Earlier this year, I set off to Japan, a journey that took me to many remarkable places. Among them were Kanazawa, the elegant capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and Shirakawa-go, a storybook village tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Kanazawa Kanazawa, perched on Japan’s central Honshu coast, is a city where history lingers in every corner. Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period districts, exquisite traditional crafts, and one of the country’s most celebrated gardens, it offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heart. Unlike many other Japanese cities, Kanazawa was spared from World War II bombings, a twist of fate that allowed its historic architecture and timeless charm to…