In the Nagamachi Samurai District of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, you can enjoy a quaint townscape with historic earthen walls and stone paved streets, together with its magnificent samurai residences.
Of these, the only one open to the public is the Nomura Family Residence. The splendid building and beautiful garden complement each other perfectly, and have received international acclaim, earning 2 stars from the Michelin Green Guide Japan. This samurai residence has an exquisite meandering stream of water in its garden, which flows from the oldest town-water canal in Kanazawa. Relax on the open veranda alongside the water stream and take in the tranquil gentle sound of the water and the elegance of the area.
In the tearoom "Fubakuan" located on the second floor, you can enjoy a tea and sweets set while admiring the garden and the sound of water flowing through the garden.
Besides the Nomura Family Garden, you can also walk to Kenrokuen Garden to enjoy this garden which has been ranked one of Japan’s top 3 gardens for its authentic beauty.
Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
Access :1-3-32 Naga-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Operating hours :April-September 8.30am to 5.30pm October-March 8.30am to 5.30pm (Last entry is 30 minutes before closing)
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 2 hours & 30 minutes and get off at Kanazawa Station. Then, it is approximately another 10 minutes by bus to Korinbo bus stop. It is a 5 minutes walk from there.
Website :http://www.nomurake.com/
Kenrokuen Garden
Access :1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Operating hours :1 March-15 October 7am to 6pm 16 October-End Febuary 8am to 5pm
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 2 hours & 30 minutes and get off at Kanazawa Station. Then, it is approximately another 10 minutes by bus to either Kenroku-en shita or Hirosaka bus stop. From there, it is another 10 minutes walk.
Website :http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html
