Touristy Things in Kanazawa - Morning Session

After a morning run, our first activity of the day was to try our hand at gold leafing in the town that has thrived on gold leaf production since the 16th century! 

Armed with umbrellas, as the forecast was for rain later in the day,  we walked to the workshop that was a short 15 min walk from our accomodation.  It wasn't busy and we were ushered straight into the back section for our gold leaf experience. The process began with selecting an object to decorate. The girls chose boxes while Andy and I chose different style plates.

Next was to decide on stencils and their positions. Glue was then wiped over, the stencils carefully placed and more glue on top. Then came the tricky bit of picking up the gold leaf with tweezers and oh so carefully laying it over the top without any creasing! Even breathing was dangerous at this point as the gold leaf was so fine it moved way too easily! One applied we then patted it down before removing the stencil. Final sprinkles of dust were added to those who wanted it and then our expert whisked our creations away to seal our designs! 

  

Leaving the gold leaf workshop, we were a little peckish and thankfully a trusty 7-11 was on our route. Various 'usuals' were purchased - onigiri, pre packed blend your own smoothie and a few pieces of fried chicken! As we ate, we wandered through the Kanazawa Castle Park on our way to Kenrokuen Garden.

Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens and it was a gorgeous place to wander around even in the depths of winter! The name Kenrokuen means 'Garden of the six sublimities' which refer to spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water source and magnificent views. These according to Chinese landscape theory are the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden.

Entering from the northern gate, we came across Hisagoike Pond. Crossing a small bridge, we take in the serenity of this area - the Yugao-tei teahouse overlooks the clear still water of the pond with the swimming carp clearly visible; the water tumbles down the Midori waterfall and moss covers the Kaisekito Pagoda.

Taking one of the winding paths edged carefully with bamboo poles and rope which protects the moss covered slopes and large trees on either side, we have our first glimpse of Kasumigaike pond. We skirt a short distance around the edge before looping back down taking the small paths through the garden, crossing streams on stepping stones to Japan's oldest fountain. This fountain is 3.5m tall and is formed from the natural pressure caused by the difference in elevation between Kasumigaike pond and this little area. 

  

Continuing back up, we were once again on the edge of the Kasumigaike pond, the largest and most famous pond in the centre of Kenrokuen. The Kotoji Lantern with its unique two legs which resemble the bridge of a Japanese Harp (Koto) along with the Kawasaki Pines dressed in their winter attire (yukitsuri) are perfect subjects for taking beautiful photos. It's just a pity that there was no snow in sight!

We pass by the Ganko Bridge, a bridge made of stepping stones arranged to resemble a flying flock of geese. Some refer to the bridge as the turtle shell bridge as each of the 11 red tomuro stones are shaped like a turtles shell. It is believed whoever crosses this bridge will live a long life. Unfortunately crossing the bridge is now prohibited due to the extreme wearing of the stones. 

The Meniji monument looks slightly out of place in this beautiful garden. A statue of a legendary hero, Yamato Takeru Nu Mikoto, it was built in 1880 to honour the local warriors who died in the Satsuma Rebellion.

From this eastern side of Kenrokuen Gardens, panoramic views of the green hills of the Utatsu Mountain range, where we had previously run can be seen. Aimlessly wandering we find ourselves climbing the stairs to Yamazakiyama hill which apparently is the place to be to view autumn foliage. 

  

Also the place to be in spring when the cherry blossoms trees are flowering is the Hanami Bridge. And again although the trees are bare, the garden is still beautiful. On the other side of the stream too far away to actually see is the Niagara Pine with its exposed tangle of roots. We finish our walking tour of Kenrokuen Gardens by wandering through the plum grove. The trees here were beginning to bud and should be in full bloom towards the end of February.