Exploring Kanazawa: A Family Adventure in Japan

Journey to Yesterday and Rejuvenation Today

Today was a delightful blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. Leaving Kanazawa, we ventured into the past with a visit to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Then, seeking tranquility, we headed to Yamanaka Onsen, a traditional hot spring resort. It was a day of contrasts, yet both experiences were deeply enriching.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme. Maximilian and Linnea were excited to try what this restaurant had to offer. The elegant fine dining experience was a delight, and we were looked after like royalty. Every morsel was superb and delicious. This hidden gem offered a divine culinary experience. The fresh and novel restaurant, which opened in 2016, operates out of a remodeled former dressmaking school building.

After breakfast, we set off for Shirakawa-go. The journey itself was picturesque, with rolling hills and lush greenery. As we approached the village, the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses came into view, their steep, thatched roofs a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built them to withstand heavy snow.
Our first stop was the Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum featuring traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a temple, watermill and a cafe. Wandering through the village felt like stepping back in time. The Minka-en preserves and opens 25 Gassho-zukuri houses, including 9 important cultural relics in the prefecture. We explored several of the farmhouses, marveling at the intricate wooden structures and the ingenious design that allowed families to live and work under one roof. Linnea was particularly fascinated by the attics, where silkworms were once raised. I tried to imagine what it must have been like to live in these houses, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of family.

“Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.”

We strolled along the Shogawa River, taking in the serene atmosphere of the village. Despite the summer heat, the air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of pine and earth. The landscape, dotted with charming thatched-roof gassho-zukuri houses, conjured up a world straight out of a classic Japanese folk tale.
After immersing ourselves in the history of Shirakawa-go, we drove to Yamanaka Onsen, eager to experience the therapeutic benefits of its hot springs. Nestled in a tranquil valley, Yamanaka Onsen is renowned for its natural beauty and healing waters. As we drove into the town, I could feel the stress of the past few days melting away.
Before our onsen experience, we stopped for lunch at Hay Naku! Philippine restaurant. It was an unexpected culinary adventure in the heart of Japan. The restaurant beautifully blends the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with traditional Japanese izakaya elements, creating a unique dining experience that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. We enjoyed some traditional Filipino dishes that reminded us of home. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the adobo, while Linnea loved the lumpia.
Finally, we arrived at Yamanaka Onsen. We checked into our traditional ryokan, a Japanese-style inn, and changed into our yukatas, light cotton kimonos. Stepping into the onsen, I felt the warmth of the mineral-rich water envelop my body. The onsen pools but the river were lovely and the mixed bathing option was great for our family/friends group to be able to enjoy it all together. The location was beautiful and I loved the onsen. It was surrounded by nature, it's big and it's just so beautiful.
As I sat there, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I reflected on the day's experiences. From the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go to the healing waters of Yamanaka Onsen, it had been a day of contrasts, yet both experiences were deeply enriching. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with my family, creating memories that we would cherish for years to come. I think it is so important to step back and relax, and I felt so grateful that we had the opportunity to do that today.
For dinner, we decided to try Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café. It was simply amazing and is definitely worth the visit if you are in Kanazawa. The cafe/restaurant is beautifully decorated, spacious and has a relaxing atmosphere to it - perfect for enjoying a coffee or meal. The staff are very nice and accommodating - service with a smile. The cafe is English friendly and they also have an English menu available. Everything on the menu is wonderful. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with chilli sauce, cheese and red onions, which was delicious. The bun was toasted to perfection. I brought my mom and she died over the Strawberry Berry Italian Soda. It's filled with frozen berries that add to the taste the longer it sits to melt. That also makes for a great treat at the end of the meal.
As we head back to our hotel, Tmark City Hotel Kanazawa, I am excited for tomorrow. We plan to visit the Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall and Seison-kaku. It will be another day filled with cultural exploration, and I can't wait to share it with you all. I am also looking forward to visiting Kanazawa Music Bar tomorrow evening for a drink.

Until then, sayōnara!