A rival to Kyoto as the historic jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is a melting pot of Japanese art, culture, and tradition. With your local host to help you squeeze in as many sights as possible, you’ll experience the perfectly preserved history of this gorgeous city. Entertainment district Higashi Chaya is a must-visit for anyone hoping to spot elusive, ethereal geisha, while a tranquil stroll through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, should be on every bucket list. You could browse stalls at the 280-year-old “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, and see the unique Oyama Shrine with its Dutch-style stained glass on the third floor, or maybe you’ll be content to spend hours at the impressive Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of power of the Maeda samurai clan. 

In central Kanazawa, tradition reigns supreme, with beautifully preserved Edo-era districts creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan. With your local host leading you down picturesque old-world streets, you could see two of these districts for yourself. You might explore the Nagamachi neighborhood, a historic samurai district at the foot of Kanazawa Castle where you’ll get a snapshot of life in Japan a century ago, or maybe you’ll visit entertainment district Higashi Chaya a mile north across Asano River, where old geisha houses have been converted into teahouses and restaurants, and workshops selling Kanazawa’s gold-leaf crafts are scattered throughout. Less than a mile west, the Omicho Market Area is the perfect place to join locals for a quick bite.