KANAZAWA 23-25 May

Our first dinner in Kanazawa was rather special.  We had 2 chefs for our party of 11, a private room, all seated in a semi-circle and fitted out with large bibs. The view was great both outside and inside.  Our chef gave an impressive display of chopping garlic, frying and handling food onto plates.  The meat was served cut into large cubes with individual bowls of different dressings.

Jenny and Fred

Garlic

Rare,medium or well-done?  As you wish.

Next morning before leaving the hotel Amy demonstrated the art of dressing in a kimono, using Vilma as a model.  Amy enjoys dancing in traditional dress (and is also a keen rower).

 

We spent some hours in Kenrokuen Gardens, following Amy and strolling by ourselves.  It was rebuilt in 1774 after fire destroyed the garden and buildings from 1676. 

 

Ancient pine which is also protected by a canopy of ropes in winter to avoid snow damage

Straw covering to protect from insects and warm the tree - burnt in spring to kill insects

Roots are deliberately exposed for aesthetic reasons

The oldest fountain in Japan using natural water pressure

Statue featuring a legendary prince, dedicated to soldiers who died in the 1877 rebellion

Flying Geese bridge

Kotojitoro, two-legged lantern which is the emblem for Kanazawa

The two-legged lantern resembles the bridge on a oto (harp).

Nearby is the 21st Century Contemporary Museum of Art which we decided not to visit, just looking through the interesting shop and peeking at one exhibit, which was intriguing:

Enjoyed a nice set lunch with Fred and Jenny at a cafe and then wandered back toward the hotel.  Decided to visit the Samurai Quarter nearby and started with Shinise Memorial Hall, a 19th century merchant house which was once a traditional medicine store.  It showcases traditional culture and was very interesting.

Some of the bases for traditional medicines and equipment used

Buddhist altar pieces

Girls made their own handballs.  Around 1336-1573 temari handballs with expensive silk threads were popular with girls of noble rank.  During the Edo period (1603  -1868) it finally spread to the masses with the progress of the cotton industry.  In Kanazawa there is an old custom that a mother makes a temari to send to her daughter as an amulet for her coming marriage.

Gift wrapping

 

 

Street in the Samurai Quarter

 We walked down the street to "The Ancient Site of a Samurai House" (much higher entry fee!), originally owned by a wealthy industrialist, Nomura.  The drawing room has woodwork and sliding doors of exceptional quality.