Ishikawa Gate faces Kenrokuen Garden and stands as the symbol of the castle town of Kanazawa. The name Ishikawa Gate is derived from it looking toward Ishikawa county. It is said that the gate existed before Lord Toshiie Maeda's entry into Kanazawa Castle in 1583. Ishikawa Gate is a combination of two towers and many gates, and while most of the castle structures were destroyed by a fire during the Meiji Period, the gate escaped damage. Being very frail in protection compared to the other sides of Kanazawa Castle, there are narrow gates to shoot guns and arrows from on the NAMAKO slate walls and openings in the bow windows from which stones can be dropped. They recall the severity of the feudal past. The lead shingles turning white with rust beautify the gate's gallant appearance.