Kanazawa; June 14, 2025

 

I stopped in Kanazawa as a base for visiting the Noto Peninsula region, which was hit hard by the earthquake last year. Kanazawa is the prefectural capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. During the Edo period, the Maeda clan, Japan's largest feudal lord aside from the Tokugawa Shogunate, settled here, and culture flourished in the region.

 

It's been nearly 10 years since I last visited here in 2016. The cityscape has not changed much. However, I found some differences from my last visit. Foreign tourists were more noticeable. I also found slogans praying for the recovery of the Noto Peninsula from the earthquake posted in various places.

 

The site of Kanazawa Castle is now a park. Some buildings have been restored. The park conveys the atmosphere of the Edo era. There were also many foreign groups, and the guide gave a detailed explanation. (See the top photo)

 

Stone walls, fences, gates, and gardens were also impressive.

 

Kenrokuen Garden, adjacent to the park, is famous as one of the three most representative gardens in Japan. There are old trees remaining and the pond is beautiful. (See also the 2nd photo)

 

In the area west of the Kanazawa Castle ruins, samurai residences of the Edo period remain. Irrigation channels run through the city, and water flows abundantly.

 

Omimachi Market, about 10 minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station, is a marketplace filled with seafood and vegetable shops. It was crowded with locals as well as foreign and domestic tourists.

 

Kanazawa is famous for its traditional crafts, such as textiles, dyeing, and arts and crafts, and there are many shops and museums. In addition, the city is also enthusiastic about cultivating and promoting modern art. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, located near Kenrokuen, opened in 2004 with the concept of "an art museum like a park open to the town."

 

Sumo is popular in Ishikawa Prefecture. In the May tournament, Onosato, who is from the prefecture, won the championship and was promoted to Yokozuna. At the tourist information center at JR Kanazawa Station (the 3rd photo), there were photos of four wrestlers from Ishikawa Prefecture, including Onosato.