JAPAN - KANAZAWA

Kanazawa on the west coast of central Japan is famous for its castle and its Samurai houses, such as the Nomura-ke in the Nagamachi District, built with defence in mind as well as peace and calm.  The world famous Kenroku-en gardens, which are an extension of the castle, are meticulously and labour-intensively cared for all year round by teams of gardeners.