Kanazawa, Capital city in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
The city lies on the north coast of central Japan between the Sea of Japan and the mountains, crossed by two rivers that run on either side of the old town. Three large gardens, several districts with wooden houses, and a busy fish market define the cityscape alongside modern shopping streets.
When feudal lord Maeda Toshiie established his residence here in 1583, the rise to a major center for arts and crafts began. For over two centuries the city remained under the rule of the same family, which supported painters, lacquer masters, and artisans.
The name combines the characters for gold and marsh, recalling a legend about a peasant who once washed gold flakes from the soil here. This connection to the precious metal remains visible today in countless shops that apply gold leaf to sweets, sake, and souvenirs.
Many sights lie within a loop that can be covered on foot or by rental bicycle. A sightseeing bus connects the main points for visitors who prefer not to walk.
During World War Two the city was spared from bombing raids because it was not considered a military target. This fact explains why so many historic streets and traditional districts have survived to this day.
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Kenroku-en
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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
137 m
Ataka no Seki
26.5 km
Oyama Shrine
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D. T. Suzuki Museum
572 m
Kanazawa Forus
2.1 km
Myōryū-ji
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Kanazawa Umimirai Library
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25.2 km
Iōzen
13.6 km
Daijō-ji
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18.2 km
Torigoe Castle
22.3 km
Tedori Fish Land
17.4 km
National Crafts Museum
519 m
Ishikawa Prefectural Office Building
4.7 km
Tatsumi Canal
909 m
Kanazawa Theatre
298 m
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
453 m
Hondanomori Hall
814 m
Porte Kanazawa
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Government of Kanazawa
26 m
Ishiura Shrine
298 m
Kanazawa Shrine
574 m
Shiinoki Cultural Complex, Ishikawa Prefecture
187 m
Nishi Chaya-gai
934 m
Ozaki Shrine
925 m
Katamachi Kirara
334 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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