Kanazawa produces roughly 99% of Japan’s gold leaf (kinpaku), a centuries-old craft tradition supported by the region’s naturally soft, mineral-rich water, ideal for the painstaking process of hammering gold into leaves thinner than a human hair. The craft’s influence is visible throughout the city, from gold leaf decoration on lacquerware and temple interiors to gold-flaked ice cream, sweets and cosmetics sold in shops across town, and hands-on workshops let visitors try applying gold leaf themselves to items like chopsticks, boxes or fans to take home.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Workshops and shops across Kanazawa |
| Hours | Workshop hours vary; reservation often recommended |
| Admission | Workshop fees typically ¥1,500–4,000 |
| Time needed | 30–60 min for a workshop |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Do
- A hands-on gold leaf workshop, applying it to your own souvenir.
- Gold leaf decoration visible on lacquerware and temple interiors around the city.
- Gold-flaked desserts, sweets and cosmetics sold in local shops.
- A craft tradition responsible for roughly 99% of Japan’s gold leaf.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Higashi Chaya District , home to many gold leaf shops.
- Pair with Wajima Lacquerware Workshop to see another regional craft.
- Read our Ishikawa overview .
Getting There
- By bus: Kanazawa Loop Bus stops near many gold leaf shops and workshops.
- By foot: several workshops and shops cluster around Higashi Chaya District.
Tips
Reserve a workshop slot in advance where possible, as popular studios can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Gold leaf sweets and ice cream, sold at shops throughout the city, offer a low-commitment way to sample the craft even without doing a full workshop.
