Family Adventure in Historic Kanazawa

A Fond Farewell to Kanazawa

As our ten-day adventure in Kanazawa draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared as a family. Today was all about soaking in the last moments of tranquility and tradition that this beautiful city has to offer. It's hard to believe our time here is already over, but the memories we've made will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme. Despite the name's asymmetry, the restaurant provided a balanced and calming start to the day, which was just what we needed. The restaurant is known for its innovative French-based course cuisine, with both lunch and dinner being omakase (chef's choice). The chef's creations were not only delicious but also visually stunning. It was a truly unique dining experience, blending French techniques with local Kanazawa ingredients. Sri appreciated the elegant presentation, while Bagus enjoyed the novel flavor combinations. It was a little pricey, but we felt it was a worthwhile treat to end our culinary journey in Kanazawa.


Experience exquisite French cuisine in the serene ambiance of Kanazawa's Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme.

With our appetites satisfied, we set out to explore the serene beauty of Kasumiga-ike Pond in Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and I can certainly see why. As we entered through the Katsura-zaka gate, the calm, rippled water of the pond immediately greeted us. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors,” representing spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and magnificent views.


Experience the serene beauty of Kasumiga-ike Pond in Kanazawa, a tranquil oasis showcasing nature's artistry in every season.

The pond itself is the largest in the garden, covering an area of 5,800 square meters. As we strolled along the path, the colors of the water shifted with each new perspective. I was particularly captivated by the iconic Kotoji Stone Lantern, standing gracefully beside the Niji-bashi (Rainbow Bridge). The lantern, with its unique two-legged design, is a symbol of Kenrokuen. Bagus was fascinated by the Karasaki Pine, with its branches extending over the pond. Sri enjoyed the vibrant spring foliage and the meticulous care given to every detail in the garden. The garden truly embodies the essence of Japanese landscape theory, with its water features, bridges, teahouses, and hidden nooks.

The beauty of Kanazawa lies not just in its sights, but in the serene atmosphere that permeates every corner.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to Tentokuin Temple. This Soto Zen Buddhist temple is dedicated to Tamahime, the daughter of the shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and the wife of Maeda Toshitsune. Tamahime, also known as Princess Tama, came from Edo to Kanazawa when she was just three years old to marry Maeda Toshitsune. The temple was built in 1623 in her memory, as Toshitsune deeply grieved her death in 1622.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Tentokuin, a serene Buddhist temple in Kanazawa, where spirituality meets stunning nature in a peaceful retreat.

Approaching the temple, we were greeted by a large stone monument and a pathway veiled in pine trees. The temple exudes a sense of history and tranquility, a fitting tribute to the princess. The large Sanmon gate, dating back to 1693, is the only structure that survived a devastating fire in 1768. Inside, we saw some of Tamahime's dolls, as she was very fond of them. We also watched a karakuri puppet show, which tells the story of Tamahime's life. The performances take place at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. (no 4 p.m. show December–February). The dolls and the temple's serene atmosphere provided a poignant reminder of the past.

After immersing ourselves in history and nature, it was time for some retail therapy. We headed to Kanazawa Katani, a shop specializing in gold leaf products. Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf craftsmanship, and Katani is a long-established manufacturer with over 120 years of history. The shop offers a variety of gold leaf items, including those for culinary and beauty purposes, as well as Japanese washi paper and oil blotting papers.


Explore the charm of Kanazawa Katani, your go-to souvenir store for authentic Japanese crafts and unique local treasures.

We participated in a gold leaf pasting workshop. This involved carefully applying thin gold leaf to a plate. It was a delicate and nerve-wracking process, but the joy of creating our own golden souvenirs was immense. Sri created a beautiful plate with a floral design, while Bagus opted for a more abstract pattern. I made a small box for storing my travel mementos. It was a fun and memorable experience, and we left with unique keepsakes of our time in Kanazawa.

For our final lunch in Kanazawa, we chose Aashirwad, an Indian restaurant. It was a delightful change of pace from the Japanese cuisine we had been enjoying. The restaurant is known for its authentic Indian flavors and friendly service. The staff was very accommodating, and they made sure to point out the vegan options for Sri. We ordered a variety of dishes, including samosas, chana masala, aloo gobi, and naan. The food was delicious and flavorful, and the portions were generous. It was a satisfying and comforting meal, a perfect way to recharge after a busy day of sightseeing.


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

As the sun began to set, we decided to have our last dinner at Nyumba. This dining bar is known for its diverse menu, offering everything from hearty meals to sweet treats. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed evening with family. We shared a variety of dishes, including some local specialties and international favorites. It was a fitting end to our culinary explorations in Kanazawa.


Experience modern izakaya dining at Nyumba in Kanazawa—where tradition meets contemporary flavors for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Reflecting on our ten days in Kanazawa, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had. From the tranquil gardens to the historic temples, from the exquisite cuisine to the warm hospitality, Kanazawa has captured our hearts. It is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering something for everyone. As we prepare to leave tomorrow, I know that we will carry the memories of Kanazawa with us, cherishing them for years to come.

As we prepare for our journey back to Toronto, I'm already thinking about how to incorporate the flavors and experiences of Kanazawa into our life back home. Perhaps Sri and I will try our hand at making gold leaf-decorated desserts, or maybe Bagus will be inspired to create a Gamelan piece that captures the essence of Kenrokuen's serene beauty. Until next time, Kanazawa!