basic information

Kanazawa's importance grew in the 15th century, when the powerful and militant Ikko sect established its new headquarters there after being chased out of Kyoto by the monks of Mt.Hiei.

During the Edo Period, Kanazawa was the seat of the Maeda clan, the second most powerful clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

In World War Two, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as samurai, temple and pleasure districts, have survived in pretty good condition.

Kanazawa is capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, a prefecture along the Sea of Japan.

Attractions

Central Kanazawa

Kenrokuen (1) Japan's most celebrated landscape garden. Nagamachi (5) Kanazawa's former samurai district. Geisha Districts (3) Nicely preserved former geisha districts. Seisonkaku Villa (8) Beautiful Japanese villa in Kenrokuen. Omicho Market (4) Busy market near Kanazawa Station. Teramachi (6) District with high concentration of temples. Oyama Shrine (6) Shrine dedicated to the former local lord. Kanazawa Castle (2) Slowly being reconstructed.

Side Trips from Kanazawa

Shirakawago Mountainous region, known for its farmhouses.

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Orientation

Orientation How to get to and around Kanazawa. About transportation in Japan

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