Reconstruction of Kanazawa Castle
Hishi-yagura Turret, Gojikken-nagaya Storehouse and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura Turret
Revived After 120 Years as a New Symbol of Kanazawa Castle－Hishi-yagura Turret,
Gojikken-nagaya Storehouse and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura Turret―
Characteristics of the Structures and Overview of the Restoration
This complex consists of Hishi-yagura Turret, Gojikken-nagaya Storehouse and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura Turret, along with the second gate of Hashizume-mon.
Originally built in 1632 (Kan’ei 9) during the early Edo period, these structures were repeatedly destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The version reconstructed in 1809 (Bunka 6) survived into the Meiji period but was lost in 1881 (Meiji 14) when a fire accidentally started by the Imperial Japanese Army burned down the Ninomaru Palace and surrounding buildings.
In 2001 (Heisei 13), the Hishiyagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Turret were reconstructed as the first restored wooden structures within Kanazawa Castle Park, followed by the restoration of the second gate of Hashizume-mon in 2015 (Heisei 27).
For the restoration, traditional wooden construction techniques faithful to historical reality were used, based on old photographs from the Meiji era, architectural drawings from the Edo period, and archaeological findings.
To ensure visitor safety, seismic reinforcements and sprinkler systems were installed, along with accessibility features such as stair lifts and elevators.
Inside the buildings, visitors can view the architectural structure and design details, as well as enjoy exhibitions and explanations about the history of Kanazawa Castle and the craftsmanship that made the restoration possible.
Hishi-yagura Turret
A three‑story watchtower, Hishiyagura commands a panoramic view of the Osaka-mon Gate, Kahoku-mon Gate, and Ishikawa-mon Gate.
In the late Edo period, it was the tallest structure within Kanazawa Castle.
It features numerous ishi-otoshi openings (stone‑dropping ports), giving it both a practical, defensive function and an elegant architectural presence.
Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura Turret
This three‑story watchtower adjoins the square defensive enclosure (masugata) of Hashizume-mon, the main gate of the Ninomaru.
It is said to have served as a command post in the event of battle occurring in the Sannomaru area.
Gojikken-nagaya Storehouse
A two‑story long turret (tamon-yagura) connecting the Hishi-yagura Turret and the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura Turret.
In daily life, it functioned primarily as a storehouse, but in times of emergency it served as a fortress for combat.
Stone‑dropping openings (ishi-otoshi) are installed at various points along the structure.
Floor Guide
