Meet Master Artisans of Japan’s Cultural North: Kanazawa & Surroundings

From July 2025
7 days
Toyama, Kanazawa, Kaga & Beyond

Discover Japan’s lesser-travelled north coast, revealing refined craftsmanship and deep seasonal beauty.

Japan’s Craft Traditions

Days 1–2: Toyama

Begin in Toyama, a region famed for its deep craft traditions and dramatic mountain coast. Visit the workshop of master craftsman, Kumekazu Shimatani, who shapes orin gongs used in Buddhist temples, then wander the historic canal town of Takaoka, once a vital trade port. Stay overnight at Rakudo-An, a 150-year-old farmhouse reimagined as a modern art space, tucked away in the countryside. A quiet, creative start to your journey with a deep sense of place.

Days 2–5: Kanazawa

Arrive by private transfer to Kanazawa and step into Japan’s elegant past. Walk the lantern-lit lanes of Higashi Chaya, the city’s most famous geisha district, then dive into Omicho Market for a guided tour through fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Visit the studio of master katana craftsman, Tsuneharu Matsuda, one of the last of his kind, and learn about the artistry behind samurai blades. Nights are spent in central Kanazawa, surrounded by lacquerware shops, teahouses, and Edo-era townhouses.

Destination highlight

**Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa** – Step into Kanazawa’s historic geisha quarter, where wooden teahouses line narrow stone streets and gold leaf artisans quietly work behind lattice screens. With a private guide, slip behind the facades to discover preserved interiors, hidden galleries, and the enduring refinement of this Edo-period district.

**Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa** – Considered one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, Kenroku-en blends seasonal colour, water features, and sculpted pines into a perfectly balanced landscape. Arrive early with your guide to experience the garden’s quietest moments — when mist rises off the ponds and the paths are still empty.

**Eiheiji Temple, Fukui** – Founded in the 13th century, Eiheiji is one of Japan’s most important Zen monasteries — a place of discipline, ritual, and silence. Walk through cedar-lined courtyards and polished corridors, then join a resident monk for morning zazen meditation, experiencing the practice where it began.

Foundations of Zen

Days 5-6: Kaga

Head south to the hot spring region of Kaga, long favoured by artists and writers. Visit small family-run studios producing kutani-yaki ceramics, washi paper, and urushi lacquer. You’ll meet the makers, hear their stories, and see how tradition is adapted by a new generation. In the evening, unwind in the serene luxury of Beniya Mukayu, a design-led ryokan with forest views and a private onsen bath in every room.

Days 6-7: Fukui

Your final stop is Fukui, home to the tranquil temple complex of Eiheiji, one of the most important Zen training monasteries in Japan. Here, take part in a guided zazen meditation session; a rare experience open to very few visitors. Stay nearby at Hakujukan, a refined, temple-affiliated ryokan with minimalist rooms and heartfelt service. A quiet and grounding end to the journey, steeped in spiritual reflection.

Experience highlights

**Orin Gong Workshop, Toyama** — Witness the centuries-old craft of making Buddhist temple gongs. Visit a working studio, meet the artisan, and hear the deep, resonant tones of these beautifully tuned instruments.

**Zazen Meditation, Fukui** — Meditate inside a centuries-old Zen monastery guided by a monk. Few travellers experience this quiet ritual firsthand — a profound, grounding moment on your final day.

**Private Geisha Dinner, Kanazawa** — An intimate, one-on-one evening in a teahouse with a performing geiko. Dine, drink, and converse while experiencing one of Japan’s most refined — and rarely accessible — cultural traditions.

Reviews

The whole process was incredibly valuable and truly enhanced my trip. Thank you for your expertise, passion and deep insights into lesser-travelled Japan.

Felix Hidajat, London, UK

I wholeheartedly recommend Views from Japan to anyone seeking a deeper Japan experience. The whole process was incredibly valuable and truly enhanced my trip in Japan.

Felix Hidajat, London, UK

Ben’s knowledge of Japan is unparalleled, and the personalised service helped us avoid tourist traps and discover authentic experiences.

Brettley Clark, California, USA

Where you'll stay

**Rakudo-An, Toyama** — Enjoy this beautifully restored farmhouse tucked into rice fields and mountains. Contemporary art, quiet light, and minimalist luxury meet in this one-of-a-kind creative retreat.

**Hakujukan, Fukui** — Sleep in a serene ryokan directly connected to the Eiheiji temple. Simple rooms, nourishing meals, and a rare atmosphere of spiritual calm make this an unforgettable final stay.

**Beniya Mukayu, Kaga** — A minimalist design ryokan with forest-facing rooms and private open-air baths. Deeply serene, with exceptional hospitality and a focus on restorative wellness.

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