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Kanazawa / Hokuriku
金沢・北陸
Tradition, Innovation, and
the Ancient Aesthetics of Japan
With the new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line, it’s easier than ever to access the Hokuriku region.
At the center is Kanazawa, the castle town and erstwhile center of political and cultural influence on par with Kyoto and old Edo (Tokyo).
Immerse yourself in this unique culture to discover its ancient aesthetic traditions – and the course of their modern-day evolution.
Meeting the Legendary Figures of Hokuriku
Cuisine Steeped in Tea Tradition
During the Edo period (1603-1868), Kanazawa flourished as the Kaga Domain’s castle town, whose lords were generous patrons of cultural development. With their support, tea ceremony took root here broadly and deeply – not only among the samurai but also among merchants and artisans. Under its powerful cultural influence, wagashi confectionery and traditional artisanal handicrafts developed, alongside sake brewing supplemented by the abundant produce of the surrounding mountains. From these, Kaga cuisine emerged and developed to a high degree of culinary sophistication.
A leading master of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, Nara teaches its ways at home and abroad. For him, understanding the spirit of tea ceremony is a way to deepen the joy of partaking in the region’s delicious gourmet offerings. What makes Kanazawa perfect as a gourmet city?
Vestiges of Samurai Heritage in Kanazawa’s Culture
As a city untouched by war in the 400 years since its founding by the Kaga Domain during the Edo period, Kanazawa is a relative rarity in the history of Japan. Thanks to this, its historic streets and beautiful natural environment both remain in excellent condition today.
Those interested in really appreciating the city’s charms are advised to give themselves plenty of time during their stay so as to really glimpse life in the day-to-day here, and the unique culture rooted in the land.
Seiichi Yamamoto, proprietor of two popular boutique inns in the Hokuriku region, also serves as a travel concierge helping visitors to get off the beaten path and make the most out of their visit to the city. Peruse the city on foot with expert guidance to get the most out of it.
Recommended Experiences
Kaga Yuzen Private Atelier Tour & Silk Painting Experience at Kanazawa
Kanazawa
|
120mins
|from ¥32,000/person
Traditional, All-Natural Kintsugi Experience in Kanazawa, the City of Crafts
Kanazawa
|120mins
|from ¥46,000/person
Lacquerware Decoration Experience from an Artisan in Kanazawa, City of Crafts
Kanazawa
|100mins
|from ¥53,000/person
Enjoy Kaga Kaiseki Cuisine, Tea Ceremony, and a Tour of a 400-Year-Old Garden near Kenrokuen, Kanazawa
Kanazawa
|180mins
|from ¥44,000/person
Learn to Make Edomae Sushi from a Master Chef in a Private Restaurant Experience in Kanazawa
Kanazawa
|180mins
|from ¥54,000/person
Taste the Finest Sake at Fukumitsuya, Kanazawa's Oldest Brewery—Optional Brewery Tour Available
Kanazawa
|60mins
|from ¥19,000/person
Private Sake Tasting and Gallery Tour at the Brewery of Noguchi Naohiko, the “God of Sake Brewing”
Kanazawa
|60mins
|from ¥86,000/group
Sowa Style Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa, where Historic Tea Traditions Thrive
Kanazawa
|120mins
|from ¥40,000/person
Tea Ceremony by Urasenke Deputy Tea Master Sokyu Nara at Historic Tearoom in Kanazawa
Kanazawa
|60mins
|from ¥211,000/group
Private Tour of Ohi Museum in Kanazawa With Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI—Enjoy Matcha in Ohi Ware
Kanazawa
|60mins
|from ¥17,000/person
Create Kutani Ware Matcha Bowls at Kanazawa’s “To-an” Workshop Ceramics Experience
Kanazawa
|120mins
|from ¥37,000/person
Dine at an Auberge in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District and Enjoy an Elegant Evening With Geisha
Kanazawa
|240mins
|from ¥102,000/person
Recommended Accommodations
[1 Night] Stay at an Inn in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District and Enjoy an Elegant Evening With Geisha
Kanazawa
|1night
|from ¥140,000/person
[1 Night] Stay at an Inn in Higashi Chaya District, Enjoy Kanazawa's Fine Cuisine and Bonsai Making
Kanazawa
|1night
|from ¥84,000/person
[2 Nights] A Journey of Fine Wine and Food at Maki no Oto Kanazawa Inn—With Private Tour of Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
Kanazawa
|2nights
|from ¥165,000/person
Our concierge team is at your service
- • Transportation arrangements
- • Organizing your experiences and itinerary
- • Additional details about specific experiences
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