The Nomura Family Samurai House in the city of Kanazawa once belonged to the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family.
Although many of the samurai houses were destroyed after feudal Japan came to an end in the late 1800s, the Nomura Family Samurai house fell under the hands of a rich businessman and did not get destroyed.
The former estate is famous for its beautiful Japanese garden. The Nomura Family Samurai House was awarded two stars on the Michelin Green Guide in 2009, and is now a nationally and internationally acclaimed sightseeing spot.
History of the Nomura Family Samurai House
In 1583, the samurai, Nomura Denbei-nobusada, pledged loyalty to the Kaga Domain’s lord, Maeda Toshiie.
The Nomura family had the job of providing security on horseback for the lord. During the time, this job was considered high rank.
The Japanese garden on the premise is acclaimed for its classy, refined ambience. The engineering of the garden is done in a typical Edo style.
The ponds use water drawn from a canal, and created to have a difference in levels to add more depth to the overall look of the garden.
In 2003, the garden was chosen as the third best Japanese garden by the Journal of Japanese Gardening. The entire house too, was given two stars on the Michelin Green Guide for Japan.
Sights to see
Here are some of the sights at the Nomura Family Samurai House.
Entrance and armor
The entrance of the residence
Right after entering the house, you will see the armor display. The armor was used in the Siege of Suemori in 1584, and was worn by Nomura Denbei himself. He did well in the battle, and Maeda awarded him with a large grant of land.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Gardenc
The garden is not particularly big, but it is made in a way that emphasizes and accentuates all of the splendors of a Japanese Garden.
Everything, from the trees to the bridges to the way the water is flowing, is done under much thought and calculation. The garden gives off a relaxing impression.
The bayberry tree is 400 years old, and designated as a tree for special preservation by the city of Kanazawa.
The thirteen lanterns in the garden, the 2-meter long bridge, the 400-year old beech tree and more give the garden its unique atmosphere.
Shoin-zukuri Room
“Shoin-zukuri” style
“Shoin-zukuri” is a style of architecture commonly seen in traditional Japanese mansions. It is one of the foundations of the Japanese-style rooms we see today.
Past the shoin-zukuri room are the Jodan-no-ma and the Ekken-no-ma. These rooms were created to appeal to Kubo Hikobei, a prominent tradesman during the time.
The designs on the ceilings and the walls are extremely intricate and worth gazing at.
Tearoom Fubakuan
Inside Fubakuan
Right up the stone steps, you will find the tearoom Fubakuan. You can drink matcha tea for ¥300 (snack included) with a great view of the garden.
A samurai mansion with a charming garden
There is also the Onikawa Library inside the Nomura Family Samurai House premise, where you can read documents and see exhibits related to the Nomura family.
The Nomura Family Samurai House is essential in your Kanazawa trip itinerary. Take some time at the garden to enjoy the view and savor the matcha tea.
Information
1-3-32 Nagamachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa
076-221-3553
Apr. to Sep.: 8:30a.m. - 5:30p.m. Oct. to Mar.: 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
December 26-27
Adults: ¥550 High school students: ¥400 Elementary and junior high school students: ¥250
http://www.nomurake.com
Access
Nearest station: Kanazawa Station 金沢駅
From Kanazawa Station
【Kanazawa Sta.】Hokuritsu Tetsudo Local Bus / for Korinbo
→【Korinbo】→ about a 5-minute walk
From Komatsu Airport
【Komatsu Airport】Hokuriku Tetsudo Bus / for Kanazawa
→【Kanazawa Sta.】Hokuritsu Tetsudo Local Bus / for Korinbo
→【Korinbo】→ about a 5-minute walk
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