Japan 7 - Kanazawa

Sunday, 17 May 2026

Overnight we cruised to the southwest and docked at Kanazawa.

First stop of the day was a lesson in making "Wagoshi" or bean-paste sweets. Some were easier than others!

Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en (Kenroku Garden) is arguably Kanazawa's top attraction. Its 25 acres of immaculately groomed landscape offer peace and beauty - even when it's crowded on weather-perfect Sunday.

Many, if not most, of Kenroku-en's gnarly trees require substantial support.

Even tall trees are supported.

Perhaps the ultimate in tree supports!

Supports along the periphery of a large tree.

Of course, the garden is about much more than large trees. This is the teahouse.

Flowers are not the main attraction, but they add color throughout the growing season.

These stepping stones are in a V-shape - like flying geese.

Even the rocks in the stream beds are deliberately arranged.

Geisha District

A willow tree in the Higashi Chaya Historic District signals that this is a "Geisha" (or entertainment) district.

One of the main streets in the historic district.

Swallow nests were common over doorways - most with a clutch of chicks.

Ishigawa Prefecture Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts

Among the day's demonstrations: porcelain painting.