D.T. Suzuki Museum
D.T. Suzuki Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I absolutely adored this little out-of-the-way museum. I was fascinated by online photos for a long time and had always wanted to visit, but my time in Kanazawa was always too short for a visit during my previous trips. I finally had time this Feb 2023 and I was so glad I made it. It's a very small museum, and you can't take photos inside the halls, but once you get out to the "pond" outside, you can take as much photos as you like. As for me, since I visited during a weekday morning, there wasn't any other visitors around. I sat outside staring at the waters for quite a long time. It's really zen and peaceful, I sat there contemplating and reflecting on some of my life moments without even noticing time passing by as there's no distractions at all. This is not a museum where one would revisit, but I certainly would!
Susan Tan
00
The museum is a beautiful place for anyone who wants to learn about this important figure in Zen. I found the most information about him by looking at the electronic terminals in the corner, otherwise the displays were a lot but lacking for English speakers or one unfamiliar with this branch of Buddhism. They also have a little to library where I thumbed through some of his books. Obviously the contemplation space and reflection pool outside are a big draw and I enjoyed sitting there for a good 10 minutes. People are respectful of the silence. A bonus is a short walk behind the museum where you can see a more traditional green garden and pond.
JP G
00
Highly recommended to have a visit. We came during the afternoon and there was only a handful of people in the museum. It is quite small and the entrance fee is minimal. However the experience was amazing. If you like architecture, then you’ll fall in love with the design and details put in to create a Zen like environment. You can sit there and feel the tranquility. At decent weather the water becomes near calm and the occasional intentional burst in a single spot in the water creates constant water ring through out the pond. What these water rings represent is for you to decide. Have a seat and enjoy.
Daniel Hsiao
00
Beautiful building and grounds housing the museum of the renowned Buddhist scholar and philosopher D T Suzuki. More than anyone else he is responsible for the introduction of Zen Buddhism to the west. The museum has exhibits of historical artefacts from his life and work, a study area with a library you are invited to use (including books in multiple languages), and a contemplation area where you are invited to sit. The building and grounds are stunningly beautiful. Worth a visit even if you aren't so into Buddhism just for the grounds and architecture.
Charles Haynes
00
A very modern building themed “Zen,” a teaching of Japanese Buddhism by being minimalistic. Supposed to be a place where you try finding your own answer, there are no signs and explanation. I only knew D.T. Suzuki is a philosopher from Kanazawa who introduced the idea of Zen to the world. Sadly, visiting this museum didn’t provide any more information so if you want to learn or practice Zen and meditation, I’d recommend visiting Zen temples instead. This place is more of a place for enjoying modern architecture to me.
Wakana Komatsu Kodo
00
Excellent but small museum. Take your time as you go through it and carefully consider the few exhibits as they have been created with great care. I sat in the small library and read through a chapter of one of his books. A great experience and peaceful exercise! It’s fine for children, but it’s definitely geared more towards adults. Take time to sit in the contemplation space and look out over the small man-made pond. A tranquil and relaxing place that you could walk through in 10 minutes or stay an hour.
Tim Ogino
00
Nearby Attractions Of D.T. Suzuki Museum
Kenroku-en
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Kanazawa Castle Park
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
Ishiura Shrine
ジャンティールキタカミ タテマチ店
APA HOTEL KANAZAWA-CHUO
Kanazawa shrine
Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum
Gyokusen-inmaru Park

Kenroku-en
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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
3.8
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Kanazawa Castle Park
4.3
(4.9K)
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Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
4.1
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Nearby Restaurants Of D.T. Suzuki Museum
Grill Otsuka
Itaru
Turban Curry Main Store
Uchuken Syokudo
Akadama Honten
Le Musée de H Kanazawa
片町居酒屋 魚ぎゅう
Itaru Honten
焼き鳥 海鮮と炭火鶏のお店 片町居酒屋うちわ 金沢
Ramen Uguisu

Grill Otsuka
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Itaru
4.2
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Turban Curry Main Store
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Uchuken Syokudo
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Basic Info
Address
3 Chome-4-20 Hondamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan
Map
Phone
+81 76-221-8011
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Website
kanazawa-museum.jp
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(965 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
relaxation
Description
The D. T. Suzuki Museum opened in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan in 2011. Dedicated to the life, writings, and ideas of Kanazawa-born Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki, the facility, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, includes a contemplative space overlooking the Water Mirror Garden.
attractions: Kenroku-en, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Kanazawa Castle Park, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Ishiura Shrine, ジャンティールキタカミ タテマチ店, APA HOTEL KANAZAWA-CHUO, Kanazawa shrine, Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum, Gyokusen-inmaru Park, restaurants: Grill Otsuka, Itaru, Turban Curry Main Store, Uchuken Syokudo, Akadama Honten, Le Musée de H Kanazawa, 片町居酒屋 魚ぎゅう, Itaru Honten, 焼き鳥 海鮮と炭火鶏のお店 片町居酒屋うちわ 金沢, Ramen Uguisu
