Kanazawa Castle Ruins: A Glimpse into Edo-Era Japan
Explore Kanazawa Castle's restored turrets, gates & gardens. Immerse yourself in the history of the Maeda clan & feudal Japan.
Explore the partially restored Kanazawa Castle, a landmark in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Once home to the powerful Maeda clan, the castle grounds offer a serene escape with reconstructed gates, turrets, and traditional Japanese gardens. Adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden, it's a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Kanazawa Castle Ruins
- 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Marunouchi, Ishikawa, 920-0937, JP
- +8176-234-3800
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, for an unforgettable experience.
- Check for seasonal events or festivals taking place in the castle grounds for a unique cultural experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle grounds are extensive and require a fair amount of walking.
- Take advantage of the free guided walking tours offered by volunteer guides for a deeper understanding of the castle's history and significance.
Getting There
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Walking
From Kenrokuen Garden, exit through the main entrance and cross the road. The Ishikawa-mon Gate, the main entrance to Kanazawa Castle Park, is just a few meters away. The walk is short and straightforward.
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Public Transport
From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (either the Right or Left Loop) and get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Ishikawa-mon Gate entrance of Kanazawa Castle Park, adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ¥210. A one-day bus pass is available for ¥800, offering unlimited rides on the Loop Bus and other local buses.
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Taxi
From Kanazawa Station, a taxi to Kanazawa Castle takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Tell the driver to go to 'Kanazawa Castle' or 'Kanazawa Castle Park'. The taxi fare will likely be under ¥1000. Taxi stands are located at the East Exit of Kanazawa Station.
Discover more about Kanazawa Castle Ruins
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Northwest Turret Remains
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Kahoku-mon Gate
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Kaiseki Pagoda
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Ishikawa Local Products Center
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Discover Ishikawa's cultural heart: local crafts, flavors, and hands-on experiences await near Kanazawa's famed Kenrokuen Garden.
Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)
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Sekirei-jima (Wagtail Island)
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A symbolic island within Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden, representing life's journey through birth, marriage, and death.
Omicho Parking Lot
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Discover Kanazawa's charm with ease at Omicho Parking Lot, your convenient gateway to the city’s top attractions and experiences.
Ryuseki
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Discover Ryuseki, a hidden gem in Kanazawa, offering a tranquil escape near the famed Kenrokuen Garden.
Kaname Inn Tatemachi
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Experience Kanazawa in style and comfort at Kaname Inn Tatemachi, perfectly located on historic Tatemachi Street for exploring the city's best attractions.
Nokabanzai Ichibaya Omicho Sohonten
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Jimonotei
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Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate
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Omicho Shokudo
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Shinise Kinenkan Museum
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Kaisendon Ichiba
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sanjikken nagaya
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Gyokuseninmaru Park
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Gyokusenin Maru Garden
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Hommaru-enchi Park
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Kanazawa Castle Park
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Hashizume-mon Gate
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Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle
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Kanazawa Castle
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Nezumita-mon Gate
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Hishi Yagura
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Hirosaka Park
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アメリカ楓通り
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Oyama Shrine
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Ishikawa-mon Gate
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The Fourth High School Memorial Park, Ishikawa
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Essential places to dine
Shiroyamatei
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お食事処堤亭
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コリアンダイニング Issekisanchou di bar
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Miyoshian
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Kenrokutei
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Miyoshian Suitei
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Japanese Dining Yamatoku
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Love for All
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Turban Curry Main Store
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Kikantei
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Ageha
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兼六坂 金澤さくら亭
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Itaru Honten
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Gyohan
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Golosetto
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Samurai Gift
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[g]ift
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Sanrio
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Imai Kinpaku Hirosaka Store
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Daiwa Korinbo Store
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OLD JOE
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浪漫
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Hokusai Graphic
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Hakuichi Kenrokuen Store
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Museum Shop
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Utsunomiya
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Korinbo Tokyu Square
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VILLAGE VANGUARD
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Hands Kanazawa Store
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MM6 Maison Margiela Kanazawa
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar
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Kohaku Bar
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ヨーク
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Jazz Spot Bokunen
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OinkOink オインクオインク
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Bar polish
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Kirikou
0.6 km
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Bar Quinase
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金沢・片町 BAR de JOAO(バードジョアン)
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FURANSU COCKTAIL BAR フランス
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Bar Tobira (Door)
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Kanazawa Music Bar
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Orbital bar
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The Londonya Bar
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Music Bar JealousGuy
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