Part of my Japan trip in 2015 was visiting the city of Kanazawa. It is one of the larger city on the west coast of central Japan and offers a different atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka. You'll be amazed at how much you can do there and here are 5 of them that I tried and you should too.
Explore the city by bicycle
Part of the charm of Kanazawa is how you can explore the many attractions in the city just by cycling. In an effort to encourage this, a bicycle rental service is offered to tourist at a very affordable price. You would just need to head to any bicycle station you see, pay an initial fee, retrieve your bicycle and head on to your next stop. If you see a bicycle station near your stop, return it, and you will be charged based on the time between returning the bicycle. Good thing is, if it's within half an hour, no charge! Bicycle stations are located at a lot of the attractions around the city so you might even be travelling for free.
Enjoy nature's beauty at Kenroku-en Garden
This is definitely a must. The Kenrokuen Garden is one of the 3 Great Gardens of Japan. The centrepiece of this expansive garden is the Kasumi Pond that brings the balance among the lush greeneries. Here you'll find the famous symbol of Kenroku-en, that is the 2 legged Kotoji-toro Lantern. Explore also one of the oldest natural fountain in Japan and a huge statue of Yamato Takeru, who is a legendary prince in Japanese history. The orange and yellow leave in the fall add even more touch of color to the beautiful green trees around. During cherry blossom season, the garden is open at night and lit up to enhance the beauty of the cherry blossom flowers.
Step into the past at Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa is also home to some of the well preserved chaya districts in Japan. These are entertainment districts in the past that hosts restaurants where you can find geishas performing. Higashi Chaya District is one of the largest in the city. The buildings in the neighborhood is well preserved, that you feel like you're being transported back in time. Here also you can make a visit to its teahouses, experience the tea ceremony and try out tea sprinkled with gold leaves. They are even store selling products covered in gold leaves.
Learn about history at Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle sits in a large park right opposite Kenroku-en garden. Admission is free so you will have the chance to explore the many buildings that make up the castle complex. These buildings have gone through history being burned down and rebuilt yet still stood the test of time as an important cultural asset to Japan.
Admire modern art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
One of the museums we manage to make a visit is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The unique circular building is host to multiple showcases of contemporary art by today's inspiring artists. One of the famous exhibition is Leandro Erlich's The Swimming Pool which gives the illusions that visitors are underwater from those looking above.
There's much more to experience in Kanazawa like visiting the Ninjadera Temple, the grounds near Modern Literature Museum and the many shops in the City Center itself. The city is just waiting to be explored. Let me know of your experiences!
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