Discovering Kanazawa: A Cultural Journey in Japan

Kanazawa's Coastal Charms & Spiritual Sanctuaries

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of coastal adventure and serene temple visits. Kanazawa continues to surprise me with its diverse offerings, from the unique experience of driving on a beach to the tranquility found within ancient temple walls. It’s days like these that make traveling so rewarding, filling my soul with new sights and sounds.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Installation Table ENSO L'asymetrie du calme. I was excited to experience this restaurant, having read so much about its innovative approach to French cuisine using local Kanazawa ingredients. Maximilian and I shared a knowing glance as we settled in, ready for a culinary adventure.


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

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that take you off the beaten path, leading you to discover the unexpected beauty of a place.

The experience lived up to the hype. The restaurant itself was beautiful, blending modern design with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The food was even better. Each course was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The chef clearly has a passion for showcasing the region's best produce, and it was a joy to taste the unique flavors of Kanazawa in such a creative way. I especially enjoyed the seafood dishes, which were incredibly fresh and expertly prepared. Maximilian, ever the wine enthusiast, was impressed by the selection of Japanese wines, finding the perfect pairings for each course. It was the perfect way to start our day, setting the stage for more adventures to come.

After our wonderful breakfast, we set off for Chirihama Beach Driveway. I had read about this unique attraction – a beach where you can drive your car right along the water's edge – and I was eager to experience it for myself. It sounded like something straight out of a movie, and I couldn't wait to see if it lived up to the hype. I was a little worried about how my little rental car would handle the sand, but Maximilian assured me it would be fine. He's always been the more adventurous one between us, and his confidence is often contagious.


Discover the enchanting Chirihama Beach Driveway in Ishikawa, Japan, where driving meets stunning coastal views and beachside adventures.

As we approached the beach, I could see other cars driving along the shoreline, kicking up sprays of water as they went. It was a surreal sight, and I couldn't help but grin. We drove onto the beach, and the packed sand felt surprisingly solid under the tires. It was an exhilarating feeling, driving along the coast with the waves crashing beside us. The sea breeze was refreshing, and the views were stunning. The sun was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue. It was the perfect day for a beach drive. I felt like I was in a car commercial, wind in my hair, sun on my face, with Maximilian laughing beside me. We stopped a few times to get out and walk along the beach, collecting seashells and enjoying the scenery. I even dipped my toes in the Sea of Japan, which was surprisingly warm. I wish I hadn't forgotten the umbrella at the hotel, it would have come in handy for a longer stroll on the beach. Still, the sun was glorious, and I made a mental note to buy a Japanese phrasebook tomorrow, so I can better communicate with the locals.

Driving on Chirihama Beach was unlike anything I’ve ever done. It felt liberating to be able to drive wherever we wanted, stopping to take photos or simply enjoy the view. It's definitely a must-do for anyone visiting Kanazawa, and I'm so glad we added it to our itinerary. Maximilian, of course, loved it, and I caught him humming along to some German pop song on the radio.

After our beach adventure, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Turban Curry Main Store, a local institution known for its Kanazawa-style curry. I had heard that Kanazawa curry is different from other Japanese curries, with a thicker, richer sauce and a unique serving style. I was curious to try it and see what all the fuss was about. The restaurant was small and unassuming, but it was packed with locals, which I always take as a good sign. We ordered the L-set Curry, which came with a generous portion of rice, a crispy pork cutlet, a juicy hamburger steak, and a sausage, all smothered in the thick, dark curry sauce. It was served on a stainless steel plate and eaten with a spoon, just as I had read about.


Discover authentic Japanese curry at Turban Curry Main Store in Kanazawa - where flavor meets tradition in every dish.

The curry was delicious, rich and flavorful with a hint of spice. The pork cutlet was perfectly crispy, and the hamburger steak was juicy and tender. It was a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for refueling after our beach drive. I can definitely see why Turban Curry is so popular with the locals. It's a simple, no-frills meal that's packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Maximilian enjoyed it too, although he did comment that it was a bit heavy. He's more of a salad-for-lunch kind of guy, but he appreciated the local experience.

With our bellies full, we set off for our next destination: Myozenji Temple. After the excitement of the beach and the heartiness of the curry, I was looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet. I had read that Myozenji is one of the most important temples in the area, known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere. I was hoping to find a sense of calm and reflection there, a chance to connect with the spiritual side of Japan.


Explore Myozenji, a serene Buddhist temple in Shirakawa, where tranquility meets rich cultural heritage amidst stunning natural beauty.

The temple was located in a quiet residential neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As we approached, I could feel a sense of serenity washing over me. The temple grounds were beautiful, with meticulously manicured gardens, ancient trees, and traditional Japanese architecture. The main hall was impressive, with its intricate carvings and imposing presence. We took our time exploring the grounds, admiring the beauty of the gardens and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The air was filled with the scent of incense, and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. It was a welcome escape from the busy city, a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.

We wandered through the temple's museum, which was once the monk's residence. It was fascinating to see how the monks lived and worked, and to learn about the history of the temple. I was particularly impressed by the intricate details of the traditional Japanese architecture, and the way the building was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. I imagined the monks spending their days in quiet contemplation, surrounded by beauty and serenity. It was a stark contrast to my own busy life, filled with deadlines and distractions. I felt a pang of longing for that kind of simplicity and peace.

As we left Myozenji Temple, I felt a sense of calm and rejuvenation. The temple had provided a much-needed respite from the hectic pace of travel, a chance to reconnect with myself and appreciate the beauty of the world around me. I realized that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about finding moments of peace and reflection, about connecting with something deeper than ourselves.

For dinner, we decided to try Kanazawa Setsuri, a restaurant known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant's interior was tastefully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We opted for the sushi platter, and it was a delight. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the chef's knife skills were impeccable. Each piece was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. It was a true culinary experience, and I savored every bite. Maximilian, who is always up for trying new things, was impressed by the variety of fish and the unique flavor combinations. He even tried a few pieces that I wouldn't have dared to, like the sea urchin and the raw shrimp. He declared them both delicious, of course, and encouraged me to be more adventurous.


Savor authentic Japanese flavors at Kanazawa Setsuri – where tradition meets culinary artistry in every dish.

To end the day, we ventured to The Londonya Bar for a nightcap. It felt like stepping into an old English pub, complete with wooden paneling and a cozy atmosphere. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and he mixed us some excellent cocktails. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring, a chance to relax and reflect on all that we had seen and done. Maximilian, of course, ordered a whiskey, his go-to drink. I opted for something a little more adventurous, a cocktail made with local Japanese ingredients. It was surprisingly delicious, a perfect blend of sweet and sour. As we sipped our drinks, we talked about our favorite moments of the day: the thrill of driving on the beach, the serenity of the temple, the deliciousness of the curry, and the artistry of the sushi. It was a day filled with unique experiences, a day that I will never forget.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink selection at The Londonya Bar in Kanazawa's lively Katamachi district.

As I write this, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow. We plan to visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum and KAMU KANAZAWA, hoping to soak in more of Kanazawa's cultural and artistic offerings. Until then, goodnight from Kanazawa!