We were welcomed into Kanazawa by a team of six local ambassadors wearing gorgeous kimono of Kaga Yuzen, the famous dyed silk of the region. We began with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three strolling gardens dating back to the 1600s, and then continued to a hands-on gold-leaf experience at Hakuichi. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, and we had the amazing opportunity to see it being made and then apply it to a postcard. We also enjoyed a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai District and later participated in a tea ceremony.
After lunch we set off for the Higashi Chaya District, a traditional neighborhood with teahouses where geisha once performed, now converted into cafes, museums, and elegant shops. Geisha can occasionally be glimpsed on their way to appointments or heard practicing traditional instruments in the narrow lanes.
Our day ended with a presentation on climate change from Joe Holliday, followed by a voyage slide show and farewell cocktail hour with Captain Heidi Norling. A day in Kanazawa was the perfect way to end before setting off for Tokyo on the shinkansen tomorrow morning.
