This blog offers a clear and concise introduction to Kanazawa, a unique, museum-like city nestled along the Sea of Japan, that preserves the atmosphere of the Samurai warriors’ era. Whether you are a foreign visitor, a business guest, or a student exploring Japan, this is for you. If you find the following descriptions intriguing, I invite you to experience it firsthand. Come and witness the allure of Kanazawa in person!
1. Does this intrigue you?
For those unfamiliar with Kanazawa, I’ve crafted a brief invitation message. If any of this appeals to you, come and experience Kanazawa for yourself!
1.1 The City as It Was Four Hundred Years Ago?
- Kanazawa is one of Japan’s leading cultural cities, founded about 400 years ago by a top-class samurai of that time. Since it was spared from air raids during the war, the streets and atmosphere of those days remain almost intact. It might feel as if samurai and geisha were walking around here just earlier.
- 👉First, let me start with the orthodox introduction pattern. To be precise, “geisha” used here is called “geigi” in Kanazawa, as “geisha” has become a common noun in foreign countries and “geigi” is hardly recognized by most visitors.
1.2 Is the Whole City One Big Museum?
- Kanazawa has been created over several hundred years by samurai, absorbing Kyoto’s aristocratic culture while deliberately differentiating it. As a result, the entire city might feel like one well-organized museum, where almost everything from traditional Japanese gardens, temples and shrines, teahouses, samurai residences, to renowned modern art an
- 👉 Most attractions are actually located within walkable distances, but make sure to save your energy by using taxis or buses when possible. You’ll still need to walk a lot in large gardens or traditional town streets.
1.3 Rich, High-Sophisticated Samurai Town?
- Kanazawa, famous as a city of samurai, can be enjoyed as twice as interesting when compared to Kamakura, another samurai city with a history of about 800 years. While Kamakura and its samurai might display a hungry, stoic tradition, Kanazawa might convince visitors of a rich, more sophisticated samurai spirit through its gorgeous Japanese gardens and architecture.
- 👉 For those who are not familiar with Kamakura city: It is located near Tokyo and is known for its many Zen Buddhist temples for samurai during an unstable period, while the samurai of Kanazawa lived in a more peaceful era.
1.4 Aroma of Zipangu, the Land of Gold, with Coffee?
- Kanazawa has almost 100% of the domestic market share for gold leaf production, and stores in Kanazawa City use gold leaf for a variety of products beyond decorative items. The gold leaf ice cream is especially famous, but gold leaf is often sprinkled on other foods and drinks as well. You may feel a bit of joy seeing a thin gold leaf floating on your coffee, reminding yourself, “Oh, Japan was the legendary land of gold, ZIPANGU!”
- 👉 Actually, you’ll find local dishes, not only drinks, sprinkled with gold leaf as a freebie. So, if you think it’s an unsolicited service, it’s recommended to ask the store staff in advance. Of course, gold leaf itself has no taste, no aroma, and no risk.
２．Do the following messages convince you?
If the previous section didn’t capture your interest, fear not! I’ve delved deeper into each theme. If any of these messages intrigue you, please drop by!
2.1 Architecture and Craftsmanship
👉A Town That Doesn’t Suit Your Aesthetic Sense?
- Architecture lovers will especially appreciate the teahouse district and the former samurai residential area that have been preserved as they were in the samurai period. Kanazawa is the only place where you can see the inside of a teahouse and samurai residence in such a realistic and aesthetically pleasing manner. A temple with a maze-like structure called the ‘Ninja Temple’ is also popular, but it might not fit your authentic and aesthetic sense because the deceptive structure is eye-catching and even the aesthetic parts look suspiciously similar!
- 👉Whether you have an authentic and aesthetic sense or not, this city with authentic and aesthetic charm is expecting your visit!
2.2 Fashion
👉A Town Where Renting Kimonos Is Not So Easy?
- Kanazawa, with its traditional streets and rich culture such as the tea ceremony, has many more people walking around in kimonos than other cities. There are many kimono rental stores, so you can comfortably try kimonos. Kanazawa also has Kaga Yuzen, a luxury brand of kimono, but whether one can comfortably try it or not depends on one’s financial resources and nerve!
- 👉 I believe most visitors will feel attracted and want to visit just from the first two sentences. It is recommended to ignore the last sentence!
2.3 Art
👉Artistic Architecture Like a Hidden Gem?
- The entire city of Kanazawa is artistically crafted, making it difficult for art lovers to decide what to explore first. However, there is a hidden gem of artistic architecture in Kenrokuen Garden. Built by the Kanazawa lords just before the end of the samurai period, the palace is a magnificent fusion of aristocratic, samurai, and Western culture, both technically and colorfully, rivaling the prominent architecture of Kyoto.
- 👉 Have you seen any samurai movies? This is what the life of the highest class samurai was really like.
2.4 Food
👉A Real Market Experience Like No Other?
- Kanazawa has a famous market with a history of 300 years, built by the Kanazawa lords to procure ingredients for their own cooking. Now called the kitchen of Kanazawa citizens, it is known for its busy and bustling atmosphere. Since the market was originally a living space for locals and not built for tourists, you can experience a real market unlike any other!.
- 👉 Since everything is made into a tourist model these days in Japan, the realism of the local daily life area of Omicho Market is invaluable. Be sure to keep your distance and not interfere with the negotiations between shop staff and local customers!
2.5 The Japanese
👉Are Japanese People Still Samurai in Their Minds?
- Many foreign visitors to Kanazawa have a strong image of it as a city of samurai. When they actually come here, they are surprised by the contrast, as it is a modern urban city. While the city appears modern and fashionable, you might want to think that the people are still samurai at heart. The daily lives of modern Japanese people, not just in Kanazawa, are almost entirely surrounded by architectural styles, tableware, and foods designed during the samurai period!
- 👉 In fact, we local guides are very often asked about Kanazawa’s population and main industries (sources of livelihood) with slightly surprised expressions on their faces!
Thank you & Afterwards
Thank you very much for reading to the end of this issue. If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us at the Help Desk.🔶（R70214)v.4b.4b.4a/+250219
コメント