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Kanazawa Castle Park: A Historical Jewel

Explore feudal Japan at Kanazawa Castle Park: restored gates, turrets, and gardens in the heart of Kanazawa.

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Kanazawa Castle Park, a meticulously restored site, was once the stronghold of the Maeda clan. Explore its impressive gates, turrets, and stone walls, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan's rich history and architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Kanazawa Castle Park

  • 8 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Marunouchi, Ishikawa, 920-0937, JP

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Ishikawa-mon Gate, the most popular entrance, conveniently located near Kenrokuen Garden.
  • Don't miss the Gyokuseninmaru Garden, especially during the evening illuminations for a magical experience.
  • Explore the diverse stone walls, a unique feature showcasing various construction techniques throughout the castle's history.
  • Purchase the Kenrokuen Plus One Ticket for discounted entry to Kenrokuen Garden and select cultural facilities.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or a Hokutetsu bus from the east exit (Kenrokuen Exit). The ride to the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop takes about 15-20 minutes. From there, it's a short walk to the Ishikawa-mon Gate, the main entrance to Kanazawa Castle Park. The bus fare is approximately 210 yen.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, a taxi ride to Kanazawa Castle Park takes about 10 minutes. The most direct route is to the Ishikawa-mon Gate. Expect to pay around 900-1200 yen.

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it is approximately a 25-minute walk to Kanazawa Castle Park. Head east from the station and follow the main road towards Kenrokuen Garden; the Ishikawa-mon Gate will be on your left, just before the garden entrance.

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Discover more about Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle Park, located in the heart of Kanazawa, is a historical site that once served as the seat of the powerful Maeda clan from 1583 to 1869. The park showcases a blend of restored castle structures and gardens, providing visitors with an immersive experience of feudal Japan. Although the main castle keep was lost to fire in 1602 and never rebuilt, the remaining gates, turrets, and walls stand as testaments to the castle's former glory. The park features several notable structures, including the Ishikawa-mon Gate, a designated Important National Cultural Property. Other key attractions include the Kahoku-mon Gate, the main entrance, and the Nezumita-mon Gate, which connects to the Gyokuseninmaru Garden. The Hishi Yagura turret, Gojukken Nagaya warehouse, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura turret are impressive reconstructions that offer insights into traditional construction techniques. Visitors can also explore the Gyokuseninmaru Garden, a meticulously recreated garden with a central pond and walking path. The castle's history dates back to 1546 when it was the Kanazawa Mido fortress-temple. Over the centuries, the castle was destroyed by fires and rebuilt multiple times. During the Meiji period, it served as Japanese army headquarters and later as a campus for Kanazawa University until 1996. Restoration efforts began in 1999, with the goal of recreating the structures using original construction methods. Today, Kanazawa Castle Park stands as a symbol of Kanazawa's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the park's seasonal beauty, with special illuminations held nightly. The park is easily accessible and offers a variety of attractions for history buffs and casual tourists alike.

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