to teahouses. Nestled in the Kazuemachi district, it offers a glimpse into the city's Edo-era history and a serene atmosphere for evening strolls.
A brief summary to Kuragarizaka
- 3-15 地先 Kazuemachi, Kanazawa, Kazuemachi, Ishikawa, 920-0908, JP
Local tips
- Visit in the evening to experience the enchanting atmosphere with soft lighting and fewer crowds.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the Kazuemachi Chaya District to appreciate the traditional buildings and picturesque streets.
- Explore the nearby Akari-zaka (Slope of Light) for a contrasting experience of light and shadow.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kanazawa Station, head east towards Kenrokuen Garden. Continue past the garden to reach Kazuemachi Street. Walk along Kazuemachi Street, and you'll find Kuragarizaka at 3-15 地先 Kazuemachi. Look for signs directing you to the scenic spot. The walk takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Kanazawa Station's East Gate bus terminal, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus. Get off at the Hashiba-cho bus stop. From there, walk towards Kazuemachi Street and follow the signs to Kuragarizaka. The bus ride costs ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for children. A one-day pass for unlimited rides on the Loop Bus and other local buses is available for ¥800.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station. Take a taxi from the station to Kuragarizaka, located in the Kazuemachi district. The taxi ride should cost under ¥1000 and take approximately 5-10 minutes. The base fare for a small taxi is ¥690, with additional charges of ¥80 for every 277 meters.
Discover more about Kuragarizaka
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Omicho Ichiba Sushi
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Jimonotei
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Savor the freshest local seafood at Jimonotei, located in the heart of Kanazawa's historic Omicho Market. A culinary experience you won't forget!
Omicho Parking Lot
0.6 km
Discover Kanazawa's charm with ease at Omicho Parking Lot, your convenient gateway to the city’s top attractions and experiences.
Kaisendon Ichiba
0.6 km
Savor the freshest seafood in Kanazawa at Kaisendon Ichiba, home to generously topped kaisendon bowls near Omicho Market.
Ichinokura
0.6 km
Savor fresh, local seafood and traditional Kaga cuisine at this popular izakaya in the heart of Kanazawa's vibrant Omicho Market.
Mori Mori Sushi Omicho
0.6 km
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Omicho Croquette
0.7 km
Savor handmade seafood croquettes and more at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's vibrant kitchen, for a delicious taste of local flavors.
Nokabanzai Ichibaya Omicho Sohonten
0.7 km
Experience fresh seafood donburi and local flavors at Nokabanzai Ichibaya, located in Kanazawa's historic Omicho Market.
Omicho Shokudo
0.7 km
Experience authentic Kanazawa flavors at Omicho Shokudo, a beloved local eatery nestled in the heart of the historic Omicho Market.
Kahoku-mon Gate
0.7 km
Explore the meticulously restored Kahoku-mon Gate, the main entrance to Kanazawa Castle, and step back in time to feudal Japan.
Kuromon Koji
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Ishikawa Local Products Center
0.8 km
Discover Ishikawa's cultural heart: local crafts, flavors, and hands-on experiences await near Kanazawa's famed Kenrokuen Garden.
Northwest Turret Remains
0.9 km
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Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)
1.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Kanazawa's Gankou-Bashi, the Flying Geese Bridge, nestled in the heart of Kenrokuen Garden.
Kaiseki Pagoda
1.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kuboshi Inarisha
0.0 km
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Kuboichiotsutsurugigu
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Explore the tranquility of Kuboichiotsutsurugigu, a serene Shinto shrine in Kanazawa offering a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.
Kuboichiototsurugigu
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Kazuemachi Chaya District
0.0 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture of Kazuemachi Chaya District, a historical gem in Kanazawa, Japan.
Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum
0.1 km
Explore the life and works of Izumi Kyoka at the Izumi Kyoka Kinenkan Museum in Kanazawa, a hidden gem for literature lovers.
Asanogawa Bridge
0.1 km
Discover the beauty of Asanogawa Bridge in Kanazawa—an iconic landmark blending historical significance with breathtaking views.
Kanazawa Katani
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Discover exquisite gold leaf crafts and local souvenirs at Kanazawa Katani, reflecting Ishikawa's rich culture.
Kanazawa Literary Hall
0.1 km
Explore Japan's literary heritage at the Kanazawa Literary Hall, a cultural gem offering exhibitions, events, and a cozy reading space.
Ohi Museum
0.3 km
Explore the exquisite Ohi Museum in Kanazawa, where tradition meets contemporary artistry in the realm of Japanese ceramics.
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
0.3 km
Explore Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, a captivating showcase of gold leaf artistry and a hands-on experience in the heart of Japan's cultural heritage.
The Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima's House
0.3 km
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Geisha House Shima
0.3 km
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Higashi Chaya District
0.3 km
Experience the enchanting charm of Higashi Chaya District, a historical gem in Kanazawa, where traditional tea houses and rich culture await.
Utasu Shrine
0.5 km
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Sotobori Park
0.5 km
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Essential places to dine
能登牛ひつまぶし店 もんぜん
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Bistro Kanazawa Todorokitei
0.2 km
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Kifune
0.2 km
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Hibi Sakanazuki Toboku
0.2 km
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Jiyuken
0.3 km
Experience the delightful fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine at Jiyuken in Kanazawa – where local flavors meet international flair.
武作/BUSAKU
0.3 km
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Kanazawa Yokoyama
0.3 km
Experience authentic Japanese dining at Kanazawa Yokoyama - where tradition meets flavor in the heart of Higashiyama.
Higashiyama Wakon
0.3 km
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Oshizushitaikenchubokanazawa Sushi
0.3 km
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Higashiyama Robert Dumas
0.3 km
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Higashiyama Mizuho
0.4 km
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IBIS Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience the delightful fusion of Japanese ingredients with Western culinary traditions at IBIS Restaurant in Kanazawa.
Fuwari
0.4 km
Discover authentic izakaya dining at Fuwari in Kanazawa – where tradition meets modern flavor.
Kataori
0.5 km
Experience authentic kaiseki dining at Kataori in Kanazawa—where every dish tells a story of tradition and seasonal ingredients.
Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen
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Experience innovative cuisine and local flavors at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen, where every dish tells a story.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kinpakuyasakuda Chayagai Store
0.2 km
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Sakuda Machiya-Shop
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Hakuichi Higashiyama
0.3 km
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鶴亀
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Nouka Banzai The Shop Higashiyama
0.3 km
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Kanazawa Bikazari Asano
0.3 km
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Kinpakuya Sakuda Head Shop & Workshop
0.3 km
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Kurumiya
0.3 km
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NORTA (ノルタ) + Piñata (ピニャータ)
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Matere KanazawaHigashichayagai
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Maiami - Handmade Gift & Souvenir
0.5 km
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金澤ぷりん近江町市場
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Kanazawa Hakomachi
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百萬商店 近江町市場店
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大口水産
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ｂａｒ一葉
0.0 km
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輝
0.1 km
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Noboruya
0.1 km
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Oriental Brewing
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Bar Ame
0.2 km
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八の福（バー / お茶屋）
0.3 km
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Chaya&Bar Gauche
0.3 km
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粋蓮
0.3 km
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雀草庵
0.4 km
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BUDOKAN 金澤本店
0.4 km
Budokan in Kanazawa offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse drink selection, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Teriha
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スギズバー
0.6 km
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袋町 Owls Hoot
0.6 km
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BAR BOUTON
0.6 km
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Jazz Spot Bokunen
0.8 km
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