Kanazawa

Recommendation by Wabisavi

Even though I left Nikko in the morning, it was past 4pm by the time I reached 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘇𝗮𝘄𝗮. And maybe it was better that way, because a national marathon was just in its ending phase. 🍁🏯 Having little under an hour before checking into my capsule, I decided to go take a look at 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘇𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲. After visiting a number of famous castles which were nothing more than a moat and some rubble, I was as excited as a 6 year old in a playground to actually find real castle buildings this time. The park is quite big, so factor in some 2 hours for a thorough visit. 🍁 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗸𝘂𝗲𝗻 is one of only 3 parks that fully represent the style of Japanese garden. It's a must visit while in Kanazawa. On the other hand, 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗸𝘂 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 (located in one corner of the park) is quite expensive for what it offers, so feel free to skip it (you can see more or less the same old Japanese house in many other locations at a fraction of the price, and there is very little English to guide you along). 📌 The 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀 (neighbourhoods were the Geisha houses are located) reminded me nostalgically of Kyoto. Wooden machiya (merchant houses) line the winding streets, selling souvenirs and other traditional foods and wares. Feel free to choose any of them to visit, or go to all! Just note that in the evening they are a dark ghost town, a far cry from the romantic lights of Gion. 📌 Kanazawa is all about the seafood, so snack or feast at 𝗢𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 (open from 9am). 📌 Take a trip back in time (?) strolling through the preserved samurai district of 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶. 📌 Visit 𝗠𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘆𝘂𝗷𝗶 to experience a real ninja temple (by reservation only). 🍙 Sushi and kaisendon aplenty 🍙 Soft-serve cone coated in gold leaf. Actually, you can probably get anything + gold leaf.

From Hokkaido To Kyushu Autumn Itinerary