Solo Historical and Cultural Exploration in Kanazawa

A Day of Echoes and Aromas

Today was a journey through time, a chance to connect with Kanazawa's past while savoring its present. From the meticulously preserved merchant houses to the bustling energy of the local market, it was a day filled with stories whispered by the wind and flavors that danced on my tongue. It was a day that reminded me why I love exploring new places, finding those hidden corners where history and culture intertwine.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café. The reviews I had read online raved about their coffee, and as a caffeine aficionado, I had to try it for myself. I opted for a simple latte, and it was indeed the perfect start to the day. The café itself was charming, a cozy space filled with vintage décor, a little piece of Seattle in Kanazawa. It reminded me of some of the cafes Sophie and I used to frequent back in Montreal. The owner, who I believe was named Sol, was incredibly friendly and made me feel right at home.


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

Fueled by caffeine, I headed to my first destination: the Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall. This beautifully preserved building offered a glimpse into the lives of Kanazawa's merchant families during the Edo period. It was fascinating to wander through the rooms, imagining what life must have been like for the Nakaya family, who ran a traditional pharmacy here for centuries. The building itself was a work of art, with its wooden beams, tatami mats, and tranquil garden.


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

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Shinise means 'old shop' in Japanese, and this building was once a family-run pharmacy that dates back to 1579. The Nakaya Pharmacy was granted the right to sell Chinese medicine by the ruling Maeda family in the late 16th century. The house was moved to its current location in 1987 to be used as a museum. Inside, I was able to view an old-style shop space, living quarters, a tea room, and a traditional garden. There was also some local handicrafts on display. I learned that the building had been relocated from a main street in central Kanazawa.

Next on my list was the Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima's House. Kurando Terashima was a middle-class samurai of the Maeda family. The house, constructed in the latter half of the 18th century, provided a fascinating look into the life of a samurai family. It's a true samurai mansion with a peaceful garden and simple style. Wandering through the house, I couldn't help but imagine Kurando himself walking these same halls, contemplating his next artistic creation. The garden was particularly beautiful, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. The blooming Dodan tsutsuji and autumn foliage are highlights of the garden.


Experience the elegance of Japanese history at The Old Site of Mr. Kurando Terashima's House, a serene landmark in Kanazawa that showcases traditional architecture.

Before being exiled, Terashima criticized the government and was known as the 'Tiger of the Front Gate'. He was eventually exiled to Noto-jima Island. The house has a 13.5 tatami Japanese-style room, a 5 tatami tea room, and a 4 tatami room. On the second floor, there's an 8 tatami room where Kurando painted. The garden was designed in chisen kaiyuu shiki style, with a large pond and a three-layer nine wheel pagoda.

For lunch, I decided to venture into Omicho Market. This bustling marketplace has been the heart of Kanazawa's food scene since the Edo period. The market was alive with activity, vendors hawking their wares, and locals haggling over prices. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh seafood, pickled vegetables, and grilled meats. I decided to try a kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl, and it was an explosion of flavors. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the rice was perfectly cooked. It was a truly memorable meal.


Discover the flavors of Kanazawa at Omicho Market, a vibrant fresh food market showcasing local seafood, produce, and culinary delights.

I had a bowl topped with tuna, salmon, scallop, uni (sea urchin), and ikura (salmon roe). Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The market also sells fruits, vegetables, pickles, sweets, and kitchen goods. I found huge, perfectly ripe strawberries and locally grown pears. It's a working market where locals come for daily shopping, which gives it a very authentic feel.

After exploring the market, I stopped by the Kanazawa City Tourism Association. I wanted to gather some information about local events and attractions. The staff was incredibly helpful, providing me with maps, brochures, and insider tips. They told me about a local festival happening next weekend, and I'm seriously considering extending my stay to attend.


Explore the rich heritage, stunning gardens, and vibrant arts of Kanazawa, Japan, a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.

For dinner, I chose Grill Otsuka, a restaurant famous for its Hanton Rice. Hanton Rice is a Kanazawa specialty, a rice omelet topped with fried shrimp and a creamy white sauce. It was unlike anything I'd ever tasted before, a comforting and satisfying dish. The restaurant itself was a cozy, family-run establishment, the kind of place where you feel like you're stepping back in time.


Discover Grill Otsuka in Kanazawa: Where Japanese tradition meets Western culinary excellence in every delicious bite.

The presentation of the Hanton Rice looked old school. The omelet was decent, but I could only taste the ketchup and cream sauce. The fried seafood didn't have much taste. From my research, Grill Otsuka is one of the top restaurants in Kanazawa for western cuisine, specifically their Hanton Rice and Hamburger Steak. The restaurant was established in 1957.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the experiences I had had. Kanazawa had truly captured my heart, with its blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Tomorrow, I plan to explore more of Kanazawa's natural beauty, visiting Kotoji Toro, Hondanomori Park and Saigawa-Ōhashi Bridge. I might even stop by Bar Spoon for a nightcap. I am also considering trying Spice Box for lunch one day.


Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Spice Box - where vibrant flavors meet a cozy izakaya atmosphere in Kanazawa.