Under $100: Kanazawa, Japan

With a name that translates to “marsh of gold,” Kanazawa is a true Japanese treasure. As the capital city of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is an important historical destination that maintains the look and feel of pre-modern Japan.

Kanazawa is a castle town spread out concentrically from one large, central castle dating back to the 15^th century. Much of Kanazawa Castle was burned in 1888, but there are a few buildings remaining, most notably the Ishikawa Gate and the Sanjikken Longhouse.

The city sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japanese Alps, Hakusan National Park, Noto Peninsula National Park and the Sai and Asano rivers, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers.

Depending on the time of year, visitors can enjoy elaborate festivals like Hyakumangoku Matsuri and Asano-gawa Enyukai.

As the city’s nickname implies, gold leaf plays an important role in the city’s cultural traditions, producing 99 percent of Japan’s high-quality gold leaf. Visit the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum for $2 to learn about the tradition of making gold leaf, which the Japanese believe is important for health and energy.

Kanazawa was one of the few major Japanese cities spared USAAF fire bombing during World War II and, as a result, much of the city’s architectural heritage is preserved. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the most famous parts of the city. Originally built for Kanazawa Castle, it opened to the public in 1875 and is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan, filled with varieties of trees, ponds, waterfalls and flowers sprawling 25 acres. See it for less than $3.

The Seisonkaku Villa was built in 1863 and, though much of it has been dismantled, what remains is one of the most beautiful remaining feudal lord villas in Japan. See its vibrant colored walls and elaborate carpet and furniture for only around $6.

The city also boasts several Edo-period geisha houses in the Higashi Geisha District, across the Asana River, that can be enjoyed for free on a walk through the city. Other things to see include the Oyama-jinja shrine, noted for its colorful stained-glass windows and the Myoryuji Temple, an amalgamation of traditional temple architecture, hidden doorways, passageways and escape routes.

For breathtaking city views, trek up to Mount Utatsu, where you’ll also find the beautiful Toyokuni Shine, the Utatsu Shrine and Atago Shrine, known together as the Mount Utatsu Three Shrines, as well as a monument to author Shusei Tokuda.

The city is known for its traditional Kaga cuisine, of which seafood is a specialty. The Omicho market is located in the middle of the city and dates back to the Edo period, where you’ll find some of the best seafood in Japan and other cheap bites.

The nicest, highest-quality restaurants in Japan will run you less than $10. The sushi menu at Benkei is a great choice and, for the best ramen, visit Hachiban Ramen Saigawa Ohashi. For a satisfying meal on the go, visit Omichokorokke for croquette-like delights, filled with your choice of beef, seafood, vegetables and more for only a dollar or two.

Transportation is hardly a factor in your daily expenses in Kanazawa. The Kenrokuen Shuttles run every 20 minutes throughout the city, in addition to a bus system, both of which offer one-day passes for a couple of dollars.