15 May 2024

A journey through time at Kanazawa

Our arrival at Kanazawa was met by the snow-covered Mount Hakusan, which stands proudly behind the city known as the centre of gold in Japan. In 1593, Lord Toshiie Maeda ordered the Kaga Domain, the site of present-day Kanazawa, to produce gold and silver leaf. During its 400-year history, Kanazawa’s gold leaf production has survived through turbulent times, and today is making a comeback as the usage of gold and silver leaf on Buddhist traditional structures, altars and statuettes rise in popularity.

Our first stop was the Omicho Markets. We explored this bustling area, amazed at the array of seafood and fresh produce including some of the biggest oysters we had ever seen. We then departed to the Nagamachi Samurai District. There we explored the Nomura Samurai House with its elegant tatami mat rooms and classic courtyard garden and browsed the displays and shelves of porcelain in the Kutani style. With time to explore at our own pace, some checked out the local café and the pottery outlets often hidden in the alleyways of the area. 

Lunch was either onboard Heritage Adventurer or in a local sushi and ramen restaurant. Miniature squids on nigiri were a highlight, with everyone agreeing it was a stunning meal of fresh tastes and experiences.

Arriving at Kanazawa Castle, we walked through the imposing gates and into the vast complex which reflects the history, growth, rebuilds and construction of this enigmatic castle of the feudal age. Just across the road was Kenrokuen Garden, which delivered on its reputation as one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan, designed and crafted to produce beauty in every viewpoint as you stroll the pathways.

Temptation and the iconic gold leaf combined with a delicious gold leaf-covered ice cream as we explored the Higashi Chaya District, an area of preserved historical wooden buildings featuring tea houses and geisha, today, the essence remains amongst the artisan outlets. 

Baton twirlers farewelled us from Kanazawa as they swirled and twirled, flipped and caught, putting on a spectacular show.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions