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Tourism arrivals in tourist-friendly Japan have continued to increase in recent years as appreciation of the country’s many appealing facets become better known to travellers. Travellers seeking new destinations to explore and experiences beyond Tokyo should consider visiting Kanazawa, an exciting city on the west coast of Honshu. Aside from being home to one of Japan’s wealthiest repositories of historical architecture, Kanazawa is also home to the world’s most dazzling ice cream cone.

Kanazawa is one of the most cultured cities in Japan―and not just from a tourism point of view. In times that have brought overtourism and exploitation, Kanazawa offers authentic Japanese experiences as they have existed for centuries. The artisans of Kanazawa are recognised throughout the country for their expertise and workmanship. Kanazawa is the gold leaf capital of Japan, producing 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, which is applied to surfaces across the country on everything from simple souvenirs to the world-famous Golden Temple in Kyoto. Gold is everywhere in Kanazawa and seemingly on everything; in addition to pottery, handbags, and jewellery, gold dots are added to tea, cakes, cosmetics, nail polish, and ice cream cones. The humid climate of this coastal city is ideal for working with gold leaf, which would disintegrate into dust in a drier environment.

: Kanazawa’s 21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art.

: Goldleaf ice cream cone.

There is more to Kanazawa than just gold, though. The city is located in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is famous throughout Japan for its regional cuisine that emphasises fish. Lunch at the superb Gyokusen-tei Garden Restaurant brings the traditional fare of the region to the table in a quiet dining room, which is attractive and elegant, as only the Japanese can create. The emphasis is on appreciating aromas and flavours and the garden, seen through the large windows. Culturally, Kanazawa is home to a plethora of museums. The DT Suzuki Museum provides insight into the works and world of the Japanese writer through thoughtful exhibits on display in a contemporary building constructed specifically to house the collection. The beautiful reflecting pool is alone worth a visit; it is the perfect place to sit and relax the mind, which is the goal of the Museum in general. Nearby is the new 21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art, easily recognisable thanks to the rainbow spiral by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson placed outside the building.

: Hakuza goldleaf workshop.

: Kanazawa’s Sumo District.

The impressive Ohi Museum specialises in presenting traditional Chozaemon pottery, of which Ishikawa Prefecture is renowned. The beautiful displays bring pottery and its centuries-old tradition to life―not an easy task in these times of video games and immediate gratification. However, the latter is possible in the museum’s tearoom, where fine teas can be drunk from one of the museum’s collection pieces. Knowing your exquisite teacup is 300 years old makes the sipping experience all the more special.

Highlighting the most critical component of the Kanazawa economy is the exceptional Yasue Gold Leaf Museum. Beautiful and unusual displays present the art of gold leaf in all its forms in a very informative manner. Visiting the beautiful Hakuza studio in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya Geisha District will be educational and rewarding for those interested in applying gold leaf. The Geisha District is one of Japan’s best-preserved, architecturally pure districts. It is very popular with Japanese tourists, who enjoy dressing in traditional clothes (available on the spot for hire) when visiting the area. Kanazawa’s other historic district is the Sumo District, named after the sumo wrestlers who once lived in the fine homes in this part of the city.

Kanazawa’s main attraction, though, is none of the above. That is Kanazawa Castle. More than 500 years old, this fine example of classic Japanese architecture is one of the most revered in the country. The vast park surrounding the castle is home to various gardens and shrines.

Kanazawa is an easy 2.5-hour ride on the Shinkansen train from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station. The Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku, located adjacent to the castle gardens, makes an ideal base for exploring the city. The City of Kanazawa Tourism website has more information about Kanazawa and its many attractions.