Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture is a place I have longed to visit for some time given it's reputation for grand old chaya houses and the castle and garden, Kenrokuen (one of the three most beautiful in Japan). The station has a distinctive modern design (which calls to mind the controversial Kyoto station).
Art inside the station...
...outside the station.
I decided to leave the most famous destinations (castle, garden, 21st century art museum) for early on Thursday in order to beat the crowds. So I decided to start my tour with some of the lesser known attractions like the DT Suzuki Museum that celebrates the famous author and zen Buddhism.
Local flavor.
The outside of the prefecture Historical Museum-I didn't enter.
However, I did visit the Ishikawa Prectural Museum of Arts.
Fighting cocks in bronze-I was told not to take any more photos and you are also not allowed to take notes?!
Restoration takes place in this building.
Next I decided to go to the east side of town to visit the Higashi Chaya District, which has lots of restored wooden houses that have been converted into restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Nearby across the river is the Kazuemachi Chaya District.
My friend Jill recommended Kusunoki. Here I'm starting with local pickles and a beer.
Followed by local nihonshu (sake) and fresh sashimi.
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