Witnessing Spring's Beauty: Cherry Blossoms at Ishikawa-mon (金沢城 石川門)
Pro-Tip: Navigating the "Little Kyoto" Experience
Because the walk from the traditional mossy paths of Kenroku-en⭐⭐⭐to the minimalist glass of the 21st Century Museum is so short, you can easily experience both in a single morning. This area is the heart of what locals call "Little Kyoto"—a place where you can find the soul of ancient Japan without the overwhelming crowds.
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)
Whether you are drawn to the "Nature" of the samurai era or the "Art" of the modern day, Kanazawa offers a harmonious blend of both. Don't forget to read our essential travel guide to Kanazawa for all the logistical tips you need to make your trip stress-free.
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...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
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...
