When planning a trip to Japan, many people first think of Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. However, if you are looking for a city with a slightly different atmosphere, Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture can be a sufficiently attractive destination.
Kanazawa is known as a city where the culture and traditions of the Edo period are relatively well-preserved. It is a great place to explore slowly, as it harmonizes old streets, beautiful gardens, modern art museums, and vibrant markets. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to feel the atmosphere of the city in a relaxed manner rather than quickly rushing through flashy tourist attractions.
The most impressive point for me when I first visited Kanazawa was that the entire city had a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The major tourist spots were not far from each other, making travel convenient, and there was the pleasure of encountering unexpected scenery while walking through the alleys. I believe it is a city that will fully satisfy those who want to slow down the pace of their trip.
Kenrokuen: A Japanese Traditional Garden Containing the Beauty of the Four Seasons
When talking about the representative attractions of Kanazawa, the first place mentioned is Kenrokuen. It is counted as one of Japan's three most famous gardens and is famous for showing completely different charms in each season.
In spring, cherry blossoms brighten the garden, and in summer, deep greenery creates a cool landscape. In autumn, the autumn leaves are beautifully colored, and in winter, you can see 'Yukitsuri,' a traditional structure installed to protect pine trees from snow accumulation. This scenery is one of the representative images of Kanazawa in winter.
The inside of the garden is well-maintained for easy walking. Ponds, small bridges, and traditional teahouses are naturally harmonized, making it a great place to walk slowly and enjoy the scenery. Personally, I was able to feel the beauty of the garden more relaxedly in a relatively quiet atmosphere when I visited in the morning.
The Atmosphere of Traditional Japan Encountered in Higashi Chaya District
Kanazawa still retains many streets that preserve the appearance of the past in Japan. Among them, the most famous place is the Higashi Chaya District.
As you walk through the street where wooden buildings continue, you can feel the traditional atmosphere as it is. Currently, it is nice to walk around and look around because cafes, craft shops, and traditional confectionery shops are operating.
Kanazawa is a city famous for gold leaf production in Japan. So, you can easily find various souvenirs and desserts using gold leaf on this street. There are many products that are flashy but well-utilize the characteristics of the region, so it is fun to look at them. Above all, this is a place where you can feel the joy of traveling just by walking slowly without a special purpose. It has a different atmosphere in every alley, so it is a good space to take pictures or take a break.
Experiencing the Daily Life of Locals at Omicho Market
One of the places where you can experience the atmosphere of a travel destination most naturally is a traditional market. Omicho Market, the representative market of Kanazawa, is also a place loved by both locals and travelers.
Inside the market, fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and various foods are sold. Since the displayed ingredients change depending on the season, you can meet another appearance depending on the time of visit. There are many restaurants in the market where you can eat, so you can taste local food without burden. It was impressive that you could feel the daily lives of Kanazawa people a little closer just by looking around the market slowly without special plans. However, since there may be many visitors during lunchtime, you can look around more relaxedly if you visit early or in the afternoon.
A City Where You Can Also Enjoy Modern Culture Along with Tradition
Kanazawa is a city where you can enjoy not only traditional culture but also modern art spaces. A representative place is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
With its unique circular architecture and various contemporary art works, even those who do not know much about art can enjoy it without burden. In particular, the building itself is designed like a work of art, so you can have a different experience just by walking around the interior as well as the exterior space. The fact that traditional streets and modern art museums are together at a close distance is, I think, Kanazawa's special charm. The fact that you can experience both the past and the present in one day makes this city even more special.
How to Enjoy Your Kanazawa Trip More Comfortably
Kanazawa city is a city convenient for travel as it is well-equipped with public transportation. Major tourist attractions can be easily moved using circular buses, and it is also a distance that can be sufficiently explored on foot.
It is convenient to choose accommodations around Kanazawa Station or near Omicho Market. Major tourist attractions are close by, making it easy to plan your travel route. I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel near Omicho Market, and I could eat fresh seafood at Omicho Market in the morning. Fish cakes (Kamaboko/Oden) are also very famous, so I definitely recommend you try them.
It is also important to wear clothes suitable for the time of travel because there is a large difference in weather depending on the season. In winter, it is recommended to prepare warm clothing because there are many days when it snows, and in summer, it is recommended to prepare light and breathable clothes because the humidity is high, so you can enjoy your trip more comfortably.
In summary,
Kanazawa is a travel destination where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city by slowly looking around old streets, gardens, markets, and art museums rather than flashy tourist attractions. While it is good to visit many famous places while traveling, sometimes the time spent walking slowly through a city and feeling its daily life remains in memory longer. Kanazawa is a city with exactly that charm.
If you want to experience the coexistence of Japan's tradition and modernity, it would be a good choice to add Kanazawa to your travel list on your next trip to Japan.
Core Summary
Kanazawa is a city optimized for relaxed travel, where tradition and modernity harmonize.
Major attractions are concentrated, making movement convenient, and it is great for enjoying the daily life of the city at a slow pace.
If you check how to use circular buses and base accommodation locations in advance, you can travel more comfortably.
In the next installment, I will explain in detail how to fully feel the beauty of the four seasons in 'Kenrokuen,' the three major gardens representing Kanazawa.
If you are planning a trip to Kanazawa, where is the place you are looking forward to the most? Please share in the comments!
0 댓글