Cultural Family Adventure in Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa's Cultural Heart: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of diving deep into Kanazawa's cultural soul. From thought-provoking art to serene contemplation and delightful culinary experiences, it was a journey that touched our senses and broadened our understanding of this beautiful city. It’s amazing how much a single day can enrich your perspective, especially when shared with family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Fuwari. The restaurant is housed in a charming old-style building, exuding a sense of history. It was bustling with locals, always a good sign, and the aroma of grilled fish and simmering broths filled the air. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set: grilled salmon, miso soup, tamagoyaki (a rolled omelet), and a small dish of pickled vegetables. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Klaus and Sofia enjoyed a more Western-style breakfast, but even they couldn't resist sampling my tamagoyaki. Sofia especially loved its subtle sweetness.


Discover authentic izakaya dining at Fuwari in Kanazawa – where tradition meets modern flavor.
With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off for the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. The museum itself is an architectural marvel—a large, circular building with glass walls that invite you in. The open design really does blur the lines between museum and community space.


Explore modern artistry at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa - a cultural gem of Japan's contemporary art scene.
Inside, the exhibits were a mix of the thought-provoking and the delightfully bizarre. Sofia was immediately captivated by Leandro Erlich's The Swimming Pool. From above, it looks like a regular swimming pool filled with water, but when you go underneath, you find yourself in a dry space with people walking around as if underwater. It’s the kind of illusion that makes you question your perception of reality, and Sofia had a blast taking photos and making silly faces at the people above.

I was particularly drawn to an exhibit featuring large, abstract paintings. The colors and textures were so vibrant and expressive, it was as if the artists had poured their souls onto the canvas. Klaus, ever the pragmatist, wasn't quite as impressed, but even he admitted that the sheer scale of the artwork was awe-inspiring.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After immersing ourselves in the world of contemporary art, we sought a change of pace at the D.T. Suzuki Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki, a renowned Buddhist philosopher who introduced Zen Buddhism to the West. The museum, designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, is a masterpiece of minimalist design. The building is composed of interconnected spaces that encourage contemplation and reflection.


Discover the tranquil D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa, a serene tribute to Zen Buddhism and its profound philosophies.
The highlight of the museum is the Water Mirror Garden, a serene pond that reflects the sky and surrounding greenery. It’s a place of profound tranquility, and I found myself lost in thought as I gazed at the still water. Sofia, surprisingly, was also captivated by the peaceful atmosphere. She sat quietly by the pond, skipping stones and whispering to herself. It was a moment of unexpected serenity in our otherwise busy day.

Learning about D.T. Suzuki and Zen Buddhism was particularly interesting for me, given my background. Growing up in Azrou, Morocco, I was raised in a culture steeped in Islamic traditions. Exploring different philosophical perspectives always fascinates me, and Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness and inner peace resonated deeply. I even picked up a small book of Suzuki’s writings in English, hoping to incorporate some of his teachings into my daily life. Perhaps a bit of Zen can help me navigate the chaos of the call center in Bonn!

By lunchtime, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we headed to Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil for a unique culinary experience. This restaurant specializes in temaki, or hand-rolled sushi, but with a twist. Instead of the chef preparing the sushi for you, you get to assemble it yourself. We chose a selection of fresh, local ingredients, including tuna, salmon, avocado, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Sofia especially enjoyed the DIY aspect of the meal, carefully layering the ingredients onto the seaweed and rolling it up with a flourish. It was a fun, interactive way to enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch. Klaus was a bit skeptical at first, but even he had to admit that his homemade temaki was surprisingly good. The set also came with tempura, which had a really light and crisp batter.


Discover the art of sushi making at Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil - where fresh ingredients meet creativity in every hand roll.
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the city, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the traditional architecture. Kanazawa is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, and I found myself constantly charmed by the juxtaposition of modern buildings and historic temples. The autumn colors were just beginning to emerge, adding a touch of warmth to the scenery.

As evening approached, we made our way to Spice Box for dinner, enticed by the promise of authentic Indian cuisine. As someone who grew up with the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine, I always appreciate a good curry, and Spice Box did not disappoint. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the aroma of spices filled the air. I ordered a Sri Lankan curry set, while Klaus opted for a tandoori chicken dish. Sofia, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by ordering a vegetable samosa. Everything was delicious, and the spices were perfectly balanced. It was a comforting and satisfying end to a long day.


Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Spice Box - where vibrant flavors meet a cozy izakaya atmosphere in Kanazawa.
To cap off the evening, we decided to check out Oriental Brewing, a local bar that brews its own craft beer. It was a Friday night, and the bar was buzzing with locals and tourists alike. I sampled a couple of their unique brews, including a Yuzu ale that had a refreshing citrus flavor. Klaus, a beer aficionado, was impressed by the quality and variety of the beers on tap. Sofia, of course, stuck to sparkling water, but she enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to people-watch. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of cultural immersion. The brewery is located just a minute away from the Higashi Chaya District. I was so tempted to explore the area, but figured it would be best to save it for another day.


Explore Oriental Brewing: A Craft Beer Paradise in Kanazawa with Unique Brews, Delicious Pizzas, and a Cozy Atmosphere.
As we walked back to our hotel, the APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi EXCELLENT, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had shared as a family. Kanazawa had exceeded all of my expectations, and I was already looking forward to what tomorrow would bring. We have plans to visit Seison-kaku Villa and Oyama Shrine. I am also looking forward to visiting Kanazawa Hyakubangai to do some shopping. Perhaps I will find a nice scarf to remind me of this trip when I return to Bonn. I also need to find a travel adapter, since I forgot mine at home!


Experience comfort and convenience in the heart of Kanazawa at APA Hotel Katamachi, perfect for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Before drifting off to sleep, I reflected on the day’s adventures. From the vibrant colors of the contemporary art museum to the serene tranquility of the Zen garden and the explosion of flavors at Spice Box, it was a day that engaged all of my senses. I am so glad that I get to share these experiences with my family. It makes it all the more special. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

I also learned that there is a Geisha event tonight in Kanazawa. It would have been interesting to see, but I think Sofia would have been bored. Maybe next time, Klaus and I can come by ourselves and enjoy the show.