In 2020, Kanazawa's "Entsuke" gold leaf craft was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This honor highlights Kanazawa's glittering legacy: the city in Ishikawa Prefecture produces an astonishing 99% of Japan's gold leaf, with the remaining 1% coming from Kyoto.

In the courtyard of Hakuza Hikarigura Store in the Higashi Chayagai district of Kanazawa, Japan, one finds this "Gilded Storehouse" (Ogon no Kura). © 2015 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Shot with iPhone 5. Edited in ON1 Photo RAW 2026.

写真の撮影場所：石川県・金沢市・東茶屋街