06 Jun 2023

The Samurai and Geisha Districts of Kanazawa

Heritage Adventurer arrived early on a pleasant Kanazawa morning to visit Kenroku-en Garden, Garden of the six sublimities, being spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. These aspects were all apparent as were gardeners at work to keep the garden a living work of art. We then went downtown to the Omicho Market to awe at the many shops serving a variety of fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, flowers, sweets and more - plus many food stalls and restaurants. The shopaholics and photographers among us had plenty to keep them interested.

  The afternoon was spent going back in time to the Edo Period (1603-1868) with visits to both the Samurai and Geisha districts. A small street along a rushing canal led to Nomura-ke, a restored Samurai residence. The house with spacious tatami mat rooms and hand painted sliding screens was quintessentially Japanese, while the superb courtyard garden with waterfalls and sculptured trees had everyone sitting on the verandas wishing that we could stay longer. The final stop at the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District allowed for wandering along the narrow alleyways and past traditional teahouses. Some locals make the effort to dress in traditional kimonos and robes. Kanazawa's specialty of gold leaf ice cream was a huge hit for many - nothing like a little treat while exploring.

Image (c) by: R.Morris