Exploring the Historical Wonders of Kanazawa: A Solo Journey

Whispers of the Past, Flavors of the Present

Today in Kanazawa felt like stepping back in time, intertwined with the delightful flavors of the present. I spent the day exploring the city's cultural heart, from the intricate artistry of kimonos to the serene ambiance of historic homes, and capped it off with a culinary journey that tantalized my taste buds. As an antique restorer, I find myself drawn to places where history is not just preserved, but also celebrated in everyday life. Kanazawa continues to impress me with its dedication to preserving its heritage, seamlessly blending it with modern experiences.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Nyumba. I opted for a western style breakfast. Fuelled up I was ready for the day ahead.

My first stop was the Kaga-Yuzen Kimono Center, a place where the art of silk dyeing comes to life.


Discover the exquisite art of Kaga-Yuzen at the Kimono Center in Kanazawa, where tradition and craftsmanship come alive.

Kaga Yuzen is a traditional silk-dyeing technique characterized by the use of five basic colors: indigo, crimson, ocher, dark green, and purple. The center showcases the intricate process of creating these exquisite kimonos. Unlike Kyo-Yuzen (Yuzen Dyeing from the Kyoto Prefecture), Kaga-Yuzen does not use certain techniques such as gold leaf application, tie-dyeing, or embroidery when dyeing the fabrics. As I wandered through the exhibits, I was struck by the level of detail and the dedication required to produce these wearable works of art. The history of Kaga Yuzen dates back 500 years. Yuzensai Miyazaki, a renown fan designer, came to Kanazawa, his exceptional skills in his use of paste in dyeing resulted in a boom under the patronage. I learned about the meticulous steps involved, from sketching the initial design to the final application of dyes. It's a craft that demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of color and texture. Seeing the finished kimonos, each a unique masterpiece, was truly inspiring. I was tempted to try my hand at the Kaga Yuzen technique myself, but I decided to leave that for another visit. I did, however, pick up a beautiful silk scarf as a memento of my visit. Marie would adore this, I thought to myself.

To truly appreciate a culture, one must immerse themselves in its artistic expressions, for it is through art that a society reveals its soul.

Next on my itinerary was the Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall, a museum dedicated to preserving the traditional lifestyle and culture of Kanazawa's townspeople.


Explore Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall, a museum showcasing the rich traditions and craftsmanship of Kanazawa's local heritage.

Shinise means old shop in Japanese, and it describes an old style merchant house that typically had a shop at the front of the building and a home at the back. The building itself was once a traditional medicine store called Nakaya Pharmacy, established in 1579. The Nakaya family was a respected business in Kanazawa having been granted the right to sell Chinese medicine by the ruling Maeda family in the late 16th century. As I stepped inside, I was transported back to the Edo period. The hall showcases the architecture and layout of a typical merchant's house, with its shop space, living quarters, and tea room. I was particularly fascinated by the collection of traditional handicrafts, which offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who once lived and worked here. The building that houses Kanazawa ShiniseMemorial Hall, which was once a traditionalmedicine store called Nakaya Pharmacy, wasdonated to the City of Kanazawa by the Nakayafamily in 1987. The city has preserved theculturally valuable exterior of the building, whilealso refurbishing the mise-no-ma (storefront), thusrestoring the appearance of a feudal-periodpharmacy. Before leaving, I climbed to the second floor to see the blossoming tree that is made completely of sugar.

My final cultural stop for the day was The Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima's House.


Explore the historical elegance of the Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima's House, a stunning representation of Kanazawa's Edo period architecture.

This house museum recounts the daily life of Kanazawa's banished samurai in the time before his exile. Kurando Terashima was a middle-class samurai retainer to the ruling Maeda family. The house was constructed in the latter half of the 18th century. What remains is an accurate representation of the home of a fairly wealthy samurai family, with its earthen outer walls and wooden gate, large tatami rooms for entertaining, and intricately designed Japanese-style garden. The garden is the main attraction here. I was immediately struck by the simplicity and elegance of the house, which offered a stark contrast to the opulence of some of the other samurai residences I had visited. The dry bed garden was especially noteworthy. Kurando was also an accomplished painter however, and you can see some of his works displayed in his home together with works of calligraphy and other family antiques. The calligraphy above the entrance to the garden was written by a famous artist and musician named Urakami Gyokudo who visited Kurando to give a koto performance. Wandering through the rooms, I could almost imagine Kurando Terashima going about his daily life, a man of strong opinions and artistic talent.

After a day of cultural immersion, my stomach was rumbling, and it was time to indulge in Kanazawa's culinary delights. For lunch, I headed to Fuwari, an izakaya known for its creative take on classic Japanese cuisine.


Discover authentic izakaya dining at Fuwari in Kanazawa – where tradition meets modern flavor.

Izakaya is somewhat like a Japanese pub, akin to Spanish tapas or a casual American tavern with broad appeal. I sampled a variety of dishes, including signature pressed sushi, grilled chicken neck with potato and soy butter sauce, lotus root tempura, and fried chicken with vinegar broth. Each dish was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The staff was friendly and helpful, guiding me through the menu and offering recommendations. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. I washed it all down with a refreshing local beer, savoring the moment and reflecting on the day's adventures.

For dinner, I decided to treat myself to a special teppanyaki experience at Teppanyaki makibi san-an.


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

This restaurant is known for its high-quality Wagyu beef, cooked over a wood fire to lock in the flavor. I opted for the Noto beef charcoal-grilled steak, and it was simply divine. The chef expertly prepared the steak right in front of me, showcasing his skill and precision. The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, a true testament to the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the chef. The restaurant itself had a warm and inviting ambiance, with a focus on showcasing the natural beauty of the ingredients. It was the perfect way to end a day of cultural exploration and culinary indulgence.

Before heading back to the hotel, I stopped by Hands Kanazawa Store to pick up a few souvenirs for Marie and Thomas.


Explore a captivating range of unique gifts, home goods, and Japanese crafts at Hands Kanazawa Store, your perfect souvenir stop in Kanazawa.

This store is a treasure trove of unique gifts, local crafts, and Japanese cosmetics. I found a beautiful set of lacquerware bowls for Marie and a fun origami kit for Thomas. It's always a pleasure to bring back a little piece of the places I visit to share with my family.

As I walked back to the APA Hotel Kanazawa Nomachi, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences I had today.


Discover comfort and convenience at APA Hotel Kanazawa Nomachi, your ideal base for exploring Kanazawa's rich culture and stunning attractions.

Kanazawa is a city that truly nourishes the soul, offering a blend of history, art, and culinary delights. Tomorrow, I plan to explore Myouryuji (Ninja Temple), Kanazawa Nishi-chaya Museum, and Nishi Chaya District. I'm also looking forward to trying Turban Curry Main Store for lunch and Kagaya Kanazawa for dinner. And perhaps a nightcap at JIGGER BAR St.Louis. I am excited to see what new adventures await me in this captivating city.