25 Jun 2024
We just spent two amazing days with Nozomi Kondo in Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps. Nozomi is a knowledgeable guide as well as an incredibly warm and thoughtful person. After Nozomi picked us up at the Kanazawa train station, we went to lunch and then to the Samurai and Geisha districts in Kanazawa. At the Samurai House, she surprised us with tea after my daughter told her how much she likes matcha. We also made a quick stop at Omicho Market upon our request. Our second day together, we drove through the Japanese Alps where we experienced the art of washi paper making, saw the gasso-styled thatched roof architecture, and went on a factory tour at the Nousaku Company where we bought some lovely gifts made of tin. Nozomi shared with us her extensive knowledge of Japanese history and culture, made sure we avoided the most touristy areas, helped us find restaurants to accommodate our daughter who is a vegetarian, and took photos at every site we visited. We cannot recommend her enough if you are in the Kanazawa area. She is an absolutely terrific guide and we guarantee that your visit to this area will be greatly enhanced by her knowledge and expertise.