Articles about Kanazawa and Hokuriku region — Kenrokuen Garden, geisha districts, gold leaf craftsmanship, and day trips to Shirakawa-go.
A 2026 visitor guide to the gold leaf experience Kanazawa offers: hands-on workshops at Hakuichi and Sakuda, where to find the famous gold-leaf ice cream, what souvenirs are worth buying, and how to book.
Kanazawa is Japan’s most underrated food city. The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, it avoided the aerial bombing that destroyed most Japanese cities during World War II, which means it still has intact historic districts — geisha quarters, samurai neighbourhoods, merchant arcades — that form the backdrop for a food culture of extraordinary depth and sophistication. The city’s proximity to the Sea of Japan means fresh seafood arrives daily in unparalleled variety and quality. Its agricultural hinterland — the Noto Peninsula to the north, the Hakusan mountain range to the east — provides vegetables, mushrooms, […]
Your complete Kanazawa travel guide: top sights including Kenroku-en garden, Higashi Chaya geisha district, Nagamachi samurai quarter, food at Omicho market, and practical tips for first-time visitors.
Complete walking guide to Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa: the Shima geisha house museum, gold leaf workshops, matcha cafes, best times to visit, and how to spot Kanazawa's working geigi.
Complete visitor guide to Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa: tickets, best time to visit for cherry blossom and autumn foliage, top spots, and how to get there from Kanazawa Station.