basic information

From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possessions in terms of size and rice production.

The castle burnt down a few times throughout its history, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by the castle's Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate, which dates from 1788, is the main entrance to the park and faces Kenrokuen.

For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds, until the campus was moved into the city's outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project has been underway to slowly rebuild the historic buildings of the former Kanazawa Castle.

Hishi Yagura Turret

Ishikawa-mon Gate

The first buildings to be reconstructed were the Hishi Yagura, a turret overlooking the northern approach to the castle, Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura, a turret guarding the entrance to the central area of the castle grounds, and Gojukken Nagaya, a long storehouse running between the two turrets.

The three buildings were completely rebuilt to their original appearance in the 1850s, using traditional techniques and materials. Now they are open to the public and have excellent displays on traditional carpentry and construction.

A few other structures are currently being rebuilt, including two more gates and a section of the moats which surrounded the castle. Furthermore, renovation of the Ishikawa-mon Gate is underway. However, there are currently no plans to rebuild the original castle keep.

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how to get there

Kanazawa Castle Park is a large park in the center of Kanazawa and is accessible from many different sides. The most popular approach is through the Ishikawa-mon Gate, which is located only a few meters from the main entrance of Kenrokuen.

Frequently departing buses provide access from Kanazawa Station (East Exit bus stop number 3) to Kenrokuen and Ishikawa-mon in about 15 minutes. Get off at Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, which is a short walk from Ishikawa-mon.

Kenrokuen is also a stop along the Kanazawa Loop Bus. The ride from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen takes approximately 20 minutes.

How to get to and around Kanazawa

hours and fees

Castle Grounds
Hours:	March 1 to October 15: 7:00 to 18:00 October 16 through February: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed:	December 29 to January 3
Admission:	Free

Gojukken Nagaya Storehouse and Turrets
Hours:	9:00 to 16:30
Closed:	December 29 to January 3
Admission:	300 yen

news and reports

Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Report April 13, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Kanazawa: 249
Users who have been to Kanazawa Castle: 129

2nd of 9 most visited sights in Kanazawa.
124th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		mildly interesting (70/100, 73 votes)
Rating by staff:		interesting
Overall Rating:		interesting

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hotels & ryokan

Kanazawa Central Hotel A comfort hotel, 3 min walk from Kanazawa Sta. Free LAN Internet and fine amenities in room. Public baths. Helpful staff. Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Perfect location for sightseeing in Kanazawa. Easy access to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen.

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