Kanazawa Castle

Castle

Part of Kanazawa

Prefecture

Ishikawa

Type

Castle

N/A

0 reviews

¥320

Entry Fee

English Staff Cafe

About This Destination

The castle of the wealthy Maeda clan, featuring beautifully reconstructed gates and turrets with distinctive white lead roof tiles. Adjacent to Kenroku-en Garden.

Kanazawa Castle served as the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga domain—the wealthiest feudal domain outside the Tokugawa shogunate—for nearly 300 years. While the original castle was destroyed by fire multiple times, extensive reconstruction efforts have restored several impressive structures including the Ishikawa-mon Gate, Hishi Yagura turret, and the striking Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. The castle is notable for its unique white lead roof tiles (namari-gawara), used to provide emergency ammunition in times of siege. The spacious castle grounds offer pleasant walks and connect directly to Kenroku-en Garden. Evening illuminations during special seasons create a magical atmosphere.

Location

Prefecture: Ishikawa

Address: Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Nearest Station: Kanazawa Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Cafes within castle grounds. Combine with Kenroku-en's tea houses for a full experience.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kanazawa Castle?

Kanazawa Castle Park sits right next to Kenroku-en Garden in central Kanazawa. From Kanazawa Station East Exit, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus to Kenrokuen-shita stop (about 15 minutes, 200 yen flat fare), then walk 2 minutes to the Ishikawa-mon Gate entrance. Most visitors combine the castle and garden in a single visit.

What's the entry fee for Kanazawa Castle?

The castle grounds are free to walk through. Entry to the paid areas — the reconstructed Hishi Yagura turret, Gojukken Nagaya storehouse, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura — costs 320 yen for adults. A combined ticket with Kenroku-en is 500 yen and worth it if visiting both. Free for adults aged 65+ with ID.

When is the best time to visit Kanazawa Castle?

Spring (cherry blossoms around the moat in early April) and autumn (mid-November foliage) are the most photogenic. The white lead roof tiles glow strikingly against blue skies in winter, and the castle hosts evening illumination on selected weekends throughout the year. Mornings before 10 AM are quietest. Allow about 1.5 hours, or longer if combining with Kenroku-en.

What should I see inside Kanazawa Castle Park?

Don't miss the Ishikawa-mon Gate (one of the few original surviving structures, designated an Important Cultural Property), the reconstructed Gojukken Nagaya storehouse with its distinctive white lead tiles, and Gyokusen-inmaru Garden — a recreated stroll garden with a tea house. The Sankakuyagura corner turret and viewing platforms over Kenroku-en are also worth the walk. Allow time to step inside the paid areas to see the traditional joinery.