# ISSUE 20 Explore while feeling the layered history
Kanazawa’s fantastical winter sceneries

2024.01

Kanazawa is located in the center of Ishikawa, jutting out onto the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. In Kanazawa, which flourished as a castle town of Kaga Hyakumangoku during the feudal period, a variety of traditional crafts such as Kaga Yuzen and Kutani ware flourished. Traditional cultures such as tea ceremony and Nohgaku are also widely enjoyed by everyone from samurai to common people and are still passed down to this day.

A must-visit winter sightseeing spot is Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most well-known gardens. Yukitsuri, which is performed to protect trees from the weight of snow, is a seasonal tradition. It is lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The beautiful scenery where traditional techniques are distinguished is worth seeing.

In the Nagamachi District, where the remains of samurai residences remain, when the weather gets really cold, the earthen walls are covered with “Komokake” to protect them from the snow, creating an even more emotional surroundings. If you take a walk on a quiet morning, you can feel the dignified and comfortable atmosphere.

In addition, there are other beautiful streets that are unique to Kanazawa, such as “Higashi Chaya District,” where you can enjoy an extraordinary atmosphere with red-shell lattice townhouse architecture, and “Oyama Shrine,” which has beautiful stained glass in the shrine gate. You’ll enjoy it.