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Gojukken Nagaya: Arsenal of Kanazawa Castle

Explore Gojukken Nagaya, a historic storehouse in Kanazawa Castle Park, showcasing Edo-period architecture and defensive ingenuity of feudal Japan.

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Gojukken Nagaya, a long, two-story structure in Kanazawa Castle Park, served as a vital storehouse for weapons and provisions during the Edo period. Connected to the Hishi Yagura and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura, it showcases traditional Japanese architecture and offers insights into the castle's defensive strategies.

A brief summary to Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
  • Check for special events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kenrokuen Garden, exit the garden through the main entrance and cross the road. The Ishikawa-mon Gate of Kanazawa Castle Park will be a short walk away. Enter the park and follow the signs to Gojukken Nagaya, which is located within the castle grounds.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (either the Right Loop or Left Loop) and disembark at the Kenrokuen Garden bus stop. The fare is ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for children. From the bus stop, walk to the Ishikawa-mon Gate and enter Kanazawa Castle Park. Follow the signs to Gojukken Nagaya.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, take a taxi to Kanazawa Castle Park. The taxi ride will take approximately 10 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Ishikawa-mon Gate. From there, enter the park and follow the signs to Gojukken Nagaya. The estimated taxi fare is ¥13,000.

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Discover more about Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle

Gojukken Nagaya, meaning 'Fifty-Ken Long House', is an integral part of the Kanazawa Castle complex, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural and historical heritage of Japan. Built during the Edo period, this long, narrow structure was originally designed as a storehouse for the castle's supplies, including weapons and other tools. The two-story building connects the three-story Hishi Yagura (Diamond Turret) and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura. This complex was designed to protect the Ni-no-maru, the second enclosure, in case of battle. The structure incorporates defensive features such as 'ishi-otoshi' (stone-dropping slots) and fire-proof walls with hidden shooting holes. The name “tamon yagura” comes from ”tamon-yama” Castle, which Matsunaga Hisahide constructed in 1560. The building's impressive wooden beams and tiled roof reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the time. The wood pieces are fastened without nails and bolts, using a technique of holes and prongs reinforced with wooden wedges. Visitors can explore the reconstructed building to observe its architectural elements, such as the large pine beams and wooden joints. The reconstruction was completed in July 2001, employing traditional architectural methods while adding modern accessibility features like elevators and stairlifts.

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