Ishikawa Travel Guide: Kanazawa & Beyond

The Portuguese discovered this remote archipelago, scattered 800 miles west of their mainland in the swirling mists of the Atlantic Ocean in the early 1500s. The Azores comprise nine islands, each a mythical, magical land of volcanoes, bubbling thermal waters, geysers of rising steam, turquoise-toned lagoons, and bottle-green lakes. With a landscape that seemed alive, it is no wonder that the population turned to the Holy Spirit for protection—an allegiance they still have today, as witnessed in the many shrines and chapels that dot the towns and villages. More than anything, devotion to the Holy Spirit is a defining element of being Azorean.

Every summer, Americans selectively schedule their vacation time, typically taking a week or two to get out and enjoy the sun or a dreamy, far-off destination. But as the midyear heat wanes and the holiday season approaches, more of us should assess the vacation days we’re not using—all 658 million of them.

Most people think traveling from the US to Europe means crossing the Atlantic Ocean, usually on a six-plus-hour flight. However, there’s a whole other part of Europe smack in the middle of the ocean that melds the green, rocky hillsides of the UK with the Mediterranean vibes and culture of Portugal.

A guide in China's Yunnan province caused a heated online debate about tourist etiquette when she yelled at a passenger on her tour for sleeping on the bus.

It’s a cliché to say that Japan is a land of contrasts – but, in terms of accommodation, it really is. There are some weird and many wonderful places to stay, from personal capsules and love hotels to lodgings in five-star luxury.

Hushed voices, the scratch of a bamboo whisk, then a bow, a nod and a bowl of steaming matcha is handed around. Any delicate sounds in the room are amplified by the formality of the occasion – so quiet you can hear people holding their breath – which heightens the sense that something very important is going on. This is a tea ceremony in full swing: the ultimate in Japanese hospitality.

Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world: its long archaeological history – which traces back to the first humans – has left behind a succession of ancient treasures. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a slew of national parks and mountain ranges, Ethiopia ticks all the boxes.

A sprawling capital which is home to almost 13 million people, Manila can be more than a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. But once you find your bearings, you’ll discover a buzzing, vibrant city which has a great bar scene (three of its bars were nominated in 2019’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards), some of the region’s best museums and quite possibly one of the warmest welcomes in the world. Here is our guide to Manila.

The historical gateway to Japan, multicultural Yokohama will host several important games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup this autumn, including the final. Here’s everything you need to know about this dynamic city along with some of the top things to do in Yokohama, whether you're watching the rugby or not.

Kyūshū, the most southerly of Japan’s four main islands, is pretty much left alone by tourists. Yet, the island – only a bullet-train ride from Tokyo – is one of the country’s culinary hotspots. Proximity to mainland Asia and historical legacies from trade with the British, Dutch and Portuguese has led to a fusion of styles. You can see this in the Chinese- and Korean-inspired ramen soups, Nagasaki’s famous castella cakes and the Fukuoka-style yakiudon noodles, which are typically served with a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Once one of Japan’s largest cities, in recent decades Kanazawa has languished in the shadow of its better-known rivals. But all that’s changing now, with the west coast city surging on a new wave of optimism boosted by the arrival of the Shinkansen’s high-speed rail links. Kanazawa is well and truly on the up – and with good reason. It’s a city that’s abundant in traditional charm, from its magnificently sculpted Kenroku-en garden – rated among the best in Japan – to its history-steeped geisha and samurai districts. Yet it’s also a city that’s very much still alive and kicking too, with an enviously cutting-edge art scene and a fast-growing cohort of contemporary restaurants.

Kanazawa City, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan, is an attractive centre with a plethora of fantastic cultural attractions. Travellers will be treated to everything from well-preserved historic districts to modern museums and the natural charms of Kenrokuen Garden, among Japan’s most beloved landscaped gardens.