Kanazawa City (金沢市), the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is probably the most lively city in the entire Hokuriku region (北陸地方) in the north-western part of Japan’s main island – Honshū. Producing 90% of gold leaf (金箔) in Japan, this prosperous city has its own unique culture, such as the way fabrics are dyed and the […]
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While there are plenty of historical attractions in Kanazawa, the city is quite modern. If you are seeking a spot that is quieter and less touristy, Yuwaku Onsen (湯涌温泉), which is 60 minutes away by bus from Kanazawa’s city center, can be a great choice. The hot spring town, with a history as long as
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Kanazawa Castle (金沢城) was the residence of the powerful lords of the Maeda clan (前田氏), who ruled over the Kaga/Kanazawa Domain (加賀藩). Until the end of the Edo period, the Maeda clan had great power and wealth, second only to the Tokugawa clan. Along with the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園), it is now one of
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If you are wondering which of the six entrances you should finish your exploration of the Kanazawa Castle, the Nezumita-mon Gate (鼠多門) can be a great choice if you aren’t in a hurry to Kenrokuen Garden. Because after you cross the Nezumita-mon Bridge (鼠多門橋), there is a shrine with a three-storied gate, each built in
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Although its existence remains unknown to many, in addition to the famous Kenrokuen Garden, there is one more garden that is worth your time in Kanazawa. Directly next to the Kaga-Yūzen Kimono Center, the Gyokusen-en (西田家庭園「玉泉園」) is a garden that is 120 years older than Kenrokuen, opposite the Hyakumangoku-dori avenue. Not known by many tourists,
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A chaya (茶屋) means tea house in Japanese. Although it is a “tea” house, alcohol is served to its customers. It used to be home to beautiful and talented Geishas (芸者), who are masters of various traditional Japanese arts such as Buyō (舞踊) and Shamisen (三味線), which are the Japanese traditional dance and Japanese guitar.
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For those who will be sightseeing in Kanazawa in kimono or are passionate about the samurais, make sure Nagamachi Samurai District (長町武家屋敷跡) is on your itinerary. You will blend in perfectly into the samurai’s houses in the background! Also, the district isn’t just about the traditional houses that the samurais called them home. It is
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Amongst The Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) in Kanazawa is probably the most famous (with the other two being the Kōrakuen (後樂園) in Okayama Prefecture and the Kairakuen (偕樂園) in Ibaraki Prefecture. This National Place of Scenery Beauty is practically the symbol of the city, if not the entire Ishikawa Prefecture!
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