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| Kanazawa, the largest city in the Chubu region, has various attractions to offer visitors.Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya district (Teahouse District) are the popular tourist spots but these not the only places to check out.In this edition, we will take a closer look at Kanazawa and introduce some recent hot spots as well! |
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21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
 Opened in October 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
has become a famous tourist spot.
Located diagonally opposite the Kenrokuen Garden, it is the perfect place to visit as well as exploring the tranquility of the traditional garden.
The museum features contemporary art produced after 1900 from both Japanese and international artists and also houses collections of artists associated with Kanazawa city. Various projects and exhibitions are also scheduled at the museum this year. Until October 2007, the "Assatte Asagao Project 21" will be on presented. This unique project actually surrounds the museum with 2000 stockes of Asagao (morning glory). Until August 31, the solo exhibition of Grayson Perry "My Civilisation"exhibition will be on view. |
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Kanazawa Noh Museum
 
Right next to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is the Kanazawa Noh Museum. It is also a popular spot for visitors from overseas.
Noh is a classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century by masked actors.It has been classed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The museum features precious masks and outfits from the Kaga hosho School, a Noh school originating in Kanazawa.It also holds some interesting monthly events that give visitors the opportunity to try out the masks and the outfits. |
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Try Making Wagashi (Japanese Confectionery)
 Along with Kyoto and Matsue (Shimane Prefecture), Kanazawa is one of the three cities renowned for wagashi (Japanese confectionery).
Chanoyu (tea ceremony) culture flourished in three cities and, wagashi developed alongside itis used in the tea ceremony.
 One way to try wagashi is to stop by several wagashi shops but nothing compares to making wagashi for yourself . Places such as ISHIKAWA KANKOU BUSSANKAN offers lessons to help you do just that! Wagashi craftsman will give you step-by-step guidance on how to make traditional wagashi so language won't be a problem.
It will be an experience that you won't forget, so come along and take the challenge! |
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Enjoy a Luxurious Onsen Ryokan
A trip to Kanazawa won't be complete unless you spend a night at an onsen (hot spring) ryokan (Japanese-style inn). Yamashiro Onsen is one such onsen site located about 25 minutes away from Kanazawa station by JR. Throughout its 1300 year history, many historical figures have been allured by the charms of Yamashiro onsen.
<Tachibana Shikitei>
 Tachibana Shikitei is an onsen ryokan at Yamashiro founded in 1868. The ryokan's floor is made of paulownia (kiri in Japanese).
It offers a traditional Japanese course of kaiseki cuisine and the menu changes monthly in order to offer a wide variety of fresh local dishes.
It also offers a yukata (cotton kimono) service that allows you to choose from different kinds; pick one and take a walk around the historical onsen!
Access:
About 25 minutes by JR express from Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen Station.
From Kaga Onsen Station it is about a 10 minute taxi ride.
<Matsusaki>
 Matsusaki is another historical and luxurious onsen ryokan founded during the Edo period (1603 - 1867). Located in Tatsukuchi onsen, about 30 minutes from Kanazawa, the onsen is surrounded by a beautiful and vast Japanese garden. The natural beauty is not its only charm; its menu, which offers high - class Japanese cuisine, is unforgettable.
Matsuaki was also put in the spotlight when Kyoka Izumi, a well-known novelist active during the Meiji era (1868 - 1912), wrote a novel at Matsusaki and used it as the novelfs setting.
Access:
About 20 minutes by JR express from Kanazawa to Komatsu Station.
Shuttle service is offered upon request from Komatsu Station which takes about 20 minutes.
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Famous Spots: Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya
 Kenrokuen Garden is by far the most famous spot in Kanazawa and is known as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
It used to be a private garden in the Edo period; it was owned by the Maeda family who ruled the province of Kaga.
Kenrokuen is a strolling-style landscape garden, which means it was designed to be seen from all around, not from just one spot. Each season brings with it different charms in the gardens but winter is one of the most popular seasons as the trees are roped to prevent damage by heavy snow (known as yukitsuri).
 Higashi Chaya district (Teahouse District), which is situated along the Asano River, is also another popular spot. This area has preserved the ambience of pre-modern Japan with its low wooden houses and stone-paved streets. It is well worth taking time out at one of the tea houses. |
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