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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, earthen walls, and serene canals.

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Wander through the well-preserved Nagamachi District, where samurai once resided, and experience the atmosphere of feudal Japan with its earthen walls, narrow lanes, and historic residences.

A brief summary to Nagamachi District

  • 1 Chome-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, 1 Chome Nagamachi, Ishikawa, 920-0865, JP
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Local tips

  • Visit Nomura-ke Samurai Residence to see a beautifully restored samurai home and tranquil inner garden.
  • Explore the Ashigaru Museum to contrast the opulent samurai lifestyle with the austere life of foot soldiers.
  • Stroll along the district's narrow lanes and admire the traditional earthen walls, especially picturesque when covered with straw mats in winter.
  • Take a leisurely walk to fully appreciate the atmosphere and discover hidden gems within the district.
  • Check out the Senda-ke Garden, a hidden gem inspired by Kenrokuen Garden, featuring a tranquil pond and traditional features.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, walk southeast for approximately 10 minutes to reach Nagamachi District. Alternatively, from Kanazawa Castle Park Gyokusenin Maruguchi Gate, head west for about 10 minutes. There are no specific costs involved in approaching Nagamachi by walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at the Korinbo bus stop. From Korinbo, walk south for 5 minutes to reach Nagamachi. The Kanazawa Loop Bus costs 210 yen per ride. A one-day pass for unlimited rides on the Loop Bus and other city buses is available for 800 yen.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, a taxi ride to Nagamachi District takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between 1500 and 1900 yen. Taxi stands are readily available at the station.

Unlock the Best of Nagamachi District

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Discover more about Nagamachi District

Nagamachi, meaning 'Long Town,' is a beautifully preserved samurai district in Kanazawa, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan. Once the residential area for samurai and their families, the district boasts a historic atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes, and water canals. During the Edo period (1603-1867), Kanazawa flourished as the center of the Kaga Domain, ruled by the Maeda clan. The samurai, according to their ranks, lived in Nagamachi, close to the Kanazawa Castle. After the feudal system was abolished in 1869, samurai families had to sell or abandon their homes. Today, Nagamachi is an essential stop for visitors, providing a vivid idea of city life from a century or more ago. Key attractions include the Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, a restored home displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of a prosperous samurai family, and the Kanazawa Shinise Kinenkan Museum, showcasing the lives of the merchant class. The district also features the Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum, exhibiting the lifestyle of foot soldiers. The Onosho Yosui water channel, believed to be the oldest in Kanazawa, still runs through Nagamachi.

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