Cultural Family Adventure in Kanazawa, Japan

Journey to Shirakawa-go and Back: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of stepping back in time and savoring the present. Leaving the comforts of APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi EXCELLENT, we embarked on a journey to Shirakawa-go, a village renowned for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. It's amazing how much history and culture can be packed into a single day. It felt like a true escape from our everyday lives in Bonn, Germany.


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

Our morning started with a delightful breakfast at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen. The reviews I had read raved about their innovative cuisine, and they were spot on! This restaurant is celebrated for its creative approach to traditional Japanese cuisine and visually appealing presentations. The menu had a variety of tapas-style dishes, and I enjoyed sampling a few different items. It was a perfect way to fuel up for our day trip. Sofia especially loved the potato salad, while Klaus enjoyed the fresh, local fish.


Explore innovative dishes at Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen, where local flavors meet creative cuisine in a cozy bar setting.

With our bellies full, we set off to Shirakawa-go. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the Japanese Alps displaying their autumn colors. The crisp mountain air was invigorating, and the scenery was truly something out of a postcard. I couldn't help but think of my hometown, Azrou, Morocco, and how the landscapes, though different, both hold a certain magic. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel – to see and experience the beauty our world has to offer.

Arriving in Shirakawa-go felt like stepping into a different era. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, were an incredible sight. These homes are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall of the region, and their unique architecture is a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built them. We wandered through the village, admiring the houses and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. It was easy to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. I made sure to take plenty of photographs, wanting to capture every detail of this UNESCO World Heritage site.


Explore Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO Heritage Site with captivating gassho-zukuri houses and breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps, perfect for cultural immersion.

   

Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are those that take us back in time.

We visited the Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observatory to get a panoramic view of the village. From up there, the entire village spread out before us, nestled in the valley surrounded by the autumn foliage. It was a truly stunning sight, and I felt grateful to be able to share it with my family. Sofia was fascinated by the unique architecture of the houses, and Klaus, ever the engineer, was impressed by the structural design. The autumn colors made the view even more breathtaking.

After exploring Shirakawa-go, we returned to Kanazawa, our minds full of the beauty and history we had witnessed. It was time to immerse ourselves in the city's culinary scene once again.

For lunch, we decided on Aashirwad, an Indian restaurant. As someone who grew up with the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine, I always appreciate a good spice. Aashirwad did not disappoint! The restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I opted for the vegan Thali, which was a generous portion of various curries and rice. The flavors were rich and complex, and it was a delightful change of pace from the Japanese food we had been eating. Klaus and Sofia also enjoyed their meals, and we all left feeling satisfied and energized for the rest of the day.


Discover the rich flavors of India at Aashirwad in Kanazawa—where traditional meets modern in a delightful dining experience.

In the late afternoon, I took some time to visit Hakuichi Kanazawa Hyakubangai Store. Located in Kanazawa Station's Hyakubangai shopping mall, Hakuichi offers a variety of goods, from crafts to cosmetics, featuring gold leaf. I was particularly interested in the gold leaf crafts, as they are a unique and beautiful representation of Kanazawa's artistic heritage. I picked up a few small souvenirs for friends back in Bonn, wanting to share a piece of Kanazawa with them. The store was conveniently located, making it easy to pop in and out.


Explore Hakuichi Kanazawa Hyakubangai Store for unique souvenirs, home goods, and a taste of Kanazawa's rich cultural heritage.

For dinner, we chose Kifune, a Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant. This was an experience I had been looking forward to since planning our trip. Kifune is known for its innovative approach to cooking, blending traditional and contemporary techniques. The restaurant is housed in a renovated old private home, creating an intimate and charming setting. The multi-course Kaiseki meal was a work of art, each dish carefully crafted and beautifully presented. The flavors were exquisite, and I savored every bite. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with cultural and culinary delights.


Experience exquisite Kaiseki dining at Kifune in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every beautifully crafted dish.

The service at Kifune was impeccable. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, explaining each dish with care. The chef's artistic presentation of each dish was stunning and memorable. The cozy atmosphere added to the overall experience, making it a truly special evening.

As I reflect on today, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we had. From the breathtaking scenery of Shirakawa-go to the exquisite cuisine of Kanazawa, every moment was a treasure. It's days like these that make traveling with family so rewarding. Sharing these experiences with Klaus and Sofia creates memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Kanda House and Gokayama, further delving into the region's rich history and culture. We'll also be trying out A_RESTAURANT for breakfast, Tawara Restaurant for lunch, and Hay Naku! Philippine restaurant for dinner. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us!

Though I miss my quiet garden back in Bonn, I know these moments are precious and fleeting, and I'm determined to make the most of every single one. After all, as they say in Morocco, *dima labas* – “always good.”