UNESCO appointed Kanazawa to the Creative Cities Network in June 2009. UNESCO launched the Network to promote the international cooperation and exchange of each city in the world that develops creative and cultural industries. The Network has seven categories, i.e., Cities of Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music, and Media Arts, and Kanazawa was appointed UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art.
Traditional craft techniques have been handed down since the feudal age, and creative activities are flourishing in Kanazawa. The city's craft tourism include visits to traditional craft workshops and creating your own craft. We recommend that you try out Kanazawa's traditional arts and crafts during your stay in Kanazawa.
Inherited traditions of Kanazawa
A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter...
The art of delicate dyes
Yuzen refers to a traditional technique of dyeing silk fabrics for kimonos or products made with the technique...
Embroidery made with the utmost care
The technique of Kaga-nui embroidery was developed in Kanazawa while it was applied to the battle jacket...
Porcelain that represents Kanazawa
Kanazawa's modern Kutani porcelain is based on a revival of Kutani porcelain early in the 19th century...
Ware that inherited over 350 years
Ohi Chozaemon introduced Ohi ware in 1666. He accompanied the Urasenke Grand Tea Master...
Techniques of gorgeous Maki-e
Shikki is called "japan" in English. As its name suggests, shikki is a typical handicraft of Japan...
Works that are called superior masterpieces
Zogan (incrustation in English) is a technique of carving a base metal and inlaying other metals...
Delicate ornaments adorned with strings
Japanese people have a custom of decorate gifts with strings called mizuhiki. Mizuhiki is a special string...
Umbrellas made by bomboo and Washi
A wagasa is a Japanese traditional umbrella consisting of washi (Japanese paper) with a bamboo...
Paper carefully handmade by artisans
Futamata is located in the mountains of Kanazawa, where the production of Japanese paper...
Handicrafts decorated with lacquerware ornaments
The kirihibachi, a traditional Japanese hand/room warmer made of paulownia...
Adorable ornaments that are lucky charms
People in Kanazawa have been familiar with traditional local toys as bringers of good luck...
Feather jigs overflowing with beauty and elegance
The Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Clan (the present Ishikawa and Toyama areas) in feudal times,...