Kanazawa is a castle town.

Just a short walk from Korinbo, you'll find a quiet streetscape that's hard to believe is in a busy area. The remains of the residences of Kaga clan retainers and mid-ranking samurai are the "Nagamachi Samurai Residences." The ochre-colored clay walls and narrow stone-paved alleys will make you feel as if you've wandered into a period drama set.

 

And what's surprising is that inside the earthen walls, modern life blends in naturally. I also used to walk along the Nagamachi Samurai Residences every day on my way to school. One step outside and you'll find the bustling streets of a busy shopping district. In contrast, the Nagamachi Samurai Residences is very quiet, and I love how calming it is.

 

When you think of winter in Kanazawa, you think of "yukitsuri" (hanging snow), but the "komokake" at the Nagamachi Samurai Residences Site is also a seasonal feature of Kanazawa. "Komokake" is used to protect the earthen walls from snow, and is set up every year from December to March of the following year. Many tourists come to watch the "komokake" work. When "komokake" starts every year, you feel that winter has arrived.

 

If you want to explore the area efficiently while also taking in the history and sights, head to the Nagamachi Samurai Residences Rest House.

Advance reservations are required, but we recommend the volunteer tourist guide "Maido-san." A friendly senior guide will show you around in the fun Kanazawa dialect.

 

Nomuraya is the only restaurant in Nagamachi that is open to the public. It was awarded two stars in the Michelin tourist guide in 2009, so it is definitely worth a visit.

business hours

8:30-17:30 (April-September)

8:30-16:30 (October-March)

Fee

Adults: 550 yen

High school students: 400 yen

Elementary and junior high school students: 250 yen

 

After strolling around the "Nagamachi Samurai Residences", why not have lunch? Nearby, there is a shopping street along the irrigation canal called "Seseragi Street". It's a strange feeling to see the streetscape change so suddenly from the Edo period to a fashionable one.

Restaurants include Western restaurants such as Italian and French, as well as Japanese restaurants and stylish cafes.

 

What did you think?

Why not try on a kimono at VASARA Kanazawa Station store and walk around the ancient castle town of Kanazawa?