Mar 4, 2015 - 1 min read

Drum Gate of New Kanazawa Station

Motenashi Dome waiting for Hokuriku's Shinkansen debut

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Tsuzumi-mon (Drum Gate) is modeled after a drum used in the Kaga-Hoshou - famous traditional Noh performance in Kaga region. Two pillars in the shape of Japanese drums support a curving roof.

Motenashi (welcome) Dome located at the east exit of Kanazawa Station

The magnificent Drum Gate supporting a giant dome is a new landmark in the ancient city of Kanazawa

Count-down board indicating the days to the Hokuriku Shinkansen opening

The entrance-way to Kanazawa is made of 3,019 pieces of glass! It's so bright and provides visitors a shelter from the rain.

Prior to the upcoming opening on March 14th, a test ride of Hokuriku Shinkansen was held on this day!

Test-ride passengers were welcomed by Miss Hyakumangoku (Kanazawa) and others

Motenashi Dome viewed from the bus terminal at the east exit of Kanazawa Station

On February 7th, I departed for a trip to Hokuriku region to see snow.

Kanazawa Station was bustling with local people who had been awaiting the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen for so long, and was crowded with tourists, too. Since Kanazawa has lots of rain and snow, they built a glass dome called, 'Motenashi (welcome) Dome', to provide shelter for visitors. This gigantic dome is supported by two massive pillars, which are modeled after the Japanese drums used in Kaga-Hoshou, the traditional Noh performance in this region. These pillars are called, 'Tsuzumi-mon (Drum Gate)'. Both the dome and gate are symbols of new Kanazawa Station, which surely has a brilliant future ahead!

Ancient City Kanazawa 1. Delicacies of Noto Peninsula 2. Drum Gate of New Kanazawa Station 3. Symmetrical Beauty at Kenrokuen 4. Stone Paved Streets of Kanazawa