Explore Nagamachi Samurai District: Kanazawa's Historic Edo-Period Neighborhood with Preserved Earthen Walls (Complete Visitor's Guide)
Kanazawa was famous as one of the leading cultural cities during the Edo period, and various traditional cultures, traditional performing arts, and cuisine have been passed down to the present day. For this reason, it is known for having particularly many historical and traditional spots within Japan.
Since Kanazawa developed from a castle town that prospered during the Edo period, the city is also characterized by many areas where you can feel history and tradition. The entire city is like a museum, and just strolling around will lift your spirits. This time, we will explain the charm and ways to enjoy the precious area where Kanazawa's historical streetscape remains - the "Nagamachi Old Samurai District."
Kanazawa is famous not only for gourmet food and modern art, but also as a city where tradition lives and breathes
Kanazawa is famous not only for gourmet food and modern art, but also as a city where tradition lives and breathes.
Kanazawa has numerous spots scattered throughout where you can feel history, and in 1989, the "Ordinance Concerning the Preservation of Traditional Environment and Formation of Beautiful Landscapes in Kanazawa City" was established, continuing to protect nature and historic buildings.
Furthermore, along with traditional environments, "modern urban landscape creation areas" have also been designated, and city development that mixes history and modernity is being promoted. The streetscapes that can only be seen in Kanazawa captivate viewers, so you're sure to be enchanted.
There are many Historical Streets, and many tourists enjoy the traditional streetscapes
Kanazawa has many Historical Streets, and many tourists enjoy the traditional streetscapes.
The area features streetscapes that retain the atmosphere of those times, including the three major tea districts (chaya-gai) that prospered as entertainment districts during the Edo period (where geishas entertained drinking and dining guests with dance and entertainment), and the Nagamachi Old Samurai District where samurai and warriors resided. It's renowned for allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of old times exactly as it was.
When you come to Kanazawa for sightseeing, be sure to visit these areas.
The Nagamachi Old Samurai District is a recommended sightseeing spot that retains the appearance of a castle town
The Nagamachi Old Samurai District is a recommended sightseeing spot that retains the appearance of a castle town. The Nagamachi Old Samurai District refers to the former residence sites of Kaga Domain retainers (the group that governed Kanazawa) and middle-class samurai, and is known for vividly preserving the appearance of those times.
The streetscape, unchanged since the Edo period, has a nostalgic atmosphere, and strolling through it allows you to experience the good old Japan. When I was looking at the historic buildings, I was filled with nostalgic feelings and my heart became mysteriously peaceful.
At the Nagamachi Old Samurai District Rest Pavilion within the area, free volunteer tourist guides called "Maido-san" are stationed, so if you get lost while sightseeing, please visit there.
Highlights of the Nagamachi Old Samurai District
From here, we will introduce three highlights of the Nagamachi Old Samurai District.
Traditional streetscapes reminiscent of the era when samurai and warriors lived
The first highlight is the traditional streetscapes reminiscent of the era when samurai and warriors lived. The streets are lined with buildings using traditional earthen walls (walls made of earth) and stone pavements, and as a precious place where you can physically feel the old atmosphere, it has been designated as a traditional environment preservation area and landscape district.
I have also visited there, and while strolling through the charming streetscape, I felt as if I had traveled back in time to the Edo period. When it gets cold, "komo-gake" (covering with "komo" woven from straw) is performed to protect the earthen walls from snow and freezing, and this is popular with tourists as a winter tradition of Kanazawa.
Numerous Precious Samurai Residences Open to the Public
The second highlight is the numerous precious samurai residences open to the public in Nagamachi Old Samurai District. There are mainly three residences open to the public:
・Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence
・Takada Family House
・Senda Family Garden
At these residences, you can learn about the lifestyle of that era and enjoy beautiful Japanese gardens, so please don't just look at the exterior but definitely go inside. I visited all three and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the historic traditional Japanese architecture and Japanese gardens.
Beautiful Japanese-style Gardens Attached to Samurai Residences
The third highlight is the beautiful Japanese-style gardens attached to the samurai residences in Nagamachi Old Samurai District.
The publicly accessible residences feature elaborately designed Japanese gardens where you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the four seasons. The view is picturesque from any angle, and I felt as if I had wandered into a work of art.
Not only can you enjoy the beauty while strolling through the gardens, but you can also enjoy a different view when looking down from the second floor, so please try viewing from various angles. I was able to immerse myself deeply in Japanese culture at the café in Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence, savoring matcha and sweets while overlooking the garden.
4 Must-Visit Historical Spots When You Come to Nagamachi Old Samurai District
From here, we will introduce 4 must-visit historical spots when you visit the remarkable Nagamachi Old Samurai District.
Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence
Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence is one of the few residences open to the public in Nagamachi Old Samurai District. The harmony between the dignified, solemn atmosphere of the building and the meticulously designed garden is magnificent, and it has been featured in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" for foreign tourists, as well as being selected as 3rd place in the 2003 Japanese Garden Rankings by an American garden specialty magazine.
In addition to the building and garden, the fusuma-e (paintings on fusuma, which are a type of sliding door) painted by artists exclusive to the Kaga Domain in the "jōdan-no-ma" (upper room), as well as traditional swords and armor of the Nomura family, are also highlights. These are precious materials for learning about history and are must-sees!
Store Information
Address: 1-3-32 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 8:30-17:30 (April-September) 8:30-16:30 (October-March)
Closed: December 26, 27; January 1, 2
Phone Number: 076-221-3553
Official Website: http://www.nomurake.com/
Takada Family House
Takada Family House is the residence of the Takada family, mid-level samurai who served the Kaga Domain, and has been renovated and opened to the public through its nagaya-mon (a gate with long houses on both sides).
Takada Family House is characterized by having a nagaya-mon instead of earthen walls around the residence. Inside, you can visit the nakama (servants') rooms and stables, giving you a glimpse into the lifestyle of samurai of that era.
The garden adopts the "chisen-kaiyu-shiki garden" (a garden centered around a large pond with bridges and small islands, designed for visitors to walk around and appreciate), which is a representative garden style of the Edo period, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery while walking around the large pond.
If you visit the Nomura family residence of upper-class samurai after the Takada family of mid-level samurai, you can see how the quality of residences differed according to class, which makes for an interesting comparison.
Store Information
Address: 2-6-1 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 076-263-3640
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10084.html
Sendake Garden
Source:Kanazawa City
Sendake Garden is a pond-style strolling garden created in 1984 by Senda Norifumi, who was enchanted by Kenrokuen Garden. This noteworthy attraction just opened to the public in April 2025 after completing renovation work on the waterfalls and suikinkutsu (water percussion instruments that create enjoyable water drop sounds) within the garden.
The water in the central pond is drawn from the Onosho irrigation canal, flows around the tsukiyama (artificial hills created by piling earth and stones in Japanese gardens), and returns to the canal, allowing visitors to feel the dynamic movement of water flow.
Around the pond, azaleas and rhododendrons are planted, while lanterns and stone bridges are also positioned throughout, creating a space packed with highlights. Why not enjoy a leisurely garden stroll accompanied by the gentle sounds of flowing water?
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: 1-4-22 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 080-8735-9695
Official Website: https://www.sendake-garden.com/
Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum
The Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum is a facility where you can view exhibits about the work and daily life of ashigaru (low-ranking soldiers positioned between samurai and farmers) in a building that recreates two relocated ashigaru residences. Traditional stones are placed on the museum's roof, creating an authentic historical atmosphere.
I have visited this museum myself, and the small artifacts and explanatory texts displayed inside are truly impressive—I ended up staying much longer than expected. Since people actually lived in these two buildings until the Heisei era, you can feel a sense of realism that doesn't feel like a typical museum. Admission is free, so please feel free to visit casually.
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: 1-9-3 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: None
Phone: 076-263-3640
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10056.html
Access to Nagamachi Old Samurai District
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: 1-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from "Korinbo" bus stop (Kanazawa Castle Town Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railway Route Bus, JR West Bus) / Immediately from "Nagamachi Bukeyashiki-ato" bus stop (Kanazawa Flat Bus Nagamachi Route)
Closed: None
Phone: 076-220-2033
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10195.html
To Enjoy Traditional Streetscapes, Getting Guided by Locals Who Know Kanazawa Inside and Out is Also Recommended
To enjoy traditional streetscapes, getting guided by locals who know Kanazawa inside and out is also recommended. The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour allows you to explore Kanazawa's historic sites together with local guides. The tour visits five spots:
・Omicho Market
・Kanazawa Castle Park
・Kenrokuen Garden
・Japanese Sweets Museum
・Higashi Chaya District
While visiting each tourist spot individually would take considerable time, you can tour them all in half a day with a guide familiar with the area. This is recommended for first-time visitors to Kanazawa who want to efficiently visit famous sites.
⟨Information⟩
Meeting Point: FamilyMart + Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour Area: Kanazawa
Start Time: 10:00
3 Recommended Historical Streets for Those Interested in Traditional Streetscapes and Japanese Culture
Here we introduce 3 recommended Historical Streets for those interested in traditional streetscapes and Japanese culture. The teahouse districts we'll introduce are known as Kanazawa's Three major teahouse districts and are popular areas among tourists.
For visitors seeking an even broader historical experience, the renowned Nagamachi Old Samurai District offers an excellent complement to these teahouse districts, showcasing a different aspect of Kanazawa's rich cultural heritage.
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District preserves the streetscape that once flourished as a teahouse district and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Today, renovated buildings operate as souvenir shops and cafes, and it's renowned as a place where you can physically experience Kanazawa's history and culture.
My recommended spot is "Shima," which was once used as a teahouse. "Shima" is a historically valuable building where the original structure built in 1820 remains intact, and it's designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It's an excellent opportunity to see the tatami rooms where guests were once entertained and the area bustled with activity!
Takeout products are sold throughout the district, but eating while walking is prohibited, so please eat in designated dining areas.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: None
Official Website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/bunkazaihogoka/gyomuannai/3/1/1/siteibunkazai/7/5808.html
Nishi Chaya District
In Nishi Chaya District, traditional two-story teahouse architecture featuring distinctive degoshi (lattice structures projecting outward from windows and entrances of houses and buildings) extends for about 100 meters, creating an atmospheric landscape. With fewer tourists than Higashi Chaya District, you can leisurely stroll through the streetscape.
What deserves attention here is the Kanazawa Nishi Chaya Museum, built on the site of a teahouse where Shimada Seijiro, a bestselling author of the Taisho era, once spent time. The first floor displays materials related to Shimada Seijiro, while the second floor recreates a former teahouse room where you can experience the atmosphere of teahouses from that era.
They irregularly hold events where you can experience traditional teahouse entertainment that's usually closed to first-time visitors. Since you can experience traditional Japanese culture, please consider participating.
<Store Information>
Address: Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: None
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10199.html
Kazue Machi Chaya District
Kazue Machi Chaya District is a teahouse district named after the former residence of Tomita Kazue.
The streetscape of senbon-goshi (lattice made from thin wooden materials arranged vertically and horizontally) continuing along narrow alleys beside the Asano River is atmospheric, and at night, gentle lights leaking from shops create a fantastical atmosphere. Long-standing restaurants and teahouses remain deeply rooted here, making it an area frequently used by locals.
Kazue Machi Chaya District has few shops open during the day and is said to be a district that awakens at night. If you stroll through the district at night when it begins to come alive, you might hear the sound of drums played by geiko from teahouses that are still in operation.
Diagonally across the Asano River Bridge lies the distinctively different Higashi Chaya District, so why not explore them together? Like these teahouse districts, the Nagamachi Old Samurai District provides another fascinating glimpse into Kanazawa's historical layers, making it an ideal addition to your cultural exploration of the city.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-5 Kazuemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: None
Official Website: None
When You Come to Kanazawa, Also Enjoy the Local Exquisite Cuisine!
When you come to Kanazawa, please also enjoy the local exquisite cuisine. The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour allows you to taste Kanazawa's proud gastronomy at three guide-recommended restaurants and bars.
At the restaurants, you'll enjoy Kanazawa's specialty dishes and alcohol, including sashimi and fried foods using seafood caught in nearby waters, and oden (traditional Japanese stewed cuisine). At the bar you visit last, you can experience "kiki-sake," where you can taste 3-5 types of Japanese sake. The guide will introduce you to sake knowledge and traditional pairings, so immerse yourself in alcohol to your heart's content.
Why not participate in the tour and enjoy Kanazawa's nightlife?
<Information>
Meeting Point: Korinbo Lamoda Building
Tour Area: Kanazawa
Start Time: 18:00
