In Japan’s Hokuriku region lies an excellent example of a Japanese castle: Kanazawa Castle. Located in the city of the same name, this partially restored castle is an excellent place to go to beat the crowds at other castles and is a quick trip from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Kanazawa Castle – A Rich History

Construction and Early History

Kanazawa Castle is a flatland castle, the construction of which began in the Sengoku period and continued into the Edo period (1603-1868). It sits between two rivers: Sai and Asano. The castle was built to control the Kodatsuno Plateau and the Kanazawa Plain. This also gives it its alternative name: Oyama Castle, which refers to being on the “tail end of the mountain” (which means the plateau).

Kanazawa Castle is interesting “sea cucumber” walls, which are made of white plaster and tiled roofs and is said to resemble the animal.

Kanazawa Castle has been involved in several conflicts, the first being the Kaga Ikko Ikki rebellion (from 1488 to 1580). When the rebel forces were defeated by Oda Nobunaga, the Oyama Gobo – a temple that was used as their base of operations – he had the castle built on the site. This was also th reason for the name Kaanzawa; the rebels had used the name Oyama and Kanazawa highlighted the distinction.

The original governor lost the castle in a battle to Maeda Toshiie, who began renovation work in 1592 which included expanding the moats and walls, building a 5-storey watchtower and 6-storey keep and turrets. This is also when Kenroku-en (Kenroku-en: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens) was planned and implemented. Toshiie also tried to reinstate the name Oyama but its use was rare and it has been referred to as Kanazawa ever since.

After 1868

After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the site was transformed into military facilities and all but a few buildings were torn down. After World War II, Kanazawa University used the grounds until 1995, when it was given to Ishikawa Prefecture (where Kanazawa City is located) and it began to develop the “Kanazawa Castle Ruins Park”.

The first phase on reconstruction started in 1999 and included he Hishi-yagura (Diamond Tower), Hashizume-mon Gate, Hashizume-mon Zoku-yagura (Continuous Tower), and Gojikken-nagaya (Five-Story Row House). The park was also renamed to “Kanazawa Castle Park”.

The second phase of reconstruction occurred from 2006 to 2014 and included the preservation and repair of Ishikawa Gate and the wooden restoration and maintenance of Hashizume Gate Yaguramon Gate. The Kahoku Gate was also restored in wood, and part of the Imori moat was also restored.

Since this period smaller buildings, gates and bridges have been renovated or restored. In 2024 an earthquake centred on the Noto Peninsula on 1 January caused 4 stone walls to collapse; 27 more had damage that needed repair.

Most recently in March 2025, construction began to restore the Ninomaru Palace.

What to do there

In addition to visting the interior of the palace, Kanawaza Castle Park also has several outdoor gardens and facilities associated with the castle, such as the Shiinoki Cultural Complex, tea houses and further ruins that have not yet been renovated.

The most well-known area is Kenroku-en: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. The entrance to this garden is separate from entrance to the castle.

Getting there

From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station. The total journey is 2.5 hours and costs ¥14,180 ($91.39 USD, £67.97 GBP, €77.56 as of December 2025).

From Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station take the Thunderbird Limited Express train to Tsuruga Station and then switch to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The total journey from Shin-Osaka to Kanazawa Station is 2.25 to 2.5 hours depending on the transfer time. This costs ¥9,210 ($64.21 USD, £44.31 GBP, €55.70 as of December 2025). From Kyoto the journey takes just under 2 hours (depending on transfer times) and costs ¥7,520 ($48.45 USD, £38.64 GBP, €44.85 as of December 2025).

Note that the Hokuriku Shinkansen will eventually be extended to Kyoto and Osaka, although this could take up to 30 years (construction estimated to begin in the late 2020s and for it to open in the 2040s).

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