Kurando Terashima, who lived from 1777 to 1837, was a middle class samurai retainer to the ruling Maeda family. The surviving house, storehouse, earthen walls, and garden were designated as a Kanazawa City cultural property and historic site in 1974. The house opened to the public in 1976 and was later donated to Kanazawa City together with its land, buildings, and inherited collection in 1988.
This beautiful building provides a rare glimpse into the elegant home life of Kanazawa samurai families in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You will find the wooden house on a quiet back street surrounded by high earthen walls. Once inside you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
The entrance to Kurando Terashima’s House
Kurando Terashima was a capable official who held administrative roles in local government until changes in local politics and his own strong opinions resulted in his dismissal in 1825. He was also an accomplished painter however, and you can see some of his works displayed in his home together with works of calligraphy and other family antiques.
White porcelain bowls are displayed below a fan painting by the daughter of Kurando Terashima
The official site provides English information and links to pamphlets in several languages. On-site English support may be limited, so visitors who want detailed background should read the English information before going or ask at reception about available guidance. Check the house rules at reception before taking indoor photographs.
Japanese rooms are measured by the number of tatami mats and this room is quite large with 13.5 mats
Above the entrance to the garden is a sign which reads “kensen” meaning “dry spring”. The calligraphy was written by a famous artist and musician named Urakami Gyokudo who visited Kurando to give a koto performance. The name “dry spring” is a reference to the garden pond which had no water.
A garden view. The sign above the entrance to the garden reads “kensen”
The garden is delightful in all seasons but is particularly well known for its old Dodan-tsutsuji, or Japanese enkianthus, which flower in spring and color beautifully in autumn, together with maples and other garden trees.
Viewing the house from the garden
Access
Kurando Terashima’s House is located in the Hashiba-cho area of Kanazawa. To get there from Kanazawa Station take a Kanazawa Loop Bus from bus stop #7 at the east exit bus terminal and get off at Hashiba-cho. On the Right Loop this is the Hashiba-cho (Kinjoro-mae) stop, and on the Left Loop this is the Hashiba-cho (Kinjoro-mukai) stop. The house is about a 3-5 minute walk from the stop. The Loop Bus fare is 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. There is no on-site parking. Here is a map of the location. There are plenty of other attractions in the area as the house is close to the Ohi Ware Museum and the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum and not far from the Higashi Chaya-gai district too.
Open: 9.30 – 17.00 (Last entry at 16.30)
Closed: Tuesdays, or the following weekday when Tuesday is a national holiday; December 29th to January 3rd; and occasional display-change or collection-maintenance periods.
Entrance fees:
Adults: 310 yen
Groups of 20 or more: 260 yen
Senior Citizens (aged 65+), eligible disability-card holders, and caregivers: 210 yen
High School Students & younger: Free
Powdered Green Tea: 400 yen per person
A view of the house from the street
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 02-Jun-2026.
