Thursday March 24, 2016
Today we had a sightseeing tour of the city by chartered coach. First activity of the morning was to drive past Kanazawa Castle Park – complete with moat, on our way to Kenroku-en Garden.
Unfortunately, the weather was chilly, overcast, and drizzly but it’s a beautiful garden. We were told that the lantern in these photos is the most famous stone lantern in Japan.
Then we went to Omi-cho Market.
Next we drove to the former samurai warrior and artist Kurando Terashima’s 18th century house.
Lunch was in the old Higashi Chaya district at a French bistro.
Afterward, we walked around the district which was known for its geishas who entertained clients since the Edo period.
We went to Kaikaro which is a 200 year old refurbished tea house owned by a geisha. We met the gracious Lady Baba who owned the tea house and told us about her life as a geisha.
The last event of the day was a gold-leaf workshop. Kanazawa produces 98% of the gold leaf in Japan.
For dinner we went out for conveyor belt sushi. Delicious!
Order what you want and pay at the end of the meal by counting the plates.
