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Shinise Kinenkan Museum: A Merchant's Legacy

Explore a preserved Edo-period pharmacy and discover Kanazawa's merchant history at the Shinise Kinenkan Museum.

The Shinise Kinenkan Museum in Kanazawa offers a glimpse into the life of a traditional merchant family. Housed in a preserved wooden townhouse that once belonged to a prominent pharmacy, the museum showcases local crafts and the architecture of the Edo period.

A brief summary to Shinise Kinenkan Museum

  • 2-chōme-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, 2 Chome Nagamachi, Ishikawa, JP

Local tips

  • Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions or workshops.
  • Take your time to read the informative plaques and descriptions to fully appreciate the artistry on display.
  • Visit early in the day for a quieter experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll in the nearby Nagamachi district to experience more of Kanazawa's historical charm.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from the East Exit to the Korinbo bus stop. The fare is ¥210. From Korinbo, it is a 5-minute walk south to the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, located in the Nagamachi Samurai District.

  • Walking

    If you are near Kanazawa Castle, walk south towards the Nagamachi Samurai District. Continue along the road until you reach the intersection with Nagamachi Street. The museum is on your left at 2-chōme-2 Nagamachi. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.

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Discover more about Shinise Kinenkan Museum

The Shinise Kinenkan Museum, also known as the Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall, provides a fascinating look into the lifestyle and culture of Kanazawa's merchant class. The museum is located in the Nagamachi district, a well-preserved historic area that was once home to samurai. The building itself is a historical wooden townhouse that was donated to the city in 1987 by the Nakaya family. The Nakaya family established their traditional medicine business in 1579, and were granted the right to sell Chinese medicine by the ruling Maeda family in the late 16th century. The building was constructed in 1878 in honor of a visit by the Meiji Emperor and renovated in 1919. Shinise refers to an old shop, with a shop at the front and a home at the back. Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits related to the merchant class of the city, including a reconstructed old-style pharmacy, a tea room, and a traditional garden. Displays of local handicrafts and artifacts offer insights into Kanazawa's artisan heritage. The first floor includes the Mise-no-mae Storefront exhibit showcasing the tools and medicines used by the Nakaya family. The second floor features exhibition rooms with Noh theater masks, Japanese umbrellas, and a candy tree made of sugar. Explanations are provided in both Japanese and English.

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