During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan; Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

During World War Two, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids.

Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.

Today, the city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums.

This trip offers a full day to explore Kanazawa with a local guide using public transport.

The highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden. Ranked one of the top three in Japan, its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season.

You will also be visiting the imposing Kanazawa castle, located next to the garden. Nearby Kagayuzen Kaikan offers demonstrations of the centuries-old Yuzen silk painting technique.

Head to visit the Nagamachi Samurai district, where you can enter the Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period.

The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts.

Many of the buildings along the central street now house cafes and shops. One of the shops, Hakuza, sells gold leaf products, a specialty of Kanazawa, and displays a kura warehouse style room which is completely covered in gold leaf; you will also have a chance to visit the Shima teahouse, which is still an operating tea house, but opens its doors to the public.

You can enjoy a cup of green tea here to finish the day.