Enjoy a Japanese language course in Japan

at our language school in the city of Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital city of the Ishikawa Prefecture with 458,000 people. While it is a lesser known city to international tourists, the Japanese know it is one of their nation’s finest cities and one of the best examples of a major Edo-period city. Here you may explore the samurai and geisha districts and see how Japanese society was once structured. Kanazawa locals say “even if you forget your lunchbox, don’t forget your umbrella” because the city is so frequently rainy. While not a city to visit for sun or climate, Kanazawa offers a rich cultural experience off the beaten path of typical Japanese tourism.


Kanazawa was built around the ancient castle of the 15th century built during the rule of the Ikkō-ikki, a Buddhist sect that overthrew the Togashi clan and began “The Peasant’s Kingdom”. This kingdom lasted for a century and developed into a unique forftified temple city. In 1580 the city fell to attackers and was disputed until 1590 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan. During the Edo period Kanazawa was incredibly wealthy and developed an extensive arts and crafts economy. In 1631 a large fire consumed much of the city but the city was one of the wealthiest in Japan and many migrated to it creating the chaotic layout still visible today. Many examples of architecture from this time can still be seen. The long and narrow merchant houses and the large samurai estates can still be visited. In 1820 a geisha district was formed which appeared much like merchant houses but had expansive upper floors for entertaining. Fortunately, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city to escape destruction from bombings during WWII and many of these historical buildings have remained intact making the city a priceless example of Japanese history.


The most famous place to visit in Kanazawa is Kenroku-en Garden (the Garden of Six Attributes). Considered one of the country’s top 3 gardens and perhaps the most beautiful is was built during the Edo period and the streams and ponds to which water was directed is one of the great engineering achievements of the time. Inside you can visit the Seisonkaku Villa one of the few examples of daimyo palace architecture. While much has been destroyed there are still ruins from the Kanazawa Castle. Left is the impressive Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjikken Nagaya storehouse though the entire site is being slowly rebuilt. For examples of classic Japanese architecture there are a number of sites throughout the city. The Nagamachi Samurai District has been recreated around the few remaining buildings to create an authentic experience meanwhile Higashi-Chayamachi is the city’s most famous geisha district. The Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall is an excellent example of a merchant’s house and was once the major Chinese medicine shop in the city. There are a number of shrines and temples to explore including Tentoku-in the city’s largest Edo temple. Kanazawa also offers a number of museums to visit to learn more about the culture and, to experience it, a number of festivals. The Hyakuman-goku Festival celebrates the years of prosperity during the Edo period with parades, dancing and tea ceremonies while every summer there are fireworks along the river and every spring some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the country may be enjoyed. For a unique and historic view of Japan Kanazawa is the perfect escape and a wonderful place to become inspired to learn Japanese!


What we like about Japanese in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa is the best preserved example of a city from the Edo period.
  • The city’s many temples, festivals, and awareness of history make it a wonderful place to experience Japanese culture.
  • Kanazawa welcomes tourist but since they are predominantly Japanese it is a wonderful place to practice the language.