Higashiyama trail (a walk among temples and hills)

The Higashiyama trail is one of the most evocative walks in Kanazawa: a path of about two kilometres that runs between the forested slopes of the Higashiyama hill and the Teramachi district, crossing a group of more than 70 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines from various eras. The Maeda clan deliberately concentrated the temples in this corridor as a natural defence of the city, and the result is a succession of gateways, gardens, bells, moss-covered slab cemeteries and silences that contrasts with the bustle of the city centre. The full route takes between one and two hours depending on the stops. The stretch between the Seisonkaku temple and the Higashi Chaya district is the most photographed. Most of the temples can be visited free of charge from the outside, although some have admission for their gardens or treasures (200-300 ¥). The best time is autumn, when the maples along the trail turn red, and spring, with the cherry blossom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water.