Exploring Kanazawa: A Family Adventure in Japan

Beach Drives and Temple Echoes

Today was a day of contrasts, blending the freedom of a coastal drive with the serene beauty of an ancient temple. It’s amazing how much variety Kanazawa offers; one moment we're cruising along a sandy beach, the next we're wandering through centuries of history. These are the days that truly make a trip memorable.

We started our day with breakfast at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen. It was a cozy spot, and the Japanese-style breakfast set us up perfectly for the day ahead. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the grilled fish, while Linnea devoured her tamagoyaki. I savored the miso soup, a comforting start to what promised to be an adventurous day.


Explore innovative dishes at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen, where local flavors meet creative cuisine in a cozy bar setting.

Our first stop was the Chirihama Beach Driveway. I had read about this unique experience – a beach where you can drive your car right along the sand – and I was eager to try it. The idea of driving on a beach felt so liberating, a stark contrast to our usual, more structured life back in Heidelberg. As we approached the beach, Linnea squealed with excitement, pointing at the waves crashing against the shore. Maximilian, ever the cautious one, double-checked the car rental agreement, but soon even he was grinning, ready for the adventure.


Discover the enchanting Chirihama Beach Driveway in Ishikawa, Japan, where driving meets stunning coastal views and beachside adventures.

Driving onto Chirihama Beach was surreal. The sand was surprisingly firm, and the car handled it with ease. We rolled down the windows, letting the salty air fill the car. Linnea loved it, sticking her hand out to feel the wind and the occasional splash of seawater. We drove slowly, enjoying the unique sensation of being on a road that was also a beach. Other cars, motorbikes and even bicycles shared the space, creating a cheerful, communal atmosphere. It felt like a scene from a movie, something you wouldn't believe unless you experienced it yourself.

The beauty of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them in ways that resonate with your soul.

We stopped a few times to take photos, capturing the vast expanse of the Sea of Japan and the joy on Linnea’s face. There were food stalls selling grilled seafood, adding a delicious aroma to the sea air. I couldn't resist trying some grilled shellfish, a taste of the local flavors. Maximilian, always practical, made sure we parked away from the surf to avoid getting stuck, but even he couldn't deny the simple pleasure of driving on the beach. Linnea collected seashells, each one a tiny treasure from our coastal adventure.

After our exhilarating drive, we headed to Natadera Temple. The change of scenery was dramatic – from the open, breezy coastline to the serene, wooded hills surrounding the temple. Natadera is an ancient temple with a history stretching back over 1,300 years, founded in 717 by the monk Taichō. It’s dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and the temple is known for its beautiful buildings and natural rock formations.


Experience the serene beauty and spiritual essence of Natadera Temple, a historic Buddhist sanctuary in Ishikawa, Japan.

As we walked through the temple grounds, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The air was cooler here, shaded by tall trees, and the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. The temple complex is built into the natural landscape, with meditation caves carved into the rock face. We climbed steps carved into the stone, exploring the various halls and shrines. The main hall, Hondo, was particularly striking, with its red color and the large statue of Kannon inside.

Linnea was fascinated by the three-storied pagoda, its intricate wooden carvings standing out against the green backdrop. Maximilian, ever the history enthusiast, read aloud from our guidebook, explaining the significance of the temple and its various structures. I appreciated the blend of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, a testament to Japan’s unique religious syncretism.

One of the highlights of Natadera was the cave of the Buddha, a mystical cave where Taichō is said to have meditated. Although we couldn't enter the cave, just knowing it was there added to the sense of mystery and spirituality. The temple is also known for its rock formations, shaped by water over centuries. Unfortunately, visitors aren't allowed to climb the cliffside anymore due to safety concerns, but the view from below was still impressive.

For lunch, we stopped at Kifune, a local restaurant near Natadera Temple. We enjoyed a delicious meal of soba noodles and tempura, refueling after our explorations. Linnea, surprisingly, loved the tempura vegetables, a testament to how travel broadens a child's palate.


Experience exquisite Kaiseki dining at Kifune in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every beautifully crafted dish.

In the evening, after a day filled with beach drives and temple visits, we decided to experience Kanazawa's nightlife. We found ourselves at JIGGER BAR St.Louis, a well-regarded bar in the Katamachi district. While I usually prefer a quiet evening, I thought it would be fun to try something different. The bar had a stylish ambiance, and the bartenders were skilled mixologists. I ordered a cocktail made with local ingredients, while Maximilian opted for a Japanese whiskey. Linnea, of course, had a juice. It was a sophisticated end to a day of contrasts, a moment to relax and reflect on our experiences.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kanazawa at Jigger Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.

Before heading back to the hotel, we took a short walk around Katamachi. The area was lively with people enjoying the evening, and the neon lights added a vibrant energy to the streets. It was a different side of Kanazawa, a modern contrast to the historical sites we had visited during the day.

Tomorrow is our last day in Kanazawa, and we plan to visit Kuragarizaka and Shin-maru Hiroba. We'll have breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café, lunch at The Godburger, and a farewell dinner at Teppanyaki makibi san-an. I also want to stop by Kanazawa Katani to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs. It’s hard to believe our trip is coming to an end. Kanazawa has been such a wonderful experience, a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may be. Perhaps we'll return to Sweden next time, and show Linnea the landscapes of my childhood.

For now, though, I'm content with the memories we've made here in Kanazawa. As I sit here writing, I can still feel the sea breeze on my face and the sense of peace I found at Natadera Temple. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding, the experiences that stay with you long after you've returned home.