Many of the samurai retainers of the Naga Clan lived in the Naga Machi 長町 district of Kanazawa. The “Maeda Hatka” (the eight loyal retainers for Lord Maeda) members such as the Okumura family, the Nagas, the Hondas, the Murais, etc., also had their magnificent houses there. The district name, Naga-Machi was named after one of the families, the Naga family.
Nagamachi Buke yashiki District_02
For over 300 years, the narrow streets have looked very similar, with ochre-colored mud walls shielding the houses behind them. The walls are made of stone and mud formed and dried, then topped with wooden shingles. Houses are reached through dark wooden gates. In winter, the walls are protected from snow with straw mats laid on top of them from about December through March. A few of the walls are over 100 years old, but many are rebuilt in the same style.
Street, Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District, Kanazawa, Japan
Tourists today can enjoy the classic appearance of the Naga Machi Buke Yashiki area, though most of the homes are closed to the public because they are still private residences.
Garden, Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District, Kanazawa, Japan
The Nomura House, a restored samurai residence with a beautiful, small garden, is now open as a museum, as is the Shinisei Kinenkan, a restored pharmacy, which gives a glimpse of the rise of the merchant class.
Nomura’s Samurai Family Residence, Kanazawa
There are other small museums in the area, and several restaurants. The Onosho Canal in Naga Machi was used for shipping supplies, and is the oldest in Kanazawa.
Onosho Canal in Naga Machi, Kanazawa City
The Naga Machi Buke Yashiki District is about a five-minute walk from the Korinbo Bus Stop, served by several city and JR buses (use your JR Pass!). It is also within walking distance of Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Park.
Recommended Hotels in Kanazawa City Crowne Plaza Hotel
photo by: ajari
