Kanazawa Castle has an elegant design not seen in other castles. It has plastered geometric-patterned walls; white, metallic roof tiles; and a diversity of stone walls. Money was no object.

The layout of the city revolved around its castle, with samurai living in ... Better yet, visit the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum to learn more about this craft. The Nishi Chaya and Kazuemachi ...

An curved arrow pointing right. Kanazawa is the gold leaf capital of Japan. A local shop, Hakuichi, is playing into that reputation with a special treat: gold leaf-covered soft serve. The best ...

The gold leaf, which Kanazawa is famed for its production, adds a touch of prestige to the cube but at a steep price. The 3-D combination puzzle is being sold for 300,000 yen ($2,000), including tax.