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Northwest Turret Remains: Echoes of Kanazawa Castle's Past

Explore the Northwest Turret Remains at Kanazawa Castle Park, a window into the history and strategic design of the Maeda clan's stronghold.

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The Northwest Turret Remains offer a glimpse into the strategic design of Kanazawa Castle, once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan. Though much of the castle has been reconstructed, these remnants evoke the history and defensive ingenuity of this important historical landmark in Kanazawa.

A brief summary to Northwest Turret Remains

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking around the castle grounds and adjacent Kenrokuen Garden.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Check out the Kanazawa Loop Bus for convenient access to the castle and other major attractions in the city.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kenrokuen Garden, exit through the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The Northwest Turret Remains are located within Kanazawa Castle Park, a short walk from the gate. Follow the signs within the park to reach the specific location.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station to the Kenrokuen Garden bus stop. From there, walk through the Ishikawa-mon Gate into Kanazawa Castle Park. The Northwest Turret Remains are a short walk away. The bus costs ¥210 per ride.

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Discover more about Northwest Turret Remains

The Northwest Turret Remains are a part of the Kanazawa Castle Park, located in the heart of Kanazawa. Kanazawa Castle was the seat of the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for over 280 years during the Edo period. The castle played a central role in Kanazawa's history as the city grew around it, becoming a center of culture known for its craftsmanship. While the main castle keep was destroyed by fire in 1602 and never rebuilt, efforts have been made to reconstruct other important structures. The Northwest Turret, though only remains, provides insight into the castle's defensive design. The castle had moats and loopholes for matchlocks on the outer walls. The roof tiles were made of weathered lead, which, according to legend, could be melted down for bullets during a siege. The stone walls around the castle show different construction periods, with the oldest dating back over 400 years. Today, visitors can explore the Kanazawa Castle Park and see the reconstructed buildings, including the Ishikawa-mon Gate, Hishi Yagura Turret, Gojikken Nagaya Storehouse, and Hashizume-mon Gate. These reconstructions showcase traditional carpentry and offer views of the castle grounds.

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