History & Culture of Kanazawa

Explore the historical side of Kanazawa, much of it centered around the castle that was once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan. Although the castle burned down twice, the samurai district located at the foot of the castle still remains.

As you walk through the atmospheric neighborhood, you will see homes where the descendants of the samurai now live and browse the former residence of a samurai that served the Maedas. Kanazawa also boasts a district where geishas were trained and performed songs and dances in teahouses. Some of the teahouses are still used for their original purpose, but most of them have been converted into restaurants and shops.

There is also a connection between the Maedas and Kenrokuen Gardens, as the clan developed the serene oasis next to the castle. The gardens were designed around ponds and waterfalls, and they are as magnificent today as they were when laid out, starting in 1620.