Kanazawa
It is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, a narrow stretch of land extending from the main island of Honshu and stretching along the Sea of Japan. The city had some historical significance as it was home to one of the most important feudal families of the Tokugawa period: the Maeda clan. It was one of the epicenters of culture and art during the Edo period, and today, it remains a favorite spot for art lovers, famous for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, art museums, and regional crafts. It is a city with stunning gardens, a castle, museums, geisha quarters, and gold-leaf and dyeing workshops—in short, many tourist attractions.
What to see in Kanazawa?
Kenrokuen Garden
It is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in the country, the so-called Nihon Sanmeien. It is a perfect example of the typical landscape garden of the Edo period (1603-1868) designed for strolling. Its origins date back to 1676. However, it was not until 1822 that the 12th daimyo (Maeda Narinaga) built the Takezawa Villa southeast of the castle and developed the current garden design with meandering streams, stone bridges, etc. At that time, the garden was named Kenrokuen (Garden of the Six Combined Aspects). After a fire destroyed the villa, the 13th daimyo (Maeda Nariyasu) enlarged the Kasumiga Pond and added several streams, thus completing its basic structure. Finally, on May 7, 1874, it opened to the public after the abolition of the feudal domain system and the fall of the shogunate. On March 8, 1922, they were declared a National Asset of Scenic Beauty, and on March 20, 1985, a National Asset of Special Scenic Beauty.
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