Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a Japanese castle in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The former seat of the Maeda clan of Kaga Domain is designated a National Historic Site, and the castle area is maintained as Kanazawa Castle Park. Within the large grounds, highlights include Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura—must-see points of interest. A leisurely walk through the Gyokuseninmaru Garden can be calming and restorative. The park also includes spaces such as Gyokusenan where you can enjoy matcha and wagashi while taking in seasonal scenery—highly recommended. To fully enjoy Kanazawa Castle, snowy landscapes are especially recommended: while the views change with each season, the snow-covered castle, gardens, and stone walls can be particularly memorable. Local volunteer guides are active as well, so touring with them is a good way to learn history. Depending on the season, illumination events are held, so it’s worth checking. Access: from Kanazawa Station, about 15 minutes by bus; get off at Kenrokuen-shita, then about 5 minutes on foot.