Kanazawa-Tuesday-04.08.25

At 6 a.m., we rise well-rested. I decide to go to the hot onsen bath in my kimono. I am alone there so early and enjoy the hot water in the indoor and outdoor pools after a thorough wash. Then, at 7 a.m., we have a shared breakfast feast with many Japanese delicacies, but no alcohol :-)

Then we visit the weekly market, which consists of about 6 stalls but features interesting regional specialties. Then we headed back to the hotel. We checked out and this time took a bus towards Kanazawa, a larger city by the Sea of Japan. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Kanazawa was the seat of the Mazda clan, a very influential family clan, right after the Tokugawa. During World War II, Kanazawa escaped the air raids and is now considered one of the best-preserved attractions in Japan.

In between, we made a stop at a museum village, Shirakawa, and visited an old farmhouse, without shoes but quite cold. We could see the impressive construction style on 3 floors. Then we had free time to stroll through the village. There were many cafés and restaurants, but many were closed. We enjoyed the sun with ice cream and green tea. Then it was on to Kanazawa, where it was now stormy and raining. We visited the very beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, opposite Kanazawa Castle. Due to the cherry blossom season, admission was free today, so it was very crowded. The cherry trees were really impressive. Then we returned to the hotel. After checking in, a samurai quarter was on the agenda. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well. I had come down with a real fever, so I decided to stay in bed. Anne went on the tour with the others in the storm and rain.

Before Anne returned, she went to the fish market and brought back a delicious sushi box, from which she shared a few bites with me. Unfortunately, I spent the night sweating and coughing. :-(