yuka I’ve always loved reading. My dad was a huge book lover, and our home was filled with books. As a child, I often picked something from his shelves and discovered a new novel or author. For me, it felt just like having a library at home.
In Kanazawa, there are three city libraries, Tamagawa, Izumino, and Umi-mirai. They’re absolutely wonderful, and I’ve visited them many times. But unfortunately, they’re all a little far from my house.
In 2022, the Ishikawa Prefectural Library was relocated close to my neighborhood. To be honest, I didn’t expect much, because the old one wasn’t very appealing. But I was wrong. I was completely stunned when I visited the new library for the first time.
It was far beyond my expectations.
In the Great Hall, sloped walkways connect the bookshelves, creating an open and unique atmosphere.
The library has about 500 seats in all kinds of styles, which is really fascinating. Your find your favorite ones.
The children’s area offers books, board games, play spaces, and even little adventures.
And yes, there’s a cozy café.
You can bring drinks into the reading area, and chatting with friends is also welcome, which is quite rare for a library!
I visit every few weeks to borrow books. The library lets you borrow up to 10 books at a time for three weeks, and you can even extend it for another three weeks. Needless to say, staying in the Library and borrowing books are free. I see many students studying here. Eldery people spend their time in relaxed way. Not many foreign tourists visit this place. But if you are a book lover and interested in local life, you should never miss this place.
These are the books I am borrowing today. Yes, I am into Roman Empire History right now. Isn’t it interesting that Japanese people read books from top to bottom and right to left?
As long as this library is here, I’ll never get bored in Kanazawa.
If you’re visiting Kanazawa and curious about local life, I’d be so happy to show you around on one of my tours. Of course, there are many English books as well. Want to stay long hours? No problem!
Visitor Information
| Location | 2-43-1 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa |
| Hours | 9:00–19:00 (Tue–Fri) 9:00–18:00 (Sat-Sun) |
| Closed | Mon |
| Admission | Free |
| Website | Ishikawa Prefectural Library |
| Good For | Book lovers / Architecture lovers |
Want to explore Kanazawa with a local guide?
I offer private walking tours where you can experience Kanazawa from a local perspective.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.