Kanazawa, located on Japan’s west coast in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city rich in history, culture, and traditional charm. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa offers visitors a glimpse into old Japan through areas like Higashi Chaya, where tea houses and geisha culture still thrive. The city is home to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring stunning landscapes that change with the seasons. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle adds to the city’s historic appeal. The Nagamachi samurai district allows visitors to explore the lives of samurai families, while the modern 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art highlights Kanazawa’s balance of tradition and innovation. The city is also famous for its gold leaf craftsmanship, seen in everything from souvenirs to gold-dusted ice cream. With its blend of history, art, and culinary delights like fresh seafood from Omicho Market, Kanazawa offers a quieter yet culturally rich experience that rivals Japan’s more famous destinations. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
Kanazawa is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its Edo Period charm, samurai heritage, and vibrant artisan traditions. As the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, it became a hub of art, craftsmanship, and learning, rivaling the cultural significance of Kyoto and Edo. Remarkably, Kanazawa escaped destruction during WWII, leaving much of…
Kenrokuen Gardens, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, captured just before a torrential downpour turned it into a scene out of a weather drama. This historic garden in Kanazawa is famous for its six perfect attributes—spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, watercourses, and panoramas. Here, a fleeting moment of serenity with its iconic stone lanterns, winding…