Located on the remote coast of the Sea of Japan, this city isn't easy to reach. From Tokyo, there are only two direct trains per day—taking six hours—but it's well worth the effort. This reconstructed, classic castle town (only the gate of the original castle still stands) offers streets of samurai houses and two geisha quarters.
Visit the Nomura Family House, an atmospheric old samurai residence, and stroll through the Higashi geisha district. An old geisha house called Ochaya Shima is open to the public. Don't miss Kenroku-en, which was once the castle lord's private garden, now one of the most distinguished landscape gardens in the country. We like the garden best early in the morning, before the crowds arrive (the garden opens at 7 am in summer, 8 am in winter). The city also has a long tradition of fine craftsmanship. Watch the production of gold leaf at Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, pottery at Kosen Kiln and hand-painted silk kimono fabric at Saihitsu-an Silk-Dyeing Center. Kanazawa is also the jumping-off point for the beautiful and still unspoiled Noto Peninsula, renowned for its seafood and fine Wajima lacquer.
180 mi/290 km northwest of Tokyo.
