Kanazawa is a captivating city in Japan that offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Ensure you have time to visit the Kenrokuen Garden, known for its stunning landscapes and well-manicured gardens, including cherry blossoms, plum trees, and maple trees. Discover the city's Edo-era districts and experience its rich cultural heritage at Nagamachi Samurai District and the Higashi Chaya District, featuring traditional houses and buildings preserved for centuries. Learn about Kanazawa's traditional crafts, such as gold-leaf work and Kutani ware ceramics, by visiting workshops and studios throughout the city. Don't miss out on trying Kanazawa's famous seafood, including snow crab and sashimi, to experience the local cuisine.
Known as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens," Kenrokuen offers a unique experience for every season. From plum and cherry blossoms in spring to fiery autumnal colors and the yukitsuri - ropes set up to protect trees from heavy snow in winter - this garden encapsulates Japan's natural beauty. Visitors can explore its landscaped paths, tranquil ponds, and tea houses, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The castle, with its unique whitewashed walls and distinctive lead-tiled roofs, is a symbol of the city's feudal past. While most of the original structure was lost to fires, the meticulously restored parts provide insights into Japanese castle architecture and construction techniques. The view of Kenrokuen Garden from the castle adds to this immersive historical experience.
A stark contrast to the city's historical attractions, this museum showcases both international and local contemporary art within its unique circular design. The diverse collection ranges from thought-provoking installations to interactive exhibits like Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool." Engaging with modern art in Kanazawa brings a fresh perspective on the city's cultural landscape.
Here, traditional teahouses are nestled in narrow lanes, where geisha have entertained guests for centuries. You can experience a geisha performance or partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Some teahouses also offer gold leaf workshops, referencing Kanazawa's status as a major gold leaf producer.
Known as "Kanazawa's Kitchen," Omicho Market offers an array of local delicacies. From fresh seafood, particularly its renowned crabs and sushi, to vegetables and pickles, the market allows you to experience the city's gastronomic heritage. Try a kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl, for a taste of Kanazawa in a dish.
Once the residential area for samurai, Nagamachi retains its historic charm with its preserved earthen walls and traditional houses. Several old samurai residences, like Nomura House, are open for public viewing. They often exhibit Kaga Yuzen silk, Kutani ceramics, and other crafts, offering a tactile connection to Kanazawa's artisanal legacy.
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Embark on an 11-day journey across Japan's dynamic core. Begin in Tokyo, then visit Nagano for snow monkeys and temples. Discover Hagi's charm, enjoy rural homestays, and learn paper-making in Miho-misumi. Traverse Tottori's sand dunes before delving into Kyoto's shrine-filled landscape and vibrant city scene, blending urban adventures with cultural and natural splendours.
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This 15-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through Japan and China, blending ancient traditions with modern marvels. From Tokyo's bustling streets to the Great Wall's historic ramparts, and Kyoto's serene temples to Shanghai's urban sophistication, immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history of these iconic destinations.
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Experience Japan's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, from Tokyo's avant-garde buzz to serene countryside shrines and heritage villages. Explore geisha districts and picturesque gardens, savouring authentic Japanese cuisine from sushi to kaiseki. Engage in unique activities like gold-leaf painting, weaving together Japan's rich past and vibrant present in an unforgettable journey.
Heritage, People & Culture, Art & Architecture
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Discover the heart of Asia on a luxury tour of Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing. Experience ancient traditions, modern wonders, and culinary delights in three of the world's most vibrant capitals, all while enjoying first-class accommodations and personalized tours.
People & Culture, Art & Architecture
China, Japan, South Korea
PRIVATE
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan and China, exploring ancient temples, imperial palaces, and modern wonders, while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and tradition that defines these iconic lands.
Heritage, Art & Architecture
China, Japan
PRIVATE
This 15-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through Japan and China, blending ancient traditions with modern marvels. From Tokyo's bustling streets to the Great Wall's historic ramparts, and Kyoto's serene temples to Shanghai's urban sophistication, immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history of these iconic destinations.
People & Culture, Art & Architecture
China, Japan
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Explore the best of Japan and Thailand on this 12-day luxury tour. From Tokyo's neon lights to Kyoto's serene temples, and Bangkok's lively markets to Chiang Mai's tranquil beauty, experience a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and modern luxury.
People & Culture, Art & Architecture
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Embark on an epic journey from the historic palaces of Seoul to the tropical paradise of Okinawa. This tour blends cultural immersion with natural wonders, offering experiences from traditional kimchi making to relaxing on pristine beaches. Perfect for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
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"Autumn in Tohoku" captures the essence of Japan's fall, blending cultural immersion with natural splendour. From the samurai history of Aizu-Wakamatsu to the serene beauty of Oirase Stream and the apple charm of Hirosaki, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of Tohoku's heritage and autumnal landscapes.
Wellbeing & Yoga, Culinary, History & Archaeology
Japan
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Discover the heart of Asia on a luxury tour of Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing. Experience ancient traditions, modern wonders, and culinary delights in three of the world's most vibrant capitals, all while enjoying first-class accommodations and personalized tours.
People & Culture, Art & Architecture
China, Japan, South Korea
PRIVATE
Journey through Japan's iconic landscapes and cities, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, the art islands of Naoshima, and the culinary paradise of Osaka. Experience the fusion of ancient tradition and modern innovation in this unforgettable exploration.
People & Culture, Culinary, History & Archaeology
Japan
PRIVATE
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan and China, exploring ancient temples, imperial palaces, and modern wonders, while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and tradition that defines these iconic lands.
Heritage, Art & Architecture
China, Japan
PRIVATE
This 15-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through Japan and China, blending ancient traditions with modern marvels. From Tokyo's bustling streets to the Great Wall's historic ramparts, and Kyoto's serene temples to Shanghai's urban sophistication, immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history of these iconic destinations.
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China, Japan
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Explore the best of Japan and Thailand on this 12-day luxury tour. From Tokyo's neon lights to Kyoto's serene temples, and Bangkok's lively markets to Chiang Mai's tranquil beauty, experience a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and modern luxury.
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Japan
PRIVATE
17 days
Dive into Japan's rich culture and history on this 13-day journey. From Tokyo's modernity to Kyoto's imperial past, and the serene beauty of Miyajima, experience the art, tradition, and soul of Japan.
Heritage, People & Culture, History & Archaeology
Japan
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13 days
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Heritage, Biking/Cycling, Hiking/Trekking
Japan
PRIVATE
11 days
Embark on an 11-day journey across Japan's dynamic core. Begin in Tokyo, then visit Nagano for snow monkeys and temples. Discover Hagi's charm, enjoy rural homestays, and learn paper-making in Miho-misumi. Traverse Tottori's sand dunes before delving into Kyoto's shrine-filled landscape and vibrant city scene, blending urban adventures with cultural and natural splendours.
People & Culture, Art & Architecture
Japan
GROUP
Discover Japan in 14 days, touring Tokyo's skyscrapers, Takayama's charm, Hiroshima's Peace Park, and Kyoto's temples and Zen gardens. Marvel at Miyajima's floating Torii Gate, stroll by Mt Fuji's lakes, and relax at an Onsen Spa. Enjoy swift high-speed train travel and local culinary delights throughout.
People & Culture
Japan
GROUP
Experience Japan's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, from Tokyo's avant-garde buzz to serene countryside shrines and heritage villages. Explore geisha districts and picturesque gardens, savouring authentic Japanese cuisine from sushi to kaiseki. Engage in unique activities like gold-leaf painting, weaving together Japan's rich past and vibrant present in an unforgettable journey.
Heritage, People & Culture, Art & Architecture
Japan
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Japan
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9 days
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Heritage, People & Culture, Art & Architecture
Japan
GROUP
11 days
ANA Crown Plaza Kanazawa is a modern 4-star international style hotel, set close to JR train station in Kanazawa. Sometimes called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is a superb destination in its own right. It’s home to one of Japan’s best gardens, some superb museums, well preserved traditional neighbourhoods and great restaurants. The city has a direct shinkansen (bullet train) connection to Tokyo, making it a perfect addition to the usual Tokyo-Kyoto itinerary.
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