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Kahoku-mon Gate: A Restored Gateway to Kanazawa Castle

Explore the meticulously restored Kahoku-mon Gate, the main entrance to Kanazawa Castle, and step back in time to feudal Japan.

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The Kahoku-mon Gate is a meticulously reconstructed main gate of Kanazawa Castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the castle's rich history and defensive architecture. Originally built in 1772 and restored in 2010, the gate features traditional Japanese carpentry and stonework.

A brief summary to Kahoku-mon Gate

  • 1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Marunouchi, Ishikawa, 920-0937, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Allow ample time to explore the entire Kanazawa Castle Park, including the other gates and the Gyokuseninmaru Garden.
  • Visit the upper floors of Kahoku-mon Gate for free to learn about its history and construction.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus and get off at the Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle Park stop. The one-way ride takes about 20 minutes and costs ¥210. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Kahoku-mon Gate.

  • Walking

    From Kenrokuen Garden, exit near the Ishikawa-mon Gate and walk across the road to enter Kanazawa Castle Park. Follow the signs to Kahoku-mon Gate, which is located on Kahoku-zaka Hill.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, a taxi to Kahoku-mon Gate takes approximately 10 minutes. The fare is estimated to be between ¥1,500 and ¥2,000.

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Discover more about Kahoku-mon Gate

Kahoku-mon Gate stands as the primary entrance to Kanazawa Castle, embodying the castle's historical significance and architectural prowess. As one of the castle's three major gates, along with Ishikawa-mon and Hashizume-mon, Kahoku-mon Gate has been reconstructed to its former glory after being demolished in the late 19th century. The gate complex comprises the Ichi-no mon (first gate), Ni-no mon (second gate), Masugata dobei (earthen walls in a square enclosure), and a Nirami Yaguradai watchtower, all designed for defensive purposes. The Ichi-no Mon, constructed of zelkova lumber, features side earthen walls with concealed crenels for weaponry. The reconstruction, completed in 2010, employed time-honored Japanese construction methods, showcasing the skills of local artisans. Visitors can explore the upper floors of the gate for free, where exhibits detail the gate's history and construction. Kanazawa Castle itself was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan from 1583 to the end of the Edo Period. The castle grounds are now a large park in the center of Kanazawa, easily accessible to the public. While the main keep was lost to fire in 1602 and never rebuilt, other structures, including the Kahoku-mon Gate, have been restored to offer visitors a rich historical experience.

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