Samurai lanes, geisha teahouses and a classic garden
Kanazawa escaped bombing in the Second World War, so its Edo-period districts survive largely intact. Kenroku-en is counted among Japan's three great gardens, and it sits beside the rebuilt Kanazawa Castle. The Higashi Chaya district has wooden teahouses where geisha still perform, and in Nagamachi the earthen walls of samurai houses line narrow canals. Omicho Market sells superb seafood from the Sea of Japan, and the city produces almost all of Japan's gold leaf. The 21st Century Museum adds a contemporary counterpoint.