Nagamachi Samurai District

Overview

The Nagamachi Samurai District is an area where samurai residences from the Kaga Domain era stand, offering a captivating glimpse into Kanazawa's history. The streets, lined with earthen walls (dobe) and cobblestones, evoke a strong sense of the Edo period, allowing for a leisurely exploration while imagining life back then. Within the Nagamachi Samurai District is the publicly accessible "Nomura Residence," showcasing a stately building and a breathtaking garden. The Nomura Residence, once belonging to Nomura Denbeyoshi Nobutada, a high-ranking retainer of the Maeda family, boasts a garden so exquisite it received high praise in the American journal *Journal of Japanese Gardening*. This is an example of an *ike-niwa* strolling garden, a harmonious blend of ponds, rocks, and trees creating a space of remarkable beauty. Inside the Nomura Residence, you'll find exhibits detailing daily life during that era, alongside displays of swords and armor. The Nagamachi Samurai District is a highly recommended tourist spot, offering a blend of historical immersion, stunning gardens, and peaceful walks. In winter, you may even witness the *komogake* process, where thatch is placed on the earthen walls to protect them from snow and freezing temperatures. This traditional practice is a winter spectacle in Kanazawa, further enhancing the beauty of the Nagamachi Samurai District.