Restoration of stone walls
Damage such as the collapse of stonework or the deformation of the stone walls occurred in a total of 30 locations across Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en due to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
The stone walls of Kanazawa Castle are often referred to as a 'museum of stone walls' due to the diversity of styles from various historical periods and their sophisticated design. As these stone walls are valuable cultural assets with historical significance and a major attraction of Kanazawa Castle, we are making every effort toward their restoration.
①Ishikawa-mon Dobashi stone wall
Before earthquake
After earthquake
Emergency response
Survey and dismantling of stones
②Honmaru southern stone wall
Before earthquake
After earthquake
Emergency response
Survey and dismantling of stones
③Honmaru north stone wall
Before earthquake
After earthquake
Emergency response
④Gyokuseninmaru southern stone wall
Before earthquake
After earthquake
Emergency response
⑤Osaka-mon north eastern stone wall
Before earthquake
Emergency response
⑥Gyokuseninmaru southwestern stone wall
After earthquake
Emergency response
Survey and dismantling of stones
⑦Gyokuseninmaru Northeastern stone wall
After earthquake
After earthquake
Survey and dismantling of stones
⑧Kenroku-en Mt. Sazae stone wall
Before earthquake
After earthquake
Emergency response
Efforts Toward Recovery
Survey and preservation aimed at restoring the stone walls
At Imori Moat Park, we are collecting collapsed stones from the stone walls damaged by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and conducting a survey in preparation for reconstructing the walls.
The survey of the stones is being conducted to determine whether they can be reused, and to assess their condition, as well as to record their sizes and characteristics to prepare for similar future damage. The compiled survey records will also serve as research materials for future studies on the stone walls.
Survey and Storage Procedure
We are specifying the original locations of the stones from the collapsed walls.
We bring stones from the collapsed walls to Imoriborienchi Park.
We check for cracks and breaks, and wash away any mud stuck to the stones that could cause the walls to collapse or deform.
We photograph each side of the stones.
We measure the dimensions of the stones.
We record the weights and conditions of the stones and store them until the reconstruction of the stone walls.
Stones are currently on display
A visitor route has been developed in the Imori-bori Park, where stones recovered from the stone walls are stored, allowing visitors to observe the stones up close.
Visitors can observe the restoration work of the Honmaru southern stone wall, as well as the differences in size and shape of the stones.
Information panels installed on-site describe the characteristics and history of the stone walls. By scanning the 2D code on the panel, visitors can access explanations in English.
Holding expert meetings for the restoration of stone walls
In the restoration of the stone walls of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, which were damaged by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, expert consideration is essential from the perspectives of ensuring visitor safety and preserving cultural value.
To obtain appropriate guidance and advice for the restoration, expert meetings have been held, involving specialists in related fields such as stone wall construction and geotechnical engineering.