In Kanazawa’s Honda-no-Mori Park are two connected museums that are good value for both history enthusiasts and for families with small children. These are the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History and the Kaga-Honda Museum.
The museums are housed in connected red brick buildings
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History consists of two main areas: the History Discovery Hall and the Hands-On Interaction Hall. The History Discovery Hall follows the course of local history from the prehistoric Jomon era, through the age of the samurai, and up to the development of modern Ishikawa. The past is illustrated with artifacts, dioramas, models, and life-sized reconstructions.
A reconstruction of a Showa era living room around 1957
This room immerses you in the sights and sounds of a local festival
The Hands-On Interaction Hall is a fun place for kids to dress up in typical costumes and handle replica items from the past. This section is also an event space that hosts regular workshops and lectures.
A reconstructed farmhouse hearth with objects children can pick up and handle
The Kaga-Honda Museum
The Kaga-Honda Museum displays antique treasures of the Honda family, who were an old samurai family that served the local rulers. Here you can see weapons, armor, and horse-riding equipment, as well as beautiful ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. The museum gives a real insight into samurai life and culture.
A diorama of Kanazawa in the museum entrance hall
The Three Red Brick Museum Buildings
Both Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History and the Kaga-Honda Museum are housed in three connected red brick buildings in the Honda-no-Mori Park area. The Museum of History occupies the first two buildings and the Kaga-Honda Museum is in the third building. You can visit these museums separately but there is a joint ticket available for all three buildings. These buildings were built between 1909 and 1914 as military warehouses but were used by Kanazawa College of Art after World War 2. In 1986 they were converted into museums and because of the high standard of their conservation and renovation they were designated as Important Cultural Properties in 1990 and won the Architectural Institute of Japan Prize in 1991. Because of their distinctive appearance the museums here are collectively known as “Ishikawa Red Brick Museum.”
The Ishikawa Red Brick Museum
Facilities
The museum entrance is in the central building. Here you can buy tickets for one or both museums. There is also a museum shop here selling souvenir maps, postcards and books in Japanese.
Wheelchairs and children’s pushchairs are available at the reception desk.
Parking is available for up to 20 vehicles. Parking for museum visitors is fee.
A rest area between buildings. There are vending machines for drinks and snacks
Access
These two museums are located to the south of Kenrokuen Garden and are very close to both Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art and Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theatre. To get there from Kanazawa Station take the Kenrokuen Shuttle bus from bus stop #6 at the east exit bus terminal and get off at the Prefectural Museum of Art / Seisonkaku bus stop. The museums are a 2 minute walk from the stop. The journey takes 14 minutes for a flat fare of 200 yen. Here is a map of the location.
Open: 9.00 – 17.00 (Last entry at 16.30)
The Museum of History is Closed: December 28th – 3rd January 3rd and during exhibition renewal periods.
The Kaga-Honda Museum is Closed: December 29th – 3rd January, on Thursdays from December through February, and during exhibition renewal periods.
Museum of History Admission Fees:
Adults: 300 yen
University Students: 240 yen
High School Students & younger: Free
Kaga-Honda Museum Admission Fees:
Adults: 400 yen
University Students: 300 yen
High School Students & younger: Free
Combined Ticket for Both Museums:
Adults: 500 yen
University Students: 400 yen
High School Students & younger: Free
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
