Kanazawa

Able to escape aerial raids during World War Two, the older districts of Kanazawa have remained remarkably intact and have drawn parallels of the city to Kyoto. Most famous for its centuries-old garden, Kenrokuen, built by the Maeda clan at the height of their power, there are actually a number of worthwile cultural properties in the heart of Kanazawa city. Nicknamed "ninja temple" for the sheer number of traps built on its grounds, Myoryuji Temple is certain to excite any enthusiast of subterfuge. All varieties of Japanese history fans are sure to find something for themselves in Kanazawa, from the well preserved samurai district where you can see the architecture these ancient warriors would have lived in, to the teahouse district where you can find singing geisha performers.