Todays first stop was at the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa. A chaya (tea house) an exclusive restaurant entertained by Geisha who performed songs and dance -during the Edo period they were situated outside the city limits. Now, the district is a well-preserved vision of Edo-period buildings. The gold leaf was pretty good also.

The next stop was Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence. Former estate of 11 generations of upper-middle-rank samurai family. Besides the house -the gardens are fantastic.

Kenrokuen Gardens is ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This is a strolling garden constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda clan. Kenrokuen means a garden that combines characteristics. These six characteristics are spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, water source, and magnificent views.