Kanazawa: Everything You Need to See in Japan’s Hidden Treasure

From trend reports to travel blogs, Japan has slid into the mainstream for travelers across the world. The country’s rise in popularity comes as no surprise—Japan offers a near-perfect trifecta for adventurers.

Its traditions are distinct, stretching back centuries but still palpable and alive. Its natural wonders are iconic, dotting the nation from Hokkaido to Okinawa. And its contemporary culture is endlessly intriguing, letting travelers explore a novel, new way of life.

That being said, navigating Japan for the first time isn’t nearly as straightforward as other popular destinations like Mexico and France. From language to culture cues, there’s plenty to learn.

Then, of course, there’s the challenge of finding Japan’s hidden gems.

While cities like Tokyo and Osaka are well-known and high on the list for travelers, many miss out on lesser-known wonders—especially those like Kanazawa. Because it’s not located on the tourist track, places like Kanazawa offer unknown wonders, from Kanazawa Castle to its geisha and samurai paths.

Want to take a shortcut to Japan’s best-kept secrets?

I suggest looking into expert companies like smarTours, which take the stress out of planning trips to culturally distinct countries like Japan. Not only do they help you save money by booking trips more efficiently, but they’ll take you further off the beaten path to those hidden gems that others simply don’t see.

What makes Kanazawa a hidden gem?

*Welcome to the historic streets of Kanazawa*

Let’s dig a little deeper to explore what makes venturing outside of hotspots like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto worth your time.

The magic in Kanazawa boils down to tradition. The Land of the Rising Sun is defined by hyper-modernity, along with a strong respect for its most ancient practices.

That’s a fine balance to take a lens to on a casual vacation. In my experience in places like Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia, working with a tour company gave me a leg up on other travelers.

To put it simply, they know where to find those famous sites that foreigners usually miss out on–including hidden gems like Kanazawa.

Kanazawa is one of the country’s best-kept secrets for international tourists. Unlike many other locations, its historic districts weren’t destroyed during WWII, providing a lens into the past.

The city’s historic Nagamachi district is filled with narrow, cobblestone streets—the same ones that samurai once marched down centuries ago. You’ll be swept back in time to the Edo period, where you can explore sites like the Nomura Family house with its stone lanterns and bridges.

You can even wander through the Higashi Chaya Geisha district to learn more about this intriguing tradition–which would be very high on my list. (Though I’ve heard plenty about geishas over the years, I can’t separate fact from fiction.)

Aside from history, Kanazawa is also renowned for its natural splendor. The city is home to Kenrokuen Garden, which is considered one of the most prestigious and gorgeous in the country. From waterfalls to picturesque tea houses, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a movie set.

The cherry on top? There aren’t nearly as many international tourists in Kanazawa as in other hotspots because many don’t know it exists.

These types of lesser-known destinations showcase the magic of letting a company like smarTours plan your trip to Japan—you don’t need to worry about missing out. In fact, you’ll get way more out of the experience than you anticipated.

Culture like never before

*Sample sake in Takayama’s oldest brewery*

Booking a trip to Japan with a tour company isn’t only about checking off those famous sites and cities. Tour companies also act like cultural ambassadors, letting you take a closer and more experiential look at culture.

So, what does that look like in a country like Japan?

One of the first things that comes to mind for me is food. From ramen to soba noodles to sushi, many travelers want to eat their way from city to city. With smarTours, you can take on activities like sake tasting and sushi tasting—with behind-the-scenes benefits, too.

For example, smarTours sake tasting activity takes place in Takayama at the city’s oldest sake brewery. Guests get to learn how the drink is made while they enjoy samples.

Aside from food, my main priority in Japan would be soaking in mineral waters at an onsen. Naturally, that’s on the docket for travelers who book with smarTours—and you don’t just get access to an onsen, but also instructions on how to soak like a local. Similar to saunas, there are plenty of unwritten rules for guests to learn.

When you book a trip with a reliable tour company, you experience these delights day in and day out. Every experience is carefully planned and organized, letting travelers immerse themselves.

A gateway into Japan

*Wander through Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market*

I’m an advocate for companies like smarTours because they take travelers to lesser-known destinations, but they also take you to well-known and iconic sites, too. That’s a must if you’re traveling all the way from the United States to Japan.

When you book with a trusted, experienced tour company, you get the best of both worlds. Along with hidden gems like Kanazawa, you can expect trips to smaller destinations like Mt Fuji, Hakone, Shirakawago, and Takayama. But you won’t miss out on well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

In Tokyo, you can explore the city’s most colorful wholesale fish market, then head to the Asakusa Kannon Sensoji Buddhist temple. In Kyoto, you can wander through the 17^th-century Nijo Castle, which marked the height of Kyoto’s political and economic power.

In those smaller cities, you can explore the Shoshazan Engyoji Temple complex of Himeji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, and traditional shopping areas like Takayama’s Kami-Sannomachi District. Out in the countryside, you can take gondola rides that offer panoramic views of Hakone and Mt. Fuji.

If you travel with smarTours, you can even add on trips to places like Nikko, Nara, and Hiroshima. Flexibility like that matters, giving you a chance to venture off even more into lesser-known territory.

What’s the best way to see Kanazawa and beyond?

*Scenes from the optional trip to Nikko*

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a more seasoned pro, the best way to explore Japan and its hidden gems like Kanazawa is by working with a travel company.

While you can book trains (and even ferries) from one city to the next, Japan’s language and cultural barriers aren’t for the faint of heart.

My suggestion is to shop around for tours that meet your interests. For those who want to head off the tourist track into new territory, check out smarTours’ Japanese tours, including an 11-day option and a 13-day option that includes a stop in Osaka.

I suggest booking with smarTours for three reasons. First, the company has plenty of experience working with local guides and experts—which makes for a meaningful trip.

Second, they take the headache out of planning a cross-country itinerary in a place where not too many people speak English.

Lastly, smarTours’ Japan offers have unbeatable, five-star ratings, which is proof that other travelers have enjoyed their journeys.

Personally, I’d opt for the longer 13-day tour simply because of those long flights. When I’m crossing multiple time zones, I’m never shy about adding on a day or two. I’d also be sure to add that trip to Nikko, which has been on my list for years. This gorgeous blend of shrines and mountain views looks like the stuff of Ghibli dreams.

Travel Savings Hack: The Dollar Will Get You Farther in These 7 Countries in 2025

How does wanderlust intersect with Wall Street? The USD.

While I’ve never been a Daddy Warbucks type, one of the most straightforward budget travel hacks is to head to countries where the USD is stronger than the local currency.

Though you still need to figure out how to manage exchange rates, you’ll still come out ahead.

Japan, for example, is going through a tourism heyday right now thanks to a few factors… including a sinking value for the Yen. (And almost-free domestic flights for tourists, but that’s another story.)

In October 2024, the country logged a record-breaking number of visitors. Tourism companies are taking full advantage, squiring Americans around for astonishingly low prices.

Want to financially hack your way to a cheaper, more impactful trip? Start with these countries where the USD will get you more bang for your buck—literally.

(Don’t know anything about the USD or currency strength? Investopedia has a great crash course that lets you see the world’s strongest currencies—which aren’t the USD, by the way.)

Countries where the USD is thriving

Exchange rates are taken from Google Finance on January 10, 2025.

Japan

1 USD = 158 JPY

What’s inspiring Americans to fly to the other side of the planet? I’m sure Japanese culture and its larger-than-life cities are the primary allure—but the USD’s strength is yet another reason to make the long journey.

The Japanese yen has weakened significantly over the last two years, meaning American tourists are able to book high-end hotels, go on multi-day tours, and purchase fine art and textiles at extremely low prices.

Hungary

1 USD = 402 HUF

Surprised that Hungary isn’t using the Euro? Though Hungary (and similar Central and Eastern European countries) are part of the EU and integrated into the Schengen zone, they haven’t switched over to the Euro to protect their economy.

Things like public debt, inflation, and budget deficits have maintained Hungary’s Forint currency. Until the country switches over to the EU, you’ll be able to find incredible deals in Budapest and beyond.

Argentina

1 USD = 1,036 ARS

Political turnover has caused Argentina’s inflation crisis to steadily worsen, meaning the Argentine Peso is one of the highest-value foreign currencies for Americans paying in USD.

Though flights to and from Buenos Aires are still pricey, your money will take you to unexpected places—without going over budget.

Whether you want to explore wineries around the capital city or head as far south as you can, it’s a financially perfect time to head to Argentina.

Brazil

1 USD = 6.05 BRL

With Brazil’s real drifting to an all-time low, Americans can take a budget trip of a lifetime to South America. Even in hotspots like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, you should be able to find great deals on hotels, tours, and fine dining.

That being said, I’d probably head further outside of cities to take a closer look at some of the country’s greatest natural wonders. From secluded beaches like Baia do Sancho to expansive wetlands like the Pantanal, I think Brazil’s greatest wonders take a little bit longer to find. Save big getting into the wild in Brazil.

Egypt

1 USD = 50 EGP

If you’ve been dreaming about seeing the pyramids or traveling the Nile, you won’t find a better time. Similar to Japan, the Egyptian Pound has struggled to recover after the pandemic.

But unlike Japan, Egypt was a bit of a steal even before the pound started to devalue.

In other words, you can see one of the world’s greatest wonders without paying exorbitant amounts. If you’re already in Europe or Africa, you can reach Egypt without forking over too much for a flight, either. Just watch out for Cairo’s air quality.

South Africa

1 USD = 18.98 SAR

South Africans use the rand, which has slowly declined over the last year. With almost 19 rands for every US dollar, you’ll be able to take advantage of unique winery tours, safari offers, and boutique hotels across the country.

Once again, the flights to and from the US are absolutely hefty. And, compared to Japan, you won’t find quite as many high-value opportunities for your money. If I had to pick, I’d head to Tokyo over Durbin—but that’s just me.

Turkey

1 USD = 35 TRY

Turkey’s lira has steadily been devaluing compared to the US dollar for years—and it’s helped push Turkey to the forefront for many adventurous American travelers. From accessible and affordable medical procedures to hidden wonders like Cappadocia, it’s full of surprises.

The icing on top is Turkish Airlines’ stellar stopover program. A stopover program is when an airline offers a special and discounted way to experience a city during a long stopover. Just add a day or two to your itinerary and you can explore a city like Istanbul for almost nothing. (Seriously—they pay for your hotel stay and a city tour!)

The Budget Airport Debate—Should You Avoid Them or Not?

One of the most mind-blowing travel trends I’ve seen take off since COVID-19 is the rise of budget-centric airports.

Not airlines—I’m talking about airports.

To make a very long story short, here’s why you might be noticing an uptick in smaller, budget airline-focused airports in the US and beyond—

Airports charge airlines hefty sums for takeoff and landing, along with levying fees for other services. Budget airlines want to avoid these high fees, so they’ve begun investing in small, budget-friendly airports as an alternative to major hubs.

When flying in and out of lower-demand airports, these airlines save big while also upping the number of flights they can serve.

It’s a clear win for those budget airlines—but what about us humble passengers? Here’s what I think travelers should know about the rise of budget airports that serve budget airlines.

The European model

I’ve flown in and out of two of these ancillary budget airports in recent years: London Luton and Warsaw Modlin. In both cases, I was flying with Ryanair. In both cases, I had to take significant transportation to get where I wanted to go.

London Luton wasn’t a problem, as the airport is (seemingly strategically) located next to a rail line that takes you straight into London. The train cost less than $20 and took around 45 minutes to drop me off at King’s Cross.

Warsaw Modlin wasn’t nearly as breezy. The airport is remotely located outside Warsaw, which isn’t easily reached by either train or bus.

Me and my partner were renting a car to head to a wedding, so that wasn’t a problem for us. We picked up the car and headed on our way. But for the average traveler who’s heading into Warsaw, it would’ve been a pretty hefty task to nab transportation into the city.

The trade-off is clear: convenience for savings.

Since launching, these lower-demand airports have proven important for budget European carriers. Along with London and Warsaw, there’s also a Parisian option (Paris Beauvais).

Regional airports around the continent could see similar treatment, receiving much-needed upgrades and expansions from budget airlines that plan on turning them into hubs.

Meanwhile, in the US…

The European model has proved lucrative for airlines like Ryanair and easyJet—so much so that US airlines are noticing.

Southwest has preferred smaller, separate hubs like Chicago Midway for a while now, even though it isn’t a budget airline. As of 2025, it looks like more competitive budget airlines are looking to do the same, from Avelo to Breeze Airways.

The big question is whether or not these budget airlines serving smaller, regional airports are worth your time and effort as a traveler.

I’m putting a heavy emphasis on time and effort. The clear exchange here is that travelers can save a few hundred dollars by booking with a budget airline over a legacy name, then spend a bit more time and energy reaching a smaller, regional airport.

But that looks a lot different in Europe than it does in the US, where public transportation is less available.

Pay close attention to the numbers here. If you’re buying budget airline tickets to respect a tight budget, you might end up spending just as much on transportation or even parking fees if it’s harder to reach an airport.

Let’s use the most common example of Chicago Midway Airport.

This small hub serves Southwest and Frontier Airlines, which offer affordable regional flights to smaller cities. That makes Midway attractive for travelers who want to save on a flight home after their international flight lands in Chicago.

But getting to and from Midway isn’t easy.

The airport shuttle takes thirty minutes, along with a taxi ride. The train takes just over an hour while busses take a whole two hours to get from one airport to the next. Though that shuttle time seems short, I’d conservatively round up to 45 minutes—I’ve seen Chicago traffic.

The big question: is it worth it?

The Midway example is close to my heart because I usually fly into Chicago before heading south to Saint Louis on a short flight. Those Midway airlines (Southwest and Frontier) are the cheapest and fastest way for me to get home.

But after a long, international flight, hustling through customs, and getting my bags, the last thing I want to do is huff it off to another airport in a bustling city like Chicago.

So, I pay more so that I can get home from O’Hare after landing.

However, if you’re a budget traveler who’s full of energy and wanderlust, you might not have a problem with getting to Midway for that cheap flight. And I’d hate to turn you off the idea.

Again, the exchange here is time and effort compared to money—and I’ve only recently switched over to the ‘throw some money at it’ side of camp.

Avoid These Mistakes When Booking Lodging for Large Group Trips

Once upon a time, I traveled the world alongside 30 other students to earn my Global Studies degree.

We slept in many places on our journey across the planet. Some of my most memorable stays include renting a hammock for $6 a night in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica; sleeping on mats in an ashram with my entire class (including teachers) in Puducherry, India; and at student lodging with two bunk beds crammed into a tiny room in Taipei, Taiwan.

Somehow, I’ve come out of these experiences still loving group travel.

In fact, I still travel internationally with a group of more than five… at least once a year, too.

Last year, I took a group trip to Hamburg, Germany for a music festival. The year before, that small group headed to Plitvice, Croatia… also for a music festival, along with some coastal driving. The year before that, we took a trip to London… to party at Printworks before it closed. (You might recognize Printworks from The Batman.)

After so much time traveling in a large group, I’ve learned quite a few things about how to put together a great trip. The most pressing part of the equation is finding lodging for groups of over five people.

Compared to transportation and day trips, landing a perfect pad takes time, consideration, and learning from a few mistakes.

If you want to level up your group trip game, then I’ve got suggestions. Whatever you do, avoid these mistakes when looking for hotels and rentals for a group larger than five.

Avoid these mistakes when booking group trips

Mistake #1: Booking a hotel that doesn’t have a kitchenette

Avoid hotels unless they offer kitchenettes and suites.

Your group will save a ton of money buying snacks and putting together mini meals. That’s important because every member of the group probably has a different budget. Eating out for every meal quickly adds up.

Another consideration is common space. You want a little area where everyone can hang out and review last night’s wildest adventures. Or put together a plan for the day. Or both, if you’re part of my group.

That being said, if someone in your group has rewards points they want to use, booking at an aparthotel or an extended stay hotel might be a great way to save on multiple room bookings.

Mistake #2: Shopping only for Airbnbs

Airbnb is great for groups of over five—don’t get me wrong.

But don’t forget about other platforms when you’re looking for a private rental. From VRBO to Vacasa to Booking, there might be a cheaper and more affordable option that better suits your needs.

Above, I also mentioned aparthotels. I suggest looking into these more boutique options, as well. I recently stayed in Milan with my dad, my stepmom, my brother, and his girlfriend at an aparthotel that perfectly met our needs.

We found that place just by Googling ‘aparthotel Milan’… sometimes, it’s really that easy.

Mistake #3: Not reading the fine print

I prefer rentals over hotels for lodging for larger groups with five or more people—but always read the rental description and reviews.

The main item you should be looking for is noise. Some rentals have a higher noise tolerance than others, mostly depending on the quality of the rental and how sensitive neighbors are.

To be blunt, it’s hard to keep five Americans quiet—even when we’re just chatting. Even for groups of five that aren’t American, it can be hard to keep the noise down.

After all, if you’re traveling with friends, then you’re probably trying to have fun… not monitor the decibel level when the good times start to roll.

When booking your rental, make sure that it suits your needs. Read the fine print—and always read the reviews, too. They’ll alert you to any problems that other guests ran into.

Mistake #4: Making the third wheel sleep on the couch

There’s almost always a third wheel when I’m traveling in a group of five or more.

While it’s tempting to have them sleep on the couch (especially if it’s an actual pull-out), this probably only works for younger travelers who aren’t as concerned with privacy.

In other words, as I cruise toward my mid-thirties, me and my friends are okay sharing rentals—but everyone wants some space. While sleeping on a couch might be perfectly comfortable, be mindful of where that couch is located.

If it’s near the bathroom or the kitchen, whoever is sleeping there will probably be woken early by foot traffic and coffee-brewing.

Alternatively, if you’ve found that relegating someone to the couch is the best option, I highly suggest that they pay less than the other guests for the rental.

It’s only fair—and might benefit anyone in your group on a shoestring budget.

Mistake #5: Distributing keys willy-nilly

If you’ve traveled on group trips before, you know that people tend to separate—especially on a late night.

Some friends might want to stay out and keep the party vibe going, while others might want to call it a night early. The same is true even for day jaunts; the group will splinter.

If you’re staying at a hotel, you don’t need to worry about keys. But if you’re staying at a rental, you need to be strategic about the limited number of sets you have. (They should never fall into the hands of the wayward partier—every group has one.)

Be very mindful about exchanging keys when your group is about to break up. The person heading home obviously needs one key, but the other pair (or two) should always stay out.

But don’t stress out if there aren’t enough copies.

On almost every trip I’ve been on, at least someone gets stranded without a set of keys at some point in time. So long as someone is back at the rental to let them in, it’s not a big deal—so long as that person stays awake and keeps their phone close.

Latex Balloons: The Packing Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed

I usually hate packing hacks.

More often than not, I see influencers and travel bloggers recommending hacks, products, and tips that complicate the journey. In fact, some of this advice can wreak havoc on your trip, whether requiring you to carry around unneeded equipment or making airport security interested in your bag.

That being said, I stumble across genius every now and then.

A year or so ago, I saw one of the weirdest travel hacks out there: Using latex balloons (or even latex gloves) to cap and secure liquids.

Like most other travelers, I’ve experienced more than a few leaks over the years. I’ve damaged some of my favorite items of clothing, lost out on pricey cosmetics, and caused my entire suitcase to reek of perfume, serums, and more.

I’ve bought a few unique cosmetic bags over the years to help mitigate these types of disasters, from silicon snap-shut purses to plastic-lined toiletry bags.

Turns out, all I really needed was a balloon.

How to use balloons to prevent spillage for small containers

There are a few ways you can use a balloon to avoid spillage. Most travelers (including me) transfer their liquids into smaller containers when it’s time to travel. That usually compromised the integration of every lid/cap involved.

To prevent spillage for small containers, you can loop the balloon’s opening around the lid so that any liquid will spill into the balloon’s cavity.

If the item is small enough, you can stuff the whole thing in the balloon. (I do that with my mini-perfume bottles.)

Additionally, I like this hack because the mini bottles that I use are made of glass. They clink together sometimes and, though I’m not worried about them breaking, the balloon coverage minimizes the sound of them knocking together.

Want to see the balloon hack in action? Explore on Instagram from the Jeff and Lauren Show or TikTok from Vicky Gilchrist.

What about larger liquids?

If you’re checking your suitcase, you might be tempted to bring along a normal-sized bottle.

I usually advise against this because it’ll add weight to your bag and take up space.

But with a faithful little balloon, you can pack family-sized liquids in peace. Just make sure the balloon is large enough that the opening fits around the top/cap.

If the bottle is too large, cut off the balloon’s narrow neck and wrap the latex around the bottle. So long as the balloon is wrapped tight, it should work. But this method isn’t quite as foolproof, in my opinion, so I’d recommend sticking to smaller bottles.

Orlando’s Best-Kept Secret is its Outlet Malls—Here’s Where to Buy Brand Names for Cheap

Overwhelmingly, travelers associate Orlando with Disney World and Universal Studios.

This Florida hotspot welcomes around 75 million visitors. Of that 75 million, close to 60 million will swarm the city’s most popular amusement parks. But even the most hardcore Disney fans will wander off the reservation, so to speak.

Aside from amusement parks, visitors also enjoy things like manatee paddleboard adventures, trips to the Kennedy Space Center, visits to the Orlando Aquarium, and even art museums.

But what about shopping?

Along with unique hotel boutiques, Orlando is home to premier malls like The Mall at Millennia and The Florida Mall. Home to major fashion brands and retail favorites, they’re almost like separate amusement parks for those who enjoy shopping.

But given how much the average family spends at Disney World, you might not be surprised to hear that Orlando also excels in outlets. Unlike traditional malls, shopping outlets offer brand names from Adidas to Calvin Klein at slashed prices.

And when it comes to the best outlets in Orlando, there are tiers.

Want to add a little retail therapy to your next Orlando trip? Here’s a breakdown of its best outlet malls.

Best outlet malls in Orlando

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Welcome to Florida’s largest outlet mall. Sprawling over 773,000 square feet, this behemoth of discounts is home to more than 180 designer outlets. (Did your jaw just drop? That’s an insane amount of outlets.)

In fact, this outlet center is so popular that it sees around 20 million visitors wander through its open-air halls every year.

While that probably sounds intimidating, Orlando International Premium Outlets offers plenty of dining and parking options, EV charging and mobile charging stations, stroller rentals, and family restrooms.

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

This outlet offers a slightly more upscale experience than others. That’s thanks to its range of hyper-luxurious brands, from Prada to Burberry to Carolina Herrera.

That being said, you’ll also find more standard fare, from Under Armour to Lululemon.

I think the main appeal here is for international guests who want deals on global, upscale brands. In fact, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offers services like currency exchange, along with valet parking and attraction sales tickets.

Orlando Outlet Marketplace

Orlando Outlet Marketplace is regarded as the outlet for the other shopping outlets, leading you to some of the cheapest finds in the city. That being said, you might need to shop around a little bit more.

Endurance shoppers rejoice—your patience will save you up to 65% off normal retail prices.

If you like to do your shopping quickly, you should probably stick to one of the outlets listed above. But if you like to shop around for fun like me, then go for the Orlando Outlet Marketplace or Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores (below).

Both offer 40 stores from major brands that sell high-quality pieces.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Factory stores are usually some of the cheapest options for shoppers, as the middleman is removed from the equation. (For the most part.)

At this outlet mall, you can find deals that are 70% off the regular retail price.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores include 40 well-known names, along with smaller and lesser-known brands. As one of the newer outlets, the stores are also massive. That bodes well for crowded weekend shopping trips.

Tips on how to have a great shopping spree

You could spend an entire week-long vacation in Orlando perusing its best offers at these outlets.

In fact, many visitors spend a day or two shopping at Orlando’s top outlets—but with so many visitors showing interest in Orlando’s outlet malls, I wanted to leave a few happy-shopping tips for you.

According to Visit Orlando and advice from locals, the best way to go shopping is early in the morning or late in the evening. Between 10 am to 12 pm, parking lots and stores are mostly empty. The same is true right before closing between 7 pm to 9 pm.

Additionally, some people recommend taking Ubers to and from the outlets rather than fighting for a parking spot. It’ll also save you a little bit on parking in paid lots.

Lastly, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is usually the least busy of all the outlets, in case crowds give you the willies. But keep in mind that a factory store usually sells lower-quality goods than outlets. (Outlets sell discounted retail from stores while factory stores sell pieces that are usually produced differently.)