During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Today, Kanazawa remains an important city in its region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. But Kanazawa's unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "three best landscape gardens" and by many considered the most beautiful of them all. (
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1. Gyokusen-en: N 36° 33.829 E 136° 39.835
Gyokusen-en is a Japanese garden located near the famous Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. This small green haven of peace was built in the 17th century. It has been maintained by the Nishida family since the beginning of the 20th century, who also offer the experience of the tea ceremony in the purest Japanese tradition. (Hours: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
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2. Kanazawa Castle: N 36° 33.949 E 136° 39.573
Kanazawa Castle is a large, partially-restored castle located adjacent to the celebrated Kenroku-en Garden, which once formed the castle's private outer garden. It was the headquarters of Kaga Domain, ruled by the Maeda clan for 14 generations from the Sengoku period until the coming of the Meiji Restoration in 1871.
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3. Kenrokuen: N 36° 33.857 E 136° 39.732
Kanazawa Kenrokuen is rightly ranked as one of the "three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan", alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. This vast park was once the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and was built by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees that give the garden a different appearance in each season.
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4. Higashi Chaya District: N 36° 34.349 E 136° 40.021
A chaya (literally teahouse) is a type of exclusive restaurant where customers are entertained by geisha who perform songs and dances. During the Edo period (1603-1868), chaya were located in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Kanazawa has three well-preserved chaya districts.
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5. Tsuzumi-mon gate: N 36° 34.668 E 136° 38.948
The Tsuzumimon wooden gate, located outside the east exit of Kanazawa Station, is inspired by traditional Japanese drums called tsuzumi. The gate's unique style has become a contemporary symbol of Kanazawa. The gate is connected to a large, contemporary-style glass structure called the Motenashi Dome. (
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