Go deep into the culture nurtured by the Kaga clan. The Beauty and Techniques of the Kaga Maeda Family in Takaoka and Kanazawa - Takaoka

  • Toyama
  • Sightseeing
In 1583, Toshiie Maeda, a feudal warlord who is the subject of a popular historical drama, received Kaga and Kanazawa in addition to his former territory of Noto, and entered Kanazawa. Toshiie was 46 years old at the time, and began by building Kanazawa Castle, and by 1588, he had expanded the territory of the Kaga domain to include Kaga, Noto, and Etchu (all of Toyama, including present-day Takaoka). After Toshiie's death, the Maeda family of the Kaga domain implemented measures to encourage cultural activities such as Noh, Kyogen, and the tea ceremony in order to avoid the strict scrutiny of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The eldest son, Toshinaga, further expanded the territory to 1.27 million koku. He further expanded the territory of the Kaga domain to 1.27 million koku, making it one of the largest domains among the foreign feudal lords.

The spots introduced here are Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture and Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, which were established by the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. This tour will take you to both cities, where the culture of those days has been handed down from generation to generation. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is only one station away (about 13 minutes) and it takes less than one hour by car to visit the famous places in these two cities and unravel the deep connections between them. We look forward to an interesting journey of history and gourmet food, as we discover various unexpected similarities.

Let us now introduce Takaoka, a city where the culture of the townspeople is in full bloom.

Introduction to Takaoka

Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture has deep historical ties with Kanazawa. The city was founded by Maeda Toshinaga II, the son of Maeda Toshiie, the founder of Kanazawa. The city developed as the castle town of Takaoka Castle and prospered as a town of craftsmen invited by the Kaga Clan, as well as a town of merchants. The development and prosperity of Takaoka copperware was particularly remarkable. As in Kanazawa, the remains of the feudal domain era can still be seen throughout the city, including Kanaya-machi, Yamamachi-suji, and Kojo Park, making it an enjoyable place to tour.
Takaoka City is also known as the site of the former national capital of Echigo-China, which existed long before that. In the Nara period (710-794), Otomo no Iemochi was assigned to Takaoka as a provincial governor, and he left many poems composed in this area in Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu.

The tour will be led by a volunteer guide, "Ai no Kaze," who will take you around Takaoka city.

Kanaya-cho, the birthplace of Takaoka foundry

The town has an old-fashioned atmosphere, with stone-paved streets flanked by houses with "senbon-goushi" (latticework) on both sides. Kanaya-cho is the birthplace of Takaoka castings, where foundry workers have been active since the Edo period. The town flourished as a casting town that produced Buddhist altar fittings and daily necessities, and the streets, which retain traces of the past, are lined with rows of houses reminiscent of the feudal era. Even today, foundry workshops are scattered along the street, producing practical products that are in tune with modern lifestyles. Visitors can learn about the history of the foundry at the Foundry Museum located on the street, and can also enjoy a tour of the stores and hands-on experience while walking along the elegant streets.
Kanayamachi
Exhibits tools and old documents related to casting. Takaoka Foundry Museum
Copper pieces are scattered on the stone pavement.

Risaburo Foundry, which has been in operation since the early Meiji period

The foundry, established in the Meiji era, is located in Kanaya-cho, where the foundry master invited by Toshinaga Maeda lived. It has a gallery store with a wide range of products, from traditional pieces to designs with a new sense of craftsmanship.
In the workshop located in the back of the store, visitors can try their hand at making cast metal products such as sake cups, wind chimes, plates, and chopstick rests. Draw a pattern of your choice, carve a groove along the line, and mount it in a mold. Try your hand at making your own original castings.
Exterior view
Original works with the warmth of handcrafting
Even beginners can feel at ease as they are carefully taught.

Yamamachi-suji, where the romance of the Meiji and Taisho eras still lingers

A merchant town that has flourished since the feudal era, it is dotted with storehouse-style houses with the romanticism of the Meiji and Taisho eras. After the great fire of 1900, many storehouse-style merchant houses were built one after another, creating a stately townscape. Some of the houses are open to the public, such as the Kanno Family Residence, an Important Cultural Property, and the Takaoka City Dozo Museum. The red brick building that used to be a bank is a must-see for photographers. Across the street is the Takaoka Mikurumayama Kaikan, which introduces the Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. On display is a glittering "Mikurumayama" that showcases the best of Takaoka's craftsmanship, including metalworking, lacquer work, and dyeing.
Yamamachi-suji Street
Red brick building that used to be a bank
Mikurumayama

Sushi restaurant "Katakago" in Takaoka, which was called the kitchen of the Kaga domain

The Maeda family of the Kaga Clan has valued gastronomy and hospitality for generations. Restaurants in Takaoka City have inherited the Maeda family's spirit, and all offer hospitality with carefully selected ingredients.
The owner of Katakago originally worked in a fish shop and has the most discerning eye for fish. Every morning, he personally goes to the market to examine the day's fish before purchasing them. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes. The most popular is the "Toyama Bay Sushi," which focuses on seasonal local fish caught in Toyama Bay. It comes with 10 pieces of seasonal nigiri and a soup that is typical of Toyama. The items are different for each season, so there are many repeat customers who never get tired of coming back again and again.
Exterior view
Toyama Bay Sushi, the ingredients of which change depending on the day.

Takaoka Old Castle Park, the site of the Takaoka Castle built by Maeda Toshinaga

The park is located almost in the center of Takaoka city center. It is the site of Takaoka Castle, which was built by Toshinaga Maeda in 1609. Toshinaga died five years after the castle was built, and one year later the castle was abandoned due to the One-Castle Order. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the site was redeveloped and a vast park of 210,000 m2 was created. One-third of the site is occupied by a water moat filled with abundant water, and the beauty of the scenery in each season attracts people. In addition to enjoying a refreshing stroll along the waterfront, the park is also home to a zoo and a museum, making it a place of relaxation for citizens who enjoy strolling. In spring, approximately 1,800 cherry trees bloom, and the entire park is tinged in pale pink, creating a magnificent sight. The park has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.
Imizu Shrine in the park
Bronze statue of Toshinaga Maeda
In autumn, the park is a picturesque scene with beautiful autumn leaves and fountains.

Takaoka-yama Zuiryuji Temple, a national treasure temple built by Maeda Toshitsune

Zuiryuji Temple is a magnificent national treasure with an overwhelming presence. The main gate, the gate, the Buddhist temple, and the Dharma hall are lined up in a straight line, a valuable temple layout that conveys the typical architecture of Zen Buddhist temples in the Edo period. The temple was originally built by Maeda Toshitsune as a family temple for his elder brother Maeda Toshinaga over a period of about 20 years, and the sheer scale of the temple is overwhelming. The temple's gate, Buddhist temple, and Dharma hall, all built in the Edo period, are designated as National Treasures, and the main gate, Zen hall, high corridor, corridor, and large tea ceremony hall are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Once you step inside, you will be enveloped in a serene atmosphere that seems to purify your body and soul, as if you are being cleansed.
Zuiryuji Temple in Takaokayama
The massive gate was rebuilt in 1820.
Maeda Toshinaga's tablets are enshrined.

Kaga Ume Bowl in a small bowl, Richo Gozen, Japanese Cuisine, Tomama

At "Japanese Cuisine Tsumama" in Hotel New Otani Takaoka, a gozen (a set meal) featuring a small bowl of food with the Maeda family crest "Kaga Ume Bowl" is offered. The dishes, which are richly prepared with seasonal ingredients from the sea and mountains of the western part of the prefecture, have an appealing, dignified flavor.
The culture of kombu (kelp), which was a major trading product of Kitamae-bune during the Edo period (1603-1867), is still deeply rooted in Takaoka and adds an elegant flavor to the cuisine. Tasting it after visiting the places associated with the Maeda family will give you a deeper appreciation of the Maeda family's sense of beauty and Takaoka's culinary culture.
Richo Gozen
Richo Gozen
It takes about 3 minutes on foot from the hotel to Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha).

Introduction to Kanazawa

Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga domain, built the framework of the castle and laid the foundation of today's Kanazawa. Toshiie was born in 1538 in Arako Village, Owari Province (now Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya City), and entered the service of Nobunaga Oda at the age of 15. After achieving numerous successes and rising through the ranks, Toshiie acquired the Kaga domain and established a castle there. The Maeda family was a large clan that came under the attention of the shogunate, but to show that they had no intention of rebellion, they focused on culture and crafts.
The third generation Maeda Toshitsune invited renowned tea masters to collect tea ceremony utensils. He also gathered craft masters and artisans from Kyoto and Edo to reside in Kanazawa. Furthermore, the cultural promotion policy encouraged not only the warriors but also the common people, which led to the development of traditional crafts such as Kaga yuzen (kimono), Kanazawa lacquerware and gold leaf for tea ceremony utensils, Kutani ware, and Japanese sweets, which have been handed down to the present day. The elegant Hyakumangoku culture flourished.

Maido-san, a volunteer guide, will take you around Kanazawa city.

▼ Click here to see the Kanazawa version of this article.

Kanazawa and Takaoka were ruled by the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain.

Kanazawa City and Takaoka City were ruled by the Maeda family of the Kaga Clan during the Edo period. Both cities played important roles for the clan. Kanazawa was the castle town of Kanazawa Castle, the Maeda family's residence, and the political and administrative center of the clan. Samurai warriors and officials lived there, and the city was known for its samurai culture and crafts. On the other hand, Takaoka City developed as a merchant town through the encouragement of commerce and industry promoted by Toshinaga Maeda.
The two cities, both built by the Maeda family, have many things in common, such as the streets of the past, traditional crafts and rich food, Kenrokuen Garden and Old Castle Park, both designed by the Maeda family, the splendor of Kanazawa's Hyakumangoku culture and Takaoka's gorgeous festival of Mikurumayama, and more.
By walking around the town, one can discover similarities and differences between the two cities, and encounter interesting Kaga Hyakumangoku legacies. You can enjoy a trip filled with cultural flavor that will stay with you forever.

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