Kanazawa’s Hidden Gems, Kanazawa, Japan

An overlooked Japanese jewel, historic Kanazawa in the northern centre of Honshu Island is famed for its classical architecture and landscaped gardens.

Kanazawa is the cultural and economic capital of the entire Hokuriku region and is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favour of neighbouring Kyoto.

Famous for its art museums and unspoilt Edo-era (1603-1868) districts, Kanazawa is a delight to explore and is often referred to by locals as “Little Tokyo” - but without the crowds.

Fabulous hidden gems are dotted throughout Kanazawa and you cannot see everything in one day this lovely city.

Depending on how you arrive at Kanazawa by bus or train, you will land at the gorgeous innovative JR Kanazawa Station.

Kanazawa Station’s giant wooden gate resembles a modern Torri - a Japanese gate typically found at shrines.

Step inside for a futuristic design featuring an impressive soaring glass-and-steel dome that allows light to flood into the station…

Although Kanazawa Castle was constructed in the 1580s, following the defeat of the Peasant’s Kingdom (Japan’s only Buddhist fiefdom), the castle burnt down several times over the centuries.

Only two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate survived the worst fire of 1881. Since the 1990s, Kanazawa Castle has slowly been rebuilt to its former buildings. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).