Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a charming small city with a laid-back feel to it. The park to the castle makes for a great place to chill out and people-watch. Kanazawa has three Geisha districts – Nisha Chaya District to the west of the Kanazawa Castle Park, and Kazue Machi Chaya District and Higashi Chaya District which are close to each other and on the other side of the park. All three districts are very well preserved.
I stayed at a Geisha teahouse in the Nisha Chaya District with traditional tatami rooms and a small onsen area for washing. I had rehearsed what to ask for in Japanese and made the booking by phone. Much to my delight, it worked and they were expecting me when I arrived.
