Not your typical museum. The Ohi Pottery Museum and Gallery is a celebration of a craft that’s transcended 11 generations. This family-run business makes ceramics have been a key component in the area’s tea ceremonies for some 350 years. Each piece is made using the same low-firing techniques, hand-building techniques and even kiln style as founder Ohi Chozaemon first used in the 17th century. Tour the intimate museum stacked with precious wares to understand more about its unique processes, before settling into the café next door. Here, you’ll select an Ohi-ware bowl before partaking in a tea ceremony accompanied by Kanazawa-style sweets.

Wander through Japan and you’ll surely notice temples, palaces, shrines and paintings all embellished with shining gold leaf. A key component in Japanese architecture, this fine art has its roots firmly in Kanazawa – the city produces more than 99 per cent of Japan’s gold leaf. Founded by a local craftsman, the museum immerses visitors in the history of the craft by way of intricate artworks and exhibits on the tools and processes involved. Like this? Roll up your sleeves and try decorating your own pair of chopsticks, cutlery or jewellery box with the delicate leaf as part of a workshop at Gold Leaf Sakuda.

Kanazawa’s landmark. This (partially restored) castle is the ideal starting point for any trip to Ishikawa. Before exploring the city’s culture-rich delights, orient yourself here. It provides an insight into how the Maeda clan – who resided in the castle for 14 generations – helped to establish Kanazawa as a thriving creative hub. From 1583, the family increased spending on the arts and set up workshops for travelling craftspeople within the castle grounds. After completing a lap, stroll to the 400-year-old Kenrokuen garden. Famed as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, it offers postcard-worthy scenes whether you visit in the peak of sakura season or when the lawns are sprinkled with snow.