Kanazawa Castle Park is the hilltop grounds of Kanazawa Castle, once the seat of the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for generations. It sits beside Kenrokuen Garden, so the two are easy to combine in one visit. Most of the buildings are reconstructions, but the Ishikawa-mon Gate and two storehouses survived the fires and are protected as Important Cultural Properties. Walk the wide green grounds, climb parts of the walls for views, and look for the white lead-tiled roofs against the stone walls.
The Maeda family and the castle
Maeda Toshiie entered the castle in 1583 as the first feudal lord of Kanazawa. The Maeda family of the Kaga Domain held the castle until early in the Meiji era, and the castle was their home for fourteen generations.
For more than 300 years, the Maeda clan shaped the city around the castle and the garden next door. Their rule explains why the grounds are laid out as they are today.
Fires, survivors and rebuilding
The castle burned several times over its history. Fires in the late 19th century destroyed most of the buildings. The Ishikawa-mon Gate and two storehouses, Sanjikken Nagaya and Tsurumaru, survived and are protected as Important Cultural Properties.
Most of the other buildings are reconstructions from the last few decades. The rebuilding shows careful craftsmanship in the timber and stone. Some parts of the grounds are still under restoration.
Gates, turrets and the garden
Ishikawa-mon Gate has a thick mossy stone base, curving black eaves and white lead roof tiles. The tiles were said to be melted down into ammunition in case of a long siege.
The Hishi and Tsuzuki Yagura turrets and the Gojukken Nagaya storehouse are among the reconstructed buildings you can enter for a small fee. The newly restored Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura gate also has a modest admission fee.
Gyokusen-in-maru Garden was built by Maeda Toshitsune, third lord of the Kaga clan (1594 to 1658), and later changed by his successors. It was a private garden for the feudal lords.
Walking the grounds and the views
The park sits on a hilltop, so walking the paths also means seeing the city from above. You can walk through some of the gates and climb parts of the reconstructed walls for wide views. On clear days, Mt. Hakusan (2,702 m) is visible from the grounds.
From Kenrokuen Garden, the Katsurazaka Gate leads across a bridge into the park. Edomachidori Avenue, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, links the garden with the Ishikawa-mon Gate. Visitors leaving on the north side can use the Ote-mon Entrance.
Seasons and evening lights
Cherry trees fill the grounds, and many visitors come in spring to see them. Autumn brings changing foliage, and in winter the park can be covered in snow.
On Fridays, Saturdays and the nights before holidays, the park is lit up. Seasonal light shows also brighten the Three Gates of Kanazawa Castle, and the illuminated grounds make a calm evening walk.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
The grounds can be walked freely. Some buildings, including the turrets and storehouses, charge a small fee to enter.
Is Kanazawa Castle the original building?
No. Most of the buildings are reconstructions. The Ishikawa-mon Gate and two storehouses survived the late 19th century fires and are protected as Important Cultural Properties.
Is the park next to Kenrokuen Garden?
Yes. Kenrokuen Garden is next door, and a pedestrian bridge crosses the road between them.
When is the park lit up at night?
The park is lit up on Fridays, Saturdays and the nights before holidays.
