Japan’s City of Samurai - Kanazawa (金沢市)
Kanazawa (金沢市), the capital of Ishikawa 石川(いしかわ) Prefecture is one of my favourite Japanese cities I visited during my time in Japan is which means ‘marsh of gold’. ⚜️ It is also known best for City of Samurai. ⚔️
Map: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Under the rule of the Maeda clan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Kanazawa developed into one of Japan’s most important cities. It accumulated vast wealth and attracting artisans and services the needs of the samurai class.
Today, Kanazawa remains a city of historic districts and modern entertainments.
Top 6 places in Kanazawa you should visit in 1 Day!
📍 Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi (長町) was a samurai district, where samurai and their families used to reside. Samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals are very well preserved and protected in the area.
One of the main attractions of the district is Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts.
📍Kanazawa Castle & Garden 🏯
Kanazawa Castle (金沢城) was known to be the home of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga during the period 1583 to the Edo Period.
Fire broke out several times over the centuries resulting in many parts of the castle was burnt down. For many decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until it was moved in early 1990s. Since then, a project is underway to rebuild the castle's former buildings.
📍Ozaki Shrine
Just a stone’s throw away from Kanazawa Castle, this beautiful small Shinto shrine near Kanazawa Reitaku. Seemingly, it is a popular place for local people and a good experience for visiting a very local and a less touristic area. The gate and the washing basin are also very photogenic.
📍D.T. Suzuki Museum
The D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館) is a small museum commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (1870-1966), an important Buddhist philosopher who was instrumental in introducing Japanese Zen philosophy to the west.
He wrote mainly about Zen Buddhism and its relation to and influence on everyday life.
Opened in 2011 the exhibitions showcases the writings of D.T. Suzuki which allow the visitor to learn more about his life and philosophy.
The architecture uses clean, simple lines and open spaces which allows the visitors to pause and reflect.
Water Mirror Garden in front of the museum's exhibition wing.
📍 Omicho Market 🍣
Omicho Market (近江町市場) is Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today it has about 200 shops and stalls specialising in local seafood and produce.
it is an excellent place for lunch inside the market and do not miss out on the seafood skewers, Bai fun uni (as cheap as 500 Yen!!), snow crab and fresh fruits!
Kanazawa is also known for its famous Katsu Curry, located in the basement of the market!!
📍 Kanazawa M’za Department store 🛍 be sure to buy all sort of beautiful souvenirs and snacks! Also be sure to eat the ice cream with the golden leaf🍦
