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. Today Kanazawa is 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 is a famous garden 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.

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.

Omicho 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.

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.

Our Japanese language immersion allows you plenty of time to discover the culture of Japan & Kanazawa.