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Nagamachi Samurai District: A Step Back in Time

Explore Kanazawa's Nagamachi Samurai District: Step back in time and wander through the well-preserved streets of feudal Japan.

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Wander through the well-preserved Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa, where samurai and their families once resided. Experience the Edo period atmosphere with its earthen walls, narrow lanes, and historic residences, offering a glimpse into the lives of these elite warriors.

A brief summary to Nagamachi District

  • 1 Chome-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, 1 Chome Nagamachi, Ishikawa, 920-0865, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon for a quieter experience and beautiful lighting on the earthen walls.
  • Check the opening hours for individual residences and museums in advance, as they may vary.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.
  • Look for the straw mats (komokake) protecting the earthen walls during the winter months.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Korinbo bus stop, walk south towards Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel. Enter the intersection in front of the DAIWA department store and follow the blue dotted line on the map. The Nagamachi district begins a short walk from here. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station's East Exit (bus stop #7) and disembark at Korinbo bus stop. The fare is 210 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. The journey takes about 10 minutes. From Korinbo, it is a 5-minute walk to Nagamachi.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station. Take a taxi from the station's east exit to Nagamachi District. The ride is approximately 5 kilometers and should cost under 1400 yen. There are taxi stands outside Kanazawa Station and at the major tourist spots.

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Discover more about Nagamachi District

Nagamachi, meaning "Long Town," is a historic samurai district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle. This district offers a unique window into the Edo period (1603-1868), when Kanazawa was a prominent castle town and the political and economic center of the Kaga Domain. Here, middle to high-ranking samurai lived to be close to their daimyo lord. The district's remarkable preservation is due to its escape from major fires and World War II bombing, allowing visitors to experience its original atmosphere. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets lined with ochre-colored earthen walls (tsuchi kabe), some over a century old, which are covered with straw mats (komokake) in winter to protect them from frost. The active water channel system, a vital part of the district since its construction, still flows, adding to the area's charm. Several key sites offer deeper insights into samurai life. The Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, with its beautiful inner garden, displays the lifestyle and artifacts of a prosperous samurai family. The Kanazawa Shinise Kinenkan Museum, housed in a restored wooden townhouse, showcases the lives of the merchant class that rose to prominence as the samurai declined. The Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum features reconstructed homes illustrating the austere lifestyle of the ashigaru, the lowest-ranking foot soldiers. Visitors can also explore the Takada Family House, which exhibits the lives of middle-ranking samurai. Today, Nagamachi is not just a museum but a living residential area. As you explore, be mindful of the residents and respect their homes. The district offers a serene escape from the modern world, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of feudal Japan.

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