Kanazawa: A City of Refined Beauty, History, and Gold

Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a jewel on the Sea of Japan coast. Unlike many major cities, Kanazawa was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing its beautiful historical districts and cultural heritage to remain remarkably intact. Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," this city offers a refined, elegant, and deeply authentic Japanese experience. From its stunning, world-class garden to its vibrant seafood market and powerful samurai history, Kanazawa is a destination that captivates every visitor.

The Perfect Garden: Kenrokuen

At the heart of Kanazawa's cultural prestige lies Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Its name, meaning "Garden of Six Sublimities," refers to the six attributes considered essential for a perfect landscape garden: spaciousness, serenity, artifice, antiquity, water features, and broad views. And indeed, Kenrokuen achieves all six with breathtaking grace.

Covering a sprawling area of 11.4 hectares, the garden was developed over nearly two centuries by the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain (present-day Kanazawa) during the Edo Period. Today, it stands as a masterpiece of landscape artistry. As you wander through its meticulously maintained paths, you'll encounter a variety of picturesque scenes:

• The iconic Kotoji-toro (lantern with two legs), a symbol of Kanazawa.

• The large Kasumigaike Pond, which features the Horai Island, a symbol of eternal happiness.

• The intricate winding streams and small waterfalls, which are a testament to the garden's sophisticated water systems.

Kenrokuen is beautiful in every season, but it is particularly famous for its winter scenery when the trees are adorned with yukitsuri, ropes arranged in a conical fashion to protect the branches from heavy snow. A visit to Kenrokuen is a serene and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japanese aesthetic perfection.

A Legacy of Power: Kanazawa Castle

Immediately adjacent to Kenrokuen is Kanazawa Castle, the historical seat of the powerful Maeda clan, one of the wealthiest and most influential feudal families in Japanese history. While the castle’s original main keep was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt, the grounds have been beautifully reconstructed and preserved, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s samurai past.

The castle grounds feature impressive gates, stone walls, and vast inner courtyards. Highlights include the Hishi Yagura (diamond-shaped turret), the Goju-ken Nagaya (long storehouse), and the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura (a defensive turret and gate), all

magnificently restored using traditional construction methods and timber. Walking the stone paths and gazing up at the massive walls built from granite and other local stones gives you a real sense of the power and wealth the Maeda clan commanded.

The contrast between the refined artistry of Kenrokuen and the fortified resilience of the castle grounds perfectly illustrates the two sides of the Maeda clan's legacy: cultural patronage and military might.

The Kitchen of Kanazawa: Omicho Market

After a journey through history and refined landscapes, it’s time to satisfy your appetite at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's bustling and vibrant kitchen. For over 300 years, this market has been the city’s center for fresh produce, especially seafood harvested from the nearby Sea of Japan.

Omicho Market is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The narrow lanes are packed with stalls selling an astonishing variety of fish, crab, shrimp, and seasonal delicacies. Due to its location, Kanazawa is especially famous for its quality seafood, including various types of local crab in the winter and sweet shrimp year-round.

Beyond the raw seafood, you can enjoy incredibly fresh sushi, kaisen-don (rice bowls topped with fresh sashimi), and grilled scallops at the numerous small restaurants and street food stalls lining the market. It’s an energetic, lively place where you can directly interact with vendors and taste the freshest ingredients the region has to offer. A visit to Omicho Market offers a delicious, authentic, and high-energy contrast to the serenity of Kenrokuen.

Kanazawa is a city that deserves to be savored slowly. From the tranquility of its gardens to the drama of its castle and the vitality of its market, it offers a harmonious blend of Japanese culture, history, and cuisine that is truly unique.

We offer personalized private guiding services tailored to your every wish, led by local university students who intimately know Japan's hidden gems. Let us help you unlock the deeper charms of this incredible trip. Details about our services are on this HP so please visit and check out. If you have any questions, not related to our services, like questions about Japan, feel free to send us an email. (tokyowelbee@gmail.com)

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