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Nagamachi Samurai District: A Step Back in Time

Explore Kanazawa's Nagamachi Samurai District: a preserved glimpse into feudal Japan with historic homes, museums, and serene streets.

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Wander through the well-preserved Nagamachi District in Kanazawa, a former samurai residential area boasting historical architecture, earthen walls, and tranquil canals. Experience the atmosphere of feudal Japan and explore the museums and preserved homes that offer a glimpse into samurai life.

A brief summary to Nagamachi District

  • 1 Chome-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, 1 Chome Nagamachi, Ishikawa, 920-0865, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the stone-flagged lanes and exploring the district's attractions.
  • Visit the Nomura-ke samurai residence to experience the lifestyle of a wealthy samurai family.
  • Explore the Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum to see the contrasting, austere lifestyle of the lower-ranked samurai.
  • Check opening hours and admission fees for individual attractions within the district before your visit.
  • Consider visiting in winter to see the traditional straw mats (komo) on the earthen walls.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from the East Exit. Get off at the Korinbo bus stop. The fare is ¥210, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. Nagamachi is a 5-minute walk south of the Korinbo bus stop.

  • Walking

    From the Tatemachi Shopping Promenade, head left towards Hyakumangoku Dori Avenue. Turn right and walk until you reach the river. Turn left and follow the river to reach the Nagamachi Samurai District. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Kanazawa Station. The taxi ride to Nagamachi District will take approximately 5-10 minutes and cost around ¥1000, depending on traffic.

Unlock the Best of Nagamachi District

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Discover more about Nagamachi District

Nagamachi, located at the foot of the Kanazawa Castle, is a beautifully preserved samurai district that transports visitors back to the Edo period (1603-1867). Once home to samurai and their families, the district features narrow, winding lanes flanked by earthen walls, private entrance gates, and flowing water canals. Strolling through Nagamachi offers a unique glimpse into the lives of samurai, from the wealthy to the foot soldiers. Several key sites provide insight into this fascinating history. The Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence, showcases the lifestyle and artifacts of a prosperous samurai family, including a beautiful inner garden. In contrast, the Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum displays the more modest homes of the ashigaru, the lowest-ranking samurai foot soldiers. Other attractions include the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, a restored pharmacy that illustrates the lives of the merchant class, and the Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum, dedicated to the Maeda family who once ruled the region. Nagamachi is more than just a collection of historical buildings; it's a living, breathing neighborhood. While some modern houses dot the area, the overall atmosphere remains remarkably preserved. In winter, the district takes on a special charm with straw mats (“komo”) attached to the earthen walls to protect them from the elements.

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