Cultural Immersion in Kanazawa: A Solo Journey

Echoes of the Past: A Day Steeped in Kanazawa's Heritage

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Kanazawa's cultural heritage. From the mesmerizing performances of Noh theater to the humble abodes of samurai foot soldiers and the serene elegance of a lord's villa, I experienced a multi-faceted glimpse into the city's rich history. It was a day of contrasts, moving from the dramatic to the domestic, and ultimately, leaving me with a profound appreciation for Kanazawa's unique character.

My day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme. This restaurant operates out of a remodeled former dressmaking school building. Knowing that the chef crafts original, French-based course cuisine made the experience even more special. I savored every bite, preparing myself for the cultural immersion that awaited. It was a delightful start, setting a tone of refined appreciation for the day ahead. I made sure to adhere to the restaurant's dress code.


Experience exquisite French cuisine in the serene ambiance of Kanazawa's Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme.

First on the agenda was the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater. Noh is a classical form of Japanese theatre marked by stylized performances, hypnotic music, and ornamented costumes. I've always been fascinated by traditional Japanese performing arts, and I was particularly excited to experience Noh, which dates back to the fourteenth century. Kanazawa is one of the only places in Japan where ordinary people learned Noh during the Edo Period. This encouraged the development of Ishikawa's own style of Noh, called Kaga-Hosho.

The theater itself was impressive, constructed of Japanese cypress with a roof similar to a Shinto shrine. I watched a performance, completely captivated by the actors' movements and the haunting music. Even though Noh plays can be overwhelming for a beginner, I found myself drawn into the story. The performance was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions. The Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater holds various Noh performances roughly weekly, plus more casual Noh events on Saturdays in the summer and winter.


Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Noh theater at Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater, a cultural treasure in Kanazawa, Japan.

Sometimes, stepping back in time allows you to appreciate the present moment even more.

Next, I ventured to the Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum. This compact museum offers a look into the lives of the ashigaru (foot soldiers), the lowest-ranked soldiers in the samurai class. The museum consists of two relocated Edo-era homes and a small garden.

It was fascinating to see how these common foot soldiers lived. The houses were still used as residences until the 1990s and have been kept in very good condition. Exhibits of restored household items helped me imagine the daily lives of the families that lived here. The Shimizu Family House is an excellent example of ashigaru houses of the time. Until it was moved, descendants of the original ashigaru owners continued to live there.


Explore the Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum to uncover the intriguing history of Japan's foot soldiers and their impact on samurai culture.

Walking through the humble homes of the ashigaru provided a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Noh theater. It was a reminder that history is not just about the elite, but also about the lives of ordinary people who contributed to the fabric of society. Although humble, these houses reflect the wealth of the Kaga domain. Similar-ranking samurai in other parts of Japan tended to live in row-houses or tenements, but in Kanazawa they were able to live in detached homes with gardens.

For lunch, I decided to try Kaga. Kaga cuisine is unique local cuisine where you can fully enjoy Kanazawa's ingredients from the mountains and the sea. The restaurant was elegant, and the food was exquisite. I savored the flavors of the region, appreciating the freshness of the ingredients and the artistry of the preparation. It was a delightful culinary experience that further enriched my understanding of Kanazawa's culture.


Discover Kaga: A Teppanyaki dining gem in Kanazawa offering stunning views and exquisite Japanese cuisine.

In the afternoon, I visited Seison-kaku. This villa was built in 1863 by Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th lord of the Maeda family, for his mother. It is one of the most elegant, remaining samurai villas in Japan. The villa has a direct entrance to Kenrokuen.

Seison-kaku is a large structure with a number of expansive tatami rooms. One of its interesting features is the roof which covers its garden viewing deck. I wandered through the rooms, admiring the intricate details and the beautiful gardens. The main floor is built in the buke-shoin style, with a formal guest chamber. The second floor of the building is decorated in strong reds, blues and purples in the sukiya-shoin style. Some of the shōji screens on the second floor feature glass panes imported from the Netherlands, allowing snow viewing in wintertime without opening the screens.


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

The Seisonkaku was a place for the ladies of the Maeda clan to keep and display their prized hina-ningyo dolls, and delicately embroidered clothing. Over 200 special dolls said to protect the children of the clan from sickness and harm are also kept here.

The villa offered a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the Maeda family. It was a place of beauty, tranquility, and artistic expression. As I strolled through the gardens, I felt a sense of peace and serenity wash over me. The Seisonkaku Villa reflects Kanazawa during a crucial period in Japanese history.

As evening approached, I made my way to Akadama Honten for dinner. This restaurant is known for its Kanazawa Oden. The wide variety of oden is simmered in a gentle broth, featuring delicious ingredients like beef tendon, kuruma-fu, and yuba rolls. I savored each bite, enjoying the warm and comforting flavors. The simmered beef tendon, in particular, is a beloved dish made with a secret broth and local seasonings, cooked to perfection.


Experience authentic Japanese oden at Akadama Honten in Kanazawa—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

To cap off the night, I decided to visit JIGGER BAR St.Louis. This bar is an authentic bar located in Katamachi, the heart of Kanazawa's nightlife. Award-winning bartenders wow you with their shaking and stirring. I enjoyed a cocktail, reflecting on the day's experiences. The bar had a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.


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

The bar is right next to the Katamachi Scramble Crossing, and it even has a terrace where you can enjoy your drinks. Jigger Bar St. Louis is an authentic bar located in Katamachi, the heart of Kanazawa's nightlife. The bar offers seasonal fresh fruit cocktails and rare domestic whiskeys.

Today was a day of cultural immersion, a journey through time and tradition. From the dramatic arts to the lives of ordinary soldiers and the elegance of a lord's villa, I experienced the many facets of Kanazawa's heritage. It was a day that deepened my appreciation for this city and its unique place in Japanese history. I am so glad that I came on this solo trip, because I am learning so much about myself and about the world.

Tomorrow, I plan to venture further afield, exploring Myozenji, the Gokayama Folklore Museum, and the World Heritage Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village. I'm excited to discover more of the region's hidden gems and immerse myself in its natural beauty. I'm also looking forward to trying Grill Otsuka for breakfast, Hay Naku! Philippine restaurant for lunch, and Ageha for dinner. I'm also planning on visiting CoCoTTo KANAZAWA [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”].

As I reflect on my experiences today, I am reminded of the importance of embracing the past while looking towards the future. Kanazawa is a city that has managed to preserve its cultural heritage while also embracing modernity. It is a place where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. As I continue my journey, I hope to carry this spirit with me, seeking out new experiences while also honoring the traditions that have shaped our world.