The majestic Kanazawa Castle, framed by a row of blossoming cherry trees
Kanazawa Castle , a historic landmark in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season. The castle, once a powerful fortress, is now surrounded by a picturesque park, transformed into a sea of pink and white blossoms.
Stunning scenery: The park is filled with lush greenery, including cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn foliage.
Historic significance: The castle itself is a reconstruction, but the surrounding park and its buildings offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Relaxing atmosphere: The park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the tranquility.
Nearby attractions: Kanazawa Castle Park is located near other popular attractions in Kanazawa, such as Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District.
If you're interested in Japanese history and culture, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, Kanazawa Castle Park is a must-visit.
In 1974, Yasue Takaaki (1898-1997) established the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum in Kanazawa with a vision to preserve the intricate art of goldbeating and gold leaf craftsmanship for future generations. This unique museum, one of the few in the world dedicated solely to gold leaf, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the goldbeating process, showcasing the tools used and displaying exquisite art and craft pieces adorned with gold and gold leaf.
A Journey Through Gold Leaf Crafts
The Art of Goldbeating
Kanazawa gold leaf is a centuries-old Japanese art form. It starts with a gold ingot that's stretched very thin and then beaten thousands of times. Special paper called haku-uchigami 箔打紙 is used to help shape the gold. The finished gold leaf is incredibly thin and strong.
Haku-uchigami 箔打紙 is made by immersing Ganpish ガンピッシュ, a type of handmade Japanese paper, in a lye mixture containing water, rice straw ash, persimmon tannin, and eggs. The excess moisture is squeezed out, and the paper is hammered together using an Aku-uchiki machine. After numerous repetitions of peeling the paper apart, a process called Tekazu, the paper becomes Haku-uchigami, which is used in gold leaf hammering.
The Making of Haku-uchigami
The Making of Kinpaku (Gold Leaf)
Uwazumi, a first-stage gold foil, is cut into small pieces and placed between layers of Komagami, a type of Kaku-uchigami paper. The stack is wrapped in leather and hammered using a Haku-uchiki machine until the gold foil reaches about 10 cm in size. This gold foil, called Koma, is then transferred to Omogami paper and hammered again. The completed gold leaves are inspected, and selected ones are transferred one by one onto the special notes called Hiromonocho.
The Making of Kinpaku (Gold Leaf /金箔)
The Final Step: Kinpaku 金箔 Cutting
Using bamboo tweezers, a fully hammered gold leaf is transferred to a leather board. A bamboo frame called a Takewaku is then used to cut the gold leaf into squares.
The Beauty of Gold Leaf Art
Gold leaf, as thin as 1/10,000th of a millimeter, can be used in various art forms, including paintings, lacquerware, metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and sculptures. The resulting gilded arts or crafts have a shiny golden appearance and are highly attractive, often sought after by collectors.
Golden Masterpieces: The Beauty of Gold Leaf Art (YouTube link)
Ornate Bronze Vase with gold and silver inlay
Karaori 唐織, an exquisitely embroidered, traditional woman’s kimono. Certainly one of the most beautiful theatrical costumes in the world. Gold thread used in this robe is made by pasting gold leaf on washi, then shredding it into threads.
Locals partaking in hanami beneath the trees lining the river
As we strolled through the Higashi Chaya District, the Asano River gracefully flowed beside us. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate petals creating a stunning canopy along the riverbanks. It was a picturesque scene, with locals gathered under the trees, partaking in the traditional hanami celebrations, enjoying the beauty of the blossoms and the serene atmosphere.
Higashi Chaya District ⭐is a historic district located in Kanazawa, Japan, known for its well-preserved traditional teahouses and geisha culture. It offers a glimpse into the city's Edo-period heritage and provides a charming atmosphere for visitors to explore.
Key features of Higashi Chaya District:
Traditional teahouses: The district is home to numerous preserved teahouses, offering a glimpse into the world of geisha and traditional Japanese culture.
Charming architecture: The wooden buildings and narrow streets create a nostalgic and picturesque atmosphere.
Cultural experiences: Visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, geisha performances, and other cultural activities in the district.
Shopping and dining: The district also offers a variety of shops and restaurants, where visitors can purchase souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine.
Higashi Chaya District is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and authentic experience in Kanazawa. Its combination of history, culture, and charm make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Shima Teahouse 志摩（国指定重要文化財）
Step into the Shima Teahouse⭐⭐, a beautifully preserved relic of the Edo period nestled in a serene corner. As you enter, you're transported back in time, surrounded by intricate woodwork, sliding doors, and tatami mat flooring that evoke the elegance of the past.
Imagine the graceful geisha who once graced these rooms with their performances. The teahouse's preserved interior offers a glimpse into their world, revealing the tools and techniques they used to entertain guests. From the delicate tea ceremonies to the elegant dances, every corner of the teahouse tells a story of a bygone era.
The Enchanting World of Geisha at Shima Teahouse (YouTube link)
Geisha are renowned for their traditional music, especially playing the shamisen (三味線), a three-stringed instrument central to Japanese theater
Discover the 21st Century Museum (Highlighted in Red)
Kenroku-en 兼六園
Kenroku-en is one of Japan's most renowned landscape gardens, known for its harmonious blend of traditional Japanese elements like tea houses, stone lanterns, and strolling paths. The garden's serene atmosphere and stunning scenery provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
What sets this lantern apart is its unusual shape: it rests on two legs of unequal length, resembling the bridges of a koto, a traditional Japanese harp. This unique design is where the lantern gets its name.
Kanazawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine nestled within the picturesque Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, Japan. Established in 1794 during the Edo period, the shrine is dedicated to a snake god believed to possess the power to ward off disasters.
金澤神社: A Shrine Dedicated to a Protective Snake God
A torii gate standing proudly at the entrance of Kanazawa Shrine
Seven torii gates lining the side of Kanazawa Shrine
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom on the day of our visit
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
金沢21世紀美術館
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a modern art museum that showcases a diverse collection of contemporary art from both Japanese and international artists. The museum's innovative architecture and thought-provoking exhibits offer a unique and enriching cultural experience.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (YouTube link)
By combining a visit to Kenroku-en with a visit to the 21st Century Museum, you can experience the best of both worlds. The contrast between the natural beauty of the garden and the contemporary art within the museum creates a fascinating and memorable journey.
