Family Adventure in Historic Kanazawa

Kanazawa's Timeless Charm

Today marked the beginning of our family's journey into the heart of Japan's cultural heritage. Kanazawa, a city often referred to as 'Little Kyoto,' welcomed us with open arms and a promise of serene gardens, historical intrigue, and culinary delights. It was a day of first impressions, and Kanazawa certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café. The café had a cozy, Seattle-style ambiance, which was a delightful surprise. Elena and Miguel enjoyed lattes, while I opted for a strong espresso to kickstart our day. The owner, who was from Seattle, was incredibly friendly and spoke perfect English, which was a relief. It felt like a little slice of home so far away from Stratford. After breakfast, we set off to explore our first destination: Kenrokuen Garden.


Discover the serene beauty of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, featuring breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage in Kanazawa.

Kenrokuen Garden is celebrated as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and it truly lived up to its reputation. As we stepped through the entrance, we were immediately enveloped in a world of meticulously sculpted landscapes, serene ponds, and ancient trees. The garden's name, meaning 'Garden of the Six Sublimities,' reflects its incorporation of spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and broad views – all essential attributes of the perfect garden. It was easy to get lost in the beauty of it all, especially with the early summer flowers in bloom. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrances were intoxicating, and the gentle breeze made our walk even more pleasant. I made sure to take plenty of photos, trying to capture the essence of this tranquil oasis, but no picture could truly do it justice. The Hyakumangoku Festival is happening later this week, and I hear the Kenrokuen Garden will be open at night and illuminated, which sounds magical!

Gardens are not just collections of plants; they are living works of art that reflect the soul of a place and the spirit of its people.

Next on our list was Kanazawa Castle Park, located adjacent to Kenrokuen. The castle, once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, is a testament to the city's rich history. Although much of the original structure was lost to fires over the centuries, the reconstructed buildings, such as the Ishikawa Gate and the Kahoku Gate, were impressive. Miguel was particularly fascinated by the castle's architecture and the stories of the samurai who once roamed its halls. We spent a good hour exploring the grounds, imagining what life must have been like during the Edo period. The park was bustling with activity, and we even stumbled upon a small local festival with food stalls and traditional music. It was a delightful experience that gave us a taste of Kanazawa's vibrant culture. We learned that during the Kanazawa Event in June, the Kanazawa Castle Park also offers nighttime illumination.


Discover the enchanting beauty of Kanazawa Castle Park, where history meets nature in a serene Japanese landscape.

For lunch, we ventured to Plat Home - Kanazawa Kitchen, a restaurant recommended for its creative Japanese cuisine. Housed in a renovated 100-year-old Japanese storehouse, the restaurant had a unique and charming atmosphere. Elena and I shared a delicious albacore tempura and avocado tuna, while Miguel opted for a hearty bowl of ramen. The fusion of Japanese and Western ingredients was a delightful surprise, and the presentation of each dish was a work of art. We left feeling satisfied and ready for our next adventure.


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

After lunch, we made our way to the Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence, located in the Nagamachi district. This well-preserved samurai residence offered a glimpse into the life of a high-ranking samurai family during the Edo period. As we stepped inside, we were transported back in time. The intricate details of the house, from the tatami mats to the beautifully painted fusuma screen doors, were a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The highlight of the residence was the stunning Japanese garden, which was listed as one of the top three gardens in Japan by the Journal of Japanese Gardening. The garden, though small, was a masterpiece of landscape design, with ancient trees, stone lanterns, and a serene pond filled with colorful koi carp. I could have spent hours simply sitting there, soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Miguel was impressed with the family's collection of armor and weaponry, while Elena admired the elegant tea room, where we enjoyed a cup of matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet.


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

Our final stop for the day was Omicho Market, Kanazawa's bustling kitchen. This vibrant market, with its narrow aisles and overflowing stalls, was a feast for the senses. The market has over 280 years of history, and is enclosed in a covered building. Vendors hawked fresh seafood, local produce, and a variety of other culinary delights. We sampled some of the local specialties, including fresh oysters and grilled squid, and stocked up on snacks for our hotel room. The market was crowded and chaotic, but it was also full of energy and excitement. It was a perfect way to end our day, immersing ourselves in the local culture and savoring the flavors of Kanazawa. I even managed to find a few ingredients to try my hand at cooking some traditional Filipino dishes later in the trip, a little taste of home away from home.


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

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the Tmark City Hotel Kanazawa, our home away from home for the next few days. The hotel's location in the Katamachi area was perfect, allowing us to easily explore the city's attractions. As I reflected on our first day in Kanazawa, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful city with my family. We had immersed ourselves in its history, culture, and cuisine, and I knew that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. We are looking forward to tomorrow, where we plan to explore the Higashi Chaya District, visit the Geisha House Shima, and pay our respects at the Ishiura Shrine. I am also hoping to try some local sake at the Kohaku Bar in the evening.


Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity at Tmark City Hotel Kanazawa, your ideal base for exploring this charming city.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Kanazawa's cultural tapestry. We'll explore the enchanting Higashi Chaya District, where geishas once entertained, and visit the Geisha House Shima to learn more about their fascinating history. We'll also pay our respects at the Ishiura Shrine, a place of serenity and spiritual significance. And, if time allows, I'm hoping to sneak in a visit to the Kohaku Bar for a taste of local sake. It's all about balance, right? Kanazawa, you've captured our hearts, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I even managed to find a few ingredients to try my hand at cooking some traditional Filipino dishes later in the trip, a little taste of home away from home. Maybe I’ll even try to find a ukulele shop – I’ve been meaning to pick up the hobby for a while now!

I am excited for the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival, which is happening later this week. The festival includes a magnificent parade called "Hyakumangoku Procession" and numerous events held for three days at various spots around the Kanazawa Station area. I am hoping we can catch some of the festivities!

I've heard about the firefly viewing events at Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen, and I am hoping we get a chance to see the Heike and Genji fireflies near Tatsumi Waterway in Kenrokuen. That would be a dream come true!

Kanazawa, you've captured our hearts, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.