KANAZAWA
Explore Nagamachi - Samurai District
Nagamachi is a historic samurai district known for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. Once home to middle and upper-class samurai, the area features narrow lanes, earthen walls, stone-paved streets, and traditional residences like the Nomura-ke Samurai House. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful neighborhood and get a glimpse of samurai life in feudal Japan.
✦ Nomura-ke - Samurai Residence and Museum
10 minutes by car from Nomachi Villa - directions
Nearby parking lot - directions
Open: 8:30am ~ 5:30pm
Closed: No Closures
Nomura-ke is the former residence of the Nomura family, an influential samurai clan in Kanazawa during the Edo period. Located in the Nagamachi Samurai District, this traditional house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the samurai class. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved rooms, elegant fusuma sliding doors, and stunning Japanese gardens with koi ponds and stone lanterns, often regarded as one of the most exquisite in Japan.
Cost: Adult ¥550
Enjoy Tea and sweets in the Tea Rooms on the 2nd Floor overlooking the garden
Hondaya - Tabelware Shop
Open: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
Closed: Tuesdays & WednesdaysHonda-ya Tableware Shop is a charming boutique that specializes in everyday-use Japanese tableware, featuring original designs by owner Masako Honda. These unique pieces are crafted by artisans from various regions, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Notably, some items creatively combine Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani porcelain, resulting in distinctive and practical designs.
🍴Machiya Cafe Kurinoki - Cafe in a traditional townhouse
Open: 11:30am ~ 2:00pm
Closed: Wednesdays and SundaysMachiya Cafe Kurinoki is a charming café nestled in a renovated 100-year-old townhouse. The café offers a tranquil atmosphere with tatami mat seating and views of a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, providing a serene setting for guests.
The café's signature lunch is the "Ohitsu Gohan," a set meal featuring locally sourced rice cooked in a traditional clay pot, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and side dishes. Dessert options include the popular pumpkin zenzai, a sweet red bean soup with pumpkin dumplings, and a variety of soft-serve ice creams with flavors like matcha and roasted tea.
Nishi Chaya District
The Nishi Chaya District is one of the city's three historic geisha districts, known for its traditional wooden teahouses and refined atmosphere. Smaller and quieter than the more famous Higashi Chaya District, it offers a more intimate glimpse into Kanazawa's geisha culture. The area features a few preserved teahouses, charming alleyways, and the Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum, where visitors can learn about geisha traditions and view historical artifacts.
Myoryu-ji - The Ninja Temple
290m / 1 minute on foot from Nomachi Villa - directions
Open: Tuesday ~ Sunday 9:00am ~ 4:00pm / Mondays 9:00am ~ 4:30pm
Closed: No ClosuresMyōryū-ji, commonly known as the Ninja Temple, is a fascinating Buddhist temple located in Kanazawa, Japan. Built in 1643 by the Maeda lords of the Kaga Domain, the temple was designed as a covert military outpost to protect against potential attacks from the Tokugawa Shogunate. Despite its nickname, the temple has no historical ties to actual ninjas; instead, it earned this moniker due to its intricate defensive features.
The temple's architecture is a marvel of ingenuity. From the outside, it appears to be a modest two-story structure, but internally, it boasts four floors with seven layers, encompassing 23 rooms and 29 staircases. These include hidden chambers, secret tunnels, trap doors, and labyrinthine corridors designed to confuse and thwart intruders. Notably, there's a concealed watchtower and a well rumored to connect to Kanazawa Castle via an underground passage.
Cost: Adult ¥1,200 / Child ¥800
Dolls Museum
Open: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: WednesdaysThe Dolls Museum in Kanazawa is a captivating destination for those interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture. Situated in the historic Nishi Chaya District, this museum is housed in a beautifully preserved teahouse, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Japan's rich doll-making heritage.
Inside, the museum showcases an extensive collection of approximately 600 dolls from various regions and eras of Japan. Highlights include Hina dolls, displayed during the annual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) festival, and Ichimatsu dolls, known for their realistic childlike features. The exhibits also feature Gosho dolls, Kamo dolls, and ceramic figurines such as Arita and Satsuma ware, reflecting the diverse artistry across the country.
Cost: Adult ¥500 / Child (3+) ¥300
Paint your own Kokeshi Doll
Kokeshi dolls are traditional handcrafted wooden dolls that originated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan during the Edo period. Characterized by their simple cylindrical bodies, round heads, and lack of arms or legs, they are typically painted with floral designs and finished with a layer of wax. Originally made as toys or souvenirs from hot spring resorts, Kokeshi dolls are now cherished as folk art and symbols of Japanese craftsmanship.
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: Per Kokeshi Doll ¥1,800
Ninja Weapons Museum
Open: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
Closed: No ClosuresThe Ninja Weapon Museum offers an immersive glimpse into the secretive world of Japan's historical ninjas. Situated in the Nishi Chaya District, this museum showcases approximately 160 artifacts, including shuriken (throwing stars), chain weapons, sickles, and samurai armor. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences, such as trying their hand at throwing shuriken, making it an engaging destination for both adults and children.
Cost: Adult ¥800 / Child ¥00
Return Hire Car - Toyota Rent-a-car Kanazawa Station East Exit Shop
8 minutes by car from Kanazawa Castle - directions
Nearby ENEOS Servo - directions
Head to Tokyo Accommodation
2 hour 30 minutes by shinkansen from Kanazawa Station ~ Tokyo Station - ¥14,380 - directions
Hotel Details
Tokyo Dome Hotel - directions
Contact: +81358052111
Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8562, Japan