Geographically, Kanazawa's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Hokuriku region as a whole. Lshikawa's charming Noto Peninsula and Kaga region, as well as neighboring Toyama, Fukui and Gifu prefectures, are all easily accessible from Kanazawa. Kanazawa's history began in 1546,when the Buddhist Ikko sect set up a religious government centered on a temple, which later became the site of Kanazawa castle.

The Buddhists' power grew, and so did Kanazawa. The city was invaded in 1580,and following a turbulent period, was finally taken over by Maeda Toshiie, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga, in 1583. When Japan came under the control of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603,Maeda's vast territorial holdings were recognized, making Kaga the wealthiest province in Japan.

Its wealth, measured by its rice yield, was one million koku, or five million bushels. Hence, the elegant and refined culture that developed in Kanazawa under Maeda's patronage is referred to as Kaga Hyakumangoku.

The city hosts a famous festival each year in June “Hyakumangoku Festival” commemorates the entry of Maeda Toshiie, ord of the Kaga province, into Kanazawa castle in 1583. Local the tea ceremony, which has flourished in Kanazawa since feudal times, has given rise to a rich variety of confections. The most representative is Choseiden, a pressed-sugar confection that even today is made from the same ingredients and in the same manner as in the feudal era.

Since Kanazawa is a port on the Japan Sea, the harvest of those cold waters can be enjoyed at its freshest and best. A visit to the Omi-cho market will reveal seasonal fish and shellfish of every sort, including many that may very well amaze. Crab is one of the local specialties, as are at least three kinds of shrimp enjoyed fresh and uncooked as sashimi.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

city tour
Take a trip around Kanazawa, one of Japan's foremost castle towns. Visit many places of historic and aesthetic interest, such as the splendid Kenrokuen, known as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan and lshikawa-mon,the commanding gate to the old castle grounds. Walk along the banks of the two rivers, go to the splendid market, visit the historic center with its narrow winding streets or take in a performance at the Noh Theater. Not only is Kanazawa's natural scenery a colorful delight year-round,but every seasonal change is so carefully celebrated in Kanazawa's traditional cuisine, decor and yearly events that one comes to feel as if there are many more than four seasons. The city plays host to the famous Hyakumangoku Festival each year and is known for its traditional crafts, a great place to walk and explore.

kenrokuen
This garden is known as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It is called Kenrokuen because it combines the six attributes (kenroku) that a garden should have: spaciousness, seclusion, human ingenuity, antiquity, water and panoramic views. It contains roughly 12,000 trees of 150 varieties, which achieve beautiful harmony with the garden's meandering streams, ponds and bridges. 15 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station.

ishikawa-mon gate
The only remnant of Kanazawa Castle, which was destroyed by fire in 1759 and rebuilt in 1788. Its tiles are lead, and it is equipped with such defensive features as holes for dropping stones and slots for firing rifles. Across from Kenroku-en Garden.

omicho market
This market has a reputation for offering the freshest seafood, fruits and vegetables at the best prices, Omicho has been a favorite destination for Kanazawa shoppers since the feudal period.

ishikawa prefectural noh theater
Kanazawa is known as a place where Noh continues to flourish. ln fact, Kanazawa is said to be a place where Noh chants fall from the heavens. The professional gardeners in Kanazawa have been known to sing Noh chants as they work trimming tree branches. Noh, traditionally samurai's Entertainment, first became popular in Kanazawa in the era of Lord Maeda. Noh in Kanazawa was traditionally enjoyed, not only by aristocrats, but by average citizens as well. There were performances as part of religious ceremonies, performances given by civil servants, and Noh chants were even used as texts for educating children. The Ishikawa Prefectureal Noh Theater, located up the hill from Kenrokuen, is the center of Kanazawa's Noh culture. It is used for the study of Noh and sometimes performances are held. There are occasional displays of Noh costumes and art objects.

saigawa & asanogawa riversa
Saigawa: This beautiful river, originating from Mt.Hakusan, is a popular place for recreation among Kanazawa residents. The cherry trees lining its banks are especially beautiful in April, but in any season the Saigawa's banks provide a nice place to relax. Asanogawa River: (Ume-no-Hashi Bridge) This wooden bridge, once washed away by a flood, has been rebuilt in the original style. Watching the river flow by, and looking up at the foliage on Mt.Utatsuyama, visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of Kanazawa here.

higashi chaya district
Narrow winding streets, latticed windows:Higashiyama is the heart of old Kanazawa. Much old architecture is lovingly preserved by the people who live there.

the hyakumangoku festival
The festival commemorates the entry of Maeda Toshiie, lord of the Kaga province, into Kanazawa castle in 1583. The event has traditionally been commemorated at Oyama Shrine, which is dedicated to Lord Maeda, but it was first celebrated as a city festival in 1923. The name "Hyakumangoku" signifies the extreme wealth of the Kaga province, which was one million koku, or five million bushels of rice.

local culture and traditions
The tea ceremony, which has flourished in Kanazawa since feudal times, has given rise to a rich variety of confections and a must see. The cuisine of the Kaga region is characteristic of Japanese cooking in that it uses a wide variety of seasonal ingredients at their peak of freshness, and arranges each serving as if painting a picture on the dish. There are two main types of Kaga ryori. One is the highly refined kaiseki-ryori served to guests, and the other is home cooking. Kanazawa's winter cuisine, featuring such delicacies as crab, shrimp, oysters, cod and yellowtail, is most well known. For spring and autumn festivals there is a gelatin like dish made with egg called bero-bero, which is eaten along with oshi-zushi', fish pressed into a box of vinagered rice and cut into pieces. A summer favorite is somen noodles cooked with eggplant.