The city of Kanazawa is located in the
prefecture of Ishikawa, it is also a city that is a center
of
cultural and beautiful landscapes and structures. It
was
able to survive the air raids that occurred during World
War Two. Unfortunately, Kenrokuen Garden and other
admirable attractions were affected, but were rebuilt
after some time when peace was restored.
Kanazawa is located in Ishikawa Prefecture and is
the capital of the area. The city was the home for the
Maeda Clan during the Edo Period and developed as
a castle town. To the southeast of the city are Mount
Utatsu and Mount Termachidai. Kanagawa was built
between the Saigawa and Asanogawa rivers. It was
the second most powerful clan after the Tokugawa,
the ruling family of that time. At that time the city
attained many cultural achievements that would rival
Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). For the coming centuries
Kanazawa was able to avoid major natural disasters
and severe damages from war. When visiting the city
you can see the beautifully preserved samurai
districts.
The most famous place you must visit in Kanazawa is
the Kenrokuen. It is one of the top three landscape
gardens in Japan along with Kairakuen and
Korakuen. The garden was constructed by the Maeda
clan over the span of two centuries. In 1871, the
garden became open to the public and features six
attributes that follows the Chinese landscape theory.
The seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, abundant
water, antiquity, and broad views are the essential
qualities needed to make the perfect garden
according to that theory. On the grounds a variety of
flowers have been planted so that there will be
something different to enjoy when the seasons
change. Close by Kenrokuen is the 21st Century
Museum of Contemporary Art. Inside the circular
structure are works from acclaimed artists in Japan
and around the world. The most notable piece of
work is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool.” It is a pool
where people can enter it from the bottom to give the
illusion that they are underwater.
In Kanazawa there are two districts that are great
historical stops. Higashi Chaya District is where you
can find teahouses that geisha once entertained
guests. There are two teahouses that are open to the
public, but one of them still operates as a restaurant
while the other is a museum. The Shima Teahouse
was converted into a museum where it preserves the
rooms geisha used. Traditional Japanese instruments
are displayed also displayed in the rooms. Another
historical area to visit is the Nagamachi Samurai
District. The former samurai homes are located near
the former Kanazawa Castle. Visitors can enter a
restored home that displays the lifestyle of the
samurai residents back then. In addition there is the
Shinise Kinenkan Museum, which is a restored
pharmacy that displays the life the merchant class
had. There are many other homes that were turned
into museums and are worth the trip to make.
Please see below for tours that include
Kanazawa:
