Kanazawa Castle Park

So across the road from Kenrokuen Garden is the Castle Park. They offer a 30 minute guided English tour, which today is conducted for my benefit by Atsuko. She grew up in Kanazawa and studied Mathematics 20 years ago at the University when it was located in the Castle Park. Prior to then it was also used as army barracks. These days the Castle Park is heritage listed.
So the Maeda family used to be the 2nd richest family in Japan after the Shogun himself. They built the castle in 1583 with elaborate defenses and considerable weaponry, but it was never attacked. Unfortunately parts of the castle were destroyed by fire in the past but some buildings have been reconstructed. The Ishikawamon Gate is the main gate and a highlight of the castle.
Atsuko leaves me near the Gyokusenin-maru Garden. Originally it was attached to a villa built by the 3rd lord for the widow of the 2nd lord. The villa is long gone but the garden still remains.Read more