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Kanazawa Attractions
Kanazawa Castle
Built by the Maeda Clan that traditionally ruled Ishikawa and western Toyama. All but the original gate (Ishikawa-mon) burned to the ground in a fire in 1881, but has been rebuilt in the original style (although the reconstructed areas seem to have a little bit of an IKEA vibe). It’s free to enter the grounds, but a charge applies to enter inside the buildings. There are some nice computer-generated displays showing how it was built. Admission is 300 yen.
Kenrokuen Garden
Close to Kanazawa Castle lies Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens (not sure who decides these things but it’s definitely worthy!). Considered by many to be the number one, and not without good reason. Originally the private garden of the ruling clan, it was opened to the public in 1871 during the Meiji Era. Walking around inside, you feel like you have been shrunk to ant size and are walking around a bonsai garden. It is at its best in the fall with the leaves changing colours and in spring with the cherry blossoms. Admission is 300 yen.
Seisonkaku Villa
Inside Kenrokuen is Seisonkaku Villa, built by Lord Maeda for his mother. It is a good example of a Samurai house from the period. It has a separate entrance fee from Kenrokuen.
Nagamachi District
This was was the home of Kanazawa’s Samurai clans. Traditional moats and walls protected those inside from surprise attack! To walk or cycle around the district is free. Nomura House was owned by one of the families, and is open to the public. It’s really close to Katamachi, the main entertainment area of town.
Ninja-dera temple
In Teramachi district. The temple has secret tunnels, passageways and rooms that were used to launch stealthy attacks to confuse potential enemies of the Feudal lord. Legend has it that any invading force would be forced to stop to pay respects at the temple before heading to attack the castle. There they would be attacked by ninja-like individuals (how cool is that, I swear!). This is just one of many shrines and temples in Teramachi district. (Have since been informed that this may not be entirely correct, but hey, it’s a good story). Good news: There are tours. Bad News: They are only in Japanese. Good News 2: there is an English pamphlet you can borrow along the tour. Bad News 2: You need a reservation for the tours, and you will need basic Japanese ability to make the call, or else ask a friend to do it for you. Kanazawa also boasts the Higashi (eastern) and Nishi-chaya (western) Geisha districts. Some geisha still reside in Kanazawa, one of very few places in Japan. In fact at last count it had 65 working geisha, second only to Kyoto. Like Nagamachi Samurai district, it is easy to stroll around and think you are back in old Japan.