Kanazawa

The fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kanazawa is via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which makes the trip in roughly two and a half hours. Before the extension of this bullet train line in 2015, the journey took significantly longer via local trains or buses.

Kenrokuen Garden is Kanazawa's crown jewel and is widely considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. It is particularly famous for its winter 'yukitsuri' ropes, which are rigged to protect the historic pine tree branches from heavy snow.

Higashi Chaya is one of Kanazawa's incredibly well-preserved Edo-period geisha districts. Visitors can wander the traditional cobblestone streets to view historical wooden teahouses and purchase local gold leaf crafts.

Because Kanazawa sits on the coast of the Sea of Japan, it has access to some of the freshest seafood in the country, particularly sweet snow crabs and yellowtail. The Omicho Market, operating since the Edo period, is the best place to sample this incredible local catch.