02 Jun 2024

Exploring the beauty of Kanazawa

The clouds parted and made way for glorious sunshine as we arrived at Kanazawa.

Some of us started by driving through the city and into sprawling rice fields. We headed to Yunokuni no Mori, a cultural village tucked into the foothills. The winding streets were lined with thatched cottages each one housing a different artisans’ workshop. We chose to try our hand at lacquerware, dyeing, gold leaf, glass etching or papermaking keeping the crafts we made. Afterwards, we had a chance to explore the area, and the shops were full of unique and high-quality merchandise, so most ended up with bags in our hands and ice creams and other treats were also enjoyed. 

Others started with a bus ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, with the scenery transitioning from bustling cityscapes to tranquil mountains. The sight of Ogimachi Village, with its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, was breathtaking.

As we explored the village, the sounds of nature enveloped us as we strolled along the quaint paths. Each historic house seemed to whisper stories of the past, and we found ourselves drawn to the Kanda House, known for its impeccable preservation. Inside the Kanda House, we marvelled at the traditional architecture. The steep thatched roof and the spacious, wooden interiors gave us a glimpse into the ingenuity and lifestyle of the village's former inhabitants. The artefacts and displays further enriched our understanding of this cultural heritage.

After our exploration, we settled down for a traditional Japanese lunch at a local eatery. Prepared with local ingredients, the lunch embodied the full flavours of the region.

In the afternoon we reconvened and ventured to Kanazawa's geisha district, Higashi Chaya. We explored the atmospheric streets, where traditional teahouses stood as remnants of a bygone era. The district's charm captivated us as we explored various shops, offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies.

Next, we visited the Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's top three traditional gardens. The Garden was developed from the 1620s to the 1840s by the Maeda clan, the daimyōs (feudal lords) who ruled this rich area. The garden is named for the six contrasting attributes that it embodies – spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and panoramas. It was a weekend during a Kanazawa festival, so many locals were out on the paths with us, some in kimonos or other traditional attire. The grounds of Kanazawa Castle were full of locals, with the castle itself standing majestically above it all.

Next, we ventured to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and explored the avant-garde exhibits and sculptures inside the building and on the grounds.

Aaron had hinted that Kanawaza takes pride in presenting the best farewell performances. Still, we weren't prepared for the hundreds of costumed dancers in four separate troupes waving huge flags and dancing. Their skill, energy, enthusiasm, and smiles were infectious and delightful. We clapped and waved from the rail and Heritage Adventurer pulled away.

Images © E Bell, Heritage Expeditions