Unlocking the Secrets of Kanazawa Castle: Blog Tours by Local Guide in Kanazawa, Japan. Ready to Crack a Smile? If so,Visit Us!

1. Welcome to a virtual (imaginary) tour guided by a local

Since this is a fairly long tour, it is strongly recommended that you join only one part of this tour only when you want a change of pace. I hope you don’t let this be a long and wrong tour❤

This blog delves into Kanazawa Castle in samurai city of Kanazawa, preserving the essence of the Edo period. Unlike official sites that provide detailed and sophisticated introductory information, this blog takes on the form of a virtual (imaginary) tour guided by a local. It addresses common questions that arise during a visit to Kanazawa Castle, presenting each exhibit in a straightforward and engaging manner, making it easy to understand and interesting.
👉Note: If you’re seeking a detailed and sophisticated explanation, please refer to the official website or the websites of travel agencies.

For foreign visitors, business guests, and students exploring Japan, I extend an invitation to experience these stories firsthand. Come and witness the allure of Kanazawa Castle in person! I will be waiting for you!

2．Quick Overview! ”What’s Kanazawa Castle?”

”About Kanazawa Castle Park”

2.0　Basic Information

Let me start with a brief explanation of Kanazawa Castle before you enter.

1. Kanazawa Castle does not have a castle tower, but it was not intentionally built.
2. This is because it was not necessary since the era of civil war had ended.
3. Furthermore, the reconstruction of a castle tower, which evoked thoughts of rebellion against the government at the time, could not be carried out. 👉１～３voice assist
4. In particular, they were always under surveillance because of their financial resources second only to the government.
5. Therefore, they invested their resources into culture and built the current Kanazawa culture.
6. Kanazawa culture did not arise naturally, but was intentionally created by the lords of the castle.
7. Kanazawa Castle can be said to be the birthplace of Kanazawa culture. 👉4〜7voice assist
8. It was no longer a war headquarters, but rather an administrative center and a cultural residence.
9. The castle has been completely restored based on historical records from that time.
10. Therefore, we can experience the scenery and atmosphere that the lords of the castle saw at that time.👉8〜10voice assist

1.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

There is also survey information suggesting that many foreigners visiting Japan, especially first-time visitors, tend to perceive Japanese castles as similar. Upon visiting Kanazawa Castle, many of them might honestly feel this way. Here are some questions that might arise:

1. Why was the castle built here?
2. What kind of people were the lords?
3. What was their daily life like?
4. How many people lived inside the castle?
5. Is there anything different about this castle compared to other castles in Japan?
6. Why isn’t there a castle tower ?
7. Why does it look so new?
8. Why is it located next to Kenroku-en ?
9. Does the name Kanazawa Castle have any meaning?

2.2 Quick responses while virtual walking

　Here are some prompt responses to the perspectives mentioned above, as we virtually navigate through the bustling crowds of the castle park.

1. Kanazawa Castle was built at the edge of a highland, making it easy to defend.
2. It was the second wealthiest family in Japan after the government at the time.
3. They created stone walls and gardens for enjoyment, leading a cultural lifestyle.
4. At that time, Kanazawa had a population of over 100,000, making it one of the largest cities in the country.👉1〜4voice assist
5. Although it retains remnants of a military castle, it was designed for comfortable living.
6. The castle tower was struck by lightning and burned down, but it was not rebuilt out of fear of the government at the time.👉voice assist 5.6
7. Thanks to the discovery of historical records from that time, the castle has been restored to its original appearance.
8. Kenroku-en was originally created as a private garden on the owner’s land.
9. Legend has it that there used to be a swamp of gold dust here.👉voice assist 7〜9

2. 3　Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories addressing common questions from foreign visitors like you who are interested in learning about Japanese culture and local people. I hope you enjoy some of them!

Q1　”Why is this city called Kanazawa? “

”What is the reason that Kanazawa came to be called Kanazawa?” / “What is the meaning of this city, Kanaawa? “

👉It’s one of questions that are often asked while walking

1. The name Kanazawa means “marsh of gold” .
2. According to legend, it is said that there was a marsh of gold here.
3. It comes from a legend of a peasant.
4. He found gold flakes while digging potatoes there.
5. Ironically, he had no interest in money or gold
6. It’s interesting that gold leaf developed in Kanazawa.
7. Kanazawa’s market share of gold leaf is almost 100%.
8. Probably, people in Kanazawa had much stronger interest in gold than the peasant.

Q2 “What is this ground, Kanazawa Castle, in front us?”

👉This is also one of simple questions that many people have when they see the Tertiary Square that spreads out in front of them after passing through the Ishikawa Gate.

1. This is the birthplace of Kanazawa culture.
2. The residents, the lords here gathered various cultural figures and nurtured the current culture.
3. Kenroku-en was also created as their private garden by them.
4. This garden used to be a field of potatoes was cultivated into a truly “cultural” garden.

Q3　”Why is it so new?”/”It looks very new, however.”

👉This is also the simple impression that many people feel when looking at the castles in front of them.

1. This castle was originally constructed about 400years ago
2. Most of the buildings were destroyed by frequent fires, but were restored to their current appearance based on the documents found recently.
3. The restoration was done using the same technology, tools, materials and methods of that time.
4. So we can say that this is a fully restored castle, not a fake.
5. People in Kanazawa prefer real gold over imitation gold.

Q4　“Why do the roofs look white?”

👉 Here, the voice assists have different speakers in the first half (No. 1 to 6) and
the second half (No. 7 to 13) with different tones.

1. The roofs of the castle are covered with lead plates instead of ordinary tiles.
2. When lead is exposed to rainwater for a while, it reacts and changes color to white, making it appear as if it is covered with snow.
3. Not everything is made of lead; the roofs are constructed using wood and then covered with thin lead plates.
4. I’m not sure why lead tiles came to be used, but they were also used in Edo Castle (in Tokyo), not just here.
5. There is a theory that it was to make bullets from lead tiles in times of emergency, but old documents mention it was to enhance the appearance.
6. Considering the unstable circumstances at that time, it is likely that there were both purposes.
7. In the past, lead was used in the cosmetics of white face powder called “oshiroi” for women’s makeup (equivalent to today’s foundation).
8. In essence, in order to make them look more beautiful, they would regularly use lead, which is harmful when ingested, on their skin.
9. In addition, women of that time also used decorative hair pins called “kanzashi” to adorn themselves.
10. Interestingly, kanzashi had a pointed end for piercing into the hair, so they were also used for self-defense when necessary.
11. In the past, women could kill others with makeup and hairpins, so I think we are fortunate to be born in modern times.
12. However, when you think about it, this dangerous lead is also used in smartphone batteries, right?
13. Modern husbands might want to consider managing the whereabouts of their wives’ smartphones more seriously.

Q5　”What kind of people lived there?”

👉Here again, it is assumed that foreign tourists who do not know the history of Japan.

1. The founder was the second richest lord next to the government of that time.
2. The wealthy lords lasting for more than two centuries and their loyal retainers lived here.
3. They were filled with money, education and culture not caring about the era of civil war.
4. In Japan, there is a proverb, “the rich do not fight.” They embodied it to the fullest.

Q6　”What makes it different from other castles?”

👉Even for us Japanese, at a glance, Japanese castles look almost the same. (Of course, apart from those in the know)

1. Most castles were fortresses, but this castle was used for administration and residence.
2. As a result, you can see various efforts made for a comfortable living.
3. They were so wealthy that they enjoyed this castle’s luxurious structures.
4. In Japanese, when we are in good spirits, we say ” feeling like a lord”.
5. We are walking through this castle right now feeling like lords.

Q7 “Why is there no castle tower?/Doesn’t this castle have a donjon?”

👉Since there is no castle tower, a symbol of a castle, some people may think that this is just an old castle park.

1. Without the symbol of the castle, the main keep, you might think it’s a park for old castles, right?
2. The original main keep was burnt down by lightning, and since then, there have been no more battles, so it couldn’t be rebuilt.
3. Due to the lack of historical records, the main keep has remained unrestored to this day.
4. However, there are many tourism businesses that hope for the reconstruction of the main keep, so maybe someday it might be viewable in the metaverse.
5. In the end, a digital image of the main keep is just as empty as the Tower of Babel.
6. Furthermore, if there is a metaverse main keep, people in tourism businesses may feel empty because tourists can see it without coming to Kanazawa.

Q8：”How long has this place been a castle?”

”Has this place always been this big (nothing)?” I am sometimes asked this question, so I tried to relate it to that. While the first half is a serious introduction to the history of Kanazawa Castle’s transition since the Meiji Restoration, the second half is the usual goofy part. The voice assists also change the speaker and tone between the first half and the second half.

1. It served as a castle until about 150 years ago, marking the end of the Samurai period.
2. Subsequently, the new government’s army utilized it as a headquarters and military supply warehouse.
3. However, following their defeat in World War II, the army disbanded, and Kanazawa University temporarily occupied the site.
4. The castle bears influences from both the era of samurai and military power to the era of scholarly pursuit and education.
5. Ultimately, the policy emphasizing military prowess and wisdom didn’t yield the desired outcomes in their respective periods.
6. Consequently, efforts have revitalized the castle as a tourist attraction.
7. Reportedly, significant investments, totaling billions of yen, were made for its restoration.
8. The impact of this investment will become evident over time.
9. Should this investment prove ineffective, will this era of economic significance wane?
10. Today, we need electricity for everything we do. So, could the age of electricity become the next focal point?
11. Fortunately, castles have ample roof space, making it relatively inexpensive to install solar panels.
12. Moreover, Kenrokuen Garden’s abundance of pine trees presents an opportunity to utilize pine resin as a substitute for gasoline in vehicles.
13. Considering its origins in an era devoid of electricity, why not repurpose the castle as an energy-efficient hotel?
14. Furthermore, how about offering a long-term stay service where you can save money by not going out and eating only simple meals day after day?
15. Originally designed for long besieged battles, Kanazawa Castle allows guests to stay as long as they like, thrilled with the feeling of being lords on the verge of a castle’s fall!

Q 9: ’Is there that much lightning?’

Since many foreign visitors have asked me about lightning (based on the explanation of the fire that struck the castle tower), I’ll offer a new story about lightning.

1. As mentioned earlier, Kanazawa Castle boasts an eco-friendly roofs perfect for solar panels and even a bit of pine resin as an alternative of gasoline.
2. Furthermore, Kanazawa Castle has the potential to withstand the upcoming era of intense global competition for power resources.
3. This castle has a history marked by several instances of being damaged by lightning strikes.
4. Researchers predict a 50% increase in global lightning strikes due to global　climateclimate change, which might potentially benefit Kanazawa Castle.
5. As the potential for harnessing lightning’s power as an energy source has received little attention, there is a prospect of enhancing Kanazawa Castle’s energy-generating ability if this technology is realized.
6. This would make it one of the world’s leading natural energy power plants and could be used to distribute electricity to ordinary homes in Kanazawa City.
7. In Japanese, effective communication is likened to the exchange of alternating current (same as that of electricity).
8. As what is being distributed is electricity, it guarantees to strengthen the relationship between Kanazawa Castle and its citizens!

Q 10: “Where is the castle located in Kanazawa Castle Park?”

Many foreign visitors sometimes ask me, “where is the castle?”, although they are already inside Kanazawa Castle. So I have put together a story related to this question. The voice assists also change the speaker and tone between the first half and the second half.

1. You are already in Kanazawa Castle, where many authentic samurai once served!
2. Indeed, numerous foreign visitors to Kanazawa Castle Park often inquire, “Where is the castle?”
3. For many, a castle implies a castle tower itself, and since Kanazawa Castle lacks one, they might not perceive it as a castle.
4. Typically, most foreign visitors to Japan head straight for the castle keep upon arrival at a Japanese castle.
5. Presumably, they aspire to ascend the castle tower and relish the sense of accomplishment, akin to scaling a mountain and reveling in the breathtaking view from its summit.
6. Truth be told, the founders of this castle were prohibited from erecting a castle tower, symbolizing defiance against the central government of that era.
7. Allegedly, the lords of that time shared your frustration, leading them to construct Kenroku-en Garden adjacent to this castle.
8. Their aim was to assuage their discontent by luxuriating in the opulent private garden and entertaining esteemed guests.
9. We also wish for our international visitors, such as yourself, to relish Kenrokuen Garden and set aside any disappointment about not experiencing the castle keep.
10. Nevertheless, as local tour guides, we must confess that we, too, often feel unfulfilled.
11. Many foreign visitors are so captivated by Kenroku-en Garden that they not only forget their initial sense of unfulfillment but also lose the existence of Kanazawa Castle Park entirely!

３. “Ishikswa-mon Gate”

3.1　Basic Information

First of all, let me give you a summary based on the official information.

1. Originally, it was a back gate that led to Kenroku-en, a private garden of the lords.
2. However, it was a front gate to prevent enemy invasion from Kenroku-en located on the same hill.
3. It is a typical Japanese box-style gate with high defensive capabilities and is one of Japan’s oldest gates.
4. It is also one of the existing buildings in Kanazawa Castle and has been designated as an Important National cultural Asset.
5. It is the face of Kanazawa Castle, which combines both defensive capabilities and decorative elements.
6. The decorative elements can be seen in the two types of stone walls and the gables.

3.2 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

　For most Japanese, it is a symbolic building of Kanazawa, so detailed explanation is unnecessary, but for many foreign visitors, it is just an entrance (passing point). Moreover, since it is a typical box-shaped gate in Japan, most foreigners may not be able to understand the difference. Let me present its true meaning in this virtual guide.

3.3 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Q1 “What is interesting about this gate?”

This time, I mainly put it in association with Kenroku-en. 👉Please note that the first half (No. 1-4) and the second half (No. 5-8) have different tones and speakers.

1. As a common gate for Kenroku-en and the castle, it has a decorative appearance.
2. It is characterized by two types of diverse stone walls and a decorative gabled roof.
3. It is one of the few surviving buildings.
4. The gate is constructed in a box shape style, a typical traditional Japanese gate.
5. This type of gate can trap and eliminate enemies within the box-shaped structure.
6. If you enter inside admiring the beauty of this gate, it could be a disaster.
7. As with anything, there are two sides, a front and a back.
8. Don’t be fooled by its appearance, especially when you get married.

Q2 “What are the features of this castle gate?”

👉While looking at the gate with visitors, we also explain the situation when the enemy enters. This part is also long, so the audio is divided into two files.

1. The gate has a strong defense as most enemies would attack through Kenroku-en.
2. The castle and the park are located on the same hill, and the road under the bridge in front of the gate used to be a moat for defense.
3. This structure, a box style gate, improves its defense by surrounding the enemies in this box.
4. The enemy who entered through the first gate had to change direction and stop their momentum.
5. Surrounding the enemy within the first and second gates increased the defensive power.
6. You can see this structure in other castles, but this gate is one of the oldest.
7. After World War II, Kanazawa University was located here for a while.
8. As a national university, it was very difficult to pass the entrance examination meaning passing through this gate.
9. At all times, passing through this gate has always been very challenging, due to its high defensive power.

Q3 “What is this roof over bay window (for)? “

👉There are many gables in the castle, but since it’s the first one you see, the explanation is put here.

👉👉note again!(hafu)：gable / gablet （🔶Since both are architectural terms, the words “roof over bay window” are used here.)

1. The basic role is to protect the castle from rain and wind.
2. This roof over bay window (gablet) is a typical traditional Japanese architectural style having decorative elements.
3. This style (known as “Karahafu,”) is characterized by a curved, asymmetrical roof that is favored by the Japanese.
4. There is a theory that since Kanazawa Castle does not have a keep, they invested money in detailed decorations like this.
5. Come to think of it, real wealthy people often spend more money on accessories than clothing.

Q4【Sequel Q3 part2】：”What is this roof over bay window (for)? “

I received a comment that the ending of the previous section (Q3) doesn’t really ring a bell so well. So I added a triple gag (⁇) as [Q3 part 2]. Personally, I think it would be best to end at No. 2, but there are many different senses of humor, so stop where you find it good.👉The voice assist is of an American woman, who seems to speak this way in a luxurious car!

1. Speaking of which, many young Japanese who drive luxurious foreign cars are said to struggle with maintaining their stylish appearance.
2. Could that be why? Somehow, I don’t see as many luxury cars in Kanazawa City as I do in other areas.
3. True rich people don’t drive luxurious cars that might antagonize people, but use gold leaf lavishly for car accessories without being noticed, and enjoy their golden lifestyle.

Ｑ5：”Is it true that there used to be a university here?”

Since “Kanazawa University used to be here” type talks are popular among many foreign visitors, I added a “Kanazawa University” story here as well, following Q2. 👉The English speaker is half-burned by an LGBTQ-esque male speaker who fits this talk!

1. For some time after the war, Kanazawa University, a national institution, was situated here.
2. Being the sole university in Japan housed within a castle, it garnered significant popularity.
3. Being a national university and highly selective, its popularity intensified the competition for admissions.
4. Consequently, gaining acceptance to Kanazawa University, marked by passing through the Ishikawa Gate, was a source of immense pride not just for students but also their families.
5. However, as often happens, a single event altered everything.
6. After the completion of the Kahoku Gate, which served as the formal front entrance, it was revealed that the Ishikawa Gate had originally been considered a back entrance.
7. Having proudly entered the university through the main gate, can you believe that it might have been seen as a backdoor admission?

４. “Kahoku-mon gate”

4.1　Basic Information

1. Originally, it was the main gate for castle lords to enter.
2. It has just been restored based on the latest materials discovered.
3. You can see the restoration exhibition (materials, techniques) in the free exhibition room on the top of the gate. 
4. Currently, it has lost its leading role to Ishikawa Gate, an only gateway to Kenrokuen Garden.

4.2 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

It’s a large and prominent gate that catches your attention immediately, so providing some explanation is advisable. However, since most foreign visitors perceive all gates similarly with official information, it might be more beneficial to focus on highlighting the differences from others. Originally, it served as the main entrance used regularly by lords and held significant importance.

4.3　Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

a) “What is the difference between this gate and the previous gate (Ishikawamon)?”

1. Originally, it was the main gate where the lords entered the castle.
2. It was a very important gate, but now it has been overshadowed by the Ishikawa Gate of the entrance of Kenrokuen Garden.
3. If you stand outside this gate, you may be able to experience the feeling of the lords entering the castle.
4. However, the current “lord”, the general public is a big fan of the Ishikawa Gate..

b) “What is this staircase?” / “Where does it lead to?”

There is a staircase leading to the upper level of this gate, and this is a guide about it.

1. If you climb these stairs, you can enter the upper level of this gate.
2. You can see how to restore this gate through the videos, panels or actual materials.
3. It’s free, so please give it a try, if you have time.
4. By attracting a large audience, it might be able to regain the position of the protagonist someday.
5. But reclaiming that glory is a narrow gate. It’s too narrow for many to pass through as it is. What should we do, then?

５. Tertiary enclosure（San-no-maru）

5.0　Basic Information

• There used to be the residence and guardhouse of the vassals.
• It is currently used as an event venue for festivals and outdoor Noh performances.

5.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

👉It looks like nothing more than an open space. It is a common place that can be seen in most castle parks, so many people, even locals, do not know about its past.

5.2. Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

a) “Is this place still the same as it was in the past?”

1. There is nothing now, but there used to be buildings for vassals and guards.
2. Currently, it is used for various events such as outdoor Noh performances.
3. Of course, there was originally no “Noh” stage here.
4. Of course, outdoor Noh performances are full of performance, not ‘No performances’.

６.”Hishi Yagura/ Diamond shaped tower “

6.0　Basic Information

1. It is shaped like a diamond, not a square, but you can’t tell from the outside.
2. It is the highest turret in the castle and serves as the main keep.
3. However, it is not particularly tall, and not so impressive.
4. It faces northeast and is designed to ward off evil spirits.
5. Once inside, you can see the diamond-shaped structure.

6.1　Foreign Visitors’ Perspective

👉For those who see it for the first time, the length of the continuing building will be more noticeable than this diamond turret, we sometimes explain it together with the building,’Gojukken Nagaya’ .

👉👉note again！《櫓》(yagura)：guard tower / watch tower / lookout tower / storage rooms / turret（🔶A castle tower can be categorized in a turret, so “tower” can be a common word.
The main difference is that a castle tower serves as a watchtower and a display of authority, while a turret also has a role as a warehouse. So the term “storage room” is also used in some cases.

6.2　Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Q1 “What is this tower（turret), Hishi Yagura?”

1. This tower called Hishi Yagura, meaning a diamond- shaped turret, is the highest tower here.
2. This tower is playing the role of donjon, as this castle doesn’t have it.
3. According to some experts, the purpose of Diamond shape is to improve its monitoring capacity.
4. Both sides of the obtuse angles(wider angles) have a wide field of view.
5. This turret faces northeast, the direction of bad luck in Japan, intending to protect the castle from evil spirits.
6. The tower, as its name Diamond suggests, is not only hard but also solid for defense.

Q2 “What can we see in this tower?” / “What is the layout of this building?” / What kind of structure is it?”

1. It is a three-story building, and would be equivalent to a seven-story apartment building in height.
2. The first and second floors were used as a storage area for weapons and other supplies, while the third floor served as a lookout tower.
3. The turret walls are thick and contain loopholes for archers to defend the castle.
4. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the castle grounds and the city of Kanazawa.
5. If you have time, you can enter from the back and potentially experience the sensation of being surrounded by diamonds.
6. During crowded times, the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the building increases, although not enough to create real daimonds.

Q3 ”How do people deal with the unlucky direction in a building?”

1. The direction of the northeast is called “Kimon” in Japanese.
2. It is also known as the “demon’s gate” and is considered an unlucky direction in Japanese culture.
3. Japanese buildings sometimes have L-shaped indentations at the northeast to ward off evil spirits.
4. In Japan, there has been a tendency to dislike complete symmetry, as it is believed to invite evil spirits since ancient times.
5. Therefore, for example, shrines and temples were often intentionally designed to be asymmetrical, avoiding perfect left-right symmetry.
6. If you think about it, humans too can invite a lot of unhappiness when they fall into perfectionism.
7. That’s why Kanazawa Castle had a L-shaped indentation near the diamond-shaped turret.
8. Thanks to that, Kanazawa didn’t experience air raids during World War II.
9. However, recently, I have a slight concern after Kanazawa Castle was completely restored.
10. The concern is that this indentation area too has been restored so perfectly and beautifully that it might invite evil spirits.

７.”Gojukken Nagaya”

7.0　Basic Information

👉As always, let me provide you with a brief summary of this Nagaya before entering the detail. By the way, 1 ken = about 1.81m.

1. A long wall-like store house that connects two turrets and surrounds and protects the Ninomaru（lords’） Palace behind it.
2. It is reinforced with bay windows for dropping stones and lattice windows for firing guns.
3. This building is covered with seacucumber wall for fire protection.
4. The name of this building comes from its length of 50 ken (about 100 meters) .

7.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

Since people who see it for the first time do not understand the purpose and role of this building, let me explain the original purpose of protecting the Nino-maru lords’ Palace in the back and the architectural point for that purpose. Otherwise, it will end with a mere oblong building.

7.2 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Q1 “What is this horizontally long building?”

1. At Kanazawa Castle, this kind of a long wall-like building is called “Nagaya” serving both as a warehouse and a defensive structure.
2. This “Nagaya” connects two turrets and surrounds the lord’s mansion for defense.
3. This long warehouse is a common feature seen in Japanese castles.
4. The lord’s residence is located beyond this warehouse.
5. For this type of building, plaster walls are used for fire protection, but Kanazawa Castle uses special walls called “namako” meaning a sea cucumber.
6. These walls are made of numerous roof tiles by connecting them with thick plaster, and the connecting parts resemble sea cucumbers, so they were given this name.
7. However, they could have been named “cucumber wall” from their appearence, as “namako”, sea cucumbers in Japanese are referred to as “sea cucumbers” in English. Why named seacucumers?
8. This is because sea cucumbers, which live in water, have no association with fire.　Additionally, they could be as cool as a cucumber even if they faced fires!

Q2 “What’s so special about the sea cucumber wall?’

1. This sea cucumber wall is a construction method unique to Japan, and Kanazawa Castle is famous as a representative example.
2. Does it look like a sea cucumber? It sounds good because a sea cucumber is a luxury food here.
3. To withstand Kanazawa’s humid climate, the roof tiles are lined up and covered with thick plaster.
4. Of course, even though these walls look like being made of sea cucumbers, they are not edible.
5. An actual sea cucmber is so grotesque in appearance that the first humans to eat it must have been very hungry.
6. However, they are unexpectedly tasty, and their crunchy texture is addictive to those who like it.
7. So the actual sea cucmbers are weakly defended because everyone knows that they can’t move, they are not poisonous, and they are delicious.
8. On the other hand, the sea cucmber wall looks delicious like a cake roll, so some people may not be able to bear the hunger and put it in their mouths.
9. But this one, if raw, will upset your stomach, and it can’t be cooked over a fire. It may be the strongest wall that really defends itself and keeps out intruders.

８.　”Hashizume-mon”

8.0　Basic Information

1. Since it is just before the Ninomaru(lords’)Palace, it has a high defensive power and is prestigious.
2. The floor of the second gate is paved with the same high-quality stone as the palace using the same construction method.
3. There was a 24-hour guardhouse next to the gate.
4. The gaps of this gate are hidden behind the namako(sea cucumber) wall.
5. It is disguised as a normal wall during peacetime, but gaps appear from that wall in times of emergency.

8.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

It’s the third gate when foreign visitors enter from the Ishikawa gate, but most of them will see all the gates the same. Generally speaking, they want to see what’s beyond the gate, so they quickly pass through it. It is such a difficult gate making it a higher gate.

8.2 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Q1 “What is the difference between this gate and the previous two gates?”

👉This gate was designed and built with more defense and formality than the Ishikawa gate, so let’s convey that aspect. The audio file is long, but there is only one.

1. This was the entrance to the lord’s residence, so defense was strengthened.
2. There were many barriers(or gaps) installed.
3. There was a guardhouse keeping an all-night watch/ around-the-clock vigil.
4. This gate is of high formality and the floor is paved with the same luxury stones and in the same technique as the palace.
5. The lords might have considered this gate as a part of the palace.
6. In Japan, a luxurious house is often described as “having a high threshold”, making it difficult to visit.
7. Perhaps this gate might have been also designed to make it difficult for intruders to approach by raising the threshold with luxury stones.

Q2 “What are these holes /sama (for)?

1. They are for shooting guns or arrows.
2. The inside is narrow making it difficult to aim from the outside.
3. You can see theses narrow spaces or gaps between walls, floors, or pillars in a Japanese castle.
4. It can provide a place for defenders to hide or attack from, but also having a decorative element in architectural design.
5. A gap is just a hole, dull and uninteresting, so it is often shaped in various ways to fill the gap.

Q3　“Why is this space closed?”

👉If you look closely, the gaps are closed. Why? An explanation of the sea cucumber wall on the other side together is needed. You can also see them at Ishikawa-mon Gate, but it is less conspicuous than this gate and has more traffic, we often explain it here.

1. These gaps are not used during normal times and are covered.
2. However, in case of emergency, the covers are removed and the gaps are used for defense.
3. Nobody can see that there are the gaps behind the wall from the opposite side.
4. They are camouflaged by this decorative wall.
5. We should be careful, okey? As the proverb goes, even beautiful roses have thorns.
6. But most men can tolerate being deceived by beautiful roses, but they don’t want to be fooled by sea cucumbers, I suppose.
7. However, despite their grotesque appearance, sea cucumbers are crunchy and delicious when eaten.
8. It might be a nice surprise to find the unexpected pleasant texture, which you wouldn’t imagine from their slimy appearance.
9. Believe it or not, why not give it a try? Eating roses will only upset your stomach.

９. “Ninomaru Goten”

9.0　Basic Information

1. It was the lord’s residence, administrative and living quarters.
2. It was a large mansion with approximately 60 rooms.
3. There were two Noh stages inside the mansion.
4. The reason for two stages is uncertain, but they may have been used for performances and practice.
5. There was also an area for the lord’s concubines, while his main wife lived in Edo, Tokyo.
6. Research is currently being conducted on the possibility of restoration based on historical records.
7. New discoveries can also be expected from the excavation survey of the foundation.

9.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

For the time being, excavation is underway for restoration, and there is nothing visually appealing, so let me add a supplementary explanation.

1. This palace was used by the military forces of the modern government after the Samurai period ended.
2. But it was destroyed by fire about a hundred years ago, and nothing remains today.
3. Currently, an excavation survey of the site and a design study of the building are underway in order to fully restore the palace based on the latest findings.
4. You can watch an introductory video of the palace in the information center here, and in the near future, you may be able to enjoy the majesty of the fully restored original.
5. The floor map of the palace on this exhibit board will give you an idea of the life of the lord’s family at that time.
6. Inside the long building in front of you (50-ken Nagaya), you can see the structure of the castle’s interior from that period, for a fee, if you have time and interest.
7. Visitors can walk around and experience the actual length of this building, and once inside the diamond turret, they can see its unique shape.
8. The lattice windows provide a view of the entire castle or a distant view of Kanazawa city.
9. If you do not have time, you can enter only the entrance to get a glimpse of the structure inside at no charge.
10. You can see that more wood is used than in an ordinary house, with narrower spacing between columns and thicker planks on the floor.
11. The structure is of a high density not usually seen in ordinary houses, designed to increase the strength of the castle for defense.
12. Because materials must not only be strong but also beautiful, most of the castle is made of cypress for the pillars, hiba cypress for the angle beams, and pine logs for the tie beams.
13. Considering the high humidity in Japan, metallic parts such as nails, which easily rust, were rarely used.
14. Instead, the woods were interconnected by making use of the uneven edges of the wood parts.

9 2 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Q1 “What is Ninomaru Goten (for)?/ the lord’s palace for?

1. It served as the residence of the feudal lords and the administrative center of the Kanazawa domain.
2. The complex consists of about 60 rooms and two Noh stages for the traditional Japanese performances.
3. It was decorated luxuriously and had areas for political affairs, living quarters, and even for concubines.
4. As a government rule at the time, the legal wife lived in Edo as a hostage.
5. We envy the lords that they had two stages of Noh as well as two types of women.
6. But perhaps it was the women who were truly envious. If the lord was on one side, he was absent from the other.
7. Some say that a wife’s greatest happiness is to have a husband who is always healthy and spends time away from home.

Q2 “Why were there two Noh stages in this building?”

1. The reason for having two Noh stages in the complex is not entirely clear.
2. It is said that one was for performances for visitors and the other was for practice.
3. Another theory is that it may have been to accommodate different types of performances or to provide a backup in case one stage was unavailable.
4. The lords had a strong passion for Noh theater and established Kanazawa’s own unique style called “Kaga Hosho.”
5. You can enjoy monthly performances at the Noh theater in the city.
6. The unique business started by the feudal lord is still thriving today.
7. In Japan, businesses started by noble people are called “daimyo businesses,” but in English, they are referred to as “amateur businesses.”
8. In other words, noble people usually don’t understand the feelings of ordinary people, or consumers, so their businesses don’t typically prosper.
9. The lords in Kanazawa probably had good business sense, establishing the current Kanazawa culture as entrepreneurs.
10. Since masks are an integral part of Noh, it is significant that the lords “saved their faces.”
11. However, we cannot tell from the Noh masks what kind of expressions they had behind them.
12. Highly educated people like the feudal lords may have had high self-esteem and been complex, having “two faces.”
13. This duality might explain why we don’t know the exact reason for having two Noh stages.
14. The lords might not have wanted people to know which was the backstage, revealing their real faces!

10. Gyokuseninmaru Garden

10.1 Basic Information

1. The lords of Kanazawa Castle created two gardens on this hill: this garden and Kenrokuen Garden.
2. This smaller garden was created for the lord’s family to enjoy about 50 years before Kenrokuen.
3. It is a traditional circular garden with a pond at its center around which visitors stroll, but it also has some novel features.
4. For example, the stone walls of the garden are purely ornamental, and are aesthetically pleasing, piled up like a work of art.
5. Furthermore, in order to make the best use of the narrow site, the garden was designed as a three-dimensional garden with a height difference of approximately 20 meters from the bottom of the pond to the top of the stone wall.
6. It is said that the devices and innovations in this garden influenced the ideas for the later creation of Kenrokuen Garden.
7. This garden was recently restored, so it looks new, but it has a history of about 400 years.But it is modern and does not look old.
8. The garden is named after a woman, which was unusual in the Samurai period.
9. Before this garden was built, there stood a mansion where the wife of the second lord lived.
10. After the death of the wife, the house was destroyed, and it is said that the third lord, who was not the wife’s child, built this garden for her.
11. It seems that it was out of gratitude for her recommendation for him to become the third lord, even though he was not the child of her, a legal wife.
12. Loyalty was especially important during the samurai period, but maybe she was just a beautiful woman whom the lord wanted to keep her name for.

👉Note！ For those interested in stone walls

This garden employs various decorative features such as the stone walls with the technique of cut stone stacking (colored strip of paper) purely for viewing purposes。

10.2 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

Many foreign tourists seem to be confused because it is different from the image of a traditional strolling style garden. Partly due to the fact that it has just been restored, the compact design that makes the most of the difference in height is reminiscent of a short golf course, and has elements that are modern and do not make you feel old.

1. When was this garden created and by whom?
2. Has it always been this way?
3. What was the purpose of this garden?
4. Why was it built here?
5. Why is it so beautiful?
6. How was it used in thoseWhat were the owners like?
7. What is the attraction of this garden?
8. Where did the stones for this stone wall come from?
9. What makes it different from other gardens?

10.3 Quick responses while virtual walking

1. It was built about four centuries ago by the third generation of lords who are said to have laid the foundation of modern Kanazawa culture.
2. It was buried about 150 years ago when the Samurai period gave way to the modern government, and has recently been restored.
3. It was built mainly for the purpose of memorializing the family members of the lords and for cultural appreciation.
4. Originally the residence of the wife of the second lord, it remained vacant for a while after her death, and was then reused as a garden.
5. The reason for this is that it has been restored based on excavated data in accordance with the recent tourism policy, and has been maintained carefully.
6. Visitors strolled through the garden as if they were looking at a painting in an art museum, enjoying the different views from various angles.
7. They were wealthy and elegant people who enjoyed the culture of tea ceremony and Noh drama.
8. This is the point where the stone wall, originally intended for defense, was replaced so aesthetically that it could be called an outdoor museum inside the castle.
9. They were brought in from nearby mountains in the vicinity of Kanazawa castle, and they consist of the blue and red types of high-grade stone, which can only be found there.
10. The stone wall is a combination and harmony of traditional Japanese garden and artificial objects like the artificial waterfall from the stone gutter at the top of the stone wall.

10.4 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

a) “When was this garden made?”

👉Here, it’s assumed that a foreigner is wondering if this garden was created as a new one.

1. This looks new because it faithfully restored the garden of that time based on the latest excavation materials.
2. The original was created over 300 years ago.
3. The garden was named after the wife of the second lord.
4. Unfortunately, there are few records of her.
5. However, giving a woman’s name to a garden in a male-dominated samurai society is unusual.
6. This is evidence that the lords valued women highly as the source of life wishing for the prosperity of their descendants.
7. It’s fortunate that this place didn’t become a dry landscape garden.
8. That is because the lady who was named after this garden wouldn’t have wanted to wither away even after her passing.

b）”What are the highlights of this garden?”

1. Unlike the Kenrokune garden for entertaining, we can see the lords’ idea of enjoying it themselves as an inner courtyard.
2. One of them is the piled stone walls with the unique technology resembling colored strip of paper.
3. The stone walls, a symbol of battle, are made just for viewing here.
4. It is unusual to stack the stone walls vertically like a strip of paper because it is unstable.
5. Originally in Japan, a strip of paper has been used for writing various wishes on it.
6. However, the lords did not think to write their wishes, the prosperity of their family on the stone strip of wall.
7. They might not have wanted it to be mistaken for a tombstone, you know.

１１． Sanjukken-Nagaya

1１.0 Basic Information

1. An important cultural asset composed of the same stone walls, lead tiles, namako walls, and karahafu as Ishikawa Gate.
2. Each side of the walls is constructed differently.
3. Originally built as a sturdy arsenal, it also stored preserved food.
4. It is said that there were more than ten warehouses built in the same style as this castle.
5. A valuable existing structure that gives insight into the wealth of the lord.

11.1 Visitors’ Perspective

The buildings in the castle (turret, gate, nagaya) look just almost the same buildings with similar names, so if visitors don’t get any explanation, they’ll just pass by. After entering through the Ishikawa Gate and walking up to here, they may feel tired. Furthermore, the same atmosphere continues, so they may be bored and unable to concentrate. I hope this short story will relieve some of your boredom.

11.2 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

a) “What is the difference between this house and the previous long house?”

1. This is a warehouse for storage purposes only, and one of the few remaining original (, surviving) buildings, not restored one. 
2. Despite being a warehouse, it has the same level of design just like the main castle and its each side of the walls is constructed differently.
3. Originally, it was built for weapons and later on, preserved foods such as dried seafood were also stored.
4. It’s hard to believe that there were more than ten such luxurious storehouses back then.
5. In Japan, when we have our own home, we often say that I finally became the lord of my own castle.
6. Although using the word “castle”, our house is far more like a warehouse than these storehouses of Kanazawa Castle. It’s significantly more shabby.
7. Dose that mean that we are less valuable than preserved food?
8. That would be disrespectful to preserved food.

１2. Tsurumaru Warehouse

1２.0 Basic Information

1. An important cultural property like the Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjukken Nagaya, surving buildings.
2. Built in a newer era than the main castle and has some differences in its decorative features.
3. Originally a sturdy armory, it was used by the army for a while before the modern wars .
4. As a storehouse within the castle, it is one of the largest in Japan.
5. For a long time, it was not known exactly when it was built, and its value was not understood.

👉Note！main words《土蔵》(dozo)：storehouse / warehouse/ storehouse with thick mortar walls（🔶Like the word “tower” of the castle tower and the turret, “storehouse / warehouse” does not convey the exact meaning.

12.1 Visitors’ perspective(What do you think at first glance?)

Even within the castle, it has a humble presence, so sadly, it gives the impression of being like a resting place within the castle (constructed so as not to spoil the atmosphere), and many people often pass by. However, originally warehouses are not meant to be shown to people, so if visitors feel that it has no strong presence, they are correct. Having said that, the fact that it has a sense of design on a warehouse might save the face of the wealthy feudal lord of Kaga domain.

11.2 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

a) “What are the features of this house?”/ “How is this different from the other buildings?”

1. This warehouse with thick mortar walls is one of the largest of its kind in castles of the country.
2. Furthermore, despite being a storehouse, it has decorative features on the walls, which reveals the lord’s attention to detail.
3. In fact, until recently, it was unclear when it was built.
4. It was ignored for a while, like a person whose age is unknown and value is uncertain.
5. Through recent research, it was determined to be an old structure, and its value was recognized, leading to its designation as an important cultural property.
6. But buildings are fortunate; when it is known to be old, its value increases.
7. Just like with an elderly person, when their real age is known, they may be judged worthless and forced to go to a warehoue (,left unused.)

１３．Ushitora Turret Site

👉From here, the three turrets with good views continue. Since all the three turrets have their names showing their directions from the central part of the castle, introducing the origin of their names can be sometimes necessary by comparing the difference of their directions. But since these three places could be satisfied just by looking at them, we sometimes don’t go into detailed explanation.

13.0 Basic Information

1. This is the remains of a tower that was originally built for surveillance for Kenrokuen Garden and defense of the Honmaru (inner citadel) .
2. Therefore, it has become an observation deck with a good view of Kenrokuen Garden and the mountains in the background.
3. The three tower remains in this area are named after the directions they face from the Honmaru.
4. In Japan, directions and time have traditionally been expressed using the twelve zodiac animals.
5. This tower is located in the northeast direction (called Ushitora meaning “cow and tiger” in Japanese), so it is called the Ushitora Tower.
6. This tower is on the oldest stone walls here consisting of fieldstones, not processed ones.
7. The road running below used to be a moat that surrounded the current Kanazawa Castle Park.

13.1 Visitors’ Perspective

👉From a foreigner’s point of view, it’s simply an observatory with a good view. It would be good to look down on the Kenroku-en side and add topographical points that you can immediately see.

１４．Tatsumi Turret Site

14.0　Basic Information

1. Built to reinforce the surveillance of the Kanazawa Castle’s weakest point towards the Kenrokuen Garden.
2. Named “Tatsumi Yagura” because it is located in the southeast direction (called Tasu-mi meaning dragon-snake) from the central enclosre like other turret ruins.
3. As it faces south, you can see the city of Kanazawa and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
4. The road below that runs around this turret used to be a moat.

14.1 Visitors’ Perspective

👉For foreign visitors, the view is wider and easier to understand than the Ushitora Tower,
so like students’ chatting, it would be good to have a light conversation in the same way.

１５．Inui Turret Site

15.0　Basic Information

1. Unlike other turrets, this one was built to defend and monitor the entire area of Kanazawa Castle, especially the Nino Maru of the lords’ mansion.
2. As with the others, it was named Inui-yagura because of its location to the northwest (called Inu-i meaning dog-wild boar) of the Hon-maru (center of the castle).
3. Today, it serves as an observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of the castle grounds.

15.1 Visitors’ Perspective

👉The height is not good enough, but most visitors who have walked through the castle first look back and feel relieved chatting like “That’s the Hashizume-mon Gate we just walked through, or the Ninomaru Palace”. Many of them will be satisfied.

Gratitude 🔶 Afterword

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