While in Kanazawa, I walked on a rainy day around the small Samurai district of preserved houses and streets. It was atmospheric and quiet.
The rain and wind had made lots of the sakura petals fall, which was beautiful in its own way too…
I visited the Higashi Chaya district on a sunnier day, and tried to beat the crowds by going early. I took a midmorning break and enjoyed a traditional treat of shiratama, which is a type of mochi.
I really loved these traditional streets, it felt like being in an NHK costume drama. The falling cherry blossom petals really added to the atmosphere.
I had lunch at the top of one of the department stores in town, and snagged a window seat so I could sketch the view towards the castle and mountains.
I popped in to the Kanzawa Contemporary Art Museum, as I’d always wanted to see the famous Swimming Pool sculpture by Leandro Erlich, but unfortunately it was closed for renovations due to earthquake damage from earlier this year. I did get to experience their James Turrell though, which was very calming.
Kanazawa was an interesting mix of old and new, and I feel like I had a good taster. I’d love to visit again in another season!
