Exploring the Cultural Riches of Kanazawa

First Impressions of Kanazawa: Gardens, Castles, and the Art of Noh

The first day in a new city is always a sensory overload, and Kanazawa certainly didn't disappoint. From the meticulously manicured landscapes to the echoes of ancient traditions, I found myself swept away by the city's unique charm. Today was a day of exploration, a journey through gardens, history, and the captivating world of Noh theatre.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen, a cozy spot near the hotel. I fueled up with a traditional Japanese breakfast set, complete with grilled fish, miso soup, and perfectly steamed rice. It was the perfect start to a day that promised to be filled with exploration and discovery. The warmth of the staff and the comforting flavors of the meal made me feel instantly at home in this new city. After breakfast, I was ready to immerse myself in the famed beauty of Kanazawa, starting with Kenrokuen Garden.


Discover the serene beauty of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, featuring breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage in Kanazawa.
Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, lived up to every expectation. The air was thick with humidity, a typical August warmth, but the meticulously designed landscape offered a sense of tranquility that transcended the weather. The garden's name, meaning Garden of the Six Sublimities, reflects its incorporation of spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. I wandered along winding paths, each turn revealing a new vista of ponds, streams, and meticulously pruned trees.

The Kasumigaike Pond, the largest body of water in the garden, was particularly enchanting. The Kotoji-toro lantern, with its distinctive two legs, stood gracefully at the water's edge, its reflection shimmering in the pond. I spent a good while simply sitting on a nearby bench, watching the koi glide through the water and listening to the gentle murmur of the nearby waterfall. Despite the popularity of the garden, I found moments of perfect solitude, a chance to breathe and absorb the beauty around me. I learned that Kenrokuen hosts special evening illumination events in August, which I hope to experience if my schedule allows.

The beauty of Kanazawa lies not just in its sights, but in the way it allows you to connect with history and tradition in a tangible, meaningful way.

Leaving the serene embrace of Kenrokuen, I made my way to Kanazawa Castle Park, located just across from the garden.


Discover the serene beauty of Kanazawa Castle Park, where history and nature unite in a tranquil setting perfect for exploration and relaxation.
The castle, or rather, the partially restored castle, offered a glimpse into the city's feudal past. Originally built in 1583 by the Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly three centuries, the castle has been rebuilt and restored over the years after numerous fires.

I explored the Hishiyagura Turret, Gojukken Nagaya Warehouse, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Turret, marveling at the intricate details of the reconstruction. Informative displays and models showcased the architectural techniques used in the restoration, highlighting the emphasis on aesthetics that characterized castle design during the Edo period. The park is expansive, offering plenty of space to wander and admire the impressive stone walls, each constructed using different techniques and styles, a testament to the castle's long history. The site has served as a religious school, army headquarters, and even a university campus before being opened to the public as a park.

For lunch, I ventured to Iki-iki Tei, a bustling restaurant known for its fresh seafood.


Discover authentic sushi at Iki-iki Tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
I opted for the local specialty, Kaisendon, a bowl of rice topped with an assortment of fresh, raw fish. Each piece was a burst of flavor, a testament to the region's proximity to the Sea of Japan. It was a satisfying and authentic culinary experience, a perfect complement to the day's cultural explorations.

In the afternoon, I decided to indulge my interest in local crafts with a visit to Kinpakuya Sakuda Head Shop & Workshop.


Explore exquisite gold leaf artistry and unique gifts at Kinpakuya Sakuda in Kanazawa's historic Higashiyama district.
Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, and Kinpakuya Sakuda is a leading purveyor of this exquisite craft. I watched artisans meticulously apply delicate gold leaf to various objects, from traditional crafts to tableware. The process was fascinating, requiring immense skill and precision. I even considered trying my hand at a gold leaf pasting workshop but decided to save that for another day. The shop itself was a treasure trove of souvenirs, and I picked up a few small items adorned with gold leaf as gifts for Aoife and Liam. I was particularly intrigued by the restrooms made of gold and platinum leaf, a testament to the city's dedication to this art form.

As evening approached, I made my way to the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater.


Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Noh theater at Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater, a cultural treasure in Kanazawa, Japan.
Noh is a classical Japanese dance-drama with a history stretching back to the 14th century. I had read about Noh in my travel guidebook, but I was eager to experience it firsthand. The theater itself is a beautiful building, designed to showcase the unique art form.

Before the performance, I took some time to familiarize myself with the story of the play, as suggested in my guidebook. Noh plays often feature masked characters, elaborate costumes, and stylized movements, accompanied by haunting music. I'll admit, it took a bit of effort to understand the nuances of the performance, but I was captivated by the artistry and the atmosphere. The slow, deliberate movements of the actors, the ethereal music, and the symbolism embedded in the masks and costumes created a truly unique theatrical experience.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater opened in 1972 as Japan's first independent public noh theater. The noh stage was originally built in 1932 as the main stage of Kanazawa Noh Theater and was relocated. There are regularly scheduled weekend performances throughout the year.

Following the performance, I treated myself to dinner at Sekitei Kaiseki restaurant, a renowned establishment specializing in Kaiseki cuisine.


Experience authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine at Sekitei in Kanazawa, where each dish is a work of art reflecting seasonal flavors.
Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, a culinary art form that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation. Each dish was a work of art, a symphony of flavors and textures that delighted my palate. It was a fitting end to a day that had been filled with beauty and cultural immersion.

As I walked back to Hotel Intergate Kanazawa, the city was quiet, the humid air now carrying a slight coolness.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Intergate Kanazawa, a perfect base for exploring the city's rich culture and attractions.
Reflecting on the day, I felt a sense of deep satisfaction. Kanazawa had welcomed me with open arms, offering a glimpse into its rich history, its artistic traditions, and its natural beauty. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to explore the Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence, the Higashi Chaya District, and the D.T. Suzuki Museum. I might even stop by Oriental Brewing for a nightcap. I'm also excited to see more of Kanazawa, and perhaps find some more treasures to bring back to Dublin. I suspect this trip will provide many stories to share, both here and with Aoife when I return. Good night from Kanazawa!