as of January 2015
Sights of Kanazawa Strolling Tour
A stroll through Kanazawa's classic sights…and its newest attractions
1. Kenroku-en Garden & Kanazawa Castle Park
80 minutes (Admission: 500 yen)
Ranked as one of Japan's three greatest traditional gardens, Kenroku-en was created during the Edo Period over the course of centuries by the samurai lords of the Kaga domain. The basic concept behind the garden is "immortality", with the large pond representing the oceans, and the small islands within it representing dwelling places of ageless sages. Altogether, the garden symbolizes the aspiration to eternal life and prosperity.
A bridge leads to Kanazawa Castle Park, where you can see the Ishikawa Gate, which survives from the Edo Period, and faithful reconstructions of other fortifications such as Hishi Yagura turret and the Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. The Maeda clan, who ruled Kaga and constructed the garden, were second in wealth only to the Tokugawa shoguns. While most of the historic structures that made up their residence at Kanazawa Castle were lost to a series of fires, in recent years many have been meticulously reconstructed using historical documentation and authentic period techniques.
The Gojukken Nagaya storehouse and Kawakita-mon gate are available to host exhibitions and post-convention events.
A bridge leads to Kanazawa Castle Park, where you can see the Ishikawa Gate, which survives from the Edo Period, and faithful reconstructions of other fortifications such as Hishi Yagura turret and the Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. The Maeda clan, who ruled Kaga and constructed the garden, were second in wealth only to the Tokugawa shoguns. While most of the historic structures that made up their residence at Kanazawa Castle were lost to a series of fires, in recent years many have been meticulously reconstructed using historical documentation and authentic period techniques.
The Gojukken Nagaya storehouse and Kawakita-mon gate are available to host exhibitions and post-convention events.
English website:
http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/english/top.html
http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/english/top.html
2. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
30 minutes (Admission: Free for Public Zone)
© Kanazawa City/© JNTO
This museum occupies two stories (one above ground, one below) in a brand-new glass-clad building designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishijima, the famous duo of Pritzker-winning architects known as SANAA. Many of the artworks in the museum, including Leandro Erlich's The Swimming Pool, are immersive installations, making this a fun destination for the whole family.
English website:
https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/
https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/
3. Kanazawa Crafts Hirosaka
20 minutes (Admission: Free)
This shop carries a wide selection of items from Kanazawa's unique craft traditions. Kaga inlay work, Kaga fishing flies and eight other crafts ranging from paper to embroidery are represented. There is a gallery featuring works by traditional master artisans, many available for purchase. These carefully curated items offer classic beauty that fits contemporary lifestyles. A perfect spot to buy souvenirs and gifts.
English website:
http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1_1.php?no=6
http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1_1.php?no=6
Option A: Making Maki-e
Nosaku (Maki-e lesson: 3,240 yen)
During the Edo Period, superbly crafted Kanazawa lacquerware was held in such high regard that it was given as gifts to samurai lords, and even as tribute to the shogun himself. One signature technique was maki-e, in which gold dust is sprinkled over designs painted in wet lacquer. The gold created a glittering contrast with the deep hues for which Japanese lacquer is famous.
Nosaku has been dealing in lacquerware since 1780. On their elegant premises, full of the atmosphere of old Japan, they offer you the rare opportunity to make a maki-e piece of your own.
Nosaku has been dealing in lacquerware since 1780. On their elegant premises, full of the atmosphere of old Japan, they offer you the rare opportunity to make a maki-e piece of your own.
Nosaku, Inc. English homepage:
http://www.kanazawa.gr.jp/nosaku/english/index.html
http://www.kanazawa.gr.jp/nosaku/english/index.html
English website about the art of Kanazawa maki-e:
http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/kougei1_e/sikki_e/index.html
http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/kougei1_e/sikki_e/index.html
Option B: Traditional Ishikawa Crafts
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts (Admission: 260 yen)
The 36 designated traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture, of which 10 are awarded special recognition by the Japanese government, are presented in comprehensive fashion at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. The museum even offers interactive exhibits on weekends. The museum is located just off the Kodatsuno Entrance to Kenroku-en.
English websites:
http://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/english/index.html
(Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts)
http://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/english/index.html
(Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts)
Kanazawa Convention Bureau
http://www.kanazawa-cb.com/index_e.html
http://www.kanazawa-cb.com/index_e.html
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