We pull into Inotani on time at 9am, I have six minutes to my next train. I was nervous about that but there will be NO issues with this as the train is already at the platform, it's a matter of exiting one train, walking forward a few meters then entering another train. Nice and easy! This next (local) train journey is 53 minutes, on arrival into Toyama I have 25 minutes before taking the Shinkansen 23 minutes to Kanazawa. That's where the fun will start as I need to get myself to my hotel.
On arrival into Toyama my mission is a cup of tea - finally I spy a Starbucks (which typically I don't visit but I know they do earl grey tea) so am off. I even have time to wander around a shop before heading to the platform. We depart on time; so much more comfortable being on a Shinkansen than a local train! A shame this is my shortest journey today.
Exiting Kanazawa train station couldn't have been any easier - after visiting the information centre to get a map and directions to my hotel (by bus) I'm all set and join a line for the bus. Thankfully the map is decent enough so I'll know when to get off!
The hotel has a very strict check-in time (3pm) so I leave my suitcase and head off to Kenrokuen Garden. It's so nice to be out walking after the train journeys this morning. There is a light breeze which knocks the humidity down a bit, bliss.
I decide to get a guide (which was recommended to me at the information centre) to take me around, at least this way I'll see the major things then can take my time wandering around.
Kenrokuen is apparently one of the great gardens of the Edo period (1603 to 1868) and one of the top three gardens in Japan. I believe it’s one of the only gardens that have the 6 attributes – seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views.
My guide, Murata, is recently retired and after three months of being at home his wife had had enough and sent him out to get some kind of job. I had to laugh! He is now a guide for Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. He keeps me entertained with his stories about the garden.
On parting ways I continue to wander, enjoying taking in the sounds of the birds with the breeze following me. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
I head over to Kanazawa Castle Park and meet up with Murata who shows me around.
Kanazawa castle park was originally built a few years ago…..ok many years ago in 1580 and housed the Maeda clan for 14 generations. Parts have been reconstructed after being destroyed by fire. Murata shows we around the grounds, which I must say are pretty impressive! I learn all about the history before we part ways.
I'm done with tour guides today! Time to go exploring on my own. I head over to Higashi Chaya District.
Wandering the narrow streets I pass many young girls dressed up in kimonos, clearly it’s an activity to do in this area of Kanazawa. I enjoy just wandering around trying to work out what is behind each slatted wooden façade. This area was established back in the early 19th century as a centre for geisha to entertain wealthy patrons.
It's well past sake o'clock so I decide to head back in the direction of the hotel. Hopefully it will be less touristy than what it is at Higashi Chaya.
I make sure my route back to the hotel takes me past Omicho Market which houses hundreds of shops and restaurants selling primarily seafood.
I was fortunate to be able to wander around the market before they closed for the day - there is still lots of activity so I can only imagine how busy it is during the day. The fresh seafood is amazing; huge crabs, oysters, scallops and so many more fish varieties that I don't know the name off! Shopping here every day would be a great fun!
I continue down the street towards my hotel, stopping at the one of the big shopping complex. I didn't have the time really to walk around the supermarket / food hall in Tokyo and now is my last opportunity. Wow! You could spend hours down here. And spend thousands!!!
After checking into the hotel I collect my luggage and head to my room. By far the smallest since being in Japan but it does the trick, and bearing in mind I'm in Kanazawa for less than 24 hours I don't exactly need a mansion!
I do some research on where to eat for dinner, nothing really jumps out so I decide to just go wandering. My first attempt ended up with me back at the hotel asking for a recommendation.....which wasn't exactly easy either. Right back to the drawing board, this time I walk right out of the hotel and decide to head down an alley. The first place I see is a sake bar, yes thanks I'm done. On entering I'm told they are fully booked. What a shame! This happens quite a few times unfortunately and I'm beginning to wonder if it's because they can't speak English and I can't speak Japanese, not that they are full.
I'm looking in the window of one place when a fellow guests waves me in - her and her husband say it's very good. Ok I'll stay. I have a seat at the counter, and within minutes sake is ordered. Goodness knows what kind as the menu is in Japanese. But how wrong can one I?! (Yes I realize there are sake connoisseur who would NOT be pleased with that comment). Thankfully the food menu is in English!! I decide on a tomato salad followed by grilled beef with sesame seed sauce. Yes in case you hadn't worked out this trip to Japan has been more about food and alcohol than sight-seeing.
I'm thinking of ordering another sake when another guest starts smoking - no thanks time to leave.
Sunday, 6 August I wake early. Time to pack up (hate this job!) before I head out one more time before going to the train station.
Rain is super close by, my umbrella is in my room and I do debate going back to collect it. For now I'll wing it. I head down to the water and walk along, enjoy the noise of the water, crickets and birds. It's still quite early so there are only a few people around - some are in the river fishing, others are doing exercise (walking, running and cycling). Such a great way to start the day!
I head back into the town area and wander around the streets I'd been on last night; such a different feel. Just before heading back to the hotel the rains decides to arrive, thank goodness I have a very short walk without cover!
The heavens have opened when I return a few minutes later with my bag. Time to head to the train station; I had decided to do the return journey by bus and was pleased to see a bus go in front of me had Kanazawa Station on the front. Great this shouldn't be too hard for me. Within a few minutes of being at the bus stop two buses arrive - the second one is for me. Bingo. On arrival at the train station it's raining cats and dogs; luckily for me it's all undercover from getting off the bus to entering the train station. I feel for Nelson who is arriving into Kanazawa today.
We depart Kanazawa Station 2 minutes late - very unlike Japan!
My time in Japan is nearly up; I begin the long journey home :( It's been over 3 years since I was last here - I definitely do not want to wait another 3 years before coming back!
The 3 hour journey passes quickly; traveling by train is definitely a lot more relaxing than traveling by plane. On arrival into Tokyo Station there are people for Africa everywhere! I manage to get to the platform required and become like a local and line up in the correct place for my next and final train journey this trip. Haneda airport here I come!
I've had an amazing week - caught up with friends, made new friends and visited new places. Japan you excelled yourself yet again.
On lining up to board I'm wondering if I'll be upgraded. Part of me wants to be, the other part doesn't want to be as I want to experience what Cathay Pacific premium economy is like for future flights. Yes crazy I know but.....No upgrade and for the first time I'm not disappointed. Thankfully I have a trip in 19 days (and counting) to look forward too! Arigoto Japan, I will return.
