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Kanazawa Castle Ruins: A Journey Through Time

Explore Kanazawa Castle: Witness restored samurai architecture, serene gardens, and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

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Explore the partially restored Kanazawa Castle, a landmark in Kanazawa, Japan. Once home to the powerful Maeda clan, the castle grounds offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past with reconstructed turrets, gates, and serene gardens.

A brief summary to Kanazawa Castle Ruins

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography.
  • Check for seasonal events and festivals held on the castle grounds for a unique cultural experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are extensive and require some walking.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kenrokuen Garden, the Ishikawa-mon Gate of Kanazawa Castle Park is just a short walk away. The entrance to the castle grounds is located a few meters from Kenrokuen's main entrance. Follow the signs towards the gate.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right or Left Loop) to the "Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle" bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ¥210. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Ishikawa-mon Gate entrance of Kanazawa Castle Park.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Kanazawa Station. A taxi ride to Kanazawa Castle takes approximately 10 minutes. The fare is approximately ¥1,500, depending on traffic.

  • Car

    Parking is available near Kanazawa Castle. Use the Kenroku Car Park. Parking fees are ¥350 for the first hour and ¥150 for every 30 minutes afterward. The maximum daytime fee (7:30-22:00) is ¥2,020.

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Discover more about Kanazawa Castle Ruins

Kanazawa Castle, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a partially restored castle within Kanazawa Castle Park. The castle's history dates back to 1546 when the Kanazawa Mido Monastery was erected. In 1580, construction of the castle began under Oda Nobunaga. The Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Domain for almost three centuries, resided here from 1583 to 1869. Over the centuries, fires and neglect caused substantial damage. The main keep was lost in a fire in 1602 and was never rebuilt. However, a major restoration project has been underway since, recreating structures using original construction techniques. The Ishikawa-mon Gate (dating from 1788) and the Sanjikken Nagaya Warehouse are two of the surviving original structures. Reconstructed highlights include the Kahoku-mon Gate, the Hishiyagura Turret, Gojukken Nagaya Warehouse, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Turret. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, admire the stone walls, and stroll through the Gyokuseninmaru Garden. Informative displays and guided tours provide insights into the castle's history and the samurai lifestyle.

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