Exploring Kanazawa: A Family Adventure in Japan

Kanazawa's Blossoming Welcome

Today marked the beginning of our family adventure in Kanazawa, and what a start it has been! From the moment we stepped off the Shinkansen, the city enveloped us in its serene charm. There's an undeniable sense of history and beauty here, a blend of meticulously preserved traditions and modern vibrancy that promises an unforgettable journey.

Our first day in Kanazawa was nothing short of magical. Maximilian, Linnea, and I dove headfirst into the city's most iconic sights, savoring every moment. Despite a few minor travel hiccups – I realized I'd forgotten our travel adapter, and Maximilian forgot the rain ponchos! – the day unfolded beautifully. It's a good thing the weather was on our side, with temperatures ranging from 74-84°F (24—29°C), perfect for exploring.

Our hotel, Tmark City Hotel Kanazawa, is ideally located in the Katamachi area, making it easy to access everything [TravelDestinationReason]. After a smooth check-in, we were eager to explore. First stop: the renowned Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's 'three most beautiful landscape gardens'.


Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity at Tmark City Hotel Kanazawa, your ideal base for exploring this charming city.

Kenrokuen: A Stroll Through Perfection

We started our day early to make the most of it, heading to Kenroku-en Garden. It was a short taxi ride from our hotel, and the excitement was palpable. As we entered, I was immediately struck by the sheer artistry of the landscape. The garden truly lives up to its name, which means 'Garden of the Six Sublimities'. These sublimities – spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views – are perfectly embodied in every corner.

Linnea was captivated by the koi ponds, their vibrant colors flashing beneath the surface as the fish darted among the lily pads. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was busy capturing the iconic Kotojitoro Lantern, its unique two-legged design reflected in the still waters of Kasumigaike Pond. I found myself lost in the tranquility of the tea houses, imagining the centuries of history that had unfolded within their walls.

In every corner of Kenrokuen, there's a harmonious blend of nature and art, a testament to the dedication and vision of those who cultivated it over centuries.

The meticulously maintained greenery, the gentle streams, and the carefully placed stones created a sense of harmony that was both calming and inspiring. We wandered along the winding paths, discovering hidden nooks and breathtaking viewpoints. The abundant water features, from the cascading waterfalls to the serene ponds, added a sense of dynamism and life to the landscape. It was easy to see why this garden is considered one of the best in Japan.

Even though it's August, the garden was lush with greenery. I could only imagine how beautiful it would be during the autumn illumination events, with the maple and cherry trees ablaze in shades of red and gold.


Discover the serene beauty of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, featuring breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage in Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Castle Park: Echoes of Samurai

Leaving Kenrokuen, we strolled over to Kanazawa Castle Park, which is right next door. The castle, or rather, the reconstructed castle, is impressive. While much of the original structure was lost to fires over the centuries, the meticulous restoration work gives a real sense of the castle's former grandeur.

We explored the Hishi Yagura turret, Gojukken Nagaya warehouse, and Hashizume-mon gate, marveling at the intricate details and the sheer scale of the construction. Linnea was fascinated by the stone walls, each with its unique design and history. Maximilian, meanwhile, was busy capturing the panoramic views from the castle's elevated vantage points.

The park itself is a beautiful blend of manicured gardens and historical structures. We wandered through the Gyokusen'inmaru Garden, admiring the carefully arranged stones and the tranquil ponds. It was easy to imagine what life must have been like during the Edo period, when the castle was the center of power and influence in the region.

We learned that Kanazawa Castle Park also hosts light-up events. I made a note to check the schedule, as I think seeing the castle illuminated at night would be a truly magical experience.


Discover the serene beauty of Kanazawa Castle Park, where history and nature unite in a tranquil setting perfect for exploration and relaxation.

Omicho Market: A Culinary Adventure

By lunchtime, we were all feeling rather peckish, so we decided to head to Omicho Market, known as 'Kanazawa's Kitchen'. The market was bustling with activity, a vibrant mix of locals and tourists all eager to sample the region's culinary delights. The market has been around since the Edo period, adding to its traditional charm.

The air was filled with the enticing aromas of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and pickled vegetables. We wandered through the narrow aisles, our senses overwhelmed by the sheer variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Linnea was particularly excited by the colorful displays of fresh fruit, while Maximilian was drawn to the seafood stalls, his eyes widening at the sight of the glistening fish and shellfish.

We sampled a variety of local delicacies, from fresh oysters to grilled scallops. The seafood was incredibly fresh, a testament to the market's proximity to the coast. We also tried some local sake, its smooth, clean flavor a perfect complement to the seafood. Omicho Market is indeed a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the authentic flavors of Kanazawa.


Discover the flavors of Kanazawa at Omicho Market, a vibrant fresh food market showcasing local seafood, produce, and culinary delights.

A Trio of Culinary Delights

For breakfast, we enjoyed a delightful experience at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen. I had read rave reviews about their creative cuisine, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The chef was incredibly friendly, and the food was innovative and delicious, with a unique twist on traditional flavors. Getting a reservation was a bit of a challenge, but it was well worth the effort.


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

Lunch was at Iki-iki Tei in Omicho Market. This cozy little spot, with only ten counter seats, offered an intimate dining experience. We savored the freshest seafood, including the local specialty, Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch). The Mini Kanazawa Bowl was a particular highlight, with its generous variety of toppings and delicious local fish soup.


Discover authentic sushi at Iki-iki Tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

Dinner was a truly special occasion at Gyokusen-tei. This elegant restaurant, located in a traditional Japanese mansion overlooking the Gyokusen-en Garden, offered a memorable Kaiseki experience. Each dish was meticulously prepared with seasonal ingredients and presented with exquisite attention to detail. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was serene and refined. It felt like a true immersion into Japanese culinary tradition.


Experience exquisite Japanese cuisine at Gyokusen-tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Reflections on a Day Well Spent

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves back at the hotel, tired but content. Our first day in Kanazawa had been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors, a perfect introduction to this captivating city. Despite the small travel mishaps, we managed to experience so much.

We are already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to explore the Higashi Chaya District and immerse ourselves in the world of geishas. We will start the day with breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café, followed by a visit to the Geisha House Shima. For lunch, we will try Kifune, and for dinner, Kourin Sushi. And, if time allows, we might even sneak in a visit to Oriental Brewing for a taste of local craft beer.

Kanazawa has already captured our hearts, and we can't wait to see what other treasures it holds.

Tonight, as I write this, I am filled with anticipation for the days ahead. Kanazawa, with its blend of tradition and modernity, its stunning gardens, and its culinary delights, promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. I am so glad to be sharing it with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I must remember to buy a travel adapter tomorrow! Also, I will keep an eye out for any local events, such as the Ono Minato Shrine Summer Festival, which I read about. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese traditions up close.