The Nagamachi Samurai District

Nagamachi is a beautifully preserved historic area of Kanazawa that was once the residential district for the city’s samurai. It is a lovely area of canals and stone-flagged winding lanes that run between tile-topped earthern walls. Some of the former samurai houses and their gardens are also open for public viewing.

Nagamachi is one of Kanazawa’s best strolling districts

Nagamachi is an essential stop on your visit to Kanazawa and will give you a vivid idea of how city life was here a century or more ago. In this article we will introduce Nagamachi’s chief attractions.

Nomura Samurai House

Nomura Samurai House is a beautifully restored samurai residence that is open to the public as a museum. Inside you will find many family heirlooms, elegant antiques and historic artifacts, and one of the finest inner gardens in Japan. For more details on this building please see our article Nomura Samurai House & Garden.

Opening Hours:
April – September: 8:30 – 17:30
October – March: 8:30 – 16:30
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: December 26th & 27th

Entrance Fees:
Adults: 550 yen
15 – 17 years old: 400 yen
7 – 14 years old: 250 yen
Map

Kanazawa Shinise Kinenkan

Kanazawa Shinise Kinenkan is a museum housed in a historical wooden townhouse. Inside you can find exhibits related to the merchant class of the city, a reconstructed old style pharmacy, a tea room, a traditional garden, and displays of local handicrafts. For more details on this museum please see our article Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall.

Opening Hours: 9.30 – 17.00 (Last entry at 16.30)

Entrance fees:
Adults: 100 yen
Senior High School Students and younger: Free
Map

Ashigaru Shiryokan

Ashigaru Shiryokan are two carefully reconstructed houses that belonged to the families of Kanazawa’s foot soldiers: the Takanishi family and the Shimizu family. The simplicity of these homes presents an interesting contrast with the elegant residences of the high-ranking samurai.

Opening Hours: 9.30 – 17.00
Entrance Fees: Free
Map

Kyu-Kaga Hanshi Takada Family House

Kyu-Kaga Hanshi Takada Family House is a restored row-house with a charming stroll garden laid out around a pond. The gate is a characteristic structure of the feudal samurai era.

Inside the Takada House stroll garden

Opening Hours: 9.30 – 17.00
Entrance Fees: Free
Map

Nagamachi Yuzenkan

Nagamachi Yuzenkan is a silk-dyeing workshop where you can get hands-on experience of Kaga Yuzen style kimono coloring, take a tour of the craft center, and buy some unique silk-craft souvenirs.

Opening Hours: 9.00 – 12.00 & 13.00 – 17.00
Entrance Fees: 350 yen
Map

The distinctive earthern walls of Nagamachi

Access

To get to the Nagamachi district from Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from the East Exit of the station, and get off at the Korinbo bus stop. The fare is 200 yen and it takes 7 minutes. From Korinbo it is a 5 minute walk to Nagamachi.