From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) 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 wealth.
The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate dates from 1788 and faces Kenrokuen. For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until the campus was moved to the city's outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project is underway to rebuild the castle's former buildings. In the meantime, most central structures are standing again and make a visit more interesting.
The first buildings to be reconstructed were the two turrets (Hishi and Tsuzuki Yagura) and a long storehouse (Gojukken Nagaya) that connects the two turrets. The buildings were rebuilt to their original 1850s appearance using traditional techniques and materials. They were opened to the public in 2001 and contain excellent displays on traditional carpentry. In 2015, the adjacent Hashizume-mon Gate was added. The turrets and the storehouse are the only part of the castle where an admission fee is charged.
Several of the castle's other gates have also been reconstructed, including the former main entrance gate, the Kahoku-mon Gate (in 2010) and the Nezumita-mon Gate (in 2020) near Oyama Shrine. The upper floors of both gates can be entered for free and contain displays about the gates' history and construction. In 2015, the Gyokuseninmaru Garden, a pretty garden with a central pond and circular walking path, was reconstructed and can be enjoyed for free. The castle's main keep was lost in a fire in 1602 and has not been rebuilt ever since.
Getting there and around
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.
Kenrokuen and the castle park are a stop along the tourist-oriented Kanazawa Loop Bus which departs from the station's east exit (aka Kenrokuen Exit). The one way ride from Kanazawa Station takes about 20 minutes and costs 210 yen.
Alternatively, frequent Hokutetsu buses run between Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen (15 minutes, 210 yen one way). Get off at Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, a short walk from the castle park. Furthermore, there are 1-3 JR buses per hour from Kanazawa Station, which are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. All buses depart from Kanazawa Station's east exit (Kenrokuen Exit).
How to get to and around Kanazawa
Hours and Fees
Castle Grounds
Hours
8:00 to 17:00 (October 16 through February)
Closed
Admission
Gojukken Nagaya Storehouse and Turrets
Hours
Closed
Admission
Kahoku-mon Gate and Nezumita-mon Gate
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Kanazawa
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Hotel Resol Trinity KanazawaA chic hotel for tourists that incorporates Kanazawa's traditional art and culture into its design.View siteSponsored
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HOTEL 101 KANAZAWASet in Kanazawa, 2 km from Kanazawa Castle, HOTEL 101 KANAZAWA offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Guests can use the hot tub, or enjoy garden views. At the hotel, all rooms include a balcony. All guest rooms in HOTEL 101 KANAZAWA are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kanazawa Station, Saigen-ji Temple and Kokyo-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 32 km from HOTEL 101 KANAZAWA.View on Booking.com -
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Guest House PongyiFormerly a classic Japanese-style house built more than 150 years ago, Guest House Pongyi features affordable accommodations. JR Kanazawa Train Station and Hokutetsu-Kanazawa Train Station are a 5-minute walk away. The dormitory-style rooms feature tatami (woven-staw) floors. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Female dormitory rooms have air conditioning, while mixed dormitory rooms have a fan for the summer and a heater for the winter. Guests can use a microwave and a fridge. A washing machine can be used for an extra cost. Pongyi Guest House is a 45-minute drive from Komatsu Airport, and a 10-minute walk from Oumicho Market. Kanazawa Castle Park is a 30-minute walk away. Breakfast (Hot sandwitch) is available at 600 yen upon request.View on Booking.com -
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Machi no OdoribaSet 2 km from Kanazawa Castle, Machi no Odoriba offers 3-star accommodation in Kanazawa and features a garden. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. Guests can use the hot spring bath, or enjoy garden views. The units come with air conditioning, an oven, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. At the ryokan, the units are fitted with a terrace, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the ryokan. There is a coffee shop on-site. Popular points of interest near Machi no Odoriba include Kanazawa Station, Saigen-ji Temple and Kokyo-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 32 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Machiya Guest House CartaOffering a shared lounge and garden view, Machiya Guest House Carta is set in Kanazawa, 1.7 km from Kanazawa Castle and 1.3 km from Kenrokuen Garden. Featuring a garden, the 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the guest house, each unit is equipped with a tatami. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Myoryuji - Ninja Temple, D. T. Suzuki Museum and Shofukaku Garden. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 32 km from Machiya Guest House Carta.View on Booking.com -
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YamanooSituated within the historic Higashi Chaya District, Yamanoo boasts carefully prepared traditional local Japanese delicacies. Free WiFi access and free private parking are available on site. The ryokan is 900 metres from Kanazawa Castle in Kanazawa, overlooking a city of Kanazawa. Each guest room is in one of the annexes and features a private bathroom with a hot tub made from hinoki cypress wood. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. You will find a kettle in the room. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is offered. You will find luggage storage space at the property. Kenrokuen Garden is 1.2 km from Yamanoo, while Myoryuji - Ninja Temple is 2.6 km from the property. Komatsu Airport is 31 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Kanazawa ZoushiSet in Kanazawa and within 1.4 km of Kanazawa Castle, Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi has a shared lounge, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.7 km from Kenrokuen Garden. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi all rooms have bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi include Kanazawa Station, Saifuku-ji Temple and Gankei-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 31 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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SumiyoshiyaOffering free Wi-Fi and free-use bicycles and in-room Japanese meals, Sumiyoshiya is a traditional Japanese-style hotel. It features a garden, hot public baths and coin-operated laundry facilities. A free-use internet PC is available at the lobby. Rooms feature paper sliding doors, Japanese futon bedding and a seating area. All come with an LCD TV, a tea/coffee maker and a sink, and some have a private bathroom. Sumiyoshiya offers laundry services, luggage storage and free parking. A Japanese and a Western breakfast are served in the hotel’s dining room, while Japanese dinners featuring local ingredients can be enjoyed in either the guest room or the dining room. Sumiyoshiya is a 10-minute walk from Kenroku-en Garden, and a 15-minute walk from both JR Kanazawa Station’s East exit and the historical Higashi Chaya-machi district. Omicho market is only a 1-minute walk.View on Booking.com -
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INOVA Kanazawa Station Hotel SuiteINOVA Kanazawa Station Hotel Suite is located 600 metres from Kanazawa Station. Free WiFi is provided in all rooms. The property offers private parking. Featuring a balcony, all rooms have a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kitchen with an induction stove, a fridge and a microwave. Each room has a living room, toilet and private bathroom with a TV. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 29 km from INOVA Kanazawa Station Hotel Suite.View on Booking.com -
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UTAIMACHIBoasting a hot tub, UTAIMACHI is set in Kanazawa. The 3-star ryokan has garden views and is 1.4 km from Kenrokuen Garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Kanazawa Castle is 1.5 km away. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. There is also a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen equipped with a stovetop and kitchenware. At the ryokan, units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Utasu Shrine, Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum and Kanazawa Yasue Gold-Leaf Museum. Komatsu Airport is 34 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA 21th December 2022 OPENSituated in Kanazawa, less than 1 km from Kanazawa Castle, THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA 21th December 2022 OPEN features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.1 km from Kenrokuen Garden. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The rooms are equipped with a kettle, while certain rooms are equipped with a balcony and others also boast garden views. At THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA 21th December 2022 OPEN rooms come with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA 21th December 2022 OPEN include Kanazawa Station, Kurmon Mae Ryokuchi Park and Ozaki Shrine. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 33 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Kanazawa
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Kanazawa Kimono Kental by Kimono Rental Wargo Kanazawa Korinbo storeChange into a kimono and go sightseeing in Kanazawa!View on Klook -
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Kinjo Onsen Motoyu Ticket in Ishikawa*Kinjo Onsen Motoyu is proud of its 100% free-flowing hot springs with large bathtubs and open-air baths.View on Klook -
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VASARA Kimono and Yukata Rental in KanazawaEnjoy an immersive experience while visiting Kanazawa when you try on a stunning kimono or yukataView on Klook -
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2D1N Shirakawago & Takayama & Kanazawa Bus Tour from NagoyaStroll freely in Takayama Ancient Street, which used to be called "Little Kyoto", visit the Yamen of the Edo Period, taste 5A-grade Hida Beef Sushi and Hida Beef Skewers, etc.View on Klook
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