KANAZAWA
A fusion of tradition and modernity
in this Kaga Hyakumangoku castle town
KANAZAWA
A fusion of tradition and modernity
in this Kaga Hyakumangoku castle town
Kanazawa City
Castle town of Hyakumangoku, built in the Kaga domain by the Maeda clan. Remnants of the feudal era remain in the cityscape, providing a distinctive Japanese atmosphere. There are numerous spots which get attention worldwide such as the Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum and the DT Suzuki Museum, and the beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity is so breathtaking you can't take your eyes off of it.
A special scenic spot famous as one of the top three gardens in Japan.
Kenrokuen Park
Built as the outer garden for Kanazawa Castle, the landscaping was completed through the generations over a 180-year period starting with the 5th feudal lord of the Kaga domain. The total area of the garden is 114,435.65 square meters, about 2.4x the size of Tokyo Dome. It has walking paths for enjoying the surroundings and is a designated special scenic spot. The light-up events held in each season are also recommended.
- Address
- 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa
- Phone Number
- 076-234-3800 (Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Management Office)
Imagine the past as you tour the site.
Kanazawa Castle Park
The Kanazawa Castle ruins are the former site of the residence of Maeda clan Kaga domain feudal lords. Although the building itself is almost completely lost due to a series of fires, portions such as the Ishikawamon Gate and Sanjikken Nagaya (50-yard-long warehouse) remain. Reconstruction is underway, and the Kawakitamon Gate, Hishiyagura (diamond-shaped turret), Gojikken Nagaya (90-yard-long warehouse), and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura (turret protecting the nearby gate) have all been restored.
- Address
- 1-1 Marunouchi Maru, Kanazawa
- Phone Number
- 076-234-3800 (Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Management Office)
Enjoy a stroll through the cobblestone streets.
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya, along with Nishi Chaya and Shukeicho, is the largest of the three teahouse districts of Kanazawa. In 1820, the 12th feudal lord of the Kaga domain, Maeda Narinaga, gathered up the teahouses dotted throughout the area and created the district. This is currently a popular spot with tourists, and there are also teahouses that are still in operation.
- Address
- Higashiyama, Kanazawa
- Phone Number
- 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa City Tourist Association)
A modern art museum that gets attention all over the world.
Kanazawa 21st Century Art Museum
For the locals, this modern art museum is known by the nickname "Marubii." The round shape of the building was designed based on the concept of "a park-like art museum opened in the middle of town," and the four entry points allow free access in and out. The permanent exhibitions inside and outside of the main boodling feature a large number of experience-type artworks that are highlights of the museum.
Experience the world of Daisetsu and meditate.
DT Suzuki Museum
This facility is an introduction to Daisetsu Suzuki, a Buddhist philosopher who was born in Kanazawa, and the building was designed by one of Japan's most famous architects, Yoshio Taniguchi. The structure features three spaces and three gardens with lots of change and variety, and visitors can deepen their understanding of Daisetsu by letting the calm atmosphere envelop them as they tour the facility and are drawn into a meditative state.
- Address
- 3-4-20 Hondamachi, Kanazawa
- Phone Number
- 076-221-8011
One of Japan's top three areas for traditional desserts.
Japanese Desserts
Tea culture is alive and well in Kanazawa, and it is one of the three top areas for traditional Japanese desserts, alongside Kyoto and Matsue. There are large numbers of both old, established places and up-and-coming Japanese dessert shops visited by all of the city's residents. Standard items like high-quality seasonal fresh confections, rakugan hard candy, and steamed red bean buns are available, as well as modern versions of traditional Japanese desserts.
Enjoy a selection of seasonal local seafood with a set.
Hyakumangoku Sushi
This set menu of 10 pieces of sushi made with seasonal local seafood is a great deal at just 3,800 yen. It is available at a total of 30 different shop locations in Kanazawa and other areas of Ishikawa Prefecture, and the content varies depending on the shop where you make your purchase, as well as the season. Please try it for yourself and sample the sushi created by local chefs with painstaking attention to detail for optimal flavor.
A concentration of the Kaga Hyakumangoku food culture.
Kaga Cuisine
This local cuisine combines east and west food culture with the Kaga Hyakumangoku samurai culture as its base and has developed into a variety of dishes made from local ingredients for entertaining guests. The serving vessels are also carefully determined, with dishes served in Kutaniyaki ceramics, lacquer ware, and other local specialties. Some examples include jibuni duck stew, kabura sushi, and steamed hasu, and these and others are available at traditional Japanese restaurants and eateries within the city of Kanazawa.
