D.T. Suzuki Museum
The D.T. Suzuki Museum (ؑي, Suzuki Daisetsu Kan) is a museum commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (1870-1966), a prominent Buddhist philosopher. The museum was opened in 2011 in the district of Kanazawa where Suzuki was born, a ten minute walk from Kenrokuen. On display are exhibitions showcasing the writings of D.T. Suzuki which allow visitors to learn more about his life and philosophy. In addition, the architecture of the museum serves as an interpretation of D.T. Suzuki's life and religious scholarship; its use of clean, simple lines and open spaces causes visitors to pause and reflect.
D.T. Suzuki was a prolific writer who was instrumental in introducing Japanese Zen philosophy to the west. Having spent much of his early life living and studying at Engakuji Temple in Kamakura, he wrote mainly about Zen Buddhism and its relation to and influence on everyday life. Suzuki was also proficient in English, Chinese and Sanskrit in addition to Japanese, and translated various religious texts and scholarly articles.
Designed by architect Taniguchi Yoshio who also designed the Heisei Chishinkan in Kyoto and the Horyuji Homotsukan in Tokyo amongst others, the architecture of the D.T. Suzuki Museum lends a hand in conveying the serenity that comes with Zen philosophy. From the unassuming entrance to the overall architecture and interior, there is a sense of tranquility that can be felt throughout the museum. Despite its small area, the museum has three buildings connected by corridors built around a large flat pond at their center called the Water Mirror Garden. There is also a garden around the grounds which visitors can enter.
Another feature of the museum is the Contemplative Space, consisting of a large room with openings on all four sides, which extends out into the Water Mirror Garden. There are seats in this space where visitors can take time to meditate and think over their thoughts whilst looking out over the water. In addition, a learning space at one end of the museum has English and Japanese books written by Suzuki for visitors to read; iPads for multimedia learning; as well as a large window that looks out into a garden.
Getting there and around
The D.T. Suzuki Museum is a stop along the Left Loop of the tourist-oriented Kanazawa Loop Buses. Frequently departing Hokutetsu buses also provide access between Kanazawa Station and the D.T. Suzuki Museum. Get off at the Hondamachi bus stop ({, around 15 minutes, 220 yen one way) from where the museum is a five minute walk away.
The museum can also be reached in about a ten minute walk from the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. And a walking trail in the garden of the D.T. Suzuki Museum provides a shortcut to the nearby Kanazawa Nakamura Museum and the Prefectural Museum of Art.
How to get to and around Kanazawa
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
December 29 to January 3
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Kanazawa
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Machi no OdoribaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Machi no Odoriba in Kanazawa offers a 3-star ryokan experience with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can unwind in the hot spring bath, enjoy the on-site garden, and stay connected with free WiFi. Additional amenities include a terrace, yukata, and tatami floors.Dining Options
The traditional and modern restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes local specialities, highly praised by guests.Prime Location
Located 32 km from Komatsu Airport, the ryokan is near Kanazawa Castle (2 km), Kenrokuen Garden (2.5 km), and other attractions. Free off-site private parking is available. -
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Kanazawa Guesthouse PongyiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kanazawa Guesthouse Pongyi in Kanazawa offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, a kitchenette, washing machine, and a dining area.Convenient Facilities
The guest house features a shared kitchen, coffee shop, and parking. Additional amenities include a river view, tatami floor, and a dining table.Prime Location
Located 31 km from Komatsu Airport, the property is a 6-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. Nearby attractions include Fukunen-ji Temple (300 metres) and Kenrokuen Garden (2.7 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, attentive staff, and immaculate rooms. -
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Hotel Kanazawa ZoushiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi in Kanazawa offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, and hypoallergenic bedding.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, lift, daily housekeeping service, luggage storage, and a minibar. Additional amenities include a work desk, seating area, and free toiletries.Delicious Breakfast
A daily Asian breakfast is served with local specialities, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.Prime Location
Located less than 1 km from Kanazawa Station and a 17-minute walk to Kanazawa Castle, the hotel is near attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden and Myoryuji Ninja Temple. Komatsu Airport is 31 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, comfortable bathrooms, and spacious rooms. -
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SumiyoshiyaOffering free Wi-Fi and free-use bicycles and in-room Japanese meals, Sumiyoshiya is a traditional Japanese-style hotel. It features a garden, hot public baths and coin-operated laundry facilities. A free-use internet PC is available at the lobby. Rooms feature paper sliding doors, Japanese futon bedding and a seating area. All come with an LCD TV, a tea/coffee maker and a sink, and some have a private bathroom. Sumiyoshiya offers laundry services and luggage storage. A Japanese and a Western breakfast are served in the hotelfs dining room. To eat breakfast at the hotel, a reservation must be made at check-in. Sumiyoshiya is a 10-minute walk from Kenroku-en Garden, and a 15-minute walk from both JR Kanazawa Stationfs East exit and the historical Higashi Chaya-machi district. Omicho market is only a 1-minute walk.View on Booking.com -
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YamanooView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yamanoo in Kanazawa offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and tatami floors. Each room includes a bathrobe, yukata, and free toiletries.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a serene garden and free WiFi in public areas. The ryokan provides a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.Prime Location
Located 1.8 km from Kanazawa Castle and 1.7 km from Kenrokuen Garden, Yamanoo is near attractions such as Utasu Shrine and Kanazawa Yasue Gold-Leaf Museum. Komatsu Airport is 34 km away.Guest Favorites
Guests highly rate the dinner and breakfast provided by the property, as well as the convenient location. -
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UTAIMACHIView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
UTAIMACHI in Kanazawa offers a 3-star ryokan experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a kitchenette. Each room includes a private bathroom, washing machine, and a dining area.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from concierge service, luggage storage, and parking. Additional amenities include a tea and coffee maker, bidet, and a walk-in shower.Prime Location
Located 34 km from Komatsu Airport, the ryokan is an 18-minute walk from Kanazawa Castle and 1.4 km from Kenrokuen Garden. Nearby attractions include Utasu Shrine and Kanazawa Yasue Gold-Leaf Museum.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and delicious breakfast. -
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HanaakariView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hanaakari in Kanazawa offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, tatami floor, refrigerator, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floor, TV, electric kettle, wardrobe. Additional amenities include a washing machine, tea and coffee maker, and a quiet street view.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden and luggage storage. Parking is available on site. Komatsu Airport is 32 km away.Prime Location
Located 2 km from Kanazawa Castle, a 12-minute walk to Kanazawa Station, and near attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden and Myoryuji Ninja Temple.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its host, room comfort, and quietness of the area. -
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Gunjo no TsukiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Gunjo no Tsuki in Kanazawa offers comfortable rooms with garden and river views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a kitchen equipped with modern amenities.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a serene garden, and free off-site private parking. Additional facilities include full-day security, luggage storage, and a washing machine.Dining Experience
A continental breakfast with juice is served daily. The ryokan also offers an ? la carte breakfast, catering to diverse preferences.Prime Location
Located 1.8 km from Kanazawa Castle and 1.7 km from Kenrokuen Garden, Gunjo no Tsuki is near attractions such as Myoryuji Ninja Temple and Nishi Tea House Street. Komatsu Airport is 31 km away. -
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The Kanazawa Sainoniwa HotelSurrounded by four gardens that change colours throughout the seasons, The Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel offers spa facilities and an on-site restaurant. Private parking is possible on site and free WiFi is available in all guest rooms. All rooms here are non-smoking, carpeted and equipped with air conditioning and an air humidifier. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV. Selected room include a seating area with a sofa and a working desk. Private bathroom is fitted with bath and shower while free toiletries and Samui, Japanese traditional wear, are provided. Guests at The Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel can enjoy spa on the ground floor. The on-site restaurant serves a buffet for breakfast. Drinks and snacks vending machines are locate throughout the hotel. From the hotel, JR Kanazawa Station is within a 15-minute walk. Guests can take a free shuttle from JR Kanazawa Station for 5 minutes to arrive at the property. The picturesque Kenrokuen Garden is under a 20-minute drive and Komatsu Airport is a 40-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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UAN kanazawaUAN kanazawa is located a 5-minute walk from Musashigatsuji/Ohmicho Ichiba Bus Stop and Omicho Market. JR Kanazawa Station is 12 minutes by bus from the property, while Kanazawa Castle is 13 minutes on foot. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. A wheelchair accessible room can be found at this property. Each room at this hotel is air-conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is a complimentary handy Smartphone and desk in all the rooms. Enjoy a cup of tea from your terrace or patio. Every room comes with a private bathroom with a bath and high-tech toilet, with slippers provided. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Yukata robes are also provided for the comfort of guests. A Japanese or Western-style breakfast featuring local specialities is available upon prior request. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. The property offers free soba noodle at night. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property and free luggage storage is available. Guests can work out free of charge at the hotel's fitness gym. Kenrokuen Garden is a 15-minute walk from UAN kanazawa, while Myoryuji - Ninja Temple is a 15-minute bus ride away from the property. The nearest Airport is Komatsu Airport, a 55-minute bus away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Kanazawa
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SponsoredStay at an Inn in Kanazawafs Higashi Chaya District and Enjoy an Elegant Evening With GeishaSpend a night at Maki no Oto Kanazawa, an intimate four-room inn in Kanazawafs Higashi Chaya District, offering the charm of a traditional machiya townhouse. After dinner, youfll visit a teahouse that's typically hard to access, guided by the owner of Maki No Oto Kanazawa, who has close ties to the district. Experience Japanese culture through traditional parlor games with a geisha.View experienceSponsored
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Kanazawa Private Tour: Highlights of an Old Samurai TownDive deep into the history of Japanfs samurai in this informative private tour of Samurai Town in Kanazawa!View on Klook -
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Kanazawa Half Day Historical Photo Spot Walking TourVisit phogenic places including Sakura spot in KanazawaView on Klook -
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