Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan (February 2025)

After departing Chibu Onsen Ryokan, the driver took us to our hotel in Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture located in Central Japan. Again, the way to Kanazawa was all snow-covered and we kept saying, "Wow...!"

After we checked in at the hotel, we walked to Omicho Market to east Kaisen-don or Seafood Donburi. Kanazawa's Kaisendon is famous for its freshness. 

The following day, we met a new guide, called Macoto-san. The first place we visited was Kenroku-en Gardens. This strolling-style garden was constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda clan. It is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, together with Koraku-en and Kairaku-en Gardens. Indeed, strolling in the garden on a snowy day was totally otherworldly. I could probably say that it was one of the best experiences of this entire trip. 

The next place to visit was Kanazawa Castle located across the street from Kenroku-en Graden. Kanazawa Castle belonged to the Maeda Clan, known to be the second in power only after Tokugawa Ieyasu in terms of size and wealth. The current structure has been partially restored and it occupies a vast area inside the castle. Now it is a park.

After visiting Kanazawa Castle, we went to visit Higashi Chaya District, meaning Tea House District in the East. There were a lot of not only tea houses but also snack stores and gift shops.  

One of the stores we visited was selling gold-leaf ice cream. We had to taste it, whatever the effect may be. 

Then, we visited a Samurai Residence in the Nagamachi Samurai District, which belonged to the Nomura Family. The garden was cozy and beautiful, but the Tatami floor would have been really cold. Not for me.

In the evening, we ate dinner at an Italian restaurant and we walked around the downtown area, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this half-million-inhabitant city. 

Kanazawa is one of the newly developing tourist attractions. I thoroughly enjoyed the Kenroku-en Garden in particular. - Jeffrey