Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa, a city made rich and beautiful by the powerful Maeda family during the rule of the Tokugawas. The Maeda were the richest family in Early Modern Japan, controlling a vast amount of land and most of the gold leaf production.

They were also smart and politically savvy. They knew the Tokugawas were extremely jealous of their power, and wouldn't hesitate to crush a perceived rival. So the took their wealth and invested in the arts, in beautifying the city, public works projects, and a really nice castle.

That's where we're starting, with what's left of the castle after countless fires, seizure by the Meiji government when they decided to end feudal privileges, and its eventual loss through decay and misuse.

Only some of the gardens and the first line defensive structure has been restored. They're working on the palace, and it sounds like it will be beautiful. There was a lot of information on how the castle was built and restored. Nice place.Read more