Travel in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of Japan's oldest cities. It survived the Medieval Period of the Warring States and came under the control of a warlord named Maeda in 1560. The Maeda family kept control of the city until the end of the feudal system in 1850 and they fostered Kanazawa's traditional crafts as well as introducing Zen Buddhism and the associated arts such as the Tea Ceremony. Kinpaku gold leaf crafters and the Kutani and Ohi styles of pottery are unique to the region. Within the city, Kaga Yuuzen silk dyers produce their famous fabrics, laquerers make Shikki fine laquery. Paulownia carving, and the Washi, fine paper made in the mountain villages behind Kanazawa are also crafts that have been taken to high standards of excellence by generations of crafters.
Kanazawa, the biggest city in the Hokuriku region has a population of 450,000, and is a castle town that was ruled over by the Maeda family for three centuries after the first lord Toshiie Maeda entered Kanazawa Castle in 1583. The development of its special products like rice, sake, sweets, etc. was due to its temperate and rainy climate with heavy snow in winter. The city is surrounded by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. Two rivers run through the city - the Sai is said to be a lively masculine river and the Asano to be a sweet, feminine river. Such a natural background of great beauty gives the city a relaxed feeling. Since the Kaga Clan invited many artists and craftsmen to this area, it achieved a high level of craftsmanship that continues to flourish to this day.
Courtesy of the Japan Tourism Board

Travel in Kanazawa Attractions

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Kanazawa is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.