Kanazawa is famous for its thriving traditional crafts such as Kutani porcelain ware, Kaga Mizuhiki braided rope, KagaYuzen dyed fabric, and most of all, gold leaf. The city is proud of its craftsman heritage and remains a key producer of artisanal handicrafts even today. Gold leaf maker Sakuda, based in Kanazawa, is one such artisan who has been creating beautiful gold leaf using traditional methods since the Taisho Era (1912-1926). If you would like to experience the art of gold leaf for yourself like Sakuda, you can try your hand at pasting gold leaf (on everyday items) to create unique pieces of art at Kinpakuya Sakuda! While you’re at it, why not pick up a couple of gold leaf items as Kanazawa souvenirs too? Then, take a stroll along Higashichayagai – a site chosen as one of Japan’s Group of Traditional Buildings to be preserved and protected for its cultural importance and elegant, traditional facades. Photographers will love the refined atmosphere and plethora of photogenic spots. While there, do remember to visit the National Important Cultural Asset Ochaya SHIMA. During the Edo period, Ochaya SHIMA was a geisha house in the Kaga Domain (present-day Kanazawa), and its refined rooms once hosted many lively dinners with attending geishas. Now, it is a teahouse where you can enjoy Kanazawa’s intricate traditional sweets while admiring the beautiful Japanese garden within its premises.
Kinpakuya Sakuda
Access :KinpakuyaSakuda Japan, 〒920-0831, Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa-shi, Higashiyama, 1 Chome 3-27
Operating hours :9am to 6pm (Varies depending on the season)
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Kanazawa Station. From JR Kanazawa Station, take a loop bus and alight at either Hashiba-cho or Higashiyama 3-chome stop. From there, it is a 5 minutes' walk.
Website :https://goldleaf-sakuda.jp/en/
Ochaya SHIMA
Access :Ochaya SHIMA Japan, 〒920-0831, Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa-shi, Higashiyama, 1-13-21
Opening Hours :9am to 6pm /Winter (Dec-Feb) 9am to 5pm
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Kanazawa Station. From JR Kanazawa Station, take a loop bus and alight at either Hashiba-cho or Higashiyama 3-chome stop. From there, it is a 5 minutes' walk. (Higashichayagai)
