Japan Travel Part 4: Charmed by Kanazawa, Japan

Ohayo! Our Japan trip remains to be a favorite escapade. I’m completely captivated by it, and I can’t wait to go back. This is a continuation of my travelogue, albeit overdue.

From Osaka, we went to Tokyo. Our second day was for a day trip to Kanazawa. This is my hubby’s second visit. We were invited by Japanese business partners, who we now consider as lifelong friends. It’s very heartwarming to be joined by their whole family, adorable kids and an Auntie, who is happily a chingu and also served as our interpreter. Kanazawa promises unique charm per season. Haha. I reckon since when we visited it was not-so winter yet, so no snow, or Cherry Blossoms showers, we can go back a couple more times, and will all be falling in love with this charming place all over again.

Kanazawa Tsuzumimon Gate (architectural land mark of Kanazawa) in Kanazawa Station. Kanazawa is about two hours trip from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen with Japan Rail Pass.

Kanazawa is located in the central part of the mainland of Japan. It’s the prefectural capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. First stop is the Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the three greatest gardens in Japan, along with Kairaku-en and Koraku-en.

Photo op with the Kotoji Toro, a two-legged stone lantern, which is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kenrokuen.

with the Statue of Yamato Takeru

Then we walk towards towards the Kanazawa Castle. Locals in traditional kimono.

Kanazawa Castle Watch Tower and Storehouse

 After our short but sweet trip to the Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, we went for our lunch treat in Suginoi.

Suginoi is a traditional Japanese Restaurant. Here’s my blog post entry.

Because hubby and son are into Samurai. We visited a local craftsman, known for his katana. So I found out, katana is the sword of the Samurai.

As such, from Google, katana was often paired with a similar smaller companion sword, such as a wakizashi or it could also be worn with the tantō, a smaller, similarly shaped dagger. The pairing of a katana with a smaller sword is called the daishō.

Samurai Chase.

Our last stop was this charming Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District. It’s a preserved street featuring “chaya” or a teahouse is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance.

The place is so dramatic, reminiscent of a period drama.

Some locals or tourists to Kanazawa are dressed in kimono.

We’re charmed!

In this district, you can also find a shop that sells Gold Leaf. Hubby bought this from his last trip in Kanazawa. We treat ourselves with Gold Leaf flakes, we sprinkled some in our tea or drinks, even Chaseyboy’s. We were told it’s for luck. ;-D

Kanazawa Station. One of three Japanese Beauty Hokuriku along with Tokyo and Toyama. It’s a new line and route of Shinkansen that features places where traditional Japanese Beauty co-exists with the latest technology. I reckon, it’s a fusion of traditions and modern, old and new. True can be really said with Kanazawa, it’s very charming. I said that many times. It’s enchanting with the well-preserved garden, castle, and a district, plus it’s very modern.

I don’t think though we took the Hokuriku Train, but the trip was mere two hours. It’s pleasantly uneventful, and just like that, we were back to Tokyo.

Sidestory, I actually thought I lost all our Japan pictures. I was ready to revisit every bits of it. Ready, set, go! I’m looking forward to another trip to Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. We went on a day trip last December. Cherry Trees line up the Kenrokuen Garden, but they’re not in bloom, so yes, a spring visit is in order. Cheers! ;-D