House of the Banished Samurai, Kurando Terashima
23.02.2021
Few know to look for this house that belonged to a banished samurai. Kurando Terashima, a warrior first of the people, was exiled for speaking out harshly against feudal government policies. Additionally a prolific painter, his entire hous…
Noto Peninsula: A Breathtaking Road Trip
17.02.2021
The natural landscape of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture makes an beautiful and worthwhile day trip from Kanazawa. Whether by bus or car, the most breathtaking sites are easy to find.
The “Ninja” Temple: Samurai Secrets and Lies
17.02.2021
Famous for its trick doors, hidden chambers, and many traps, Myouryu-ji is often referred as Ninjadera, or "Ninja Temple," though the temple has little to do with ninja at all. The temple was a sanctuary for forbidden samurai and offered e…
Kanazawa Curry: Not Your Basic Japanese Curry!
19.03.2020
Curry is deeply entrenched in the culture of Japan and especially of Kanazawa. It stands the test of time! Japanese people are familiar with it, and it’s very popular. And our local variety, Kanazawa curry, is becoming more known bit…
Owara Kaze no Bon, Toyama’s Mysterious Dancing Festival
26.12.2019
Hundreds of women in uniform kimono dance through the night, ghost-like, faces hidden under folded straw hats, in a prayer to the wind to spare them this year during Toyama's Festival of the Dead.
Holy Prayers and Stripping Firefighters: Japanese New Year in Kanazawa
12.12.2019
Ring a temple bell, get your shrine fortune, and watch acrobatic Japanese firefighters strip in the snow! Here's what to expect for New Year's in Kanazawa.
Exploring the Hidden Paths of Kanazawa
24.11.2019
Of course, the geisha and samurai districts are lovely to walk about in, but they are often crowded by tourists. But for a taste of Kanazawa sans the circus, check out these streets and hidden ways: Satomi-cho, a Quiet Samurai District Thi…
Go Forest Bathing & See Sacred Trees in Kanazawa
08.11.2019
In a smaller castle town like Kanazawa, finding a green spot of nature is easy! Here are my favorite places to visit sacred trees and bathe in forests.
Toyama, for Crafts & Nature Lovers
28.10.2019
There are many charming spots in Toyama, but from here I want to share everything that appeals to my craftwork-loving heart! So let's start...
Shirakawago & Beyond: Farm Villages of the Japanese Alps
18.10.2019
From the convenient and historic castle town of Kanazawa, visiting Shirakawago and other Japanese mountain farm villages is any easy trek and a winter must.
32 Museums in Kanazawa (Plus 4 More!)
22.09.2019
Kanazawa has an insane number of museums of all sizes, each with its own focus and theme. Whether you’re a museum lover or just want to visit those that suit your own interests, Kanazawa can accommodate. Below are the top 32 notable …