Nagamachi Samurai District

In the Nagamachi Samurai District, magnificent samurai residences line old-fashioned alleys of earthen walls and stone paving. Designated as a traditional environment preservation area as well as a landscape area, the elegant scenery from long ago is conserved even now. Shops selling Japanese sweets and handicrafts dot the area, blending in with the residences; the sweet shops in particular are popular among locals. 
The townscape retains the scenery of the Edo period, including the remains of the residences of Kaga feudal lords and intermediate samurai. Starting in the Showa period, the area has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction in Kanazawa. In winter, a process called "komokake" is done to protect the earthen walls of the town from freezing. This process is a Kanazawa winter tradition, and tourists often visit in order to see it. The Kurazuki Izumizu stream leads from the neighborhood all the way to the Korinbo area. It is lined with cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine, making it a popular choice among many people.

Photograph provided by Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League