Cultural Family Adventure in Kanazawa, Japan

A Day of Echoes and Elegance

Today, our family delved deeper into the heart of Kanazawa, seeking to understand and experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture. It was a day filled with golden moments, ancient echoes, and the quiet elegance that defines this captivating city. From exploring geisha districts to stepping into the preserved home of a samurai family, every moment felt like a step back in time.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café. The café had a cozy, Seattle-style vibe. It was a surprising find in the heart of Japan. The barista, who spoke fluent English, told us the owner was from Seattle. I ordered a cappuccino with oat milk, while Klaus enjoyed a strong espresso, and Sofia devoured a chocolate croissant. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. The cafe was close to the station and main attractions.


Experience the charm of Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café in Kanazawa – where delicious brunch meets vintage vibes.

With our appetites sated and our spirits high, we set off to explore the Higashi Chaya District. The weather in Kanazawa in October is pleasantly warm and breezy. The average temperature ranges from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius. We wandered through the streets lined with beautifully preserved wooden teahouses. The latticed windows and stone pavements transported us back to the Edo period. It felt like stepping into a movie set. The district was founded in 1820, and traditional buildings still stand side by side.

In the Higashi Chaya District, every corner holds a story, every building whispers secrets of a bygone era.

Explore the historic Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa, where traditional tea houses and cultural heritage await every visitor.

As we strolled, we passed several shops selling Kanazawa's famous gold leaf products. I've always been fascinated by gold leaf. Its delicate beauty and shimmering allure make it a unique art form. We couldn't resist popping into Kinpakuya Sakuda Head Shop & Workshop. We watched artisans demonstrate the intricate process of creating gold leaf. It was mesmerizing to see how they carefully hammered the gold into incredibly thin sheets. Sofia was particularly captivated, her eyes wide with wonder. It’s amazing how Kanazawa shoulders approximately 100% of domestic production of gold leaf.
We even participated in a gold leaf pasting workshop. Sofia and I decorated chopsticks with delicate gold leaf designs. Klaus, ever the pragmatist, opted for a small plate. It was a fun and creative experience, and we left with unique souvenirs to remind us of our time in Kanazawa. The team was exceptional at explaining the procedures. The shop also had restrooms made of gold and platinum leaf.

Explore exquisite gold leaf artistry and unique gifts at Kinpakuya Sakuda in Kanazawa's historic Higashiyama district.

For lunch, we headed to Iki-iki Tei, a small restaurant known for its fresh seafood bowls. The restaurant only has 10 counter seats, so there was a bit of a wait. But it was well worth it. I ordered the Mini Kanazawa Bowl, a delightful assortment of local seafood served over sushi rice. Klaus chose the Ikiiki Tei World, a more extravagant bowl featuring delicacies like nodoguro and Mediterranean tuna. Sofia, always a fan of simpler fare, opted for a salmon bowl. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the flavors were vibrant and delicious. The staff was friendly and efficient. It was a popular spot among Japanese tourists.

Discover authentic sushi at Iki-iki Tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

After lunch, we made our way to the Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence. This beautifully preserved home once belonged to the Nomura family, who served the Maeda clan, the feudal lords of the Kaga domain. As we stepped through the gate, we were transported to another world. The residence featured a tranquil garden with a meandering stream, a waterfall, and a granite bridge. The garden was ranked third in the rankings of Japanese gardens.
We wandered through the rooms, admiring the traditional architecture and the family's heirlooms. Sofia was fascinated by the samurai armor and swords on display. I was particularly drawn to the Jodan-no-ma room, which was used to host the Daimyo, the feudal lord. The room was crafted with unique and high-quality materials, including a coffered ceiling made from Japanese cypress. The garden contains myrtle wax trees, which are supposed to be difficult to grow in this part of Japan.
We also visited the tea room on the second floor, where we enjoyed a cup of matcha green tea while gazing out at the garden. The tea room was as quiet as if you were in the mountains. The Nomura family were responsible for horseback security for the lords of the Kaga domain. The residence remains tranquil, making it hard to believe that it is located near a downtown area.

Explore the Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence in Kanazawa, a historical gem showcasing the elegance of samurai life and Japanese culture.

As evening approached, we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner at Teppanyaki makibi san-an. This restaurant is known for its teppanyaki-style cooking and its use of local ingredients. The chef prepared our meal right in front of us on a large iron griddle. We started with a wood fire-flavored Caesar salad. For the main course, we savored the Noto beef, grilled to perfection. The steak was the standout. The additional abalone dish was described as the most flavorful and delicious ever eaten.

Experience authentic teppanyaki dining at Teppanyaki Makibi San-an in Kanazawa—where culinary artistry meets vibrant flavors.

The Kanazawa Marathon will be held on the last Sunday in October. Also, there are nighttime illuminations at Kanazawa Castle and Gyokuseninmaru Garden.
As we walked back to our hotel, APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi EXCELLENT, we reflected on the day's adventures. Kanazawa had charmed us with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We felt like we had truly stepped back in time, experiencing the elegance and grace of a bygone era. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and the D.T. Suzuki Museum. We might also stop by Oriental Brewing. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Experience comfort and convenience in the heart of Kanazawa at APA Hotel Katamachi, perfect for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.