My last full day in Kanazawa was a little
bit of a late start, after getting back to the hotel late. However I was still
able to fit in all that I didn’t do the previous day.
After a quick Starbucks breakfast (I had
Starbucks every day as it was easily accessible in the city) I caught the loop
bus to the Kanazawa Castle.
A main road separates the Castle Park and
Kenroku-en Garden; though it still creates a giant park area in the centre of
the city.
I decided to see the Castle grounds first
as it would be a shorter visit as the Castle is currently under construction to
replicated what it once was. Kanazawa Castle was the residence of the Maeda
lord of Kaga and then later used as an army base and the campus of Kanazawa
University.
Because the castle is under construction
only a portion can be viewed, but the park that it is in is quite beautiful and
I enjoyed wandering around.
After the castle I crossed the road to
Kenrokuen Garden. The garden was initially started in 1676 and was completed in
1822 when it was named. The name means “the 6 perfect attributes” – they are
spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, artifice, panoramas and waterways – this
garden encompasses all of that. The Garden is ranked in the top 3 most
beautiful gardens in Japan thanks to its depth and beauty.
Two of the most well known images of
Kanazawa can be found within the garden. The first are the Karasakinomatsu
Pine. The single tree was planted by the 13th lord and is quite vast
in its current size. In the winter the ropes that form cones around the
branches to protect from snow are a winter site characteristic of Kanazawa.
The other image is the Kotojitoro Lantern.
It is said to have gotten its name from the fact it is shaped like the bridges
that support the strings on a koto.
This image of the latern can be found replicated across the city.
 |
| Me in front of the lantern |
After spending a few hours wandering
through the garden I hopped back on the loop bus to take me to the Nishi Chaya
District. Another of the historical tea house streets, as well as an area
filled with temples.
On the street I ventured into a tea house
now formed into a museum. I took a look around to see how the upper rooms of
this particular house were decorated.
I also took a break to have a delicious
snack of kaki gori or shaved ice,
this time it was macha (green tea)
flavoured and served with iced green tea.
From there I headed to my last destination.
The Oyama Shrine. The shrine is well known for its unusual gate. A Dutch
architect, using elements from Asia and Europe, designed it. The lower portion
of the gate is has a Japanese influence, the upper portion is modelled after a
lighthouse and features a Dutch stained glass window. It is a very unique piece
of architecture and not one seen at Shinto Shrines.
After a wander around the shrine grounds I
headed back to the hotel to pack up and eat dinner.
Overall I had a wonderful time in Kanazawa.
It was a great city to see and I am glad that I got to spend my last “vacation”
visiting a friend and seeing this unique city. If you ever get the chance to
tour Japan this is an excellent stop!
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