Shoko wore a cream-colored kimono adorned with delicate gold and silver chrysanthemum patterns Its subdued tones were complemented by vivid red sleeves she quietly offered a prayer to her late father With a brush larger and longer than her own arm she poured her energy into completing the kanji in one stroke Wishing everyone a radiant and shining year ahead!" She added cheerfully Happy New Year!" When asked by a reporter about her resolutions for the year Located in Kugahara, Ota Ward its first floor was converted into a gallery café providing a space for Shoko to interact directly with visitors will now be open to the public as an exhibition space showcasing her work and 翔 (soar) have carried messages relevant to the times combines "light" and "army." In a world still shrouded in the darkness of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East it expresses a wish for an "army of light" to bring peace and hope to those suffering from despair and strife You must be logged in to post a comment. ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " JapanChevron Ishikawa PrefectureChevron KanazawaChevron one must painstakingly apply urushi (lacquer made from tree sap) to the object—say builds the resilience of the wood and the durability of the finished products It also depends on the persistence and perseverance of its practitioners Decades into fine-tuning her craft and growing her business when the ground in her Wajima studio opened up beneath her feet More than 400 died and thousands of buildings were destroyed including the studios and homes of many Wajima-nuri artisans thus jeopardizing the future of the centuries-old craft Ross is one of thousands of residents from Noto who have since relocated to Kanazawa Kanazawa’s appeal among those impacted by the Noto earthquake is not only its proximity to the peninsula but also its support for evacuees and craftspeople The city is offering displaced artisans—Wajima-nuri artists and more—who have been forced to relocate to Kanazawa subsidies of up to ¥500,000 (about $3,300) to set up new studios Ross says that her immediate instinct after the earthquake was to leave Japan in part thanks to the city-offered subsidy that she would remain and rebuild her business in Kanazawa The Japanese craft of Wajima-nuri tableware (pictured) was born in Wajima a city devastated during the deadly 2024 Noto earthquake Kanazawa, Japan is featured in Bright Ideas in Travel 2024 and projects moving the travel industry into the future For its financial support of Japanese artists affected by the 2024 Noto earthquake we honored the city of Kanazawa as a destination committed to the values of community and inclusion from tea ceremonies to silk-dyeing workshops and it donates a portion of the revenue from bookings to Noto’s recovery The city has also been organizing trade events including the Support Noto craft fair held in Kanazawa Station in November 2024 where Noto artisans working in Wajima-nuri and textiles came together to sell their products so that they can continue making and selling This sense of dignity is important to Ofuji: Department stores around Japan offered to buy his old wares saying that he wants to receive orders for new pieces The Japanese city of Kanazawa is a historic hub of various creative traditions like silk painting and kimono making (as seen here) and is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Crafts and Folk Art per resident: 1.6 times more than Toyonaka Ofuji says that supporting the Wajima-nuri industry is so important because “making crafts is their life.” The relationship between craft and artisan is symbiotic: The survival of the craft depends upon the survival of artisans continuing to make it “The earthquake has revealed the problems” that Wajima-nuri was already facing as many of the region’s shrinking group of artisans were already facing economic uncertainty prior to the devastating natural disaster To prevent the disappearance of traditional crafts, Kanazawa launched its Ichigo Ichie program in 2013 which supports both the local community and the tourism economy by coordinating collaborations between travel agencies and craftspeople and arranging tourist visits to private studios It’s mutually beneficial: Travelers get a deeper look into the destination’s cultural heritage and artisans receive income that helps them continue to practice their craft says that visitors’ requests for the program doubled between 2023 and 2024 and that she is “most happy when a customer purchases an artist’s work.” The Ichigo Ichie program helps coordinate tourist visits to private artisan studios in Kanazawa allowing visitors to learn more about traditional crafts such as gold leaf artistry (seen here) Before the earthquake destroyed her studio, gallery, and home, Ross had been imagining a project with a similar ethos to the Ichigo Ichie program that would harness tourism to support Noto’s artisan economy by bringing visitors to Wajima to meet craftspeople has been to sell products abroad rather than bring visitors to meet and buy directly from craftspeople which she puts down to its rural setting: “It can be a bit of an island,” she says But she’s hoping that things will be different in Kanazawa “I’m hoping that in Kanazawa it might be easier to get people [from the tourism sector] to come along with me,” she says Finding her feet in Kanazawa has been a long and difficult process “You develop a certain tolerance for the long process,” Ross says of Wajima-nuri and of life as an artisan whose offices and atelier were destroyed in the earthquake he envisions a “creative reconstruction” of Wajima He hopes to achieve this by creating a Wajima-nuri village a six-seat kaiseki restaurant that promotes the craft by serving each course on Wajima-nuri tableware Taya’s confidence in the future lies in the enduring strength of the Wajima-nuri community Wajima-nuri lacquerware is only ever as strong as its base he explains: “The community is the base of Wajima-nuri.” To read about more of Condé Nast Traveler’s Bright Ideas in Travel honorees like Kanazawa, Japan, see the full list for 2024 Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips 45 Abandoned Places Around the World That You Can Visit The Cheapest Nicest Hotels in Paris The Women Who Travel Power List 2025 On Oregon's Central Coast, Vacationing Feels Timeless—Not Trendy up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Kanazawa is as good as it gets for fresh sushi in Japan Photo by Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism League Nestled right on the Sea of Japan with an ever-trafficked fishing port, Kanazawa is as good as it gets in Japan for fresh fish you can snag for one quarter – or even one-tenth – of the price in Kanazawa you’ll have divine and prized morsels like you’ve never had before Kanazawa is regarded as yellowtail heaven (or buri as it is known locally) Its waters also bear seafood that most have never even heard of a blackthroat seaperch that will have you booking a trip back to Kanazawa pronto and it’s everywhere at local dining destinations from public market morsels to a conveyor-belt gem that’s more of an art gallery than a restaurant here are the best places for dabbling in Japan’s sushi capital This is the city’s bustling city market, lovingly known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen.” Inside Omicho Market you’ll find more than 170 stalls and shops selling everything from massive Ruby Roman grapes to larger-than-life snow crabs to Choose and nosh on what looks appealing and intriguing to you. A favorite is grilled anago on a stick, with a hearty portion running ¥500 (US$3.25) from a handful of vendors. Another must-try dish is kaisedon, which is basically a sushi bowl made from the market’s fish. The Yutaka Saison shop does it best in the market – look for the neon yellow curtains out front; you can’t miss it If navigating it all feels intimidating, there are plenty of guided, translated tours available, too. Visit Kanazawa offers one that includes a cooking workshop For a nightcap and to experience some more local flair, head upstairs to the Station Bar The friendly and well-versed staff make super-elaborate cocktails ranging from Japanese fruit-mixed sips to sake-infused ice cream There’s a world-class liquor selection piled high behind the bar and overtaking the bar – see how many bottles you can count Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture have a growingly international flair, equating, in part, to some unique food collabs. This Italian-Japanese restaurant from Matteo Alberti operates on a reservation-only basis and serves a set seasonal menu for ¥13,000 (US$85). It’s a flavorful journey spanning curated wines, fluffy focaccia and locally-inspired bites, like gnocchi with shrimp. Fun fact and perhaps an added testament to Origo’s quality: in 2024 Alberti won a global photography contest for a snap of a hanging buri in the restaurant Michelin-star alert! This Kanazawa original has not only one, but two stars and specializes in tsumami (small dishes). Reservations are required, and you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible, perhaps even pre-trip. Once you’re in Otome Sushi but don’t worry; you’re in the best of hands Along the way and at its simple yet elegant black counter you’ll try 20 or so bites (¥22,000/US$144) focusing on the best seasonal finds sea urchin or bedazzled – grilled or vinegared – mackerel Consider Barrier the ultra-trendy spot for a totally unique and vibe-y night out Resembling a contemporary art gallery versus any sushi restaurant you’ve ever seen you walk through a set of automatic white doors and are faced with streamlined sit-down bliss with select paintings on the lower level Upstairs are all black rooms with individual red table setups – you sit on the floor to enjoy the meal C and D (plus a vegetarian option) with prices ranging ¥4000–9000 (US$26–59) It’s all served in a shelved box – you pull out each shelf when you’re ready but make a reservation to be safe – it's open from 11am to 9pm daily 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kanazawa University's Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) is now accepting proposals from industry partners for collaborative research utilizing the world's most advanced bio-scanning probe microscope (Bio-SPM) technology This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking industrial applications by leveraging WPI-NanoLSI's pioneering expertise in nano-life sciences.Advancing Industry Innovation with Bio-SPM TechnologyWPI-NanoLSI is dedicated to driving progress in nano-life sciences by advancing Bio-SPM technologies scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) These techniques enable unprecedented visualization of dynamic biological and material phenomena at the nanoscale.Through this collaboration industry researchers and engineers will have the opportunity to work alongside WPI-NanoLSI experts to explore innovative applications of Bio-SPM technology The scope of research extends beyond biological samples encompassing a wide range of materials and industrial applications The advanced imaging capabilities of Bio-SPM offer the potential to capture nanometer-scale phenomena in motion—achievements that remain unattainable with conventional measurement techniques Why Partner with WPI-NanoLSI?With over 80 leading researchers and access to approximately 60 state-of-the-art Bio-SPM devices, WPI-NanoLSI has delivered significant scientific breakthroughs, including:- Structural analysis of microtubule interiors (Nano Lett., 2025) - https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/highlights/32417/ - Real-time visualization of glutamate receptor molecule dynamics (ACS Nano, 2024) - https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/highlights/31557/ - Observation of influenza virus genome synthesis processes (ACS Nano, 2024) - https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/highlights/31433/ - Study of intrinsically disordered protein structures (Nat. Nanotechnology, 2020) - https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/highlights/19908/ - Live-cell nanoscale imaging (Sci Adv, 2021) – https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/highlights/22249/ For more details on the types of Bio-SPM and their applications, please visit the below link and click 'Overview of each Bio-SPM technology.'https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/applications/bio-spm/ WPI-NanoLSI, Kanazawa UniversityEmail : [email protected] About Kanazawa University and WPI-NanoLSIKanazawa University is a leading research institution dedicated to advancing science and technology on a global scale The Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) is at the forefront of nano-life science research pioneering Bio-SPM technologies to explore biological structures and interactions with unprecedented detail Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2631664/Kanazawa_University_BioSPMResearch.jpg Scientists at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) Kanazawa University have captured real-time footage showing how a key hormone receptor.. demonstrates a novel approach for nanoscopic profiling of small extracellular.. Health Care & Hospitals Computer & Electronics STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) Nanotechnology Do not sell or share my personal information: Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report the city with the golden touch and history of traditional crafts is now on many-a-vacation-planner’s radar after two prominent magazine features both spotlighted Ishikawa’s prefectural capital in autumn articles Officials said the city was also the only travel destination either publication chose from East Asia “We are glad that media outlets of world renown recognize Kanazawa’s charms and our efforts toward sustainable tourism,” Mayor Takashi Murayama told a news conference on Nov Kanazawa made National Geographic’s “25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025” list published in late October and was hailed as a destination where visitors can “get a taste of authentic Japan” without the crowds Among the city’s draws are its quarter of historical wooden teahouses the elegant Kenroku-en garden and a district of samurai homes dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) The National Geographic article also notes that Kanazawa produces 99 percent of Japan’s traditional gold leaf that visitors can use to decorate items in hands-on experiences Conde Nast Traveler featured Kanazawa as one of 12 travel destinations in its “Bright Ideas in Travel 2024.” The list highlights locales for their innovative approaches to tourism how city authorities laid a new path to support traditional crafts The “Kanazawa Ichigo Ichie” (Kanazawa once in a lifetime) program that started in 2013 and allows travelers to tour artisans’ studios is one endeavor Officials added that Conde Nast Traveler also gave high marks to the city for its efforts to assist craftspeople displaced by the Noto Peninsula earthquake that upended the region in January The Kanazawa government’s tourism policy section shared that Ishikawa Prefecture has seen around 1,116,000 non-Japanese travelers stay at lodgings with 10 or more staff during the first eight months of 2024 This figure from the Japan Tourism Agency’s Overnight Travel Statistics Survey already exceeds 933,000 tourists fo all of 2023 “So many travelers from overseas have said they wish to experience Japanese culture,” said a member of the Kanazawa government’s tourism policy section This makes Ishikawa an outlier as those from Western nations make up only about 25 percent of visitors to other prefectures; officials said this was also reflected in Kanazawa the city government has poured its efforts into promoting tourism in Western countries this involved participating in travel industry expos in Italy and elsewhere for business negotiations and inviting travel agency representatives on people on tours with its mayor in support of refining its offerings further “We hope to do a promotion focusing on luxury-minded travelers from Western countries whose travel needs match our city’s tourism resources and to work to improve the environment here for hosting them,” Murayama said Tokyo named best big city in the world by U.S Kyoto ranked as best big city in the world by U.S International travelers top 1 million for 1st time since 2020 Local campaigns seek to attract tourists back after curbs lifted Great shortfall of China: Australia’s biggest tourism market returns with a whimper Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. Please upgrade to a more modern version to fully experience JapanToday site and for security reasons Teach, lead, and inspire! Unlock your dream career with Jstyle No point in rushing things I suppose, it's only the art lovers who will be inconvenienced since most have never heard of this gallery anyway. A pity. An amazing museum. Been multiple times. Love Kanazawa. If could relocate to once place in Japan, this would be it. Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts. A mix of what's trending on our other sites PERTH/MIES (Australia/Switzerland) – Rising Japanese star An Kanazawa celebrated taking MVP honors at the 14th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Kanazawa headlined the Girls Awards at the camp in Perth - the third time that the event was held in Australia This year's BWB Asia camp also formed part of the inaugural HoopsFest - a multi-day basketball competition and fan weekend supported by Basketball Australia and the NBL A post shared by NextGen Hoops (@nextgenhoops) The Japanese ace was the top performer amongst the 30 participating girls aged 17 and under who were invited from across Asia-Pacific All the campers had the unique experience of learning directly from current and former FIBA legends and coaches - as well as competing against their peers from the region It turned out to be a memorable camp for Japanese basketball with Kanazawa joined by her compatriots Otoha Goto and Yui Seito also obtaining recognition for their work The duo both shone for their country at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup earlier this year while Seito impressed with her intensity and landed the Defensive MVP accolade Kanazawa and Goto also locked down a place in the eight-strong All-Star list for the camp A post shared by Basketball Without Borders (@basketballwithoutborders) Meanwhile there will be excitement around the long-term future of the Tall Ferns with a trio of exciting New Zealand talents all cementing a spot in the shape of Keriana Hippolite Bailey Flavell and Pahlyss Hokianga Heather Zara Russell and Jade Crook flew the flag on home soil as the Australian pair also made it with the final berth taken by Chen Chia Shan Pan of Chinese Taipei As well as working intensively on their basketball skills all the BWB Asia campers also took part in sessions that touched on life-skills leadership development and social responsibility programming which outfitted participants with Nike apparel and footwear kept players and coaches hydrated throughout the camp Kanazawa 21st Century Museum in Ishikawa Prefecture will be temporarily closed for large-scale renovations from May 2027 to March 2028 which opened with the aim of “creating new culture” and “fostering new vibrancy in the city,” has become a key venue for contemporary art exhibitions and programs Under the leadership of curator and art critic Yuko Hasegawa the museum’s collection has grown significantly since its opening What started with 200 pieces in 2004 now boasts a collection of approximately 4,200 works as of 2024 While the museum temporarily closed some exhibition zones following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake it reopened approximately six months later The planned closure is part of the “FY2025 Initial Budget” announced on February 25 which includes a budget of 96.2 million yen for the “Kanazawa 21st Century Museum Improvement Project.” This funding will be used to complete the design for the museum’s extensive renovations aimed at ensuring a comfortable environment for visitors the budget includes funding for upcoming exhibitions such as “SIDE CORE,” which is scheduled to open on October 18 and the “6th Kanazawa World Craft Triennale” in November Other allocations include the operational costs for “Kanazawa Museum Plus,” a digital archive of the museum’s collection a joint project with the Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum and the National Crafts Museum the museum is hosting two exhibitions: “DANCING WITH ALL: The Ecology of Empathy,” which runs until March 16 and “Collection Exhibition 3,” which will be on display until May 11 2025 (Sunday)10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays) Admission: General: 1,400 yen (1,100 yen)University Students: 1,000 yen (800 yen)Elementary and High School Students: 500 yen (400 yen)Seniors (65 and above): 1,100 yen*This admission ticket also grants access to the concurrently running “Collection Exhibition.”*The prices in parentheses are for online purchases and group tickets (20 or more people).*Tickets will be available for sale until 30 minutes before closing at the on-site ticket counter Closed Days: Mondays (except for November 4 Contact: Kanazawa 21st Century MuseumTEL: 076-220-2800 2025 (Sunday)First Half: February 1 (Saturday) – March 23 (Sunday)Second Half: March 25 (Tuesday) – May 11 (Sunday)10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays) Venue:Kanazawa 21st Century MuseumFirst Half: Exhibition Rooms 1–4 Long-Term Installation RoomSecond Half: Exhibition Rooms 1–6 Admission:General: 450 yen (360 yen)University Students: 310 yen (240 yen)Elementary and High School Students: FreeSeniors (65 and above): 360 yen(The prices in parentheses are for group tickets of 20 or more people.)Tickets will be available for sale until 30 minutes before closing at the on-site ticket counter Closed Days:Mondays (except for February 24 and May 5) Art Encouragement Days:Every second Saturday of the month during the exhibition period (February 8 2025)Kanazawa citizens can visit the exhibition for free Please present an official document (driver’s license or any public document verifying your address) at the general information desk for verification Contact:Kanazawa 21st Century MuseumTEL: 076-220-2800 Note: The works of Rirkrit Tiravanija (Exhibition Room 3) are under adjustment and will not be available for viewing for the time being NiEW Best Music is a playlist featuring artists leading the music scene and offering alternative styles in our rapidly evolving society the NiEW editorial team proudly curates outstanding music that transcends size AD have been a point of local pride in Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture for centuries: back in the samurai days the wealthy Maeda family ruled modern-day Ishikawa from Kanazawa Rather than using their considerable fortune for military or political goals they spent resources building the region into a center of arts and crafts establishing and supporting various craft industries by inviting artisans from around Japan Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture have been known for centuries nationwide for all sorts of hand-crafted items running the gamut from practical yet beautiful everyday tools to opulent artistic decorations Kogei Art Fair Kanazawa 2024 is this year’s installment of Japan's only art fair explicitly focused on contemporary crafts featuring work by fresh new talent and internationally acclaimed masters and held in a city with a virtually unparalleled history of artistic excellence yet so much more: it aims to show off innovative approaches to kogei crafts and how these artistic techniques are just as valuable as ever in today's world contemporary sensibilities into techniques that have centuries of history making this a fascinating time for art lovers to be in Kanazawa There are hundreds of pieces on display to encounter across multiple floors of one of the city’s leading hotelsーno matter your tastes you're certain to fall in love with something new There's even more to experience outside the hotel. For example, the National Crafts Museum opened its doors a few years ago at its new location in Kanazawa with exhibits highlighting modern and contemporary work in kogei crafts In addition to the museum's special events coinciding with the Kogei Art Fair Kanazawa 2024 visits to local artists and various programs are also organized Visits feature an English-speaking interpreter guide and often include hands-on experiences rarely available to the public you won't want to miss this valuable opportunity which boast a presence within the international art fair scene This year's Kogei Art Fair also features a special VIP-style tour with commentary This is an excellent opportunity to discover recommended artists and trends in arts and crafts and to get a closer look at the exhibited works Bilingual interpreters are available to ensure that international guests won't have to worry about missing a thing The National Crafts Museum is organizing special events featuring commentary from the curator of the Imaginal Crafts exhibition followed by a chance to view the works on display English-speaking interpreters are available to assist with commentary and questions Another highlight is the museum's unique Touch & Talk program an interactive way for guests to experience crafts through hands-on experiences with example pieces from the National Crafts Museum's collection including Living National Treasures like Yasokichi Tokuda and Kunie Komori as well as other masters of contemporary crafts Rarely do museums invite guests to directly handle the items from their collection making this an unforgettable way to hone your appreciation of kogei crafts featuring an English-speaking interpreter guide to make it easier than ever to discover the cutting edge of art and crafts in Japan Choose one or two destinations that particularly interest you or visit them all for an even deeper appreciation of the past and present of art in Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture Terumasa Ikeda (Lacquer & Raden Inlay) Terumasa Ikeda made a name for himself with a high-tech approach to traditional crafts incorporating laser-cutting and CAD into his lacquering and raden mother-of-pearl inlay work to bring futuristic designs to life through centuries-old skills A visit to his studio in Kanazawa will offer a closer look at how his intricately detailed works are created and a chance to see some of his past works and talk with him about works and crafts in general Akihiko Sugita uses the traditional techniques of Wajima Lacquerware but with a distinctly clean leading some of his lacquerware to be used at prestigious restaurants overseas A visit to his charmingly old-fashioned lacquerware studio provides the opportunity to learn more about his handiwork Yuichi Nakata's work is beloved for its rustic lack of artifice with an approach to coloration and brushwork that blends and mingles Japanese and Western sensibilities Nakata's unique perspective informs these items that the history of ceramics and personal experiences are interwoven like a tapestry of an ongoing narrative still being told His studio is located in a renovated machiya townhouse that was once a tatami mat shop and visitors have the opportunity to encounter his philosophical worldview through both demonstrations of work and conversations with the artist directly serve as leaders who supervise every single step of the Kaga Yuzen dyeing process This holistic view of every step of the process offering visitors a rare chance to see everything from drawing the initial design Visitors can even try out some of these tasks for themselves This workshop visit also includes a special dance performance featuring a geisha wearing a kimono made with Kaga Yuzen dyed fabric Yoca Muta's works are hand-shaped to create results almost akin to paintings or ukiyo-e prints expressed in three dimensions making her work exceptionally well received by collectors internationally This visit brings guests to the new studio she established in 2023 to see the studio environment and how she works and to learn about artist's thoughts on crafts and art through interpreter-facilitated conversation A great way to complement these visits to contemporary artists' studios is to encounter and discover older arts and crafts at specialty shops run by people who are deeply passionate and knowledgeable about their wares Kanazawa has been the center of various traditional industries for centuries so it's no surprise that countless treasures can be discovered and rediscovered across the town Join an English-speaking interpreter guide for visits to lovely shops and lively chats you will never forget Ishiguro Shoten antique shop dates back to 1904 and still features beautiful wood latticework on its exterior has been given special recognition by the national government you'll find a selection of tea ceremony items The store is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year and visitors can enjoy matcha green tea served in antique cups savoring it while looking at masterpieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries Since its founding around the mid-19th century with a particular focus on tea ceremony items the family has prided itself on its refined sense of taste and style continuing on to the eighth-generation owner of this shop today The visit to the store is built around the theme of "The Joys of Drinking Vessel Crafts," and the shop owner will talk about the beauty of sake cups and servers This cozy shop offers a selection of tea ceremony utensils and other items carefully curated by the owner the participants start by heading out from Kashimoto Kin'yodo's location near the Higashi Chaya District They then walk through town to a traditional chaya geisha entertainment venue where guests enjoy matcha green tea served in an artisanal craft cup and the walking tour covers more than just antiques with plenty to learn about local culture and history Located near Kanazawa's famous 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Shirai Bijutsu was initially founded with the goal of offering a selection of excellent items to delight customers the shop focuses on local art with ties to Ishikawa Prefecture from the late 19th through mid-20th century the owner will talk about various precious items in his collection and guests can also enjoy matcha green tea and sweets at the historic Shoutou-an tearoom at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Toda Shoten was established in 1975 and handles a wide variety of works of art focusing on crafts and tea ceremony utensils from the local region This visit features a lineup centered around lacquerware decorated with maki-e a craft that has long been highly prized internationally providing guests with a quiet space to experience the tea ceremony firsthand using antique items Find more information about the unique visits or events on the official website of the Kogei Art Fair Kanazawa 2024, or sign up for the premium tour or special events here You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity if you're an art lover KANAZAWA — The cherry trees in Kanazawa have come into full bloom Taking advantage of the fine weather on Wednesday families spread out blankets along the rows of cherry trees in Saigawa Ryokuchi Park where they watched the cherry blossoms and enjoyed a breath of spring please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent “The weather was nice and pleasant,” said a smiling 40-year-old from Toyama who was visiting the famous nearby garden Kenrokuen with a friend “I’m going to go sightseeing and then see the cherry blossoms lit up.” Kenrokuen will be free of charge and will illuminate the trees at night until Sunday to allow visitors to see the flowers in full bloom Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Kanazawa University honored Professor John Maraldo with its 2024 award for advancing Nishida's philosophical studies calling for harmony with the natural world of the University of North Florida was the 2024 laureate.  Dr Maraldo described it as "an incredible honor and an encouragement to all scholars who contribute to Nishida studies." He was recognized for his contributions to the internationalization and development of Japanese philosophical studies Dr Maraldo related anecdotes from his first visit to Japan in 1971 They included his recollection of how he got to know Nishida and Suzuki many people welcomed me warmly and supported me,” he said I feel like I have only just scratched the surface of Suzuki and Nishida's groundbreaking ideas." Professor Maraldo spoke about the significance of Nishida's philosophy and his own research "Nishida depicted the self as the focal point of the world,” he stated “But couldn't we also consider animals 'focal points of the world' living in defiance of the world will lead to placing the Earth in jeopardy This is the message I have drawn from Nishida philosophy," he concluded Professor Maraldo was born in 1942. After receiving his doctorate from the University of Munich, he taught at Sophia University in Tokyo, Southern Illinois University, and the University of North Florida. Additionally, he has been a visiting professor at Kyoto University and a researcher at the Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture Dr Maraldo is recognized as a researcher of Japanese philosophy Dr Mitsuru Usui donated the operating funds for the KUI Award A Kanazawa University School of Medicine alumni Dr Usui was also formerly the president of Meitokukai Medical Corporation Juzen Memorial Hospital A moment of silence was observed before the award ceremony in respect for Dr Usui follows his father in serving as the current president including presenting the prize to Dr Maraldo You must be logged in to post a comment Today's print edition Home Delivery a renowned Japanese calligrapher with Down syndrome has found a new role at a cafe she and her mother opened in Tokyo's Ota Ward where she aims to “bring energy and happiness to the community.” The 39-year-old artist began waitressing at the cafe last December after its opening Her mother hopes that the cafe will be a place where the artist can thrive.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); her journey into calligraphy began at the age of 5 when she first picked up a brush at her mother’s calligraphy school The path ahead was shaped by her late father who passed away from a heart attack in 2000 at the age of 52 In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. Tucked away in Kanazawa, a beautiful, large castle city where history and elegance meet, Omicho Market has been at the center of the town’s food culture for over 300 years. The vast market spans over 170 food stalls where locals and tourists can savor the fresh, local produce and catches from the Sea of Japan. As you stroll the impressive market, make sure to save room for a meal at Ichinokura, a casual izakaya known for its unbelievable seafood rice bowls and high-end sake selection. During my visit, I went with the popular Kaisendon, or seafood bowl, for 1,800 yen ($12) that includes a side of miso soup. The generous bowl of vinegar rice was topped with sashimi slices of raw octopus, salmon, sea bream, yellowtail, fresh shrimp, broiled conger eel and shredded crab meat. It was a real ocean party, almost too delectable to dig into. But I did, and it was even more delicious than it looked. I was impressed with the fresh, extremely chewy texture of each piece of sashimi and the burst of flavors when paired with the tangy rice and kick of wasabi. The kaisendon bowl was the perfect sampling of the exceptional, fresh fish brought to the market daily. Dining at Ichinokura added a nice, new food experience to my tour in the Hokuriku region. So, add it to your list, too, and get ready to have a real taste of Kanazawa when you visit! Location: Omichoichibakan 2F, 88 Aokusamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture Note: The restaurant has private rooms and can accommodate large parties. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more. Look beneath Kanazawa’s sleek urban surface and you’ll find dozens of sophisticated delightful and thought-provoking crafts and traditions Offering – and in fact specialising – in sushi and sake Kanazawa and the adjacent Noto Peninsula are hands-down the best places to discover Japan’s world-famous craftsmanship Conveniently located on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo and the JR Thunderbird from Osaka Kanazawa is a strong candidate for a prime two-to-four day trip after Tokyo and Kyoto An afternoon spent in the preserved Edo Period architectural district of Higashi-chaya is an unmissable Kanazawa activity Located a 20-minute walk or just five stops on the 12 bus from Kanazawa Station (less than 15 minutes) Higashi-chaya is the largest of Kanazawa’s three preserved historic districts The other districts are Nishi-chaya near Katamachi and Kazuemachi on the other side of the river from Higashi-chaya The area was established in the early 19th century as an entertainment district for aristocrats and wealthy merchants. Back then, the quaint streets were lined with chaya – sophisticated teahouses with geisha performances Coffee and tea goes for about ¥500 (£3.60) tea sets and Japanese sweets available at all price ranges Kanazawa is known as 'Little Kyoto' Spend some time in the beautifully preserved Edo Period architectural district of Higashi-chaya Higashi-chaya is the largest of Kanazawa’s three preserved historic districts Visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s best gardens Kenrokuen considered to be one of the three great gardens of Japan is an expansive strolling garden featuring colourful flowers winding creeks and traditional cottages and teahouses (The other two top gardens are Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito) Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Kenrokuen is located right in the heart of Kanazawa – just 15 minutes via bus from Kanazawa Station and right next to Kanazawa Castle shopping at Korinbo Tokyu Square and the bustling dining and nightlife district of Katamachi Kenrokuen Garden Katsurazaka Gate | winniepix / Unsplash A room is pricey – about ¥50,000 (£360) per night – but with visitors including the Swedish royal family you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime pampering experience The best way to get to Kagaya is to take the express service on the JR Nanao line from Kanazawa Station to Wakura Onsen Kagaya offers a shuttle bus from Wakura Onsen station to the ryokan nearby ryokan) is also the perfect launching point to explore the Noto Peninsula Kikuya Ryokan | wiryantirta / Unsplash Take a trip to the stunning Wajima rice fields The Senmaida Rice Terraces on the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula are one of the most scenic destinations in Japan especially in summer when the hills turn a brilliant green they can be infrequent and difficult to access so we recommend booking a tour guide or private vehicle through your hotel You can also learn about traditional rice-planting methods The Senmaida Rice Terraces are one of the most scenic destinations in Japan The hills of Senmaida turn a brilliant green in summer the terraces are set aglow with LED lights Check out cutting-edge art for all ages at the 21st Century Art Museum Located downtown just two minutes from Kenrokuen the 21st Century Art Museum is a contemporary museum featuring acclaimed Japanese and international artworks sculpture and multimedia formats all the way to kid-friendly interactive exhibits and fun pieces that make excellent Instagram-bait like translucent multicoloured walls and a false pool Katamachi is Kanazawa’s prime dining and nightlife district A far cry from the flashy lights of Shinjuku or Dotonbori in Osaka Katamachi is a winding network of secluded back alleys packed with excellent restaurants old-school izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and trendy glossy cocktail bars – many of which are locally owned hole-in-the-wall establishments with just a few seats available hidden streets creates the ideal environment for endlessly wandering from bar to bar and heading back into the night to see what’s next Be aware that many bars will have a cover charge (about ¥500) but they tend to make up for the cost with cool and eclectic interior decorating Beer usually goes for less than ¥500 (£3.60) and cocktails aren’t much more The main streets of Katamachi can be found between Korinbo Tokyu Square and the river Person playing a trumpet | Chris Bair / Unsplash Enjoy the best seafood the Sea of Japan has to offer Located just off the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is renowned for its delicious A brief list of seafood to consider trying while in Kanazawa includes: sushi and sashimi a traditional dish made from yellowtail and fermented turnip Top seafood and sushi restaurants are located near Kanazawa Station Also check out the Omicho Fish Market for high-quality fish and plenty of local stalls and lunch stands just a 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Station top-quality seafood isn’t cheap – a set-course meal ranges from around ¥6,000–12,000 (£43.50–87) per person Check out the Ohmicho Fish Market for high-quality fish Kanazawa is renowned for its delicious Explore the local food stalls and stands at Ohmicho Fish Market Discover Ishikawa Prefecture’s rich artisan tradition Ishikawa Prefecture is home to high-quality artisanal crafts such as gold-leaf, lacquerware, wood crafts, ceramics and glassware. A great place to start is the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts which is located directly beside the 21st Century Art Museum (first floor free arrived at Kanazawa Castle on 14 June 1583 The main parade leaves Kanazawa Station around 2pm and marches all the way to Kanazawa Castle But even after the official parade winds down around 6pm hundreds of groups of local businesses and associations (accounting for as many as 10,000 participants) join dressed in traditional yukata and kimono to dance across the streets of Kanazawa making a trip to Kanazawa can be worth it for this epic scale of this festival alone Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan | maciek_grzybek / Unsplash If you click on a link in this story All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip Read Next Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in October Guides & Tips The Most Unique Onsen Towns in Japan Guides & Tips Kanazawa Itinerary: How To Spend 48 Hours in One of Japan’s Most Underrated Cities Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in November See & Do The Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Didn't Know Existed See & Do The Best Things to See and Do in Minami and Namba See & Do The Best Places for an Asian Spring Break See & Do The Best Places to Travel in April Where Tradition Meets Modern Urban Adventure Guides & Tips 10 Must-Visit UNESCO Sites in Kyoto See & Do Incredible Day Hikes Near Osaka US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Located on the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture once held a powerful place in feudal Japan. We can see this legacy today at Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three greatest Japanese traditional gardens, and the faithfully restored Kanazawa Castle there are lots of ways to connect to the culture and beauty of Ishikawa From its celebrated seafood and local produce to vibrant ceramics and views from atop Mount Utatsu Ishikawa Prefecture has much to savor and explore an organization that provides food for vulnerable groups can go a long way towards making a positive difference in Ishikawa there’s plenty of nature to bask in for visitors to Ishikawa The relatively short size makes for an easy hike to the top in just about 30 minutes you’ll have a sweeping panoramic view of the city there are nooks and crannies to explore as well Head to the Iris Garden in June for nearly 3,000 hydrangeas and July for more than 200,000 irises Take a stroll on one of the park’s three levels which include streams and ponds to accompany the flowering blossoms The Mount Utatsu Temple Area lies near the base of the mountain near the Asanogawa River and contains about 50 temples and shrines of varying sizes With lots of narrow trails lying under the lightly canopied forest you’ll have a lovely time navigating this quiet slice of city life The Noto Peninsula is the northern tip of Ishikawa Prefecture that juts out into the Sea of Japan With scenic views and small towns perfect for experiencing local culture touring the peninsula is a great option for people looking for adventure outside the big cities Cyclists setting out from Kanazawa and tracing a route along the coast up and back down to Himi in neighboring Toyama Prefecture can expect about 360 kilometers of mostly flat terrain A shorter trip from Hakui City to Nanao City measures around 240 kilometers Reward yourself at your destination with a soak in the historical Wakura Onsen If you’re interested in a day trip from Kanazawa The site is famous for its large hole that cuts a tunnel through a massive rock formation on the Kongo Coast Take a walk around the shore and in the cave or get a different perspective via a boat tour but two beautiful types of traditional crafts for your dinner table clay deposits were discovered near the village of Kutani in the southwest corner of Ishikawa Prefecture Transforming the raw materials into porcelain and applying techniques learned from Arita one of the leaders of Japanese ceramic production At the other end of the prefecture on the Noto Peninsula you can find another form of traditional crafts: Wajima lacquerware Wajima lacquerware features a distinctively glossy exterior made possible by jinoko powdered diatomaceous soil only found around Wajima Using Japanese zelkova or cherry birch trees as the base wood lacquerware goods include everything from chopsticks and stationary to tableware The whole process from start to finish can take over 100 steps to produce its signature look Check out the Wajima Museum of Lacquer Art for its incredible collection Ishikawa’s geography means great food from north to south Situated on the Sea of Japan and benefitting from the intersection of cold and warm currents Ishikawa is unsurprisingly well known for its seasonal catches Several varieties of crab are caught throughout the year Kegani (horsehair crab) may not be a household name but it’s a delicious one that is available much of the year outside of summer and packs a sweet flavor kobakogani (female snow crab) is highly sought after in winter for its rich and creamy meat and abundance of roe Enjoy it boiled and seasoned with vinegar and soy sauce or simmered whole as a soup Kaga yasai (literally meaning vegetables from Kaga) are a special designation of heirloom vegetables grown in and around Kanazawa City While many of these vegetables have been consumed by locals for generations they have gradually become less profitable to produce a dedicated group has fought hard to keep this part of regional culinary history alive often simmered and commonly found in Ishikawa’s New Year’s cuisine (osechi) A sweet potato known for its high sugar and relatively low moisture content Gorojima kintoki is a fall favorite and central ingredient in soft serve ice cream and sweets Eat like a local and pick up some Kaga yasai at Omicho Market Kanazawa’s largest and most important fresh food market Ishikawa Prefecture has lots more to offer Why not check out these extra spots to round out your trip planning I’m the only one of us that likes it though My wife and I have lived here for seven years now the Sushi is inexpensive from local restaurants like Benizushi including all restaurants and many supermarkets The nature and views of Noto Cho are breathtaking especially if you drive along Route 35 on Toyama Bay you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Northern Alps across Toyama Bay I really enjoy driving my motorbike around Noto on my day off You can also visit Yanagida Shokubutsuen (Noto Botanical Gardens) to enjoy nature One of the reasons my wife and I love living here is because we love the tranquility of the nature of Noto and the beautiful night sky You can clearly thousands of stars here at night The summers here are relatively cooler than most areas south of Noto Noto is a great place to visit but right now we are still slowly recovering from the Earthquake Just another thing to factor in if your planning to visit Noto I will add that the local sake is wonderful as well with the most famous probably being Tedorigawa which was featured in the great documentary The Birth of Sake Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts Meet the Geiko ©️Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall and refined artistry with the Enyukan "Meet the Geiko" show in Kanazawa where centuries-old Japanese cultural heritage comes to life This captivating performance offers a rare glimpse into the world of geiko (geisha) Renowned for its preservation of traditional arts and architecture Enyukan provides an intimate setting for guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting artistry of geiko The show unfolds in a beautifully restored teahouse sliding doors adorned with delicate artwork and the subtle fragrance of Japanese incense lingering in the air The performance itself is a masterful display of various traditional arts meticulously cultivated over generations showcase their talents through mesmerizing dances like the graceful Miyako Odori or the lively Hanagasa Odori accompanied by the enchanting melodies of traditional instruments such as the shamisen and shakuhachi flute Guests are not just spectators but participants in this cultural journey there's an opportunity to engage with the geiko in an informal setting This "Meet the Geiko" segment allows guests to learn about the intricate customs and rituals of the geisha world and even take photographs to capture the moment.The show itself is a blend of storytelling through movement conveying the rich history and symbolism embedded in each gesture and note Whether you're an aficionado of Japanese culture or a first-time visitor the Enyukan "Meet the Geiko" show offers a profound and unforgettable experience guests have the option to indulge in a traditional tea ceremony further enriching their understanding of Japanese hospitality and refinement Sip on matcha prepared with meticulous care served alongside delicate wagashi (traditional sweets) as you reflect on the beauty of what you've witnessed Enyukan's commitment to preserving and promoting traditional arts extends beyond the performance itself The venue also houses exhibitions and workshops where visitors can deepen their knowledge of geiko culture This holistic approach ensures that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for Japan's cultural heritage Beyond the enchanting performances and cultural insights Enyukan "Meet the Geiko" show in Kanazawa embodies the spirit of omotenashi – the Japanese art of hospitality Every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure that guests feel welcomed The Enyukan "Meet the Geiko" show in Kanazawa offers more than just entertainment; it's a transformative cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend Whether you're captivated by the graceful movements of geiko dancers intrigued by the intricacies of traditional music or simply drawn to the elegance of Japanese hospitality Enyukan invites you to embark on a journey through time and tradition and cultural depth of Kanazawa's geiko heritage at Enyukan The Kakishibu Dyeing Tradition Activities in Kanazawa Kinpaku, gold leaf craft Activities in Kanazawa Tea Ceremony in Kanazawa Activities in Kanazawa Kanazawa Night Walk Activities in Kanazawa Temari-sushi making Activities in Kanazawa Kanazawa Discovery, half day Activities in Kanazawa Sign up and be the first to hear our news and special offers KANAZAWA – Standing quietly by the Saigawa river, west of Kanazawa Castle, is Jiyukajin Mizuhiki Museum. To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page. This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies. Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. By Hanami Wakamatsu / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Mizuhiki is a type of traditional decorative knot, often shaped like cranes, turtles, pine trees, bamboos and plums. They are made by knotting thin cords of Japanese washi paper and other materials and used to seal gifts given at ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. The museum opened in April 2023 with the intention of showcasing different aspects of the craft. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a folding screen made of mizuhiki and a curtain-like decoration adorned with countless Awaji-musubi, which is a type of knotting style. Further inside, an entire area is dedicated to displaying various kinds of mizuhiki, which is also the name given to the paper material. Immediately drawing the eye are the 200 lightbulbs hung from the ceiling, each covered with a colorful mizuhiki. Three types of covers adorn the lightbulbs: spherical, cylindrical and bell-shaped, all made by connecting mizuhiki. The resulting light evokes a glowing warmth and softness. Koji Hirose, the president of Jiyukajin, said, “As our six mizuhiki artists have worked on a variety of pieces, such as accessories and interior decorations that match the atmosphere in the room, color requests have also increased.” The number of colors soared to 200 in an effort to meet the ambitions of the artists. All 200 colors are used for the light shades exhibited in the room. In the exhibition room, a framed mizuhiki artwork and a wedding dress with a large ribbon made of light blue mizuhiki are on display. A bride actually once wore the dress for her wedding. Yuriko Hirose, mizuhiki artist and sister of the museum’s president, played a pivotal role in the initial creating drive of the works. Yuriko became a fully fledged mizuhiki maker after she worked as an assistant at a mizuhiki exhibition held in New Zealand in 1999, and was inspired by the visitors’ reactions. Her career began with creating smaller items such as accessories and phone straps. Since 2015, She has since worked on decorating ryokan Japanese-style inns in Ishikawa Prefecture and stores in the Higashi-chaya district, one of the popular tourist spots in Kanazawa, raising her profile. As mizuhiki is a handmade craft, it can come with a hefty price tag. However, since May 2023, six kinds of everyday items, including hair ties and ear cuffs, have been available.Yuriko said, “I’m sure that young people have become interested [in mizuhiki] because Instagrammable pictures went viral. I want it to become something for daily life, not only for special occasions.” Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. The special exhibition “People, Noto, Art” will be held at three cultural facilities in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture from November 2025 to March 2026. Additionally, a video content project featuring Pine Tree Screen (National Treasure, Tokyo National Museum collection) by the renowned Momoyama-era painter Tōhaku, born in Noto and Nanao, as well as educational outreach initiatives, are scheduled to take place within Ishikawa Prefecture. NiEW Best Music is a playlist featuring artists leading the music scene and offering alternative styles in our rapidly evolving society. Hailing from Tokyo, the NiEW editorial team proudly curates outstanding music that transcends size, genre, and nationality. After 2024 set a new record for tourist numbers in Japan, Rob Goss recommends switching out the biggest draws for these intriguing alternatives I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice For many travellers, Japan’s metropolitan hubs and breathtaking natural scenery have become a lifetime goal to visit The popular city of Kyoto boasts 17 Unesco World Heritage sites including shrines, temples and a castle, while tourists are also often led to magnificent sites such as Mount Fuji the country’s tallest peak and a sacred site to the Japanese While these sites and destinations are remarkable places to behold the droves of tourists flocking there can often break the spell of awe and have negative consequences on residents and the environment With Japan smashing its record of annual tourists with 36 million visitors in 2024 It’s good for the economy; not always good for protecting the wa that are just as beautiful or culturally significant Just over two-and-a-half hours by bullet train from Tokyo the city of Kanazawa certainly isn’t off the beaten path but it is great for a less-crowded dose of traditional Japan The city rose to prominence under the Maeda clan in the Edo era and under several hundred years of their patronage it became a focal point for art and culture especially Kaga Yuzen dyeing and Kanazawa gold-leaf work One touristy touch you will find is super-fine gold leaf sprinkled on ice cream and cakes Read more: Japan’s first bunk-bed bus allows tourists to skip the hotel You can stay at temples or shrines at lots of places in Japan The mountainside temple town of Koyasan in Wakayama prefecture is an increasingly popular option with travellers staying at one of Koyasan’s 100 or so temples remains a great experience – especially the morning fire ceremonies or an evening walk around the eerie Okunoin cemetery But if you wanted a spiritual experience off the tourist radar head to Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan on the three peaks of the holy Dewa Sanzan mountains is where yamabushi ascetics have trained for 1,400 years yamabushi seek enlightenment by communing with nature I stayed at a pilgrim’s lodge at the base of Dewa Sanzan’s Mount Haguro and joined a monk for a couple of days of training – jumping over fires and wearing nothing but a flimsy loincloth to meditate under a freezing cold waterfall but an unexpectedly invigorating experience Read more: The tiny island where cats outnumber humans – and made it a tourist destination Anyone who knows Japan well might spit out their tea seeing Ibaraki here Nikko and Kamakura are two of the “classic” Tokyo side trips they are also frequently packed with tourists this prefecture a couple of hours east of Tokyo by train has ranked last on one prefectural attractiveness survey The silver lining to that reputation is that you mostly avoid the crowds there with the seasonal exception of the lovely Kairakuen garden in Mito when the plum blossoms are in bloom in late February into early March including bungee jumping from the Ryujin suspension bridge in Hitachi taking in scenic spots like the 120-metre-high Fukuroda Falls or hiking Mount Tsukuba You can take some good sake brewery tours too Read more: Forget the Wim Hof method – Japanese toji water therapy is the wellness trend you need to know about Hundreds of thousands of people climb Mount Fuji every year in the summer climbing season The routes around Mount Takao in western Tokyo are equally crowded The ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo in the mountainous Kii peninsula are an entirely different matter Pilgrims (and now hikers) have been trekking on these routes to the three great Kumano shrines with gnarled tree roots reclaiming pathways and mossy stone trails winding through towering cedar forests You could get a taste of it with an easy day hike or go hard for a week Read more: What it’s like to hike Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo trail Being a nation comprised of more than 6,000 islands – four of them forming most of the total landmass – Japan has no shortage of great islands to explore I’d happily spend a year in a hammock on the sub-tropical islands of Okinawa But the Oki Islands are where I’d most like to revisit Located 30 miles off the coast of Shimane prefecture in western Japan the rugged Oki islands were once used as a place of exile – even the Emperor Gotoba was banished here in the 1200s but to experience the slow life of Oki’s fishing and farming communities and for the scenic beauty of its hilly interiors and dramatic oceanside cliffs Read more: The Japanese dish that has become a tourist attraction for thousands Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/gallery","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-1143258860","description":"Cherry blossom Higashiyama teahouse old house street Kanazawa Japan","caption":"For a traditional taste of Japan that is less-crowded than Kyoto, head to Kanazawa For a traditional taste of Japan that is less-crowded than Kyoto, head to Kanazawa Rob Goss recommends switching out the biggest draws for these intriguing alternatives Exterior of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Courtesy 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art After six months of infrastructure repairs following the Noto Peninsula earthquake the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa fully reopened on June 22 which registered a magnitude of 7.6 on January 1 swiftly prompted an inspection and maintenance check of the Kanazawa museum’s facilities and equipment. Nippon TV reported that the disaster caused the glass ceiling of the museum’s exhibition hall to collapse Last week the institution reopened Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich’s popular installation The Swimming Pool (2004) and multiple exhibitions that demonstrate the museum’s diverse collections including “Pop-up Art,” showcasing the works of 12 local and international artists that will be displayed at various locations in the museum until July 15; “Collection Exhibition 1,” a presentation of the museum’s collection in celebration of its 20th anniversary that will be on view until September 29; and “Lines—Aligning your consciousness with the flow,” a group exhibition curated by Hiromi Kurosawa that will run until October 14.   The museum’s public relations manager Ochiai Hiroaki stated: “With the museum returning to its original state and the extension of the (Hokuriku) Shinkansen line I hope many tourists will visit Kanazawa in the future.” Camilla Alvarez-Chow is an editorial assistant at ArtAsiaPacific.  Subscribe to ArtAsiaPacific’s free weekly newsletter with all the latest news, reviews, and perspectives, directly to your inbox each Monday.  info@aapmag.com the cherry blossoms at Kakuma Campus of Kanazawa University are in full bloom Kanazawa University has about 680 cherry trees of 11 varieties making it one of Kanazawa's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots 2016 issue of Nikkei Plus One's "Anything Ranking," Kanazawa University's Kakuma Campus was ranked number one in Western Japan in the "Ranking of cherry blossom spots at domestic universities you should visit at least once." There are many other cherry blossom viewing spots on the Kakuma Campus besides the ones shown here Kakuma Campus cherry blossom viewing map (with parking information) PDF KANAZAWA — The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art which had been partially closed due to damage from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake fully reopened on June 22 after a six-month hiatus who had waited a long time for the reopening of the museum’s iconic artwork “The Swimming Pool,” enjoyed looking up and taking photos from the bottom of the “pool.” entitled “Lines — Aligning your consciousness with the flow,” is now underway while a cafe restaurant and a museum shop have switched back from shortened to regular hours said she arranged her visit around the museum’s reopening and came from Tokyo with her parents “I got interested in it after seeing the museum on Instagram,” she said with a smile though with 15 heavily damaged areas still closed Kanazawa is at 9-under-par in the women’s event with NSW’s Kelsey Bennett (7-under) and Brisbane-based Cook Islander Elmay Viking (6-under) leading the chasing pack Also well in the mix at 5-under at the halfway point are LPGA Tour star Jenny Shin (Korea) another Japanese player Madoka Kimura and Western Australia’s Jessica Whitting Meanwhile Geary’s 64-65 to be 15-under overall gives him a two-stroke lead over NSW amateur Declan O’Donovan (65-66) in the men’s tournament as he tries to secure his first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia title since the 2013 WA Open Two previous Tour winners in South Australian Lachlan Baker (66-66) and NSW’s Austin Bautista (65-67) share third place at 12-under Viking is the real surprise packet in the final groups on Saturday who combines her golf career with working for Australia Post has logged 70-69 to get herself into contention for what would be her first win of this magnitude she was stunned to find that she would be in the top handful of players entering the weekend “I never thought I'll be up there contending but I've got to say that I'm pretty happy to hear that.” 1 Jiyai Shin is at 1-under and remains in contention has won the Order of Merit on the Charles Tour in his homeland the past two seasons His second round included a front nine of 30 on the Creek course “My plan was to come over here and get ready for the New Zealand Open in a few weeks and the New Zealand PGA,” he said “I wasn't feeling great about the way things felt coming into this week and some of the long stuff's still pretty rough But I managed to get it around and the scoring clubs are really sharp.” The Kiwi played 35 holes without a bogey across the Beach and Creek courses the past two days He was leading by five shots when he made double-bogey on his final hole Playing in his eighth Tour event as an amateur O’Donovan has continued the form that took him into the last group of the final day of the Australian Amateur Championship at Commonwealth Golf Club followed by successfully defending his NSW Amateur title and then claiming the Avondale Amateur He played in the final group in Round 3 of the Queensland PGA Championship last November and has made just one bogey through 36 holes at 13th Beach “I'm not going to change anything,” the 21-year-old said of his plans for the weekend “My mate (Sean Ryan) and I have been doing a really good job We’re just focusing on my processes and trying to stay away from the result as much as possible and I think I'll just try to have as much fun as I can.” the next city break for Kyoto-loversForged by samurai the elegant garden city of Kanazawa is a quieter alternative to Kyoto for those seeking traditional Japanese culture This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).The sound of drumming rises to a fever pitch fluttering rhythms in enigmatic time signatures shaking the century-old rafters of In Kanazawa House Before me on the stage are two geishas — or geikos as they’re known in this city — one playing the taiko drum the other accompanying her on the banjo-like shamisen while singing It’s an interplay unchanged since the 17th century The historic districts in which they lived and worked are beautifully preserved — Kanazawa rivals Kyoto as the city that best embodies the Japan of picture books which shaped Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries reaches its apogee at Kenroku-en — a remarkable garden of ponds bridges and teahouses beside Kanazawa Castle replaced by an air of nervousness when an invitation is extended from the stage: “Who’d like to play the drum?” Never able to stand an awkward silence trying desperately to remember the complex percussive patterns the geikos go easy on me; they demonstrate a simple rhythm in standard time Traditional teahouses where guests sit on tatami mats and are served matcha in a ceremonial fashion are part of Kanazawa's nostalgic charm.Photography by Anna MuellerIt’s the perfect ice-breaker — something in which the geikos are well-versed being professional conversationalists as well as musicians After a traditional kaiseki multi-course dinner are different from their counterparts in Kyoto you move to the okiya [lodging house] at 15 to start training More than 100 heritage buildings are destroyed in Kanazawa each year often because they’re perceived to be more expensive to insulate and maintain This one — a former kimono factory — is helping to preserve both traditional architecture and the fast-vanishing geiko culture “There are just 30 geikos left in Kanazawa,” says owner Shigehiko Yamada “but there are many people here who wish to preserve traditional culture So it’ll survive — even if in different forms.” Taking a stroll in Kenroku-en to witness the ingenious and artful landscaping of nature is a great way to start your day in Kanazawa.Photography by Alamy Stock Photo14 Hours in Kanazawa8am: Kenroku-en strollStart the day in a state of serenity at one of the official Three Great Gardens of Japan Kenroku-en represents the perfect marriage of human ingenuity and natural beauty bridges and plants carefully curated so the garden is equally beautiful year-round irises unfurl in the summertime and maple trees paint the park a fire-engine red in autumn Winter is the season of yukitsuri (‘snow-hanging’) when the pines are propped up with bamboo to support a canopy of snow 10am: Lacquerware workshopKanazawa is one of Japan’s great craft centres and lacquerware is among its most esteemed traditions. Local manufacturer Nosaku has been creating gorgeous bowls boxes and artworks since 1780 — applying hundreds of layers of resin interwoven with gold and silver patterns you swerve the hard yards and join in for the fun part: applying the shiny You then get to take away the finished product as a souvenir 12pm: Lunch at Omicho MarketKanazawa has a reputation for gourmet kaiseki (traditional multi-course cuisine), but its street food is equally appealing. Don’t miss the chance for a hearty lunch at Omicho Market a lively warren of covered streets a couple of blocks from the castle The speciality is kaisen-don — rice bowls topped with raw seafood (snow crab sweet shrimp and more from the nearby Hokuriku coast) Pick your stand by following the locals to one of the many that has a long lunchtime queue Ice cream wrapped in gold leaf ,s one of Kanazawa’s most famous traditional crafts.Photography by Getty Images2pm: Gold leaf shoppingIt’s fitting that a city as stately and elegant as Kanazawa should count gilding among its traditional crafts, and Hakuichi is the city’s leading practitioner you can shop for delicate lacquerware boxes chopsticks and tableware adorned with gold leaf plus a range of cosmetic creams and face masks infused with the precious metal Try the shop’s signature gold-leaf ice cream — a soft-serve cone wrapped in an indulgent edible sheet of gold 4pm: Tea ceremony at Gyokusen-anWhere better to experience the 350-year-old art of the tea ceremony than a private garden overlooking Kenroku-en? Stone lanterns and giant pine trees line the path into Gyokusen-an’s traditional screen-walled teahouse where you’ll sit on tatami mats and be served piping hot matcha tea by a kimono-clad host Your drink is accompanied by wagashi — beautifully presented confections made of bean paste layered in different colours to represent snow-clad mountains seasonal fruits and other natural phenomena The whole experience is extremely meditative Housed in a remarkable steel-and-glass structure the gallery is open into the evenings at weekends and exhibits work by artists from across Japan and beyond Many elements are participatory — look down into Leandro Erlich’s Swimming Pool to experience the illusion that other visitors are walking underwater 8pm: Kaiseki cuisine at ZeniyaA visit to Kanazawa demands at least one experience of kaiseki, Japan’s classical cuisine. At the acclaimed restaurant Zeniya there’s no fixed menu — its exquisite offerings change daily according to availability at the market and the creative whims of the chef bamboo-screened private dining rooms or the convivial counter seating and enjoy an extravaganza of regional delicacies: sesame tofu sea bream and mountain vegetables — with impeccable service from waiters in kimonos A public library in Kanazawa resembles a sublime theater and offers more than 1.1 million books we asked people what books piqued their interest and how they spend their time here Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Singapore straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Singapore without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Singapore now reachable via a new Shinkansen routeHere’s why more food-loving Singaporean travellers should explore this less-frequented area in the Hokuriku region If you’re a repeat visitor to Japan – as many other Singaporeans are by now – then you probably have some favourites on your must-eat list for each trip But instead of queueing for ages at Ichiran Ramen batting the hordes at Dotonbori’s street stalls or going back to the same old fast food chains for the umpteenth time it’s high time to venture out of the usual big cities and try something new for a change; We’re talking about exploring Japan’s less-frequented regions in search of the best gastronomical treasures that are unique to each area Doing that doesn’t have to be a daunting task either, because things just got a lot more convenient with the newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen route that takes you along the Hokuriku region – covering prefectures like Ishikawa Hokuriku is easily accessible from Tokyo so you can book a flight from Singapore to the capital and traverse up to these hidden gems From the freshest and widest variety of seafood and traditional sweets made using age-old recipes here are the best things to eat in Ishikawa P.S.: Food in Ishikawa aside, stay till the end to check out our recommendations for other things to do in the Hokuriku region for an all-rounded trip itinerary.RECOMMENDED: Here are six underrated neighbourhoods to visit in Tokyo and Nine must-try snacks to buy back from Tokyo Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutThanks to its coastal location Ishikawa is the place to be for some of the freshest seafood in Japan Deeper waters also means a larger variety of marine fare that you might not find in other regions Check out the freshest catch of the day at Kanazawa’s Omicho Market Locals get their seafood from the market stalls on the first floor while the second floor is full of restaurants operated by the market vendors themselves There’s also a handful of shops selling non-seafood items including flame-grilled wagyu skewers and the famous gold leaf soft serve ice cream Crab season starts in November and lasts until the end of the year for female crab Other hot items here include the sweet and fatty nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) Photograph: Kanazawa City Tourism AssociationTIME OUT TIP Breakfast or lunch would be a good time to visit as the market closes at 5pm Omicho Market📍50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0905, Japan⏰Daily 9am-5pm (varies according to store)Website Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutMention wagyu and the first thing that comes to mind is probably Kobe beef but even more prized than that is the rare Noto beef from Ishikawa’s Noto Peninsula said to have the most ideal environment in Japan to raise healthy there’s a limit as to how much Noto beef can be produced every year so it typically isn’t even exported to other prefectures within the country – that’s just how rare it is One restaurant where you can enjoy Noto beef steak in Ishikawa is at Teraoka Fusha (てらおか風舎) which has its own farm in Noto with free-roaming cows and even won the Wagyu Olympics once Each mouthful of the flavour-packed steak bursts with juiciness melt-in-your-mouth texture – sans greasiness – is one of the top characteristics of this beef.  But words can only do so much – you’ll just have to try it yourself to fully understand what we mean Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutFor Noto beef in yakiniku form, visit Nikusho Jade Kanazawa (肉匠Jade金澤) where you can choose your preferred cuts and barbecue them yourself in a traditional Japanese setting We recommend the value-for-money lunch set which comes with meat Photograph: Itaya HontenKanazawa is the place to unleash your sweet tooth in full force because the city is known for its wagashi (Japanese sweets) Take a walk around and you’ll probably encounter shops selling mochi The business – now manned by its fourth generation – is famous for its komokaburi (こもかぶり) a unique confection filled with red bean paste and a whole chestnut and topped with seaweed. It’s an original creation that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Japan. To truly experience the crispy crunch of its exterior while it's still fresh. Come between 9am and 4.30pm and you might even catch one of their wagashi craftsmen deftly making the komokaburi fresh and hot on the spot TIME OUT TIP Itaya Honten is walking distance from Kanazawa Castle Park so grab some sweets to go and have a picnic amidst nature Itaya Honten (板屋本店)📍10-18 Oyamamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0918, Japan⏰ Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat: 9am-5.30pm (closed on Weds and Sun)Website Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutWith beginnings that can be traced all the way back to 1625 Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery is not just the oldest sake brewery in Kanazawa – it’s also one of the few that makes only junmai sake and water without any added sugar or additives the water used here is a mineral-rich 100-year-old blessed water all the way from Mount Hakusan All these serve to create a better fermentation process and a fuller Sign up for a guided tour of the brewery for a firsthand look of the whole process from grain to bottle. You’ll probably be yearning for a sip after that, so it’s just as well that Fukumitsuya also hosts informative sake tasting sessions in English from just JPY1,100 (less than SGD10). Make your reservation here Sake Shop Fukumitsuya Kanazawa📍 2 Chome-8-3 Ishibiki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0935, Japan⏰ Daily 10am-6pmWebsite Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutYou’ve heard of the famous fish auctions at Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market (previously Tsukiji) but Hashitate Fishing Port in Kaga offers a less touristy alternative with a more close-up view You don’t have to haul yourself down at 5am because all the fun happens in the evening This is so that the middlemen in the seafood trade can bid for their catch in time for it to be transported to markets in other parts of Japan You won’t actually be able to enter the market as that would require special access but you can still peer in from the outside for a good eyeful of the action We reckon you’d be able to get a better view here than when jostling with the crowds at Toyosu TIME OUT TIP Plan your visit with some buffer time to admire a gorgeous sunset by the waters Hashitate Fishing Port (橋立漁港)📍Ko 181, Oshiomachi, Kaga, Ishikawa 922-0553, JapanWebsite Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutFukui is known as the dinosaur capital of Japan, as a majority of the country’s fossils were uncovered there. Aside from marvelling at prehistoric treasures at the dinosaur museum, escape from city life and take things slow in Awara Onsen a charming hot spring town within the prefecture a silk weaver that conducts tours for curious folk to see how the silk harvesting and dyeing process happens before it transforms into beautiful fabric goods where locals come to pray for the safe return of their loved ones who venture out to sea Tourists are welcome to partake in Uozu’s float-pulling too so go on and join in on the fun with locals after a fireworks show Raring to go for your next adventure in Japan? Explore more hidden gems in Japan here and learn more about the Hokuriku region here Time Out’s Hokuriku tour was courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us Tokyo Check the event website for more details. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us In Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, central Honshu, Japan, a man believed to be a member of a right-wing group hit the wall of the local headquarters of the Korean People's Association in Japan with a light car. According to Yonhap News on the 3rd, a light car driven by a Japanese man in his 50s hit the Mindan building at 9 a.m. the previous day. At the time of the incident, there were no people in the Mindan building, so no casualties occurred. The man reportedly admitted the related charges in a police investigation. "The wall or vehicle bumper is not damaged," said an official at the local headquarters in Ishikawa Prefecture, but added, "Some of the parking lot facilities were damaged." Japanese right-wing groups are reportedly protesting around Mindan Ishikawa Prefecture's regional headquarters in April against the opening of the Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall, which is expected to be built in Kanazawa City. Kanazawa is the place where Yoon died. An official from the Mindan said, "I understand that the suspect mentioned that he committed the crime in protest of the construction of the memorial hall for Yoon Bong-gil." ※ This service is provided by machine translation tool, NAVER papago. Kanazawa Castle has an elegant design not seen in other castles. It has plastered geometric-patterned walls; white, metallic roof tiles; and a diversity of stone walls. Money was no object. Japanese Tour player Shina Kanazawa showed that she would not play second fiddle to anyone in the Vic Open today although a bunch of Australians are in the chasing pack who has travelled to Australia as part of a camp run by former world No outshone even her venerated tour host in shooting a 7-under par 66 on the Creek Course at 13th Beach today The 29-year-old leads by a shot from another Japanese visitor New South Wales pro Kelsey Bennett and Queenslander Robyn Choi which was the easier of the two venues in round one Sarah Hammett and Amelia Harris are at tied-fourth at 4-under in the next group Kanazawa had eight birdies and a single bogey making use of the knowledge passed on by the remarkable Shin winner of 65 tournaments worldwide including two Australian Opens who is on her fifth trip to Australia and who has played nine seasons on the JLPGA Tour In nice scoring conditions with just a zephyr of a breeze 13th Beach was as scoreable as it can ever have been in a Vic Open who is based is Las Vegas when she is not at home on the Gold Coast said it came unexpectedly after a stiff breeze blew in Wednesday’s pro-am “Yesterday I was hitting my 5-hybrid 130 (metres); today I was hitting 9-iron 130 It’s totally dependent on the wind,” she said Choi has lost her full playing rights on the LPGA Tour but retains some conditional status and also will play on the secondary Epson Tour in 2025 She has all her belongings with her at Barwon Heads and heads to the US on Monday morning The 26-year-old renowned for short-game prowess has been working hard in the gym trying to find extra length off the tee as she tries to get herself back on the LPGA Tour She spent 2024 on the main tour but will head back to the Epson Tour this year “I think distance is pretty big out there on the LPGA,” she said Having a good short game doesn’t really compete with them.” Molymook’s Bennett has her playing card for the Ladies European Tour in 2025 and heads overseas in March after the Women’s NSW Open “The goal today was to get a decent number in and I had the perfect morning for it,” she said Bennett said her first goal on the LET would be to find the top 70 in the Order of Merit that would retain her card; beyond that a win is on the radar for a player who is emerging quickly Another player with massive upside is the sixteen-year-old Yarra Yarra wunderkind Harris who shot 4-under 68 on the tougher Beach course despite a lost ball and a bogey at the par-5 18th when she hit her tee shot into a fairway bunker and took two shots to get out who is studying year 12 at McKinnon Secondary College before starting a college career in the US also made a double bogey 7 at the par-5 fifth hole when she bladed her sand shot from the greenside bunker out of bounds “I’m not having the best luck out of bunkers today,” she said it was the low round of the day for women on the Beach course and tomorrow she will switch to the Creek First tee-offs are at 7.45am on Friday with the top 50 players (and ties) progressing to round three golf tips and access to partner promotions Join our newsletterGet weekly updates on news the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa on Tuesday to view the 71st Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition The princess serves as the president of the Japan Kogei Association The princess went to the exhibition venue after listening to Ishikawa Gov Hiroshi Hase’s briefing on the extent of damage on the field of crafts caused by the disastrous rainfall in September She stopped in front of black lacquerware on which bamboo trees and birds are painted with gold powder and other materials a local Wajima-nuri lacquerware maker and a living national treasure specializing in chinkin and I can almost hear the sounds as well,” the princess said as she looked at the work Mae used to live and work in a workshop-cum-home in central Wajima in the prefecture which was burned down because of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January the princess took time to converse with Mae and other craftspeople who had been affected by the disasters I was very concerned how you were doing,” she said to them 　皆さん、新年明けましておめでとうございます。新しい乙巳（きのとみ）の年頭にあたり、ごあいさつを申し上げます。乙巳は、成長し、変化もしながら、次の発展につながるとも解釈されております。60年前の1965年は前年に新幹線開通、東京オリンピック開催があり、まさに高度成長期への移行が国民に実感された年でした。本年も、皆さんや本学にとりまして、さらなる成功に向け、光が差し、飛躍的な成長につながることを願っております。 　国際的にも安全保障問題など懸念事項が顕在化しております。ロシアのウクライナ侵攻はまもなく３年に及ぼうとしております。イスラエルとパレスチナの紛争も続いております。米国ではトランプ氏が大統領に返り咲くことになりました。国や地域間だけでなく、それぞれの国内での対立と分断が憂慮されます。AIなどのテクノロジーの急速な進歩の負の側面が民主主義の根幹を揺るがしかねない深刻な事態になっております。地球上のすべての生き物が享受してきた持続可能な地球環境は、今や大きな危機に直面しております。我々はグローバル社会の一員として、自分ならなにができるか、常に問い続け、考えうる解決策を実践し続ける必要があります。そのためにも、多文化を理解する学びと寛容、共生する姿勢が重要です。そのような中で、日本原水爆被害者団体協議会がノーベル平和賞を受賞されたことは慶事として記憶に新しいところです。本年が様々な対立や分断を乗り越え、希望と明るさに満ち溢れた安寧の年になることを心より祈っております。 　昨年は、能登半島では、年初の大きな地震、さらに復旧・復興への歩みを進める中で９月に豪雨災害に直面しました。いまだ、被災された方々は平穏な日常には程遠い状況です。本当に言葉が見つかりません。被災された全ての方々に心よりお見舞いを申し上げます。発災後、1年となる令和7年1月1日に輪島市で催された令和6年能登半島地震・令和6年奥能登豪雨犠牲者追悼式に参加をいたしました。一日も早く被災された方々が元の生活に戻られ、被災地が復興・再建を遂げることをご祈念申し上げます。 　本学では、地震発生から１時間後に災害対策本部を立ち上げ、学生、教職員の安否確認や施設の安全確認を行いました。１月４日から遠隔にて授業を実施するなど、大学としての教育研究機能の迅速な回復に努めて参りました。余震が続く中で、大学入学共通テストは追試も含めて滞りなく実施することができました。また、本学附属病院を中心に医療支援にも尽力してまいりました。皆さんのご理解、ご支援、ご協力に改めまして心より御礼を申し上げます。能登半島にある本学の施設では、いまなお十分な安全確保ができないため使用できないものもあります。この震災からの復旧・復興・再建に向け、本学は「地震・災害に強く安全・安心で、だれもが住みよい、文化薫る地域・まちづくりとひとづくり」という理念を掲げました。能登が有している本質的な価値を守りながら、そこに新たな価値を付加していきたいと考えております。まさに不易流行です。この理念のもと設置された「能登里山里海未来創造センター」が活発に活動しております。今後も、雲外蒼天を信じ、アカデミアとして能登地域の復旧・復興・再建に尽力いたします。 　金沢大学は、「地域と世界に開かれた教育重視の研究大学」という基本理念に立脚しております。この基本理念のもと、金沢大学未来ビジョン「志」を昨年9月にversion upを致しました。このなかで、揺るぎない未来ビジョンである「オール金沢大学で『未来知』により社会に貢献する」ことを改めて明確に記しました。皆さんと対話、協調しながら金沢大学の一層の発展にむけて様々な取り組みを推進しております。良いチーム作りも進んできているように思います。皆さんのご理解とご協力に深く感謝を致します。 　教育においては、未来創成教育環のもと、学士課程および大学院教育を一段と充実させていきます。さらに、5つの附属学校園を有する特長も活かし、大学入学前から研究者として独立するまでの一貫した教育モデルを構築しております。少子化時代にあっても、2024年度より、観光デザイン学類、スマート創成科学類並びに電子情報通信学類の定員増が認められました。融合学域では、先導学類からはじめて卒業生を送り出します。「志」の最重要ミッションの一つでもある大学院改革も進んでおります。HaKaSe+による支援も充実させております。博士の学位取得後に本学でPromising researcherとして研究を継続できる研究者も増えております。本学への志望者がさらに増えるとともに、入学した学生諸君にはぜひ、学ぶこと、研究することのワクワク感、楽しさ、面白さを感じて欲しいと強く願っております。日々学び、人間力を高め、“金沢大学ブランド人材”として大きく飛躍することを楽しみにしております。 　一昨年5月には、本学でG７富山・金沢教育大臣会合のエクスカーションを行いました。附属学校園の児童、生徒、本学の学生、大学院生、留学生諸君と教職員の皆さんとともにお迎えし、大成功となりました。とても得難く、ありがたい機会でした。教育の未来について議論を行い、本学学生から金沢大学ユース宣言も力強く示すことができました。各国の大臣はじめ参加者からも学生、教職員に対する称賛のお言葉を多くいただきました。私自身も大変誇りに感じております。「オール金沢大学」で取り組むことができたことを改めて感謝いたします。本学の学生が志高く、災害後のボランティア、未来デザインプラクティス、雑談のチカラなどに取り組む姿に意を強くしております。 　国際化は本学のさらなる発展における重要な基軸です。昨年11月にはSGUの後継として、大学の国際化によるソーシャルインパクト創出支援事業に採択されました。グローバルな研究大学として、「国際が日常にある、日常が国際である」ことは基盤です。未来知による社会貢献、すなわち未来の新たな価値を作り出す大学として、グローバルなダイバーシティ環境は重要です。本事業を通じて、国際的な研究の一層の発展や国内外のリーダーたる金沢大学ブランド人材の育成にさらに努めて参ります。 　第４期中期目標期間も中間地点となり、改革と挑戦を加速し、着実に進めております。そのためにも、多様なステークホルダーとも相互理解・信頼を築くことは必須です。さらに、令和7年度政府予算案が昨年末に閣議決定されました。こうした政府からの予算措置に加え、外部資金の獲得強化などによる財政構造改革を継続して行います。それにより、本学の研究力・教育力の一層の向上と筋肉質な経営基盤の確立の両立を目指します。 　新たに迎えた2025年は、一日も早い復興とともに、環境対策、社会・経済活動や科学技術の発展を強く意識した展開になると考えます。今後も学生、留学生、研究者などの国際的な頭脳循環も拡充されるでしょう。発展を遂げるデジタル化やAIを活用し、社会活動や生活様式の変革が一層進むと思われます。本学においても、気持ちを新たに、基本理念に基づく未来ビジョン「志」の達成に邁進していく所存です。世界のイノベーションを金沢大学から起こし、未来を創造していくことを目指します。そのためにも皆さんの力を結集し、「世界に輝く金沢大学」を一人一人の努力で実現することこそが重要だと信じております。私は人こそが財産、宝であるとの信念をもっております。皆さんとともに、金沢大学の飛躍的な発展、国内外の社会への貢献にむけ、引き続き「オール金沢大学」で取り組みます。皆さん、どうぞ本年も宜しくお願いいたします。 The museum is distinguished by its beautiful circular shape.Photo: ISHIZAWA Yoji Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture1 prospered as a castle town from olden days The center of this city is where the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art the duo of architects SEJIMA Kazuyo and NISHIZAWA Ryue.2 This public building is a leading representative of Japanese architecture of the 21st century Kanazawa is located in a traffic flow that connects the famous Kenroku-en,3 one of the most famous Japanese gardens in Japan and the downtown areas of Korinbo and Katamachi The beautiful circular shape of its building has become a modern symbol of Kanazawa City Director of the Museum’s Public Relations Division “21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa was built to create new culture and generate more active for the city and other public facilities were relocated one after another away from the center of the city Amid concerns about the decline of urban functions building an art museum was considered one way to create a facility that would attract more people to the city center The museum holds special exhibitions on a wide variety of themes with a focus on contemporary art The Swimming Pool and other permanent exhibits by noted artists are also popular.” The floor plan above shows how the museum’s public spaces and galleries are in an arrangement like a city A through I indicate the location of the permanent exhibits.Photo: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art a team of two architects—SEJIMA Kazuyo and NISHIZAWA Ryue which includes the People’s Gallery and Lecture Hall which are open to the public free of charge and the 14 exhibition rooms (Galleries) are arranged as if they were independent buildings creating an experience similar to walking around the back alleys of a city “The main architectural concepts of the museum are multi-directionality the museum is circular and equally open in all directions It was built to be a highly public building where citizens and visitors can come and go freely.” Both the beautiful glass-walled design and these creative concepts have been highly acclaimed overseas The museum building itself has received the Golden Lion Award at the 2004 International Architecture Exhibition Venice Biennale and other international awards “This building is also distinguished by its great flexibility—spaces can be arranged by removing partitions between Galleries This is similar to the idea of removing one or more fusuma (sliding doors)4 in a traditional Japanese house to create a large space Some also liken the outer glass-walled passageway to the engawa5 of a traditional Japanese house it also has the makings of a traditional Japanese house.” OCHIAI believes that these architectural features of the museum are fitting for Kanazawa there is a way of thinking that connecting tradition to the future is not merely about preserving the old but also about adding in the new and cherishing it I believe that 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa is a place that perfectly embodies the idea of uniting tradition and innovation.” the various aspects of the latest architectural technology was employed to build the museum including the advanced installation method where its construction is made of 122 pieces of delicately curved glass a wide variety of chairs are placed throughout the museum to provide a space where people can freely relax we hope you will come to the museum and enjoy not only the works on display but also the relaxing experience of blending into the various landscapes woven by the museum’s architecture.” By MOROHASHI KumikoPhoto: ISHIZAWA Yoji; 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art If you have any feedback or comments on this content please enter them in the space provided below Your valuable feedback and commnents will be referenced for our future operations Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter for receiving monthly updates You will be redirected to an external website Would you like to proceed?If you wish to continue Just an hour’s flight (or a 2½-hour bullet train ride) from Tokyo lies Kanazawa the seaside capital city of Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture But Kanazawa warrants much more than just a day trip from Tokyo; it offers a wealth of experiences for travelers looking to mix the contemporary with the traditional And wherever clients decide to go in this bustling capital city there are sure to be surprises and delights around every corner The early bird gets the worm during a visit to Omicho Market a bustling food and seafood bazaar in Kanazawa’s city center that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) Lined on each side by nearly 200 food stalls and vendors the winding covered market has become the city’s largest and features everything from fresh seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables to packaged goods and prepared meals (Pro tip: Head there in the morning for the freshest catch and find the vending machine just outside the entrance for on-the-go sashimi) During a market tour and sushi-making class offered by Kohaku, a local DMC, we meandered through throngs of local shoppers while on a quest for sashimi, Japanese pears and “dancing” oyster mushrooms (named for the foragers who dance with happiness upon finding them). Then, we drove about 10 minutes to In Kanazawa House — a kitchen restaurant and community event space used by the DMC — for a sushi-making class I put on my metaphorical chef’s hat and delicately layered fresh cuts of fish and vegetables onto pillowy balls of rice Paired with the ingredients we acquired during our market run Just across the street from the bullet train station is Hyatt Centric Kanazawa Guests will find contemporary comforts (including a 24-hour fitness center complimentary Wi-Fi access and restaurants featuring both Western-style and Japanese menu items) The 253 guestrooms and seven connecting suites are modern and public spaces feature artwork from local Kanazawa artisans But the true selling point of this property is its location — it’s within a 10-minute drive of many of the city’s top attractions, including the sprawling, ancient gardens of Kanazawa Castle Park and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa is home to three "geigi" districts that date back to the Edo period Similar to Tokyo’s famed "geisha" and Kyoto’s "geiko," Kanazawa’s geigi performers are masters of traditional Japanese art forms dancing and playing instruments such as the Taiko drum and Shinobue flute Visit one of Kanazawa’s "ochaya" (geigi performance houses) in a "chayagai" (teahouse district) for a night of traditional song and dance During my geigi dinner experience at In Kanazawa House near Higashi Chaya District I participated in an interactive performance while dining on a traditional Japanese bento box dinner and then played table games led by the geigi Several destination management companies (DMC) work with U.S. travel advisors to book visits to Ishikawa prefecture. The writer traveled with Beauty of Japan a Japan-based DMC that offers a wide range of customizable and luxury experiences in various parts of Japan Tours can include a martial arts experience a tea ceremony and garden viewing or a samurai class Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version trails and predetermined circuits — Japan can’t seem to get enough of them It’s zipping from metropolis to metropolis on the Golden Route of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka for you Want to stretch your legs through the countryside A few days hoofing it along the Nakasendo Trail will scratch that itch years visiting each of the 88 temples that make up the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage may deliver the spiritual clarity you seek.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Perhaps that’s why the so-called Three-Star Road linking the central Honshu prefectures of Nagano Toyama and Ishikawa stands out from the pack of Japan’s other prescribed tourist routes: There’s really no road here at all Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division KANAZAWA–Despite a devastating New Year's Day earthquake in the prefecture foreign visitors to the famed Kenrokuen garden here have topped 500,000 for the first time the number reached 502,505 at the end of November surpassing the previous high of about 475,000 The surge was driven by more visitors from the United States A total of 209,639 people from these countries visited the iconic spot one of the three most famed gardens in Japan an increase of nearly 70 percent compared to 2019 tourists from Asia fell by more than 20 percent with a total of 210,257 visitors from China The number of international visitors to the garden peaked in October at 73,569 Data from Kenrokuen serves as an indicator of broader trends in inbound tourism across the prefecture the garden is playing a key role in helping the local tourism sector recover from the challenges posed by the Jan 1 earthquake that hit the northern part of the prefecture Kanazawa makes two top travel global destination lists Early birds avoid tourist pitfalls in Kyoto Summer lotus flowers greet early risers in Himeji garden Toshihiro Yoshimura, Yoshifumi Kojima, Koichiro Tokimori, Kansuke Kawashima, Tetsuo Kondo, Shoko Fukuya, Mizuki Imamura, Naoki Hori, Junya Ishigami, Erika Hidaka, Keizo Eki Sasaki and Partners (estructura structure); ES Associates (instalaciones mechanical engineering); P.T. Morimura & Associates, LTD (electricidad electrical engineering); Central Inc (aparcamiento parking) Shinkenchiku-sha, Kazuyo Sejima+Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA Sorry, there arent any match using your search terms, please try again using other terms. This rendering shows an aerial view of Kanazawa Island after renovations are completed. Notice the new path around the island. This rendering takes a closer look at the path around Kanazawa Island. A rendering of a view of a new feature of the Kanazawa Island path: the seal of the city of Kanazawa, Japan, a sister city to Buffalo. Kanazawa Island, a tiny island tucked away in the north bay of Lake LaSalle near the Ellicott Complex, is getting new amenities — including new sidewalks and tree plantings — that will make this secluded islet even more attractive as a peaceful campus escape. “Kanazawa Island was in disrepair for many years. The original asphalt paths were much too wide and were crumbling into the lake,” says Sean Brodfuehrer, an architectural planner in Campus Planning and the project’s designer. “And at the same time,” he says, “students and alumni still found it to be a special location.” The island, adjacent to Wilkeson Quad, is connected by a footbridge and includes some benches, a couple lamp posts, two large trees at the center of a small hill and a circular sidewalk that wraps around the quarter-acre islet. Improvements have been underway the past few weeks and stem from UB’s yearly critical maintenance plan to replace cracked and deteriorated sidewalks around the university. For several years, Campus Planning has been working with crews in Facilities Operations to “rethink what we put back and how we put it back,” explains Brodfuehrer. The new sidewalks were narrowed to 5 feet and pulled back from the shoreline to mitigate future erosion. Photo: Campus Planning The new sidewalks were narrowed to 5 feet and pulled back from the shoreline to mitigate future erosion. Photo: Campus Planning As a result, the sidewalks on the island were narrowed to 5 feet and pulled back from the shoreline to mitigate future erosion. The concrete was recently poured using a buckwheat exposed aggregate that blends more nicely with the natural surroundings compared to a stark white path, Brodfuehrer says. In addition, 12 flowering trees are being planted on the island, including nine eastern redbuds. They will form a circular ring around the inside of the path, and in the spring produce a light pink flower, similar to a cherry blossom, Brodfuehrer adds. Jeff Angiel, director of facilities operations, credits the talented crew from the grounds and masonry departments who performed the work in-house and realized the vision for the island. The path leading to the seal of the city of Kanazawa, Japan, for which the island was named. Photo: Campus Operations, Mason Shop The path leading to the seal of the city of Kanazawa a flat portion on the north side of the island was used to create a small ring around a circular pad of concrete where the Kanazawa city seal was imprinted feels like an appropriate nod to the sister-city relationship “The formation of the island is a bit of a mystery He speculates it happened during construction of the Audubon Parkway “The construction drawings and photos when Lake LaSalle was created do not show this as an island It was just a peninsula to the mainland,” he says “At some point after the Ellicott Complex was completed the islet has long been a favorite spot for students like Jack Utter and Hannah Applebaum It’s a good place to sit and think next to the water when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the campus “The benches on the other side of the lake are always full,” says Utter “This is a little more isolated.” “He showed me this spot,” says Applebaum Buffalo.edu uses cookies to help build a better website experience for our visitors. Learn more in our Privacy Policy Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp The Higashi Chaya District is a traditional geisha district that embodies Kanazawa Culture Japan certified entsuke gold leaf as a Selected Conservation Technique UNESCO added entsuke gold leaf to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage  “It is said that Kanazawa gold leaf originated from Kyoto and was introduced here in 1593,” says Kenichi Matsumura who has been a gold leaf craftsman for 42 years He is also the president of the Society for the Preservation of Kanazawa Gold Leaf Traditional Techniques which was established to protect and pass on those skills apprenticed with his father to become an entsuke gold leaf artisan he was certified as a traditional craftsperson of Kanazawa gold leaf and has been working to ensure the technique’s succession Three generations of Kenichi Matsumura’s family have been involved in making gold leaf Two kinds of gold leaf are made in Kanazawa — entsuke and tachikiri Entsuke gold leaf involves a traditional manufacturing method that uses handmade Japanese washi paper entsuke gold leaf is essential for the preservation of Japan’s important cultural properties has existed for more than 400 years and is now being passed on by just a handful of artisans Tachikiri gold leaf was developed in the 1960s using modern manufacturing methods to enable the mass production of gold leaf The splendor of entsuke gold leaf’s magnificent color and luster is best expressed by Hongwanji Kanazawa Betsuin which is only about a three-minute drive from Kanazawa Station The inner temple of Hongwanji Kanazawa Betsuin was restored in 1993 using entsuke gold leaf the most revered objects of worship are often enshrined in the inner sanctum of the main temple building a statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata or Buddha of Infinite Light) and the pillars and doors of this inner sanctum are all dazzlingly gilded with entsuke gold leaf The main temple building was completed in 1849 At temples that belong to the Jodo Shinshu school the main temple building is constructed with an inner sanctum Entsuke gold leaf is not simply a decoration in such temples; it is used to depict the shining world of the Pure Land and the salvation of Amida Nyorai Hongwanji Kanazawa Betsuin is a designated tangible cultural property of Kanazawa Prefecture Just a few minutes’ walk from the Higashi Chaya District in downtown Kanazawa the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum is Japan’s only museum exclusively about gold leaf production and gilding Visitors can learn the history of gold leaf through art works and crafted items that feature gilding The museum also displays historical implements used to make gold leaf Old implements used to make gold leaf are on permanent display (left) 160-year-old brocade robe that uses gold leaf (right) Both photo credit: Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum Entsuke gold leaf is defined by strict production conditions there are just over 10 artisans in Kanazawa who are capable of manufacturing it The process is divided into three stages that apply years of expert skill Entsuke gold leaf is an essential decorative material in various fields Gold leaf that has been hammered to a thickness of just 1/10,000 of a millimeter (0.1 microns) The resulting sheets are cut one by one to a specified size using a dedicated cutting tool made of bamboo it takes two weeks for 100 sheets to be made in this entsuke way The artisans who hammer the gold are called hakuuchi-shi Each sheet of cut gold leaf is carefully layered alternately with paper “The zumiya and the hakuuchi-shi each make the paper themselves and the quality of the paper greatly affects the finish of the final product,” says Kenichi Matsumura The process of making the paper is called kamishikomi The work of peeling the paper is called tekazu The sheets of paper are then bundled again Ash from burned straw is mixed with water to make the akujiru or lye (caustic soda) smooth paper and neutralize the paper’s acid content After the bundles have absorbed enough of the mixture they are wrung out and then sandwiched between woven rush matting to further remove any excess liquid and beaten again to ensure an even moistness the sheets are dried one-by-one over a flame This painstaking process ensures all the moisture is removed so that the gold leaf does not stick to the paper The sheets of paper are beaten repeatedly using a special machine (right)  “The process of kamishikomi alone takes between six months and one year the gold leaf won’t stretch thinly and evenly About 90% of the technical skill required to make entsuke gold leaf is concentrated in the kamishikomi process,” says Kenichi Matsumura It takes three years just to learn the basics of entsuke gold leaf production from the kamishikomi to hakuuchi processes These skills are mostly passed on from parent to child Kanazawa’s gold leaf industry continues to sustain the beauty of Japan’s national treasures and historic buildings “We have to think about how the next generation can inherit this process including the conservation of raw materials.” Photo credit: Gold Leaf Sakuda Gilding with Kanazawa gold leaf is also the job of an artisan The gold leaf is so thin and delicate that it can be torn with a single touch The gold leaf is handled with bamboo chopsticks to prevent the buildup of static electricity Expert skill is required to join the edges of each gold leaf sheet as it is applied to sophisticated shapes all while maintaining a steady working speed For those who would like to try gilding with Kanazawa gold leaf near the picturesque Higashi Chaya District The company was established in 1919 by an artisan of gold leaf production and as well as selling a wide variety of original gold leaf handicrafts with each session lasting about 60 minutes The workshops are available in English and Chinese You can choose from products ranging from small saucers to large plates for interior decoration Participants then draw a design onto masking tape cut it out and stick it onto their chosen product Templates of cherry blossom petals and other designs are available Brush adhesive onto the areas where the gold leaf will be applied you will be surprised at how thin the gold leaf is brush off the excess gold leaf and fill in any missing areas An artisan will advise you on the process and answer any questions remove the masking tape and view your work You can take your finished item home with you The store sells a wide range of products made with gold leaf from handicrafts to cosmetics and even food so you can enjoy shopping once the workshop is over You can also observe the gold leaf production process You can participate in gilding workshops at either Gold Leaf Sakuda’s main store (left) or its Machiya store (right) A private workshop can be reserved for a group of 10 or more participants Main photo credit: Hongwanji Kanazawa Betsuin WEB：http://www.incl.ne.jp/honganji/   （Japanese） WEB：https://goldleaf-sakuda.jp/en/ WEB：https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/kinpaku/english/index.htm WEB：https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en/ Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Full bloom cherry blossoms in front of the Ishikawa-mon Gate at the Kanazawa Castle Park Ishikawa Prefecture is a historic castle town and representative city in the Hokuriku region that faces the Sea of Japan the cherry blossoms along the stone walls of Kanazawa Castle are beautiful This article introduces the history of Kanazawa Castle and offers some tips on how to enjoy the cherry blossoms Kanazawa Castle Park is in the center of Kanazawa City which was built on the ruins of Kanazawa Castle The huge 28.5-hectare site is dotted with the restored buildings It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot easily accessible from JR Kanazawa Station Many people visit during the blooming period from early to mid-April each year Kanazawa Castle was first used in earnest in 1583 by MAEDA Toshiie1 MAEDA Toshiie was the first lord of the Kaga domain which covered a large area that straddles present-day Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures Kanazawa Castle flourished as the MAEDA clan’s residence for about 300 years Kanazawa Castle Park is planted with 400 cherry trees of about 13 varieties the park is opened free of charge with extended opening hours for about a week after blossoming is announced so visitors can also enjoy the cherry blossoms after sundown when they are lit up One park official describes the best way to visit the park during the cherry blossom season “Many of the castle’s buildings were lost in natural disasters or fires and have since been restored built in 1788 and now designated an Important Cultural Property which crosses the moat and leads to Ishikawa-mon Gate turrets3 above it — all in one extremely beautiful scene of harmonious balance The uchibori (inner moat) is lined with Somei Yoshino cherry trees The reflection of the cherry blossoms on the surface of the water is also very beautiful Also in the park is the Gyokusen-in-maru Garden,4 the traditional garden of the MAEDA clan The Gyokusen-an Rest House in the garden is also recommended for visitors to take a break with a view of the garden where the shidare-zakura5 bloom in mid-April Next to Kanazawa Castle Park is Kenrokuen,6 one of Japan’s most famous gardens which is also known as a great place to see cherry blossoms Visiting this famous castle and garden as a pair during the cherry blossom season promises an extra-special experience It would certainly be wonderful to enjoy cherry blossoms while reflecting on the several-hundred year history of the place By TANAKA NozomiPhoto: Kanazawa Castle & Kenroku-en Garden Management Center; PIXTA just as they confused intruders centuries ago It was early morning in Kanazawa’s historical Higashi Chaya district a row of old latticed teahouses in a town that’s convoluted in both its layout and history A geisha scurried across the empty street like an alley cat only the clicking of her wooden geta sandals giving her away I wanted to learn about the world of another Japanese icon: the samurai Located between the Sea of Japan/East Sea and the Japanese Alps in western Japan Kanazawa is considered one of the country’s best places to learn about samurai history The town was spared from destruction during World War II and remains one of the best-preserved castle towns of the Edo Period It’s one of the only cities in Japan to still have a samurai district samurai were abolished in the late-19th Century as Japan modernised often listed as one of the world’s most beautiful I’d always been fascinated by samurai, those warriors who were almost inhumanly stoic and ever willing to fall on their sword for their masters or slay anyone showing disrespect. At least, that was how I’d imagined samurai to be, thanks to films like The Last Samurai and 13 Assassins I was about to learn there was more to their story On my first morning in Kanazawa, I made a beeline for the neighbourhood of Higashi Chaya and met Kiyoe Nagashima, a 6th-generation resident and Kanazawa Excursions guide The pounding of a taiko drum in a nearby temple filled the air summoning the feeling I often have when in a foreign place: of following the city’s beating pulse the city is a modern metropolis dotted with luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton Following Nagashima into the labyrinth of teahouses I felt like Alice slipping into the rabbit hole We walked along the row of beautiful latticed buildings and turned down a narrow street lined with yellowing gingko trees Then we careened up a steep path that was so slender and discreet I thought we were trespassing in a private driveway Kanazawa’s streets were partly designed to mislead and disorient outsiders we walked into the adjacent neighborhood of Utatsuyama Samurai once lived in Buddhist temples here The roofs of the stately wood buildings with detailed carvings sprouted from clusters of gingko and maple trees Nagashima made it clear that the samurai who flourished in this city during the Edo Period (1603-1868) were almost nothing like the ferocious warriors I’d imagined them to be the feudal military class focused most of its energy on scholarly pursuits and craftsmanship As the highest social caste during this time the samurai built extravagant residences and opulent gardens behind thick earthen walls; you can still see evidence of the walls today most samurai in Japan never lived this luxurious The refined samurai of Kanazawa were an anomaly made possible by their ruler’s disinterest in violence and affection for the arts and Japanese maple trees and is considered one of Japan’s finest gardens We continued on to the Nagamachi neighborhood, which was once home to upper- and middle-class samurai. Many of the original houses were torn down during Japan’s industrial revolution. Still, the district’s cobblestone streets, towering mud walls and peaceful canal remain, and a couple of restored samurai houses are open to the public, including the Nomura House, which contains artifacts from its namesake family. I returned to the Nomura House the following day and strolled inside, expecting to find swords, armor and perhaps some paintings immortalising moments of triumphant battles. Instead, I was greeted by a koi pond and zen fusuma – or painted rice paper panels – created by the Maeda family’s personal artist. Then I recalled something Nagashima had said on the tour: “To defend Kanazawa, the Maeda clan encouraged the samurais to focus on arts and craftsmanship instead of fighting. That way they did not pose a threat to the clan with the highest power, and so were not invaded. 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