infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

Commonly known as 'Ninja-dera (Temple)', 'Myoryuji' was built in 1643 by the third Lord MaedaToshitsune as a place of worship for the clan bearing his name. Outwardly a two-story building, it actually featurs 7 levels within the building, crammed with hidden staircases, secret passages, pitfalls and many other deadly traps to mislead the unwary enemy. This intricately structured temple is a tourist favorite.

'Omicho'' market for 280 years has rightfully been called "the kitchen of Kanazawans". Two hundred shops line narrow streets offering fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, fl owers and numerous local products. Activity reaches a crescendo in the evening, the market coming alive with the brisk voices of sellers enticing housewives to buy their product.

Centrally located , this excitingly new contemporary art based museum opened in 2004. Numerous contemporary art works are on display, not only paintings, sculptures, industrial art, but also photographs, architecture, video, installation art and performing arts are on exhibit. Curious visitors can actually touch or even play with some of the displays.

For three centuries beginning in 1583, the castle served as the home base of the powerful Kaga clan. The buildings were set afire several times through its turbulent history and presently only 'Ishikawa' gate remains. Its roofi ng tiles are made of lead (to melt down as bullets if needed,) and it is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The entire site is open to the public as Kanazawa Castle Park.

One of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, 'Kenrokuen' was created during the Edo Era by the feudal lords of Kaga and using a variety of gardening techniques further developed over generations. This, what is called a 'strolling-style' garden is laid out with various ponds, waterfalls, hills and tea houses arranged in spacious ground. Incorporating the six attributes of a perfect garden in the design, the lords' wishes for longevity and eternal prosperity are perfectly reflected. Throughout the year, the beauty of seasonal scenery is enjoyed by people from all over the world.

'Nagamachi' is the ancient district where lived the brave samurai warriors in the ser vice of the feudal lords of Kaga. Presently, often chosen as a background for filming historic scenes, the atmosphere of water fl umes, mud walled houses and intricate cobblestone lanes will whisk the visitor back in time to the exciting Edo period. The 'Nomura House', open to the public, perfectly reflects the daily life style of feudal samurai.

Kanazawa has three, well preserved chaya districts - Higashi (East) Chaya, Nishi (West) Chaya and Kazue-machi. Located in the city center, these districts feature a number of two-story wooden teahouses. In the early evening, lucky visitors might see a geisha hurrying to one of her appointments or hear exotic 'shamisen' (a three stringed instrument) music coming from a nearby chaya. Traditionally, chaya are establishments dedicated to good food, drink and entertainment. Of the three districts, the Higashi Chaya District is the largest. Along the central street visitors can browse the shops and cafes. There are even two chaya that are open to the public - the Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse. Hakuza is a popular shop that sells one of Kanazawa's famous handicrafts - gold leaf products. The Nishi (West) Chaya District is conveniently located near the Nagamachi Samurai District and Ninja Temple, but is smaller. Lastly, the Kazuemachi Chaya District, with the fewest preserved buildings, features mostly restaurants and teahouses.

Nagamachi Yuzen Kan is the only 'Kaga Yuzen' studio in Kanazawa open to the public. 'KagaYuzen' is a complex handpainting technique for creating traditional Japanese 'Kimonos'. Visitors can admire and observe (even participate if they wish) the artisan's silk dyeing process as they design and paint delicate and colorful patterns onto silk.

'Kutani' porcelain ware traces its history as far back as the Edo Period. It is appreciated for dynamic designs and distinctive colors. Visitors can observe the entire production process from clay blending, shaping on the wheel to fi nal coloring. A visitor that feels artistically inclined can enjoy designing and coloring their own piece.

Visitors can view the famed Kanazawa gold leaf industr y from its past history and culture to the process of gold pounding. A lavish gallery using 10,000 sheets of gold leaves is a must-see. A craft art class allows visitors to make their own golden artifact. An exciting gold leaf crafts shop is on the premises.

The oldest sake brewery, established 1625, in Kanazawa, 'Fukumitsuya' faithfully adheres to traditional 'Junmai-tsukuri' (to make pure rice) brewing method and has been in business a full 380 years. The sake's high quality depends on the usage of premium rice and pure spring water. Visitors can enjoy sake-tasting with a selection of samplings of fine sake created by the master brewer's knowledge and effort.

Kaga 'onsen' (hot springs) village with four spas is located at the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture. Ancient 'Yamashiro' was discovered 1300 years ago; 'Katayamazu' features a spectacular view of the Hakusan mountain range; 'Yamanaka'and 'Awazu' have a long history and are equally popular sites to visit. After busy sightseeing in historic Kanazawa, many visitors choose an easy side trip to enjoy and fully relax in the wonderful baths of these fi ne hot-springs.