Travel Japan Kanazawa

Travel Japan Kanazawa:

Kanazawa is located on the Sea of Japan, and is the largest city of the Ishikawa Prefecture. The city was the fief of the Maeda clan in feudal Japan. It is perhaps best known for its ornate silk kimonos and its gold lacquer ware and its beautiful Japanese garden - Kenrokuen. Kenrokuen is located next to the castle and is one of the more beautiful gardens in Japan. It is home to some of the oldest living pine and cherry trees, many of which are so large that the branches need to be supported by braces so that they do not break. The garden has waterfalls, lakes and ponds with irises growing in them. The area lacquer ware is inlaid with gold leaf and is truly beautiful. The lacquer ware makes a good souvenir.  The Kaga-Yuzen silk Kimonos are very beautiful too.  It is also known for its famous Kutani ceramics.

The area is also known for its onsen hot springs, and at nearby Yamanaka onsen, the Tawaraya ryokan(inn) has got to be one of this writer's favorite places to stay.  The Tawaraya overlooks a river and a beautiful forest of maple and other trees.  There is even a walkway along the river which can be seen from the tatami room that I stayed in.  The ryokan has several indoor pools and outdoor rotemburo overlooking that river and forest.  The onsen, along with the wonderful seafood dinner of crab, shrimp, fish, and other local delicacies made for an unforgettable experience.
 
Kanazawa is accessible from Tokyo by air, train and bus, the Shinkansen Nozomi or Hikari taking about 4 hours, gives a scenic ride. On Japan Air Lines or All Nippon Airways a flight from Tokyo Haneda to Komatsu Airport and a bus ride will take about 3 ½ hours.  I recommend a leisurely ride on the Shinkansen, to fully appreciate the beautiful countryside from Tokyo.

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