Kanazawa

One of Japan's three great gardens in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. This strolling garden was created over 180 years by the Maeda clan of Kaga Domain, named for combining six landscape elements. Winter yukitsuri snow protection is Kanazawa's iconic seasonal sight, and the garden offers beauty in every season.

A castle town centered on the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, with charming retro streets like Nakamachi-dori and Nawate-dori. Popular with mountaineers as a gateway to the Northern Alps, it also offers growing appeal through craft beer and cafe culture.

The central city of Harima, home to World Heritage Himeji Castle. Beyond the castle, it offers appealing tourism resources and food culture including Mount Shosha's Engyo-ji Temple and Himeji-style oden.

A castle town called 'Little Kyoto of San'in.' Koi swim in the moats of Tonomachi Street, and the thousand torii gates of Taikodani Inari Shrine are stunning. Also the birthplace of author Mori Ogai.

A contemporary art museum in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Opened in 2004, it showcases domestic and international modern art. Distinctive for its circular architectural design, its installation artworks like 'Swimming Pool' have gained worldwide recognition. Functioning as a new cultural hub in Kanazawa, a town of traditional crafts, it attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.

A collection of traditional crafts preserved in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, including Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Kutani ware, and Wajima lacquerware. Developed under domain patronage since the Edo period, these crafts exhibit sophisticated techniques and aesthetic value. Many artisan skills are designated as cultural properties, making Kanazawa highly valued internationally as a treasure trove of Japanese traditional crafts. The region blends tourism with craft experience activities.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture thrived as the castle town of Kaga Domain during the Edo period. Preserved samurai residences, geisha districts, and Kenroku-en Garden maintain Edo-period atmosphere. Traditional crafts including Kutani porcelain and Kaga yuzen dyeing flourish. Attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually, it is recognized for preserving Japan's traditional culture extensively.