Kanazawa City in Japan’s northern-central region of Horikuru is only a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo. The beautiful, large castle city is where history and elegance meet.
In 1583, the Maeda Clan, the second-most powerful feudal clan after the Tokugawa Shogun, started governing Kanazawa City. Under the clan, Kanazawa grew to become the largest castle town of the region during the Edo Era (1603-1867).
Today, Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and boasts various historical tourist attractions of both traditional and modern arts.
Kenrokuen, a scenic traditional Japanese garden, boasts spacious, manicured grounds with ponds, moss-covered green hills and classic teahouses. It is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens and was built around 1673-81. Take your time and explore the garden to enjoy the magnificent landscapes while checking out various gardening styles from different periods coexisting in botanical harmony.
While you’re enjoying Kenrokuen, drop by Shiguretei teahouse for a cup of freshly brewed matcha paired with wagashi sweets. The photogenic, classical teahouse brings a traditional setting and has great views of the pine tree-surrounded pond.
After exploring the sprawling grounds of Kenrokuen, take a short 10-minute walk to Higashi Chaya, a traditional entertainment district filled with a fascinating atmosphere. Higashi Chaya’s elegant streets are lined with geisha houses with lattice “kimusuko” features. This architectural element on the lattice doors allow the outside to be seen from inside but not the inside from the outside. Like the geisha houses in Kyoto, the unique buildings of Higashi Chaya are also designated National Important Cultural Properties.
Another Kanazawa point of interest is Nagamachi, a samurai district west of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen garden. High-ranking samurai resided in impressive wooden homes in Nagamachi during the Edo Era. Transport back to this time with a walk down the narrow streets and take a look at the elaborate original water supply and drainage system still retained from the era.
Take a shopping break close by at the Omicho Market, which has over 170 stores and stalls. The district has been an integral part of Kanazawa’s food culture for over 300 years. Here you can peruse many fresh, local products and even fresh catches from the nearby Sea of Japan.
Kanazawa is a jewelry box of history, culture and arts. Exploring in the city will give you a chance to encounter some traditional beauties of the Land of the Rising Sun!
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Kenrokuen garden URL
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