Kanazawa Gold Leaf: A Golden Tradition of Art, History, and Culture

Kanazawa is famous across Japan and beyond for its beautiful gold leaf. With deep roots in history, culture, and craftsmanship, the story of Kanazawa gold leaf is one of legends, powerful clans, skilled artisans, and modern-day innovation. In this post, we’ll explore how this glittering legacy began, how it shaped the city’s identity, and where you can experience it for yourself.

The Origin of Kanazawa Gold Leaf

According to local legend, the name Kanazawa—meaning “marsh of gold”—comes from a humble farmer who, while washing sweet potatoes in a river, noticed golden flakes drifting downstream. While the story might be more myth than fact, it reflects the city’s long-standing connection to gold.

Historically, the true turning point came in the late 16th century with the rise of the Maeda clan, lords of the Kaga Domain. Unlike many other feudal rulers, the Maeda chose to focus not just on military strength, but on cultural and artistic development. They invested heavily in traditional crafts, helping turn Kanazawa into a thriving center of art—including the meticulous craft of gold leaf production.

The Myth

The myth behind the name Kanazawa (“金沢” – marsh of gold) is a well-known local legend that has been passed down for generations.

According to the story:

A poor farmer named Imohori Togoro (literally, “Togoro the sweet potato digger”) was washing sweet potatoes in a stream near his farm when he noticed something unusual. As he scrubbed the soil from the potatoes, gold flakes began to appear in the water, glinting in the sunlight. The area where this occurred became known as Kanazawa, meaning “marsh of gold.”

In some versions of the tale, Togoro believed the gold came from the potatoes themselves and was sent by the gods as a reward for his hard work and honesty. Others suggest he simply discovered natural gold dust or nuggets in the local soil while working by the river.

While there’s no hard evidence that gold was ever mined directly in Kanazawa, this legend became part of the city’s identity—so much so that it influenced its name and helped shape its symbolic association with gold.

Let me know if you'd like this myth rewritten as a short illustrated folktale or used in marketing material!

Why Kanazawa Gold Leaf Is So Special

Today, Kanazawa produces over 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, and its artisans are among the most skilled in the world. Thanks to the region’s stable humidity and generations of technical refinement, the gold leaf created here is extraordinarily thin—just 0.0001 millimeters—and prized for its beauty and durability.

Kanazawa gold leaf appears in:

• Temples and shrines

• Lacquerware, ceramics, and folding screens

• Buddhist statues and altars

• Cosmetics and accessories

• Traditional sweets, tea, and even alcohol

You can even taste it—try gold leaf ice cream, gold-dusted parfaits, or a cup of sake sparkling with edible gold flakes. In Kanazawa, gold is not only for decoration—it’s part of everyday life.

Where to Experience Kanazawa Gold Leaf Today

If you're visiting Kanazawa, there are plenty of places to experience this glittering tradition firsthand.

Hakuichi Headquarters

One of the most impressive spots is the Hakuichi Gold Leaf Museum at Hakuichi Headquarters. Here, you can explore the history of gold leaf, watch artisans at work, and see unique exhibits. Around the city you will see a real taxi and bicycle completely covered in gold leaf. It's a brilliant example of how traditional crafts continue to evolve in contemporary ways.

Workshops & Shopping

Across the city, you’ll find hands-on workshops where you can try applying gold leaf to your own souvenirs, such as chopsticks, trays, or decorative boxes. Many stores also sell gold-infused beauty products, ceramics, and traditional crafts—perfect gifts or keepsakes to bring home.

Higashi Chaya District

In the atmospheric Higashi Chaya geisha district, many small shops incorporate gold leaf into modern crafts, sweets, and even skincare. It’s a great place to combine sightseeing, shopping, and a taste of Kanazawa’s cultural flair.

A Living Tradition That Still Shines

From a riverbed legend to glittering museum displays, Kanazawa gold leaf remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural treasures. It’s a story that spans centuries—rooted in tradition, refined by history, and still alive today in the hands of modern artisans.

Whether you're applying gold leaf yourself, admiring it in temples and museums, or simply enjoying it on your dessert, you're connecting with a legacy that defines Kanazawa's unique charm.

Planning a visit? Many of our custom tours at Beyond Kanazawa can include stops at gold leaf workshops or shops in the Higashi Chaya area. Let us know what kind of experience you're after, and we’ll craft something unforgettable—just like the city’s golden touch.