A Brief History of Kanazawa Castle
This castle was a place of frequent fighting during the 15th and 16th centuries, even though it was not as large and grand as it would end up being during the Edo period. The area was greatly developed by the Ikko-Ikki Buddhist rebels that overthrew the local lord and established the "Peasant's Kingdom." The current castle traces back from the aforementioned Maeda family when they took over in the 1580s. They invested heavily into the city and did a lot of work to repair the relationship between the samurai and the Buddhist temples. So, as you walk through the castle, you can feel the history of the various groups that left their stamp on the site.
The main keep burned down in 1628 and, instead of rebuilding it, the third lord chose instead to invest into the city. Many of Kanazawa's traditional crafts can trace their roots back to this decision: gold leaf, kutaniyaki porcelain, Kaga Yuzen kimono dyeing, confectionary making, Noh-style masked theatre and others.
While the majority of the structure is a reconstruction - the Ishikawa-mon Gate and two store houses being exceptions – the buildings have been beautifully restored with the surrounding grounds highly manicured. There is currently construction going on in the middle of the castle so you can get a look at this restoration in practice. As such, Kanazawa Castle offers great insight to the history of the city, particularly when combining a visit with the adjoining Kenrokuen Garden and the nearby historic districts.
Behind the Reconstruction
The modern castle we see today is a reconstruction. The original castle was torn down at the end of the Edo Period in a move aimed at cleanly severing ties with the samurai who, at the time, were seen as a thing of the past. The current castle began construction in the 1970s and the gradual rebuilding continues today.
The main section of the castle was finished in the 1990s and contains a museum about the reconstruction effort. Using old floorplans, writings about the castle and sketches done, the carpenters have taken great pains to make the rebuild as authentic as possible. Almost all of the material used is - or was - produced locally.
Getting to the Castle
Kanazawa is quite friendly for those who are walking around the city and there are many sites that are within a 5-20 minute walk of Kanazawa Castle. It directly adjoins Kenrokuen Park at its entrance which also is next to the daimyo villa of Seisonkaku and Ishiura shrine, famous for its pond and tunnel of torii gates. The Higashichaya Teahouse District, Oyama Shrine, DT Suzuki Museum, 21st Century Museum and Kazuemachi Geisha District are all also within a comfortable walk and help you dive even deeper into this fascinating city.
Are you interested in a guided tour around this beautiful city? See the castle and many of the other sites mentioned above and all in one day!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warrior's house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of an opulent former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you go inside Kanazawa Castle?
Yes, you can. Inside is a small museum about the castle's ongoing reconstruction efforts
Is Kanazawa Castle lit up at night?
Kanazawa Castle has light-up events for the cherry blossom season in April, and the fall foliage in October-November.
Is Kanazawa Castle wheelchair accessible?
Almost all of the castle grounds are wheelchair accessible, as well as most of the inside of the castle. However, paths up and down to some areas, especially Gyokusen-inmaru garden, may be difficult to traverse for some wheelchair users.
