Exploring Kanazawa: A Family Adventure in Japan

A Day of Discovery in Kanazawa

Today was a day of immersing ourselves in Kanazawa's rich history and culture. From exploring the lives of merchants to admiring the elegance of a samurai villa, every moment felt like stepping back in time. The weather was warm and humid, but the occasional breeze made it bearable as we wandered through the city's historical sites.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Fuwari. Maximilian and Linnea were particularly excited about trying the local specialties. The restaurant had a cozy, traditional feel, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, while Maximilian enjoyed a hearty plate of grilled fish. Linnea, of course, chose the tamagoyaki, which she declared was the best she’d ever tasted. It was the perfect way to start our day of exploration.


Discover authentic izakaya dining at Fuwari in Kanazawa – where tradition meets modern flavor.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall. This beautifully preserved merchant house offered a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kanazawa’s historical merchants. The building itself was a marvel, with its traditional architecture and serene garden. Inside, we explored the various rooms, each filled with artifacts and exhibits that showcased the daily life of a merchant family. Linnea was particularly intrigued by the old pharmacy display, with its array of traditional medicines and tools.


Explore Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall, a museum showcasing the rich traditions and craftsmanship of Kanazawa's local heritage.

Traveling is not just about seeing new places, but also about experiencing new perspectives and understanding different ways of life.

The Shinise Memorial Hall provided explanations in both Japanese and English, which was incredibly helpful. We learned about the Nakaya family, who had been in the drug business since 1579. The Mise-no-Ma on the first floor recreated the atmosphere of a storefront from the past, complete with a brazier and tobacco tray. Upstairs, we saw old-fashioned tools of daily life from local shops. The highlight for Linnea was the candy tree made entirely of sugar.

Next on our itinerary was Seison-kaku, an elegant villa built by a Maeda lord for his mother. This villa is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture, with beautiful gardens and intricate details. As we walked through the expansive tatami rooms, I couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like to live in such a luxurious setting. Maximilian was impressed by the blend of Japanese and Western elements in the villa's design, such as the American-made chandeliers and Dutch painted glass.


Explore Seison-kaku, a historic gem in Kanazawa, where traditional architecture meets serene gardens, embodying Japan's rich cultural heritage.

The villa was built in 1863 by the 13th lord of the Kaga domain for his mother’s retirement. The architectural style combines traditional Japanese elements with Western touches. Some shoji panels are inset with glass to allow residents to view the snow in the garden without letting cold air inside. The upstairs rooms have brightly colored walls and ceilings. Linnea loved the rooms named for their painted animal motifs, like the Tortoise Room and the Butterfly Room. The villa is built around two small gardens, designed so the sound of running water could be heard in the bedroom.

After our historical explorations, it was time for lunch. We headed to Kourin Sushi 香りん寿司, a small, family-run sushi restaurant known for its fresh, local ingredients. Fortunately, I had made a reservation, as the place was bustling with locals and tourists alike. We were seated at the counter, which gave us a perfect view of the sushi chef at work.


Experience authentic Japanese sushi at Kourin Sushi in Kanazawa - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

We ordered a selection of nigiri and sashimi, all of which were incredibly fresh and flavorful. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the nodoguro shioyaki (grilled blackthroat seaperch), while Linnea devoured the tamago (sweet egg omelet). I savored every bite of the chef's special selection, which included uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe). The staff were friendly and helpful, providing us with an English menu and explaining the different types of fish. It was a truly memorable sushi experience.

As the afternoon progressed, the humidity became more noticeable. We decided to take a break at our hotel before heading out for dinner. After a refreshing rest, we ventured out to A_RESTAURANT（ア・レストラン）, a highly-rated restaurant known for its innovative cuisine. The restaurant had a stylish and modern ambiance, with an open kitchen where we could watch the chefs at work.


Experience exquisite cuisine at A_RESTAURANT in Kanazawa, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.

The menu featured a range of dishes that showcased the best of Japanese ingredients with a contemporary twist. We opted for the Omakase course, which allowed us to sample a variety of the chef's creations. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Maximilian was particularly impressed by the Wagyu beef, which was cooked to perfection. Linnea enjoyed the fresh fruit desserts, which were both delicious and visually stunning.

To cap off our day, Maximilian and I decided to visit Kanazawa Music Bar. Linnea was tired from our day of exploring, so she stayed at the hotel with a promise of a bedtime story. The music bar had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a great selection of vinyl records. We enjoyed listening to classic tunes while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and we spent a pleasant hour chatting about music and travel. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of cultural immersion.


Experience the vibrant nightlife at Kanazawa Music Bar, where live music and delightful drinks create unforgettable memories in Kanazawa.

As I reflect on our day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience Kanazawa's rich history and culture. From the traditional merchant house to the elegant samurai villa, every moment was a reminder of the city's unique heritage. And the delicious food, from the fresh sushi to the innovative cuisine, was a testament to Kanazawa's culinary excellence.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Myouryuji (Ninjadera Temple) and Myozenji Temple. I’ve heard that Myouryuji is full of secret passages and hidden rooms, so I know Linnea will love exploring it. I'm also looking forward to visiting Hands Kanazawa Store. I'm hoping to find some unique souvenirs to take back home to Heidelberg. I think I will need a travel adapter, as I forgot it at home. I guess I will need to buy one tomorrow.

Kanazawa continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I am so glad we decided to include this hidden gem in our Japan itinerary. It’s a city that truly offers something for everyone, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I think I will remember to bring an umbrella tomorrow. I heard the saying: You can forget your lunch, but never your umbrella.