Discovering Kanazawa: A Cultural Journey in Japan

Kanazawa's Embrace: A Day of Beauty and Reflection

Today was a symphony of sights and sounds, a gentle immersion into the soul of Japan. From iconic lanterns to panoramic vistas and serene gorges, Kanazawa unveiled its beauty in layers, each more captivating than the last. It was a day that reminded me why Maximilian and I embarked on this journey, seeking moments of tranquility and cultural enrichment.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Fuwari. The traditional Japanese breakfast set the tone for the day – a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that awakened our senses. After breakfast, we set out to Kenrokuen Garden to see the Kotoji Toro (Stone Lantern).


Explore Kotoji Toro, the iconic stone lantern of Kanazawa, nestled in the serene beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, a must-visit for every traveler.
The Kotoji Toro was everything I had imagined and more. As we entered Kenrokuen Garden through the Katsura-zaka gate, the tranquil Kasumigaike Pond greeted us. The Kotoji-toro, gracefully standing beside the Niji-bashi (Rainbow Bridge), seemed to emanate a serene glow, perfectly complementing the scenery. It was early, but there were already people lining up to take photos near the bridge. Maximilian managed to get a beautiful shot of me with the lantern in the background. The name 'Kotoji' refers to the forked Koto-pole that supports the strings of a Japanese harp, adding a layer of cultural significance to this iconic structure. The lantern's reflection shimmered on the water, creating a mesmerizing scene that felt both timeless and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. I learned that this garden is said to imitate Lake Biwa and the Eight Views of Omi, historically praised as Japan's most excellent landscape.

The beauty of Kanazawa lies not just in its sights, but in the way it gently nudges you to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the world around you.

Leaving the serene embrace of Kenrokuen Garden, we embarked on a scenic drive to the White Road Shirakawago Observatory.


Discover the stunning landscapes from the White Road Shirakawago Observatory, a picturesque spot in Gifu, Japan, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
I had read about this route and was eager to experience the panoramic views it offered. The drive itself was an adventure, winding through lush landscapes that gradually ascended into the mountains. As we climbed higher, the air grew crisp and cool, a welcome change from the summer heat of Kanazawa. I had forgotten my umbrella, a silly mistake considering how unpredictable mountain weather can be, but thankfully, the sun was shining brightly.

Reaching the White Road Shirakawago Observatory was like stepping onto the edge of the world. The vista that unfolded before us was simply breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, a tapestry of green and gold under the vast blue sky. In the distance, we could make out the iconic thatched roofs of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maximilian, ever the data scientist, was fascinated by the geological formations of the mountains, pointing out different rock layers and formations. I, on the other hand, was content to simply soak in the beauty of the landscape, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.

After a quick lunch at Atsushi, we drove to Kakusenkei Gorge.


Explore the breathtaking Kakusenkei Gorges in Kaga, Ishikawa, where stunning landscapes and exhilarating hiking trails await adventure seekers and nature lovers.
It was just as stunning as I'd hoped. The plan was to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of Kakusenkei Gorge, a natural haven renowned for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere. The drive to the gorge was a pleasant one, offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside. As we approached Yamanaka Onsen, the air became noticeably fresher, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.

The gorge itself was a revelation. A crystal-clear river snaked its way through the landscape, flanked by towering trees and moss-covered rocks. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the water and creating an ethereal ambiance. We strolled along the Kakusenkei Gorge Promenade, a well-maintained path that followed the course of the river. The path meandered past several notable landmarks, including the Korogi Bridge, made entirely of cypress wood, and the Ayatori Bridge, a wine-red, S-shaped trestle bridge. We paused at the Basho-do Hut, a small structure commemorating the visit of the famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho. Inside, we found a statue of the poet and a display of his haiku about the area surrounding Kakusenkei Gorge.

One of the highlights of our walk was discovering the Kakusenkei Kawadoko resting spot. Unfortunately, it was closed, but I hear that from April to October, you can enjoy high-quality Japanese sweets while experiencing the flow of the river up close. It’s definitely something I’ll keep in mind for a future visit. I also learned that the gorge is famous as a great place to view autumn foliage. I can only imagine how stunning it must be when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way back to Kanazawa, our hearts full of the day's experiences. For dinner, we decided to try Hibi Sakanazuki Toboku, a local restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration.

Later in the evening, after dinner, we decided to check out ZOWIE, a local bar.


Discover the taste of Ireland at ZOWIE, an authentic Irish pub in Kanazawa offering delicious food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
It was a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, and the bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable. We struck up a conversation with a local couple who shared some interesting insights about Kanazawa's history and culture. It was moments like these that made our trip so special, connecting with people and learning about their way of life.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Kanazawa Literary Hall, followed by Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en and Ainokura. I'm particularly excited about visiting Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum showcasing traditional gassho-style farmhouses. I think it will be a great way to learn more about the region's architectural heritage and rural way of life. I’m also looking forward to visiting the Hakuichi Kanazawa Hyakubangai Store to buy some souvenirs for our family and friends back home.

As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of Kanazawa. It's a city that has captured my heart with its blend of tradition and modernity, its natural landscapes and cultural treasures. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, knowing that each day here is a gift, a chance to learn, grow, and connect with the world around me. Good night from Kanazawa!