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Top slow travel destinations and immersive experiences

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Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
In winter gardeners tie ropes over the pines of Kenrokuen Garden to protect branches from snow. The garden is one of Japan's three great gardens. Geisha districts such as Higashi Chaya have wooden teahouses open for tea. Local shops sell gold leaf crafts and even gold leaf ice cream.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Beppu
Steaming hot springs and colorful Hells
8.1
Steam rises from street vents across this Japanese hot spring town. Eight main hot spring districts, known as Beppu Hatto, spread across the town. Guests at Takegawara Onsen lie under warm sand in a traditional sand bath. Cooking food in vent steam, called jigoku mushi, is a local custom.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Try a traditional sand bath at Beppu Beach Sand Bath
  • 🌋 Watch the spectacular steam vents rise at Umi Jigoku
  • ♨️ Bathe in the famous Beppu hot springs known as “onsen hells”
Kochi
Castle city with Sunday market and bonito
7.2
A street market has run here each Sunday for more than 300 years. Stalls sell fresh fruit, knives, potted plants and grilled fish. Locals sear bonito over straw fires and eat it with garlic and salt. The Shimanto River nearby has few dams and slow river boats.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Walk along the scenic Kagami River during sunset
  • 🐟 Stroll through Hirome Market and taste local specialties like katsuo no tataki
  • 🏯 Climb to Kochi Castle and explore its well-preserved keep
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