Discovering Kanazawa: A Cultural Journey in Japan

Finding Peace and Flavor in Kanazawa

Today marked the final day of our Kanazawa adventure, and it was a day dedicated to reflection, art, and, of course, incredible food. I wanted to soak in the last moments of this enchanting city, finding new ways to appreciate its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Maximilian and I set out with a plan to explore some of Kanazawa's more contemplative spots, and to indulge in a few more culinary experiences before heading back to Germany.

Our morning began with a serene breakfast at Iki-iki Tei. Located in the vibrant Omicho Market, this little spot is known for its incredibly fresh seafood. It was a bustling atmosphere, a stark contrast to the peaceful day we had planned, but the energy was infectious. We managed to snag a couple of seats at the counter, and I ordered the Tokusen Hokuriku Don, a beautiful assortment of fresh, local fish. Maximilian opted for the Kaisen Don. The sashimi was so fresh that it practically melted in my mouth, a true testament to Kanazawa's coastal bounty. It was the perfect way to start our day, fueling us for the introspective journey ahead.


Discover authentic sushi at Iki-iki Tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

After breakfast, we made our way to the D.T. Suzuki Museum. Tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfare, this museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of D.T. Suzuki, a prominent Buddhist philosopher who introduced Zen Buddhism to the West. As someone deeply interested in cultural exchange and philosophy, I was eager to explore this space. The museum itself is a minimalist masterpiece, designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, with a neutral greyscale color scheme that enhances the surrounding greenery. The architecture promotes tranquility.


Explore the serene D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa, where Zen Buddhism meets modern architecture in a tranquil setting for reflection and learning.

As we entered, we were given a folder with an introduction to Suzuki’s life and work. The first exhibition room featured photographs and videos documenting his life, along with some of his most notable works. I found it incredibly inspiring to learn about his journey and his profound impact on the world. We wandered through the halls, taking our time to absorb the information and reflect on his teachings.

The highlight of the museum was the Contemplation Space, a serene room with tatami mat couches overlooking the Water Mirror Garden. The garden itself is a work of art, a shallow pool of water reflecting the sky and surrounding trees. It was a perfect spot for quiet contemplation, and I spent a good amount of time simply sitting there, lost in thought. Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, also seemed to find a sense of peace in the simplicity of the space. The museum encourages visitors to face themselves and think. It was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of travel, a chance to reconnect with myself and find a sense of inner peace.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quietest of places, offering a moment to reflect and appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

Leaving the D.T. Suzuki Museum, we felt a sense of calm and clarity. Our next stop was KAMU Kanazawa, a contemporary art museum with a unique twist. Instead of being housed in a single building, KAMU's exhibition spaces are scattered throughout the city. This meant that we got to explore different neighborhoods and discover hidden gems along the way. Our ticket granted us access to several locations, each showcasing different artists and installations.


Discover the captivating realm of contemporary art at KAMU KANAZAWA, where innovation meets creativity in the heart of Kanazawa, Japan.

The first KAMU location we visited featured an installation by Leandro Erlich, the artist known for his famous Swimming Pool exhibit at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. This installation, titled Infinite Staircase, was a mind-bending display of stairs that seemed to go on forever, creating an illusion of endlessness. It was a fun and interactive experience, and Maximilian and I spent a good amount of time taking photos and marveling at the optical illusion.

Other KAMU locations featured works by various contemporary artists, each with their own unique style and perspective. From sculptures to paintings to multimedia installations, there was something to capture everyone's imagination. I particularly enjoyed the way that KAMU integrated art into the urban landscape, encouraging visitors to explore the city in a new and creative way. It was like a treasure hunt, discovering art in unexpected places.

For lunch, we decided to try The Godburger, a place that had been recommended to us by several locals. Tucked away on a quiet street, The Godburger is known for its gourmet burgers made with high-quality ingredients. Giving yourself a name like 'The Godburger' is a bold move, but they live up to it. As a vegetarian, I was pleased to see that they offered a delicious veggie burger made with mushrooms, onions, and seasonal vegetables. Maximilian, of course, went for the classic bacon cheeseburger, and we both agreed that it was one of the best burgers we had ever tasted. The patties are seasoned perfectly. The fries were also exceptional, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a satisfying and indulgent meal, the perfect reward after a day of exploring.


Experience gourmet burgers with local flair at The Godburger in Kanazawa – where culinary creativity meets comfort food.

After lunch, we did a little bit of shopping at Kanazawa Loft. I was hoping to find a special souvenir to remember our trip, and the store didn't disappoint. It was filled with unique and quirky items, from traditional crafts to modern gadgets. I ended up buying a beautiful set of chopsticks made from local wood, and Maximilian found a cool tech gadget that he couldn't resist. It was a fun way to spend an hour, browsing through the eclectic selection of goods.


Explore Kanazawa Loft: Your ultimate shopping destination for cosmetics, home goods, and unique Japanese novelties in the heart of Kanazawa.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Gyokusen-tei for our final dinner in Kanazawa. This elegant garden restaurant overlooks Gyokusen-en, a stunning chisenkaiyu-style garden with a history that predates even Kenrokuen. The restaurant itself is housed in a beautifully restored Edo-period building, adding to the ambiance and charm.


Experience exquisite Japanese cuisine at Gyokusen-tei in Kanazawa – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

We were seated in a private room with a view of the illuminated garden, creating a magical and romantic setting. The dinner was a traditional Kaiseki meal, a multi-course culinary experience featuring seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. Each dish was a work of art, from the delicate sashimi to the flavorful Kaga vegetables. The service was impeccable, and the staff took the time to explain each dish and its significance.

As we savored each course, I couldn't help but reflect on our time in Kanazawa. This city had exceeded all of my expectations, offering a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the serene gardens to the vibrant markets to the innovative art scene, there was something to captivate every sense. And the food, oh, the food! Every meal had been a culinary adventure, a chance to discover new flavors and appreciate the local ingredients.

“Travel is not about the destination, but the journey and the memories we create along the way.”

As we finished our dinner, I felt a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Kanazawa had touched my heart in a special way, and I knew that I would carry its spirit with me long after we left. Maximilian and I raised our glasses in a toast, celebrating our adventure and the memories we had made together. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, a fitting farewell to this enchanting city.

Tomorrow, we leave Kanazawa to head back to Germany. It's always bittersweet to leave a place that has captured your heart, but I know that I will return to Kanazawa someday. Until then, I will cherish the memories and the lessons learned, and continue to share my experiences with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope that my words have inspired you to explore the world and discover its hidden gems. Kanazawa, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Until next time, happy travels!