Published date: March 10, 2025
My First Trip to Kanazawa
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
平日金曜日の宿泊だったので、少々仕事も対応しつつだったのですが駅構内のホテルでしたので戻ってきやすくありがたかったです。
フロントに色々情報もまとまっており、参考になりました。
Experiences during the trip
In April 2024, I traveled to Kanazawa for the first time. Due to the earthquake that occurred on January 1st, it was a trip dedicated to praying for reconstruction.
I visited Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three famous gardens. It was appreciated that it was open for free during the cherry blossom season. I enjoyed the beauty along with many inbound tourists.
After touring Kenrokuen, I went to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Unfortunately, the original exhibits were not there due to the Noto earthquake, but the architecture was stunning. The D.T. Suzuki Museum, recommended by a friend, had a beautiful water mirror garden.
Next, while enjoying Kanazawa Castle Park, I headed to Higashi Chaya District. I indulged in Japanese sake from the afternoon and had a super delicious seafood bowl with nodoguro.
After a quick glance at Hashitate Chaya District, I visited Omicho Market. The abundance of seafood was impressive. Following my friends’ advice, I tried oden, which was tasty.
I checked in early, tired from being operational since 7 a.m., and enjoyed a break at Starbucks. It was convenient that the hotel was directly connected to the station.
Later, I eagerly anticipated the night illumination and returned to Kenrokuen for a second time, mesmerized by its different beauty compared to daytime.
I found Kanazawa compact and easy to navigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed my second day in Kanazawa. After returning home, I slept really well last night.
On the second day, I couldn’t decide on my plan until morning, so I had breakfast while watching YouTube and decided to visit Oyama Shrine, which I had been curious about. The stained glass was magnificent, and the surrounding statues and scenery were wonderful.
Next, I strolled around Seseragi Street and the Nagamachi Samurai District. I enjoyed Mitarashi dango at a confectionery shop called Murakami. It was delicious to eat in the garden.
After that, while passing through the bustling Korinbo and Katamachi areas, I stopped by a Nordic bakery called KUPPI that a friend had told me about. Since it was my birthday, I had a Swedish cake called Jordgubbskaka.
Including the latte art of the café latte, it was fantastic. I still can’t remember its name, but I want to eat Jordgubbskaka again!
Then, I went to Myoryuji (Ninja Temple), recommended by another friend. I had a guided tour for 40 minutes and learned a lot about the mechanisms inside the building. I understood well the desire to recommend this place to others, and I think many more people should visit it. It would be irresistible for architecture lovers.
For lunch, I headed to Nishi Chaya District. The name is straightforward: if there is Higashi, then there must be Nishi.
I went to a Japanese dining place called Banrai and had a deluxe sashimi set meal, which included sashimi, oden, and chawanmushi.
With a little time left, I strolled around the "Hyakumangoku Machinaka Meguri Sakura 2024" event held at Shinoki Green Area. To wrap up, I visited Kanazawa Castle Park once again and enjoyed the cherry blossoms that bloomed more than yesterday before heading back to the station.
For my final dinner, I went to Kanazawa Katsuzou, recommended on YouTube, and enjoyed a matured Noto pork loin cutlet set meal. It was fresh to eat the cutlet with salt, and it was delicious.
On the way back, I took the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki) for the first time and enjoyed a Hokuriku beer on the train ride home. It was a lovely trip to celebrate my birthday in Kanazawa. I hope many others will visit Kanazawa as a way to support local consumption!