Many of the links below are only available in Japanese. However almost all major tourist sites in Japan have English pamphlets, and Kanazawa is no exception. Free maps can be picked up at the Tourist Information Lobby at Kanazawa station. In the street directly opposite the main exit of the station, on the right hand side, is the Rifare Building, where the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange is located (4F), as well as the Ishikawa International Lounge (2F). There is a small library in the building with free use of computers.
Exploring Kenrokuen
Kenroku-en Garden (兼六園), . The most famous sight in Kanazawa, the Garden of Six Attributes is considered one of Japan's Top 3 gardens. Once the outer pleasure gardens of the Maeda Lords, it gradually expanded to take over the entire block. While not completed in its final form until the waning years of the Edo Shogunate, it still represents one of the peaks of Japanese strolling garden design. The way in which water is piped from many kilometres upstream to fill its streams and ponds before going on to fill the castle moats is one of the great engineering feats of the Edo period. In part of the grounds, and with a steep separate ¥700 entrance fee, is the Seisonkaku Villa, build by a Maeda lord for his mother. Only part of it remains today, but is a rare example of existing daimyo palace architecture. The upper floor, with its bright blues and reds, is in distinct contrast to the muted earth tones of Kyoto style. �300, and �100 for children age 6-17. 7AM-6PM daily. During cherry blossom season, entry to the park is free and it's open and lit up until 9 PM.
Ishikawa Gate, Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle Site. At the centre of Kanazawa is the former site of Kanazawa's castle. Recently vacated by the national university, which took over the site once used by the Ninth Division of the Imperial Army, the castle is public space now for the first time in its 400-plus years of history. The imposing Ishikawa Gate (石川門), so named as it faced the Ishikawa district, was once a side entrance to the castle grounds, but after several fires and man-made destruction, it is one of the few original buildings left on the site, the other being the Sanjikken Nagaya (三十間長屋) storehouse near the top. However the long Gojikken Nagaya (五十間長屋) that once guarded the castle palace has recently been rebuilt according to traditional methods, and is open to the public for ¥300.
The alleys of Nagamachi's samurai district
Nagamachi Samurai District (長町武家屋敷). Towards the coast from Oyama Shrine, this is an area of a few streets where considerable effort has been expended in order to recreate the feel of the samurai housing areas. The fact that almost none of the actual samurai houses remain does little to daunt the enthusiasm of the tourists. While historically dubious, it is a pleasant area to stroll, and the one of the best of the remaining samurai districts in Japan. In Nagamachi, the Nomura House is open to the public (�500), and boasts a small but exquisite garden. A short walk from there the city has relocated and restored two ashigaru (足軽: the lowest rank of samurai) houses that are open for free, and provide a lovely place to rest and enjoy the peace of a traditional Japanese house. Towards the Asano River to the north, there are a couple more samurai houses, not preserved or set aside as museum pieces, but actually lived in (and not open to the public).
Kazuemachi (主計町). A small but very nice area of geisha houses along the riverbank across from Higashiyama.
Higashi-Chayamachi (ひがし茶屋町), across the Asano River. Kanazawa's most famous geisha district. Many of the tall narrow houses are still used as high-class entertainment, but the Shima House (�400) is open for all to see, and is well worth the entry fee for a chance to experience its refined and elegant atmosphere. Quite a few of the buildings have been converted into speciality shops and teahouses (of the non-geisha variety), so poke around freely and don't miss out on a cup of tea and a Japanese sweet (�500-1000). Behind this area is a temple district, and the roads between the main road and the mountain are a twisting labyrinth of narrow lanes perfect for exploring on foot.
Nishi-Chayamachi (にし茶屋町). The "west" to Higashi's "east", this is another district of restored geisha houses. However, this is considerably smaller (and quieter) than Higashi, with effectively just a single street, and aside from the (free) information centre it's not possible to enter any of the houses.
Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall (Old Merchant House). The Old Merchant House was Kanazawa's leading Chinese medicine shop in Minami-machi during the 18th century. The shop was established in 1759 and provided medicine for the feudal leaders. The merchant's family was given high status by the elders of the town. The shop was instrumental in maintaining the elegance of the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and haiku during the time period in which it was open. The shop currently has a bridal exhibit on the second floor with examples of bridal gifts and a large flower arrangement made entirely out of sugar.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Kanazawa
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Kanazawa - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Kanazawa hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Kanazawa Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
