Nishi Chaya District: a charming neighborhood with well-preserved wooden teahouses
Nishi Chaya District: A Stroll Through Traditional Japan (YouTube link)
Nishi Chaya District
Nishi Chaya District (にし茶屋街 aka "Nishi Chaya Gai"⭐), is one of Kanazawa's three historic teahouse districts. It is a charming neighborhood with well-preserved wooden teahouses, narrow alleyways, and a traditional atmosphere. While it is smaller and quieter than the neighboring Higashi Chaya District, Nishi Chaya still offers a glimpse into Kanazawa's rich history and culture.
One of the highlights is the Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum, which stands on the site of the teahouse where writer Shimada Seijiro once spent his time. At dusk, elegantly dressed geisha stroll through the streets, and the melodic sound of shamisen drifts from the rows of historic houses, immersing you in the enchanting night atmosphere of Kanazawa, the city of arts.
In the Nishi Chaya District, a short walk leads to the Ninja Temple (aka Myouryuji 妙立寺). Situated south of the city within the Teramachi District (which means “temple town”), the Ninja Temple is surrounded by several other temples. On April 15, 2024, I strolled toward the Teramachi District. Although I couldn’t enter the Ninja Temple due to lack of reservation, I discovered that nearby temples were quite appealing. I leisurely explored the area and enjoyed the scenic views.
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
Koyasan (高野山), a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries, has been connected to the outside world by a network of pilgrimage trails. While most visitors enter the mountain by cable car nowadays, many of the pilgrimage trails still remain in use. Koyasan Travel—Temple Lodging (Shukubo; YouTube link ) Part of the pilgrimage trails, the Fudozaka Trail (不動坂; click the map to enlarge), leads to Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station, the lower station of the Koyasan Cablecar. The steep, paved trail is 2.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to ascend and less time to descend. The trail ends at the Nyonindo temple (女人堂). [1] On 11/27/2016, I have decided to descend from Fudozaka Trail instead of riding the cable car. I was the only person on the trail at beginning. However, in the middle of the trail, another young blonde girl passed me by swiftly with a big smile on her face. I was really surprised to see another soul on that rainy day. Althoug...
