What comes to mind when you think of Kanazawa? The Japanese strolling garden of Kenroku-en, the vibrant washi paper of Kaga yuzen, or the focused gaze of artisans on the Utatsu Mountain craft hills? This Hokuriku ancient city, dubbed "Little Kyoto," has quietly introduced virtual reality technology in recent years, offering travelers a whole new way to explore beyond the traditional streets and alleyways.
The Digital Rebirth of Traditional Crafts
The biggest highlight of Kanazawa's VR experience is "cultural immersion." Unlike the game-oriented VR in Tokyo or Osaka, the facilities here focus more on transforming local traditions into experiencable digital content. For example, the gold leaf craft experience recreates the gold leaf application process that has continued since the Edo period through VR. Visitors can not only observe every meticulous movement of the master craftsman but also virtually experience the sensation of applying the cicada-wing-thin gold leaf onto lacquerware—a technique that takes years to master in reality can be instantly上手 in the virtual world.
Time Travel Through the Castle Town
Another noteworthy type is the "historical reproduction" VR. Kanazawa miraculously preserved a large number of traditional buildings during World War II, but many visitors may not know that these neighborhoods looked different before the war. Some experience facilities use VR to recreate the bustling pre-war Yamamoto shopping street, allowing participants to穿梭于 the lively markets of the Showa era and feel the city's preserved luck and hardship.
VR Interpretation of Modern Art
Speaking of Kanazawa's modern art, the 21st Century Museum is a must-visit. Some exhibitions here incorporate AR augmentation technology—when visitors point their phones at specific works, they see hidden digital layers. This isn't a traditional VR experience, but represents Kanazawa's unique path of integrating technology with art. It's recommended to schedule half a day to slowly explore this museum like an "open living room."
VR Corner at Game Centers
If you're here to "play VR," several game centers in Kanazawa's city center also have VR experience machines. These facilities typically use a pay-per-play model of "¥500-800 per session," suitable for travelers who want a quick taste. Note that these machines aren't updated as frequently as dedicated VR arenas in Tokyo, and some machines may still be previous-generation headsets.
Recommended Experience Spots
The "Gold Leaf Craft VR Workshop" is located near Korinbō, combining VR experience with actual gold leaf application. It has become one of the most frequently booked programs by foreign tourists in recent years, with experience fees of ¥3,500 including materials.
"Historical Walk VR Experience" is set within the Owari Town tourist information center, lasting about 20 minutes each time. Visitors can choose between pre-war or post-war street scenes from different eras, with fees of ¥1,200.
"21st Century Museum AR Guide" requires participants to bring their own smartphone, free to use, but it's recommended to avoid crowded weekend mornings.
"Round1 Experience Zone" is located in the shopping mall in front of Kanazawa Station and is relatively well-equipped with VR gaming stations in the city, starting from ¥600 per session.
Practical Information
Kanazawa Station is the main transportation hub. You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Osaka or Tokyo—about 2.5 hours from Tokyo. For getting around the city, it's recommended to use the sightseeing bus, with a day pass of ¥500 allowing unlimited rides within designated zones.
Most VR experiences require advance reservation, especially for combined tours. It's strongly recommended to arrange through the official website or your accommodation. Kanazawa's weather is relatively cold in winter (average temperature around 3°C from December to February). When moving from outdoors to VR experience spaces, be mindful of fogging issues caused by temperature differences.
Travel Tips
Kanazawa's VR industry is still developing—unlike Tokyo with many dedicated experience shops—but precisely because of this, each experience carries more "local character." Here, VR isn't a cold technological display but a bridge to help you understand why this city was preserved and how it is cherished. It's recommended to schedule VR experiences in the middle of your itinerary, as a turning point from "viewing scenery" to "understanding culture," for the best effect.
