What to Do in Kanazawa, Japan

Do you like Kyoto? I do, which is why I enjoyed Kanazawa. It’s affectionately called “Little Kyoto” for its beautifully preserved neighborhoods, its sprawling landscaped garden, and handful of interesting museums.

I was drawn to Kanazawa after reading about its popularity with domestic tourists. It exudes the charm of Kyoto minus the crowds, which is always a good thing. Like Kyoto, Kanazwa escaped destruction from air raids in WWII, leaving its atmospheric samurai and geisha entertainment districts remarkably intact.

Speaking of atmosphere, Kanazawa’s charm is none better exemplified perhaps than by Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three best landscaped gardens and considered by many to be the most beautiful of them all.

If you’re drawn to Japan’s atmospheric charm like I am, then…