Kyoto who? With its perfectly preserved samurai and geisha districts (you could see them both), Kanazawa is just as much a cultural jewel as its more famous cousin, with attractions your local host is eager to share with you. You might want to see the city’s shrines and temples, like Oyama Shrine (its gate marries elements of Japanese and Chinese architecture) and Tentokuin temple, built in the 17th century by the Maeda samurai clan. Speaking of the Maeda clan, Kanazawa Castle, the clan’s historic seat of power, is a must-visit, but so are the city’s modern attractions, like Omicho Market and its famous croquettes – it’s not called the “Kitchen of Kanazawa” for nothing! – or the trendy cafes and stores lining the crowded Katamachi shopping district, a small slice of the big city.  

Set aside your guidebook, because your local host will plan the perfect itinerary in central Kanazawa. You might spend hours in the Nagamachi area, a samurai district at the foot of Kanazawa Castle providing a glimpse into the Kanazawa of a century ago, while the districts of Nishi Chaya 15 minutes south (a single street where you’ll find rakugan, Kanazawa’s pastel-colored sweets) and the more famous Higashi Chaya 1.5 miles north are must-sees if you’re hoping to spy elusive geisha among old converted geisha houses. Fancy some shopping? The Kanazawa Station area a mile west is a lively hub of stores and restaurants, while Tatemachi street, an ultra-cool shopping promenade lined with trendy fashion boutiques, is a perfect snapshot of modern Kanazawa.