Kanazawa is traditionally known for their gold leaf production. In recent years, the town has seen an influx of young visitors, but for a different reason. Home to the 21st Century Museum, it has brought a new wave of vitality to the town. The museum is known for their modern art installations.
We left Takayama on the Limited Express Hida train and arrived at Kanazawa after transiting at Toyama.
For this part of our trip, we booked a room at Hotel Mystays Kanazawa Castle.
The hotel is within walking distance from Kanazawa Station. Our room was a twin room within the main building itself. There is also an annex building right next to the hotel with a public hot bath facility. Basic amenities such as toiletries are available in a self-serve area at the lobby. The hotel room was very small for a twin room even by Japan standard. The room is either cooled or heated by a central system depending on the period of stay.
Hotel Mystays Kanazawa Castle
Japan, 〒920-0852 Ishikawa Prefecture, 金沢市此花町１０−１７
+81 76-223-6300
Hotel Website
One can never say no to sushi when traveling in Japan. Maimon Sushi is a sushi restaurant located right inside the station building. When we arrive, there was a long queue outside the restaurant. The wait wasn’t long despite the fact that the restaurant only offers counter seats. The restaurant provides travelers with English menu upon request. You can either choose from one of the sets or go for “ikkan zutsu” where you order by the piece.
We decided to go for 2 different sets and we spent a total of ¥3,404 (~SGD 42). The sushi was one of the best that we have eaten on our entire trip (right behind Sushi Daiwa in Tokyo).
Maimon Sushi
金沢まいもん寿司
Japan, 〒920-0858 Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa-shi, Kinoshinbomachi, １−1, 金沢百番街あんと
+81 76-225-8988
https://www.maimon-susi.com/
1100hrs – 2200hrs
There is a JR Bus service that runs in Kanazawa. JR Pass holders can hop onto the service for free by showing your JR Pass to the driver before alighting. The service serves most of the attractions in Kanazawa. The bus will take you to the Ohmi-Cho Market, the 21st Century Contemporary Arts Museum as well as the Higashi-Chaya District.
The Tera-Machi Temple Area is a cluster of approximately 70 temples. The area was very quiet and devoid of any tourists. We visited the Utasu Jinja Shrine, one of the five greatest shrine in Kanazawa.
After a short peaceful walk from Utasu Jinja Shrine, we emerged at the Higashi Chaya District. A chaya (teahouse) is a specific class of restaurant. In a chaya, geishas are typically part of the guests’ entertainment. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of such entertainment district in Kanazawa. The district maintains much of the old traditional architecture. Currently, two chayas still operate in the district and are open to the public. The rest of the buildings now houses cafes and shops selling gold-leaf products.
Think The Friet Cafe is a cafe that specializes in fries. They occupy a tiny building along the side of the main road, a short walk from the Ohmi-Cho Market. Along with the fries, the cafe also serves a decent selection of bottled beer as well as coffee. The cafe is so small that there is only room for one table by the window. We got ourselves a cup of coffee each as we sat by the window watching the world go past us.
Think The Friet
Japan, 〒920-0902 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa, Owaricho, 2 Chome−8−27
Permanently closed
Ohmi-Cho Market is the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa. Kanazawa’s proximity to the Sea of Japan meant that one is sure to find lots of fresh seafood in the market. There are over 200 stalls inside the market. The stalls not only sells fresh seafood and produce but also flowers and kitchen wares. The prices of the seafood were reasonable, but nowhere near as cheap as the Sankaku Market in Otaru, Hokkaido.
