Kanazawa is a relatively compact city with a fine group of sights located around a green core formed by Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku-en Garden (both among the city's best sights). The Kanazawa Castle was actually built in 1580, is also known as 'the castle of 1000 tatami'. However, after the assassination of Oda Nobunaga in 1582, he was displaced by Maeda Toshiie, who founded Kaga Domain. Address. At the hotel, all rooms include a balcony with a garden view. Kanazawa Travel Guide - What to do in Kanazawa City Everywhere in the city is more gorgeous after night falls, whether youre amid the wooden houses of Higashi-chaya, beneath the unique modern-meets-ancient architecture of Kanazawa Station or in Kenroku-en garden during one of its seasonal illuminations. There are very few genuine samurai houses in Kanazawa. Due to the heavy snowfalls of the Japan Sea coast, traditional tiles were considered to be too heavy. The only major change was the creation of geisha districts (hanamachi) at the foot of Utatsuyama and over the Sai River in 1820, to control and regulate pleasure houses and prostitutes (bath girls; ). THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kanazawa - Tripadvisor It was destroyed by fire in 1881 but . This is the place for you who yearn for fresh air, as you enjoy the ponds, fountains, and waterfalls in the garden, and enjoy the traditional craftsmanship with beautiful stone bridges and stone lanterns. Thankfully, the city was spared air raids during World War II, leaving much of the old city intact. Kanazawa is located in north-western Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku region of Japan and is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and Toyama Prefecture to the east. Kanazawa Castle is the place where the Maeda family resided and governed the Kaga clan, after they moved to Kanazawa back in 1583. Kanazawa is renowned for its delicious local dishes and unique flavors. Next, try experiencing the kaga yuzen, a form of kimono-cloth dyeing that is an exquisite Kanazawa specialty. In winter, the park is notable for its yukitsuri ropes attached in a conical array to trees to support the branches under the weight of the heavy wet snow, thereby protecting the trees from damage. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.5 km from Kenrokuen Garden. Since 14 March 2015, the city is also served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, shortening the trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa to around 2 and a half hours. Festivals and Events in Kyoto - What Are The Biggest 3? Kanazawa has 58 public elementary schools operated by the city government and one public elementary school operated by the national government (associated with Kanazawa University) and one private elementary school. We are looking forward to this once in a lifetime visit to Japan and are so grateful we have had the chance to work with Alisa at Asia Highlights! Mount Utatsu gives a commanding view of the city of Kanazawa. The gold leaf that covers the famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto was produced in Kanazawa. However, conservative factions regained control of the Kaga government, and the geisha districts were abolished a decade later. All units at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Great job!! Thanks to the introduction of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hokuriku Bullet Train) in March 2015, getting from Tokyo to Kanazawa is now incredibly easy, with travel time approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Some rooms also boast a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. The castle also sits literally across the stress from Kenroku-en, the Kanazawa garden thats become one of my favorite in Japan over the years. Myoryuji Temple (, Myryji), commonly known as Ninja Temple (Ninjadera in Japanese), was built in 1585 by Lord Maeda Toshiie as a place of worship during the Edo Period. Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! Kanazawa Castle is also another perfect spot for viewing the cherry blossoms. There are about 420 cherry trees in the garden, and in the best scenario, you can find them all blooming at the same time. This area retains the look and feel of pre-modern Japan, its two-story wooden faades plain and austere. It has one of the top 3 landscape gardens in Japan, and has been largely untouched by war and disasters. [13] Kanazawa's growth was indicative of a larger trend in Japan from 1580 to 1700: urbanization. Kanazawa lacquerware (Kanazawa shikki), a high-quality lacquerware traditionally decorated with gold dust, is also well known. [15] Much of the economic and population growth in Kanazawa, as well as in other Japanese castle towns, occurred during Japan's closed country policy (sakoku). The eastern portion of the city is dominated by the Japanese Alps. Though much of the Inner Moat has been filled in, large sections of the Outer Moat remain. Things To Do In Kanazawa - Inside Kyoto Learn more and contact us to discuss your unique trip. Finally, visit the Shima teahouse. 007 made sure we always had enough water and cool towels for our face/neck.We highly recommend Borin as a tour guide for Cambodia!! INOVA Kanazawa Station Hotel Suite is located 600 metres from Kanazawa Station. It features a garden, hot public baths and coin-operated laundry facilities. Thank you Sharon, and Asia Highlights. The richest vassal family, the Hondas, had a 50,000 koku income. Web Visit website. Rather than traveling directly from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Id taken the long way in the middle of winter, making my through the cities and towns of the Japanese Alps to the northern coast of Honshu island. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. 98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+, Serene Storslett, The city offers a wide variety of dishes from seafood to vegetarian options, to satisfy any palate. His positivity was contagious - even when it felt like 1000 degrees and we were tired. The series of moats were laid out in the early seventeenth century. He heard my daughter's request for specific Cambodian food, and changed our itinerary to go to a village and eat at a locally known shop. Size and location of samurai housing was determined by income and standing. In winter, most obvious one is to Shirakawa-go, which might just be the most beautiful farm town in the world. Backed by high hills and flanked on two sides by rivers, it was a natural fortress, around which a castle town developed. Many of the chaya houses have now been converted into restaurants or teahouses. Apr 2023, Todd Hankinson, Try your hand at decorating a small lacquer plate or a pair of chopsticks with this thin, sparkling, precious product. The city is famous for tea with gold flakes, which is considered by the Japanese people to be good for health and vitality. While often missed by first-time visitors to Japan, Kanazawa is an extremely worthwhile destination for travelers to Japan interested in history, gardens, food, and art. Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About Kanazawa, Japan Yamanoo is located on a hill overlooking iconic Higashi Chaya district, while Kanazawa Chaya boasts a location just steps from JR Kanazawa Station. gold-leaf soft cream. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? Kanazawa, One of Japan's Most Historic & Well-Preserved Cities Located on the west coast of Honshu Island, Kanazawa is known for its many attractions including art galleries, gardens and shrines. The blossoms usually bloom in the last week of March and the first two weeks of April. The richest families were moved out of the castle and given massive estates throughout the city. The Outer Moat took a bit longer, and averages some six to nine feet in width. Well definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Japans most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japans ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. Hyakumangoku Matsuri and Asano-gawa Enyukai are the major festivals held in Kanazawa. Ishikawa's capital and largest tourist attraction is Kanazawa, best known for Kenrokuen Garden. A buffet, American or Asian breakfast is available each morning at the property. 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Originally built as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it was opened to the public in 1875. Situated in Kanazawa, less than 1 km from Kanazawa Castle, THE HOTEL SANRAKU KANAZAWA features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Featuring 3-star accommodation, UTAIMACHI is located in Kanazawa, 1.4 km from Kenrokuen Garden and 2.5 km from Kanazawa Station. During the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), as the powers of the central shguns in Kyoto was waning, Kaga Province came under the control of the Ikk-ikki, followers of the teachings of priest Rennyo, of the Jdo Shinsh sect, who displaced the official governors of the province, the Togashi clan, and established a kind of theocratic republic later known as "The Peasants' Kingdom". While it would be possible to do Kanazawa in one long and ambitious day, it is ideal if possible to spend two or more days taking it all in. In 1580, during the Sengoku period (1467 to 1615), Oda Nobunaga sent Shibata Katsuie, and his general Sakuma Morimasa, to conquer the Kaga Ikko-ikki.[6]. Samurai houses shared a similar basic pattern: a single-floored residence, usually fairly square or rectangular in plan, surrounded by a garden both the vegetable and the decorative kinds. Popular points of interest near Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi include Kanazawa Station, Ozaki Shrine and Kanazawa Phonograph Museum. Thanks to its popularity, Kenrokuen is usually full of visitors, so for a moment of peace stop in at the D.T. My daughter and I wanted to discover SE Asia. We wont even consider using another agency for travel around Asia and we would like to have Alisa work for us again. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! Kanazawa has a long and proud culinary tradition which has been passed down through generations. Peggie's English is impeccable and she uses lots of nuances which usually only a native English speaker would know. The roof was gabled and faced the road. It is one of the largest wooden castles in Japan, most of which was destroyed many times. 1,000 yen (9 US dollars) can get you around most of the famous places around the city. This signifies that the commoner population of Kanazawa began to generate its own consumption demands, thus stimulating even more growth.[12]. She is such a professional in the ways she conducts herself and serves her clients. However, there's one thing that the city is particularly famous for - its food! Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. It is noted for its imposing three-story Shinmon gate influenced by Dutch design, built in 1875, with its brightly coloured stained-glass windows. Due to overwhelming demand, we are fully booked for the next several months, and can only consider inquiries for trips taking place in December 2023 and later. Snow was also a significant factor in house design. This approach is very appealing since detailed communication is so useful and important to me. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.3 km from Kenrokuen Garden. Suzuki Museum Myoryuji Temple 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Tsuzumi Gate Oyama Shrine Kanazawa is a beautiful city located in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan. Kanazawa boasts numerous Edo period (16031867) former geisha houses in the Higashi Geisha District, across the Asano river (with its old stone bridge) out from central Kanazawa. I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who dont speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. [7] However, thanks to Maeda efforts, that number rose quickly. Theres an increasingly wide range of stylish ryokan and boutique hotels in Kanazawa, but I usually like to keep it simple. Featuring 3-star accommodation, so, KANAZAWA is situated in Kanazawa, 1.9 km from Kanazawa Castle and 600 metres from Kanazawa Station. The roofs sloped into a central garden that was designed to allow snow to collect as much as to provide light to the rear. Considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen is at the center of Kanazawa sightseeing. The name "Kanazawa" (, ), which literally means "marsh of gold", is said to derive from the legend of the peasant Imohori Togoro (literally "Togoro Potato-digger"), who was digging for potatoes when flakes of gold washed up. Rooms feature paper sliding doors, Japanese futon bedding and a seating area. Free services offered at the property include luggage storage, newspaper and daily maid services. Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa prefecture, located by the Sea of Japan, close to the Japanese Alps. Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? - YouGoJapan The geisha areas were out of bounds to samurai; they were patronised by rich merchants and artisans, who would compete with each other to spend the most money on parties. In Takayama, a lot of places are worth visiting. Aside from the popular landmarks, the food is what makes Kanazawa unique, particularly its seafood. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? - Visit Japan If you continue browsing, you agree to the The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 34 km from Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella. In terms of national politics, the city forms the Ishikawa 1st District with one seat in the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Ishikawa Prefecture Travel Guide - japan-guide.com Their own retainers were housed in huge complexes nearby. District with teahouses where geisha perform. Explore destinations at your own pace. The Oyama-jinja shrine, which is considered an Important Cultural Property, is also in Kanazawa. 15 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia for Couple, Honeymoon, Anniversary 30 Famous Southeast Asian Foods That You Must Try At Least Once. One property to which Ive recently taken a liking is Hotel Pacific Kanazawa. Rum, in Siem Reap, made the most memorable experience possible. Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. Ive always been aware of the wide range of things to do in Kanazawa. Set in Kanazawa, 2 km from Kanazawa Castle, HOTEL 101 KANAZAWA offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2023/2024. 10 Must-See Places in Kanazawa | tsunagu Japan Located in Ishikawa prefecture, Kanazawa (/) is known as little Kyoto in Northern Japan. There are about 400 cherry trees on the castle grounds and at the peak of the season you can expect all of them to be blooming. The samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords have all left their mark there, in turn leaving a great impression on Japanese history and culture. They were two-storied, though the upper floor was used mainly for storage, particularly at the front of the house, above the shop area. Made of wood, this large red structure that looks like a Japanese shrine gate, or torii, greets visitors as soon as they step out of Kanazawa station (provided you're heading out the west exit). Suzuki Museum 8) Oyama Shrine 9) Higashi Chaya District 10) Learn About Gold Leaf Alisa also provides very detailed information about each experience, location, guides, private car transfers, trains, hotels. Guests at Kanazawa Guesthouse Stella will be able to enjoy activities in and around Kanazawa, like hiking and cycling. Kanazawa is a city full of interesting attractions for you to explore and experience. I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. The area around Kanazawa was part of ancient Kaga Province. In the heart of the beautiful Hokuriku region, on the coast of the Japan Sea, Kanazawa is one of Japan's loveliest and best-preserved historical cities. The issue of how many days in Kanazawa you should spend is slightly less controversial than for other cities in Japan. Houses were taxed on the width of the frontage, leading to the development of many long, thin houses. Cambodia, Traditional Theatre and Performing Arts in Japan. You get to keep your creations as souvenirs of this memorable day. What Is Kanazawa Famous Food? - ArthurHenrys A chaya is a teahouse, and this stunningly well-preserved collection of streets is a valuable cultural and historical asset. A monument to author Shsei Tokuda is located near the summit. Subscribe to email updates. The capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is a marsh of the city's unique flavours and hospitable people. Due in part to the long gloomy winters, Kaga dcor is far brighter than the drab earth browns and greens and ochres of Kyoto style: bold bright scarlets (benigara; ) and ultramarines were popular. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Ishikawa Ongakudo, Ozaki Shrine and Kanazawa Phonograph Museum. The lowest temperature on record was 9.4C (15.1F) on January 27, 1904, with a maximum of 38.5C (101.3F) standing as a record since September 8, 1902. Set 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. The bottom floor is faced with the unique, extremely fine latticework that is known as Kaga lattice. Chic, comfortable and convenient, this simple and elegant property is wedged between the geisha district of Kazue-machi and Kanazawa Castle Park. It was derived from a legend, in which a peasant named Imohori Togoro made his living digging potatoes. It is a less crowded and more enjoyable market than Tokyos famous Tsukiji and more spacious than Kyotos Nishiki. The districts were made legal again just before the Meiji Restoration, and stayed that way until prostitution was officially outlawed in 1954. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting among the three Chaya districts in Kanazawa. If you visit at certain times of year, you may also witness the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals. Well planned trip by Alisa . During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Kanazawa was one of Japans most powerful cities, as home to the Maeda Clan. The family's financial power, based on rice harvests, was invested in the promotion of culture and learning. Would definitely use again for future trips! Myoryuji - Ninja Temple is a 10-minute drive from the property. The charm of the symbol "Tsuzumi-mon" at Kanazawa Station 10 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa - What is Kanazawa Most Famous For The growth that Japan experienced while operating under sakoku policy was largely possible because of castle towns such as Kanazawa. These areas are some of the most convoluted, as the roads were laid out on the old winding paths through the fields. Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa's rich history and culture ranges from geisha districts to a 16th-century castle. Kanazawa Castle in particular was incredibly beautiful amid the irises, as were the traditional houses of Kazue-machi beneath willow billows. . Like what you're reading? Take The World (JPN) 11-2 (8-11) 8th of 9, 12 1/4l behind Black Wonder (8-11) at Kanazawa 1m in Jun. Their principal stronghold was the Kanazawa Gobo, on the tip of the Kodatsuno Ridge. The well in the grounds of Kenroku-en known as 'Kinjo Reitaku' () to acknowledge these roots. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. Despite being relatively remote and less exposed to the public, it is the perfect place for you if you would like to see the best-preserved major Edo-period city in Japan. What Food Is Kanazawa Famous For? - ArthurHenrys 'Cultural landscape in Kanazawa. The city is the seat of the Ishikawa Prefectural Assembly, and contributes 16 of the 43 members of that body. Asia Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. Originally written in 2013, this post was updated and republished on May 1, 2017. Kanazawa - The Small Gem of Ishikawa - Kanpai Japan Its not typically the best way as the bicycles may not meet some peoples standards, but its doable. Apr 2023, Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris, Since there are lots of hands-on exhibits, both adults and children can enjoy their time here. Maruoka Castle, in nearby Fukui prefecture, is the oldest of Japans original such structures. What is Kanazawa Most Famous For? The historic town of Takayama is also an easy day trip, with a stop in Shirakawago (or Gokayama) en route, or a visit to the off-the-beaten-path town of Hida-Furukawa. I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! At so, KANAZAWA each room includes bed linen and towels. Kanazawa has a rental bicycle system called Machi Nori that allows you to pick up and drop off bicycles all over the city. The Seisonkaku Villa was built in 1863 by Maeda Nariyasu (13th daimy of Kaga Domin) for his mother, Takako. Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal transportation, visas, We left home with of mind because all the pre-travel arrangements were taking care and communicate to us efficiently. His English was excellent and he shared important insights about history and the magnificent sites we visited. Ishikawa Prefecture also operates five special education schools in Kanazawa. Omicho market is only a 1-minute walk. In those 120 years, the population of the country nearly doubled, reaching approximately 30,000,000, and the percentage of people living in urban towns of more than 10,000 residents grew more than tenfold. 30 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa - Japan Objects Nagamachi was a samurai district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to live. Omicho Market and Kanazawa Castle Park can both be reached with a 5-minute walk. The upper floor of the Seisonkaku Villa in Kenrokuen is particularly boldly decorated, with purple and black walls as well.