Ishikawa, Kanazawa Nagamachi Samurai District, 21st Century Museum, Traditional Artcrafts Wajima-nuri, Kaga-yuzen (maps, sightseeing information and access)
With an expansive coastline facing the
Japan Sea, Ishikawa is well known
for delicious seafood, traditional
crafts and its capital,
Kanazawa - one of Japan's
few great castle towns
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa became a town of great cultural
achievements under the Maeda Clan, Japan's second largest feudal domain
after Tokugawa Shogunate. The flavour of these feudal times is still present
in Kanazawa, particularly in the old samurai district located at the foot of
Kanazawa Castle where the samurai and their families once resided. A
collection of homes, with distinct features such as mud walls and samurai
windows remain exactly as they did 400 years ago. The Nomura Samurai Family Residence is one of the
most popular attractions in this district. Guests can take their time strolling through the various rooms or
sit on the balcony and take in the exquisite garden with its praised lanterns and 400 year old trees.
As a former feudal town, Kanazawa had designated 'chaya' (teahouse) districts where guests would
come to be entertained by local geisha's singing and dancing. These exclusive teahouses have been
preserved in three districts, with Higashi Chayagai being the largest. This area, where the streets are
lined with wood latticed buildings and old 'geisha' houses, has even been designated as an Important
Preservation District for Groups of Historical Buildings. In the evening, visitors can often hear the
sounds of the 'shamisen' or 'taiko' coming from the teahouses, and if lucky, might even see a 'geisha' as
she walks to one of her appointments.
Easily accessible from Kanazawa
Station and seconds away from
Kenrokuen, this interesting
structure incorporates museum
space and community gathering
space in an innovative park-like
format. The circular shaped
building, with a 112.5 meter diameter, features a library, lecture hall, and
children's workshop, in addition to work from acclaimed Japanese and
international artists. There are 4 entrances, with no specific main entry
as architects wanted visitors to approach the building, and art, from
many directions. Inside one must pay admission fee to
enter the central area where temporary exhibitions are
on display.
Interspersed among the free public spaces
are some permanent works, including Leandro
Erlich's "Swimming Pool" and James Turrell's "Blue
Planet Sky". After viewing the exhibitions, guests can
relax at the gallery's cafes and restaurants or learn
more in the Art Library.
With skills that have
been passed down
through the centuries, Ishikawa craftsmen are quite famous for their
production of quality products. 'Kaga Yuzen', characterized by its
life-like nature motifs, is a leading Japanese form of textile dyeing.
Traditional techniques are still used to create a variety and depth of
colour, such as three-colored gradation. Gold Leaf products are
another famous Ishikawa handicraft. In fact, 98% of all the gold leaf
produced in Japan comes from Kanazawa. The prefecture's water and
climate are ideal for gold leaf making, providing unparalled artists
with the perfect environment to work on
their craft.
Lastly, 'Wajima'
lacquerware, full of strength and
elegance, and 'Kutani' porcelain
products, famous for its vibrant designs
are also available in Kanazawa. Visitors
can enjoy these amazing works of art in
some Ishikawa museums or purchase
some as souvenirs.
With an expansive coastline facing the
Japan Sea, Ishikawa is well known
for delicious seafood, traditional
crafts and its capital,
Kanazawa - one of Japan's
few great castle towns
During the Edo Period, Kanazawa became a town of great cultural
achievements under the Maeda Clan, Japan's second largest feudal domain
after Tokugawa Shogunate. The flavour of these feudal times is still present
in Kanazawa, particularly in the old samurai district located at the foot of
Kanazawa Castle where the samurai and their families once resided. A
collection of homes, with distinct features such as mud walls and samurai
windows remain exactly as they did 400 years ago. The Nomura Samurai Family Residence is one of the
most popular attractions in this district. Guests can take their time strolling through the various rooms or
sit on the balcony and take in the exquisite garden with its praised lanterns and 400 year old trees.
As a former feudal town, Kanazawa had designated 'chaya' (teahouse) districts where guests would
come to be entertained by local geisha's singing and dancing. These exclusive teahouses have been
preserved in three districts, with Higashi Chayagai being the largest. This area, where the streets are
lined with wood latticed buildings and old 'geisha' houses, has even been designated as an Important
Preservation District for Groups of Historical Buildings. In the evening, visitors can often hear the
sounds of the 'shamisen' or 'taiko' coming from the teahouses, and if lucky, might even see a 'geisha' as
she walks to one of her appointments.
Easily accessible from Kanazawa
Station and seconds away from
Kenrokuen, this interesting
structure incorporates museum
space and community gathering
space in an innovative park-like
format. The circular shaped
building, with a 112.5 meter diameter, features a library, lecture hall, and
children's workshop, in addition to work from acclaimed Japanese and
international artists. There are 4 entrances, with no specific main entry
as architects wanted visitors to approach the building, and art, from
many directions. Inside one must pay admission fee to
enter the central area where temporary exhibitions are
on display. 
Interspersed among the free public spaces
are some permanent works, including Leandro
Erlich's "Swimming Pool" and James Turrell's "Blue
Planet Sky". After viewing the exhibitions, guests can
relax at the gallery's cafes and restaurants or learn
more in the Art Library.
With skills that have
been passed down
through the centuries, Ishikawa craftsmen are quite famous for their
production of quality products. 'Kaga Yuzen', characterized by its
life-like nature motifs, is a leading Japanese form of textile dyeing.
Traditional techniques are still used to create a variety and depth of
colour, such as three-colored gradation. Gold Leaf products are
another famous Ishikawa handicraft. In fact, 98% of all the gold leaf
produced in Japan comes from Kanazawa. The prefecture's water and
climate are ideal for gold leaf making, providing unparalled artists
with the perfect environment to work on
their craft.
Lastly, 'Wajima'
lacquerware, full of strength and
elegance, and 'Kutani' porcelain
products, famous for its vibrant designs
are also available in Kanazawa. Visitors
can enjoy these amazing works of art in
some Ishikawa museums or purchase
some as souvenirs.
