Onosho Canal
The Oldest canal of Kanazawa, Reflecting the History of the Samurai District
The Onosho Canal is one of the oldest and most historical among the many canals in Kanazawa. Drawing its water from the Saigawa River, it earned its name from the "Onosho" district (near present-day Kanazawa Port) to which it flows.
During the Edo period, this canal played a vital role as a transport artery for the city. It functioned as a canal for transporting timber, rice paid as land tax, and other essential goods toward Kanazawa Castle. Beyond its industrial use, it was an indispensable part of daily life, serving as both a domestic water source and a critical defense against fire.
Today, as it flows alongside the earthen walls of the Nagamachi Samurai District, the canal remains an iconic symbol of Kanazawa’s rich atmosphere. In winter, the reflection of the komo-gake (straw mats protecting the walls from snow) on the water’s surface, combined with the gentle sound of the current, continues to preserve the scenery of the castle town just as it was centuries ago.
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- Address
- 金沢市
