Kanazawa Castle, Kanazawa-Shi

When Buddhist monks controlled the region, this was the site of their "military temple." Destroyed by a huge fire in 1881, the castle was nestled between the Saikawa and Asano rivers. It is significant because the Maeda family occupied it for fourteen generations when it was the headquarters of the Kaga clan, beginning with the first ruler, Lord Toshiie Maeda, who started ruling in 1583. The vestiges of the castle that survive include the moat, the imposing stone walls and the Ishikawa Gate. Admission is free.