Nezumita-mon Gate: A Portal to Kanazawa's Past

Nezumita-mon Gate, situated on the western side of Kanazawa Castle, is a faithful reconstruction of a gate that once stood as a crucial access point to the castle grounds. The gate's history dates back to the early 17th century, but it was destroyed by fire in 1884. After 140 years, it was rebuilt in 2020, along with the Nezumitamon Bridge.The gate is notable for its unique namako walls, which feature raised black plaster joining rectangular tiles, a distinctive design unlike any other gate in the castle. The Nezumitamon Bridge, one of the largest wooden bridges on the castle grounds, spans the moat and connects the Gyokusen'inmaru area to the Kanaya Demaru area, where Oyama Jinja Shrine is located today. The reconstructed gate and bridge offer visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of Kanazawa Castle as it was centuries ago. Inside the gate, visitors can explore displays about the gate's history and construction.Visiting Nezumita-mon Gate provides a deeper understanding of Kanazawa Castle's strategic importance during the Edo period. The surrounding lush gardens create a picturesque setting, ideal for photography and appreciating traditional Japanese architecture.