Kanazawa VR Experience: The Perfect Fusion of Tradition and Technology
Kanazawa, this four-hundred-year-old castle town of the Kaga Million-Stones Domain, is embracing the virtual reality era with a brand-new attitude. Between the classical elegance of Kenroku-en and the contemporary art of the 21st Century Museum, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding. As vertical integration accelerates across Asia's entertainment industry, VR venues in Kanazawa are rapidly growing within this wave, offering visitors an unprecedented immersive entertainment experience.
Highlights: New Ways to Explore the Ancient Capital
Kanazawa's VR entertainment holds unique charm. Unlike large-scale VR parks in Tokyo and Osaka, VR experiences in Kanazawa place greater emphasis on refinement and local character. From horror-themed immersive experiences to digital presentations of art and culture, each VR facility embodies the city's pursuit of innovation. The limited-time events launching from late 2025 onward have made Kanazawa a new hotspot for VR entertainment in the Hokuriku region.
The convenient transportation network in the city center allows visitors to easily travel between various VR experience spots, experiencing a diverse virtual world spanning from thrilling frights to cultural art — all within a single day.
Recommended Experience Locations
Shivers Maze: Me — Horror VR Experience Hall
Located inside Kuraso Place in Korinbo, this is the first time the VR version of the famous Fuji-Q Highland horror attraction has landed in Kanazawa. Using state-of-the-art VR technology, participants must find their way out of a completely dark maze, with every corner filled with unknown terrors. This approximately 30-minute experience offers bilingual guides in Japanese and English, and is suitable for brave challengers who are at least 110cm tall and 7 years old or above. The venue design references the original Tokyo Tower exhibition's success, which once recorded an astonishing attendance of over 20,000 people.
SEGA ÆON TOWN Kanazawa Terano
Here you can experience the "Osomatsu-san VR" available exclusively at only 19 stores nationwide — a must-visit holy site for anime fans. Located inside a large shopping mall with hours until midnight, it is perfect as a finale for a full day of sightseeing. The VR content perfectly recreates classic scenes from the anime, making players feel as if they are right in the hilarious daily life of the sextuplets. The store also features other VR games, catering to entertainment needs across different age groups.
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art VR Theater
A newly established VR theater in 2023 that perfectly combines traditional art with modern technology. Through high-resolution VR technology, visitors can "walk into" famous paintings and "touch" ancient crafts, experiencing an unprecedented way of appreciating art. The VR content here places particular emphasis on showcasing Ishikawa Prefecture's traditional craft culture, including gold leaf craftsmanship and Kaga Yuzen dyeing — the most innovative window into Kanazawa's culture.
Amusement Park Korinbo
A comprehensive entertainment facility in the city center offering a variety of VR shooting games and racing experiences. The VR racing simulator with a professional-grade seat and steering wheel comes highly recommended, allowing players to experience the thrill of racing through the streets of Kanazawa. The prices are affordable, making it an excellent choice for friend gatherings.
21st Century Museum Digital Art Experience Zone
Though not a dedicated VR facility, the AR/VR interactive exhibitions here often deliver unexpected surprises. Combined with the museum's architectural characteristics, a unique mixed reality experience is created, bringing art works to life and interacting with visitors.
Practical Information
How to Get There
- Shivers Maze: Me: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kanazawa Station to Korinbo, or take the Castle Town Sightseeing Bus
- SEGA Terano Store: From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Railroad Bus Line 52 to "ÆON TOWN Kanazawa Terano" stop
- Prefectural Museum of Art: From Kanazawa Station, take a route bus to "Dewacho" stop and walk 5 minutes
Admission Fees
- Shivers Maze: Me: Weekdays — Adults ¥2,750, under 18 ¥2,200; Weekends and holidays — Adults ¥3,300, under 18 ¥2,750
- SEGA VR Experience: ¥500–800 per session
- Prefectural Museum of Art VR: Included in the admission fee of ¥370 (free for college students and below)
- Other facilities: ¥300–1,500
Opening Hours
- Shivers Maze: Me: Weekdays 15:00–20:30, weekends and holidays 10:00–20:30 (limited through March 1, 2026)
- SEGA Terano Store: 10:00–24:00
- Prefectural Museum of Art: 9:30–18:00 (until 20:00 on Thursdays)
- Other facilities: Most open until 22:00
Travel Tips
Advance Booking: It is recommended to purchase Shivers Maze tickets in advance at FamilyMart convenience stores or on the official website, as queues may be required on-site.
Best Time to Visit: Avoid weekend crowds for the best experience quality on weekday afternoons. Winter (December–February) indoor VR activities are an excellent choice for escaping the cold.
Dress Code: Avoid wearing overly loose clothing during VR experiences to prevent interference with motion sensors. High heels may also affect certain VR games that require movement.
Combined Itinerary: You can combine VR experiences with traditional attractions such as Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle to experience the unique charm of ancient and modern fusion. VR facilities in the Korinbo area are especially suitable to pair with shopping itineraries.
Language Support: Most facilities offer English service, but downloading a translation app is recommended in case of need.
In this era of rapid digital entertainment development, Kanazawa is embracing the latest technological trends while preserving the essence of its traditional culture, creating unforgettable virtual reality experiences for every visitor in its own distinctive way.
