Introduction
This years two-day seminar field trip to Kanazawa, joined by 3rd and 4th year students, was an enriching exploration of how an historial city like Kanazawa blends historical preservation with modern urban development. The purpose of the trip was to examine the integration of Kanazawa’s urban planning, its cultural heritage, and its recovery following the 2024 Noto Earthquake. The seminar group visited significant landmarks, including Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Suzuki Museum and the Higashi Chaya district. Our goal was to gain insight into how the city maintains its historical identity while adapting to contemporary urban needs.
Day 1: Examining Historical and Modern Integration
Kanazawa Castle
We began our exploration at Kanazawa Castle, a key historical site and designated heritage site since 2008. The restoration work, which is lasting now since several decades, carefully balances traditional techniques with modern engineering, ensuring both historical authenticity and structural resilience. However, after the 2024 Noto earthquake the progress slowed down as the attention was shifted to the recovery of the northern pensisula. Also on this day we were reminded that the recovery process has been slower than anticipated as the region continues to feel the lingering effects of the earthquake, with progress hindered by ongoing challenges such as a slow reconstruction procress, financial struggles and heavy rain/ flooding.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Due to the heavy rain, our next stop was the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where we explored the striking contrast between modern architectural design and the traditional urban layout of Kanazawa. This museum provided a glimpse into how contemporary urban planning integrates with the city’s historical fabric. The modern architecture of the museum, designed to interact seamlessly with the city, also highlighted how Kanazawa is positioning itself as a cultural hub in the 21st century while still honoring its historical roots.
Day 2: Reflections on Simplicity, Religion, and Urban Harmony
D.T. Suzuki Museum
On the second day, we visited the D.T. Suzuki Museum, a serene space dedicated to the Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki. The museum’s minimalist architecture deeply resonated with our exploration of urban planning principles, as it embodied a perfect balance between simplicity and harmony in design. We reflected on how the museum integrates the natural environment into the urban landscape, using design to create a meditative atmosphere, representing an ideal fusion of nature, space, and culture in urban contexts.
Adjacent to the castle, we explored Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most renowned landscape gardens. Here, we observed the careful design principles from the Edo period and noted how recent restoration efforts continued to preserve its historic charm while enhancing durability against natural disasters.
Higashi Chaya District
Our final stop was the Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved area known for its traditional teahouses and the cultural atmosphere of old Kanazawa. The district allowed us to observe firsthand how Kanazawa’s cultural identity is preserved in a modern urban setting. Walking through the narrow streets and alleys, we felt the district’s vibrant energy, where historical buildings continue to serve as a vital part of the community’s daily life. The district offered a perfect conclusion to our trip, demonstrating how Kanazawa’s cultural past continues to thrive amidst modern development.
Conclusion
The seminar’s zemitrip to Kanazawa provided invaluable insights into how the city successfully blends historical preservation with modern urban planning. Kanazawa’s ability to recover from the 2024 Noto Earthquake while maintaining its cultural and architectural integrity left a strong impression on us. The visit allowed us to see how a city with such a deep history can evolve without compromising its heritage, providing a model for balancing urban growth with cultural preservation.