Neighbourhood in Kanazawa
Nagamachi
長町
Kanazawa's old samurai quarter, quiet lanes of earthen walls, stone paving and a small canal a short walk from the city centre.
- places to see
- 4
- walk past the highlights
- 1.0 km
- Ishikawa
- Kanazawa
Nagamachi is where middle and upper ranking samurai of the Kaga domain lived, below Kanazawa Castle. Its lanes of earthen walls and stone paving still give a feel of the days when the Maeda lords ruled. In winter the walls are wrapped in straw mats to protect them from snow and frost, a sight that draws photographers.
A small canal, the Ōnoshō, runs along the edge of the district. Some samurai houses are open as museums, among them the museum of the Maeda Tosanokami family. Oyama Shrine, dedicated to the first Maeda lord, is a ten-minute walk east. More of the city is in our Kanazawa guide.
Don't miss in Nagamachi
Start with these, then wander the side streets.
1. Nagamachi Samurai District
長町武家屋敷跡Lanes of earthen walls and stone paving where Kanazawa's samurai lived.
2. Maeda Tosanokami Family Museum
前田土佐守家資料館Museum of one of the senior families who served the Maeda lords, with armour and letters.
3. Oyama Shrine
尾山神社Shrine to the first Maeda lord, with an unusual gate topped by stained glass.
Walk Nagamachi in order
The highlights as one easy walk, about 1.0 km in all.
Stop 1
Nagamachi Samurai District
Start here
Stop 2
Maeda Tosanokami Family Museum
3 min walk
Stop 3
Oyama Shrine
10 min walk
More around Nagamachi
Other places within walking distance. Each shows its Japanese name for maps and taxis.
Nakamura Shrine
中村神社A Shinto shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
Nagamachi on the map
Every place on this page. Tap a pin for directions.
Questions
How long do I need for Nagamachi?
About an hour to walk the lanes, or two with a samurai house museum and Oyama Shrine.
Why are the walls in Nagamachi covered with straw?
In winter the earthen walls are wrapped in straw mats called komo to protect them from snow and frost.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
