Terashima Kurando Samurai Residence
A tranquil samurai residence with a stunning moss garden, offering an intimate glimpse into Japan's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Terashima Kurando Samurai Residence
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil samurai residence with a stunning moss garden, offering an intimate glimpse into Japan's past.
"Much less crowded than the Samurai district house. Very nice staff and intimate Matcha experience."
🎯 Skip the Crowds
Visit early or late to enjoy this gem with fewer people. It's much less busy than other samurai houses!
🍵 Savor the Matcha
The optional matcha ceremony is highly recommended for its robust flavor and sweet treats.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peaceful Moss Garden
Garden
A tranquil oasis with ancient trees, perfect for quiet contemplation and stunning photos.
Authentic Samurai Dwelling
Residence interior
Step back in time to experience the architecture and lifestyle of a samurai family.
Intimate Matcha Ceremony
Matcha room
Enjoy a robust and fresh matcha with delightful sweets in a serene setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for an Intimate Experience
Embrace the Tranquility and Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip the Crowds
Visit early or late to enjoy this gem with fewer people. It's much less busy than other samurai houses!
🍵 Savor the Matcha
The optional matcha ceremony is highly recommended for its robust flavor and sweet treats.
I mapped Nomura-ke, a historic samurai residence in Kanazawa (plus some imagination), using Crosshead assets :)
Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, Kanazawa, September 2023
💰 Affordable Entry
The admission fee is very reasonable, making it a great value for a unique cultural experience.
💳 Card Accepted
Good news for travelers: they accept credit cards for entry and matcha.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip the Crowds
Visit early or late to enjoy this gem with fewer people. It's much less busy than other samurai houses!
🍵 Savor the Matcha
The optional matcha ceremony is highly recommended for its robust flavor and sweet treats.
💰 Affordable Entry
The admission fee is very reasonable, making it a great value for a unique cultural experience.
💳 Card Accepted
Good news for travelers: they accept credit cards for entry and matcha.
📸 Peaceful Photography
The serene garden is perfect for capturing beautiful, tranquil shots without many distractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Terashima Kurando Samurai Residence for its peaceful atmosphere and significantly fewer crowds compared to other samurai houses in Kanazawa. The beautiful moss garden and the option for an intimate matcha ceremony are frequently highlighted as positive experiences, complemented by the friendly staff. While some might find it smaller than other residences, its charm lies in its tranquility and affordability.
"Having also been to the house in the samurai district, I can say that this was the better visit. Much less crowded (we were the only visitors), beautiful garden that you can walk around and explanation of the features of the house with English audio too. Very lovely staff too, highly recommended a quick stop here."
Sonia Patel
"Loved this place! Less busy than the more popular one in the area, so it would almost feel like ours since we lingered longer than other guest.
Also did the Macha Ceremony, and that was quite lovely too. The sweets they served were amazing, and would have purchased a whole box if were available but forgot to ask. The macha itself tasted very robust or fresh or macha forward — however you want to say excellent.
The ladies were so sweet too!
Would definitely go for the ceremony again.
The moss garden was very peaceful, would lovely to be able to just sit and contemplate."
Zombie Horde
"Must visit! Much less crowded than the Samurai district house. Very nice staff and intimate Matcha experience. Thank you for the amazing experience ♡"
Mich Elle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The residence is located in Kanazawa. It's accessible by local bus services from Kanazawa Station. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the samurai district.
While it's a bit of a hidden gem, it's well-signposted once you're in the vicinity of the samurai district. Using a map app on your phone is always helpful.
Many visitors walk between the residences in the Nagamachi Samurai District. For longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, local buses are a good option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The residence typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Admission is very affordable, often around 310 yen. This makes it an excellent value for experiencing a historic samurai dwelling and garden.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site upon arrival. Given its less crowded nature, advance booking is generally not necessary.
Yes, the matcha ceremony is an additional experience with a separate fee, typically around 360 yen, which includes tea and sweets.
Yes, credit cards are accepted for admission and the matcha ceremony, making payment convenient for international visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the traditional samurai house, walk through the beautifully maintained moss garden with ancient trees, and optionally participate in a serene matcha ceremony.
Yes, English audio guides are available to explain the features and history of the house, enhancing your understanding of samurai life.
A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes for the residence and garden. If you opt for the matcha ceremony, allow an additional 30 minutes.
The garden paths are generally well-maintained, but some areas might have uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility concerns should proceed with caution.
It's known for being significantly less crowded than the more famous Nomura-ke, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience of samurai history and garden design.
📸 📸 Photography
The moss garden, with its ancient trees and tranquil atmosphere, is a prime spot. The traditional architecture of the house also offers beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside the residence, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially in delicate areas.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful, soft light for the garden, while mornings can provide a peaceful ambiance. Consider the weather for the best mossy greens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the residence itself might not have specific play areas, the overall atmosphere is calm and conducive to a relaxed family outing. The optional matcha ceremony might be more suited for older children who can appreciate the quiet ritual and unique flavors. The affordability of the entrance fee also makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious families exploring Kanazawa.
💰 Budget Travelers
Its status as a less crowded alternative to other attractions means you get a more personal experience without paying a premium. The ability to pay with credit cards is also a bonus for travelers who prefer not to carry much cash. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture without breaking the bank.
couples
Consider participating in the matcha ceremony together for a unique cultural experience. Sharing this ritual, with its focus on mindfulness and refined taste, can be a memorable bonding activity. The overall calm and beauty of the residence make it a perfect spot for couples looking for a peaceful escape and a touch of Japanese tradition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Samurai Residence
An English audio guide is available, which significantly enhances the visitor experience by providing context and details about the house's features and the samurai lifestyle. This makes it accessible and informative even for those unfamiliar with Japanese history. The staff are also noted for their friendliness and willingness to share insights, adding a warm touch to the visit.
Key features to look out for include the layout of the rooms, designed for both living and defense, and the materials used in construction. The overall impression is one of understated elegance and functional design, reflecting the disciplined life of a samurai. It’s a perfect stop for anyone interested in Japanese history and traditional architecture.
The Serene Moss Garden
This garden is an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and photography. The tranquility here is a stark contrast to the often busy tourist paths elsewhere, allowing visitors to truly relax and appreciate the natural beauty. The design emphasizes harmony and balance, typical of traditional Japanese gardens, making it a restorative experience.
Visitors often express a desire to simply sit and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. The garden's design, with its carefully placed elements, invites a slow, mindful exploration. It’s a testament to the Japanese art of garden design, offering a serene escape and a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos.
Experiencing the Matcha Ceremony
Complementing the tea are delicious sweets, which guests have found so amazing they wished they could buy a whole box. The ceremony provides a moment of calm and cultural immersion, allowing you to appreciate the ritual and the refined taste of the matcha. The ladies conducting the ceremony are noted for their sweetness and hospitality, making the experience even more special.
This is more than just drinking tea; it's an opportunity to engage with a significant aspect of Japanese culture in a relaxed and personal setting. It’s a perfect way to round off your visit to the samurai residence, leaving you with a taste of tradition and a sense of well-being.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit