Wandering the streets of the Nagamachi Samurai District visitors can get a sense of the old city and the important role of the samurai-class that once resided in this area. Located nearby Kanazawa Castle, the district retains much of its historic characters with preservation of traditional gates, earthen walls and charismatic laneways. Kanazawa was one of the wealthiest cities in all of Japan during the Edo period and was the same size as Rome and Madrid. This is reflected in the types of homes still represented in the area, mostly middle and upper caste samurai. The famous walls are also carefully preserved by the residents of the area and in the winter straw mats are hung on the wall to protect them from the elements. Everywhere you turn there are historic samurai homes, tea houses and gardens to enjoy.

Visitors can simply wander or should you wish to learn a little more about the samurai, the Nomura House – a restored samurai residence with a lovely garden – is open to the public while the Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan profiles the history of the Maeda clan. You can also observe the changes over time by stopping by the Shinisen Kinenkan Museum, a former pharmacy that was converted into a museum. There are also two free homes you can enter at the Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum that showcase the lower class of samurai. Also, don’t hesitate to pop in some of the shops! Many sell locals crafts like pottery that are painted in brilliant colors.

Kanazawa is quite friendly for those who are walking around the city and there are many sites that are within a 5-25 minute walk of Nagamachi. It is near Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle, which then directly adjoins Kenrokuen Park at its entrance. The daimyo villa of Seisonkaku and Ishiura shrine, famous for its pond and tunnel of torii gates, are both excellent places to visit. The Higashichaya Teahouse District, Oyama Shrine, DT Suzuki Museum, 21st Century Museum, Nishichaya Teahouse District and Kazuemachi Geisha District are all also within a nice walk and help you dive even deeper into this fascinating city.

Are you interested in a guided tour around this beautiful city? See the Nagamachi Samurai District and many of the other sites mentioned above and all in one day!

KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 – 17:30
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

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 warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy maccha 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 a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.