Kanazawa City Joins Tainan-Japan Friendship City Mutual Benefits Program: Two Art Museums Offer Free Admission for Tainan Residents

Tainan City’s pioneering 'Japan Friendship City Attraction Mutual Discount Program' has gained another key partner—Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, which officially joins on September 3. The city will offer special admission benefits at two major attractions: the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and the Kanazawa Noh Museum. Tainan residents presenting a Tainan Citizen Card or original National ID card can enjoy exclusive entry discounts as per official guidelines, marking a new milestone in cultural exchange between Tainan and its Japanese sister cities.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che stated that Tainan and Kanazawa have maintained close ties due to their shared historical connection through engineer Yoichi Hatta. In May this year, he finalized a friendship alliance with Kanazawa Mayor Shaku Murayama, further solidifying bilateral relations. This initiative by Kanazawa aligns with the launch of the direct 'Kaohsiung–Komatsu' flight route and proactively joins the mutual discount program, offering Tainan citizens greater access to Kanazawa’s rich artistic and cultural offerings.

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its modern art exhibitions, will provide free admission to its permanent collection. However, this benefit is time-limited and valid only until October 18, urging interested visitors to plan their trips accordingly. Adjacent to this museum, the Kanazawa Noh Museum—dedicated to Japan’s traditional performing art of Noh—will offer free entry to Tainan residents until March 31 next year, enabling travelers to experience both contemporary art and classical Japanese culture in one visit.

Beyond these two featured sites, Kanazawa also recommends nearby attractions such as the Kanazawa Furusato Ikijin-kan (Hometown Hall of Eminent Figures), which features exhibits on engineer Yoichi Hatta, along with the Suzuki Daisetsu馆, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle Park. These sites collectively form a deep cultural itinerary blending art, history, and urban heritage.

With Kanazawa’s participation, the program now includes 13 Japanese partner cities and over 90 participating attractions and shops offering exclusive deals to Tainan residents, expanding tourism and cultural engagement between Tainan and Japanese municipalities.

The Tainan City Government reminds travelers that operating hours and promotional details may change; thus, checking the latest announcements before departure is essential. Visitors must present the original Tainan Citizen Card or National ID—digital copies, photos, photocopies, or substitute documents are not accepted.

Kanazawa’s inclusion not only enhances travel incentives for Tainan residents but also extends the historic bond rooted in Yoichi Hatta’s legacy. The city anticipates that continued exchanges in tourism, culture, and municipal cooperation will deepen friendship and mutual understanding between the two regions.