Zeniya Gohei, based in Kanaiwa, the mouth of the Sai River that flows through Kanazawa City, built a vast fortune through Kitamae-bune. However, his property was confiscated in the aftermath of the clan’s political struggle and Gohei himself was a tragic figure who died in prison. There are “Zenigo Park” and “Zeniya Gohei Memorial Hall” in the Kanaiwa area and related materials are also left at Ono Minato Shrine, which is adjacent to the memorial hall. In Kanazawa, the leading shipowners of Kitamae-bune were lined up on both sides of the Ono River which emptys into the current Kanazawa Port. Especially the prosperity of Awagasaki on the right bank can be seen by looking at the many gorgeous funa-ema dedicated to the Awagasaki Hachiman Shrine.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Kanazawa City
The Gohei Zeniya Family Nennendome-tsuketaricho (autograph diary that tells the family precepts and the trend at the peak)
An autograph diary written by Gohei that tells the precepts of the wealthy merchant Zeniya family who made a fortune through the Kitamae-bune, and the trend at the peak.
Shohansha of Senchoji Temple
The teahouse of the wealthy merchant Gohei Zeniya retreat, which was made a fortune through Kitamae-bune. Buddhist tools and garden stones carried by Kitamae-bune remain.
Materials related to the Nakayama Family
Documents that tell the history of Miyanokoshi prospered by Kitamae-bune and are handed down to of the executive retainer's family of the town.
House, main building, west wall, and west storehouse of the Kanda Family
House of Sataro Minatoya, a small-cargo vessel wholesaler who made a fortune through Kitamae-bune.
Kanaiwa Komachinami Preservation Area
The old townscape of Miyanokoshi prospered by Kitamae-bune. Town houses and small-cargo vessel wholesalers create the taste of the past.
Documents related to the Ono Minato Shrine (big ema)
A giant ema depicting Miyanokoshi prospered by Kitamae-bune.
Belfry of the Honryuji Temple
Belfry donated by Kitamae-bune shipowner. There is also a grave of Zeniya Gohei on the grounds.
Framed votive plaque (ema) of the Awagasaki Hachima Shrine
A group of ema donated by the wealthy merchant Toemon Kiya who made a fortune through Kitamae-bune.
Shihon Chakushoku Renko (Kahokugata) Shinkei no Zu
Colored painting on paper of the real scenery of Renko (Kahokugata)
A picture scroll of 33 shaku (approximately 10m) in two volumes depicting the east and west shores of the Ono River.
The houses of the shipowners of Kitamae-bune are depicted.
Onomachi Komachinami Preservation District (townscape where the historical characteristic is preserved)
The old townscape of Ono prospered by Kitamae-bune. The houses of the Kitamae-bune shipowners line up.
