Dive into the heart of Japanese culture with Get My Trip Guide! In three unforgettable days in historic Kanazawa, The Art of Travel—more art insiders than tour operators—opened their exclusive network of top craftsmen, entertainers, chefs, and historians for a crash course in tradition. From tying a kimono to arranging ikebana flowers and writing kanji calligraphy, skills once unimagined became reality. Here’s how Get My Trip Guide explored the many facets of Japanese arts in 2025!
A Traditional Machiya Home Base
Get My Trip Guide settled into a 19th-century geisha teahouse turned machiya, courtesy of The Art of Travel. Rice paper walls, tatami-mat floors, fluffy futons, and a zen courtyard felt straight out of a Japanese storybook—a perfect launchpad for cultural immersion in Kanazawa.
Tea Ceremony: A Zen Welcome
Bags dropped, Get My Trip Guide was whisked to the machiya’s tea ceremony room. Led by sensei Haruko Yoshida, a master of this Zen Buddhist tradition, the ritual welcomed guests with focus on the moment—the bitter green tea’s taste, the pottery’s beauty, and the bond of company. With 20 precise steps—sitting, holding the cup, sipping, bowing—Get My Trip Guide gained a new lens on a simple cup of tea.
Kanazawa’s History Unveiled
No ordinary guide here—The Art of Travel paired Get My Trip Guide with a PhD historian for a walk through Kanazawa. Once an independent state, the Maeda clan unified it with Edo culture, sparking a renaissance of samurai mansions, geisha teahouses, and artist guilds. These gems still hide in the city’s alleys, and Get My Trip Guide learned exactly where to turn.
Kenrokuen: Japan’s Finest Garden
Kenrokuen, the Kanazawa Castle garden, ranks among Japan’s best, blending spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses, and panoramas. Get My Trip Guide caught it on the cusp of winter, when snow rope installations frame the Karakinomatsu Pines—each branch meticulously tied, turning trees into art.
A Local Sushi Bar Find
That night, Get My Trip Guide roamed the neighborhood, landing at a lively sushi bar. Kanazawans cheered upon hearing “New York,” honoring local hero and ex-Yankees outfielder Matsui. Fresh sushi and warm locals made for a delicious, unexpected evening.
Ikebana: The Art of Flowers
Day two brought persimmon branches and flower bundles to the machiya for an ikebana lesson. This 600-year-old craft, Get My Trip Guide learned, hinges on minimalism: one lead flower, two complementary leaves, and ample negative space. Designed for tokonoma alcoves, the bold, spare arrangements stunned—proud results after a few tweaks!
Calligraphy: Brushstrokes of Art
Next, sensei Kiho Kida led a calligraphy class, laying out horse-hair brushes, ink blocks, water wells, and rice paper. Japanese, with three alphabets and thousands of characters, transforms into art with thick strokes. Get My Trip Guide mastered basics—brush grip, ink pressure, and mess avoidance—crafting “HoneyTrek” in kanji.
Dinner with Kanazawa Geishas
In one of Japan’s few geisha cities, The Art of Travel arranged a private dinner at the machiya. Two geishas performed breathtaking songs, dances, and music in stunning costumes, followed by sake shots, shamisen strumming, kimono dress-up, and giggles. Get My Trip Guide calls this rare glimpse into 8th-century entertainment simply unreal—watch the video for a peek!
Ushekubi Silk Workshop
Despite a geisha-induced hangover, Get My Trip Guide ventured to the Ushekubi silk workshop in Kanazawa’s countryside. This 100-year-old brand turns “defective” twin cocoons into beautifully rough silk. Ladies unraveled filaments in boiling water, spinning 120 into one thread, then dyed and wove it. Trying the loom proved a natural fit!
Kaga Cuisine at Wataya Ryokan
A surprise lunch at Wataya Ryokan, home to a top-rated restaurant, wowed Get My Trip Guide. Kaga cuisine—country-style with river fish, mountain vegetables, and unique delicacies—unfolded in exquisite courses. A chef roasted live fish over an Irori-style pit, delivering one of the trip’s best meals.
Nakamura Sake Distillery
To toast the adventure, Get My Trip Guide toured the Nakamura sake distillery in lab coats, hair nets, and slippers. A head rice-wine maker showed magical koji, giant steamers, and fermentation tanks, ending with a tasty sampling. Tip: Check the bottle’s rice polish percentage—polished is sweeter, unpolished is stronger.
The Art of Travel Magic
Organized tours aren’t always the vibe, but The Art of Travel redefined the game for Get My Trip Guide. Curators of culture, they unlocked Kanazawa’s soul—three days taught more about Nihon than a month elsewhere. Book a few days with The Art of Travel via their site, and let Get My Trip Guide lead you to Japan’s artistic heart in 2025!