BEFORE WE GET STARTED - well, I suppose that is good to know. The posted links on Facebook got removed by F-B admin and the previous blog address was flagged. My thinking is that the repeated reference to a possible "weapon" in the name of the train attracted the attention of the algorithm and the site was flagged. I have requested a review - but in the meantime have recreated the site with a new URL to see if that is a work around.
Aren't they beautiful ... 😍
Kanazawa
What a cracker of a day. Breakfast sorted we were ready for the meet up and full day bus pass distribution by 9 am and joined the queue fir the bus. Two little group activities and then we were free as a bird.
Rinse and repeat - we're getting the hang of it
Today's Explorations
Kenrokuen Gardens - billed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan this 25 acres of garden space was exactly what you would expect from a Japanese garden. Water, greenery, winding paths, fountains and statues, panoramic views and despite the amount of foot traffic, a sense of calm. Add to that, that somehow @Tomoko had organised perfect weather and the height of the cherry blossom bloom. 🌸
Two new words were added to our vocabulary today: hanagasumi (meaning flower haze ... because there are so many blossoms) and sakura-fubiki (meaning cherry blossom snowstorm ... as the petals are gently dislodge by a breeze.) It was definitely the day to marvel at the delicate beauty of the trees. Crowds were out, picnic blankets were unfurled, young women were out in the traditional finery - it was such a day of celebration. And, for some reason, the celebrate the later arrival of the blooms, the park was free for everyone.
Stunning gardens from every angle
We have taken photos of every other tree, from every conceivable angle. I am not sure what our purpose was - but it truly is a breathtaking sight - and so glad we were here at the right time. To think, that in a week, this will all have disappeared and will be replaced by the slow emergence of the tiny green leaves, is a testament to the beauty and wonder of nature.
German tour guide had same hat as @Mac - so excited - the guide asked if he could have a photo
So many nooks and crannies to explore And true to the Japanese style of appreciating the exquisite detail of all things - every element of the park had a story. Introduced to the Kotoji Lantern ( the symbol of the park), Ganko Bridge (11 red stones that make up Turtle Bridge), Kasumigaike Pond ( featuring Turtle Island in the middle offering longevity), the Meiji Monument (built to offer comfort to the local soldiers), the 3.5 metre fountain (the first in Japan and powered by gravity), Sekkirei Island (whose symbolism represents life's major events of birth, marriage and death) ..... and on and on it goes.
A perfectly still day with clear skies
Want to comment again on the cleanliness. No rubbish. No-one eating and walking in the park precinct and lots of staff in attendance. The only thing floating in the streams and ponds were the accumulated fallen petals of the cherry 🌸 blossoms. The staff were meticulous in their care for the grounds - even down to the detail of raking the stoned pathways.
Kanazawa Castle - Moved from the park to just across the road. Well, there's no castle, it was the site of the castle and now restoration is underwater. Today, it is billed as a "veritable museum of stone walls."
Impressive storehouse silhouette and there are always stairs
The work completed so far has focused on the store houses, defence walls and moats. The "palace" is a work in progress but the trek of the grounds and the tour of the existing building was interesting. And, because we could produce our passports and prove we were over 65 - entrance was free. A senior's bargain. As always, lots of stairs, beautiful grounds, cherry blossoms and very impressive architecture.
Quick lunch and a dash through the shrine
Made our way back through the park to grab a quick lunch before heading to the Museum of Arts and Crafts. Limited our look see here to the ground floor and the displays of an artisan and struck up a very limited conversation with the host of the guest workshop in ceramic jewellery making. At ¥66000 this little activity was out of my price range even though it was hosted by a registered national artist. Funny, all seats were empty.
Walked to the shrine to hop on the bus and encountered our first set of the orange/red Tori gates. In a handful of stops we were at the Ninja Temple (Myouryuji.) And just like the castle without a castle, this was the ninja temple without ninjas. But it was an absolute hoot.
It's a 40 minute tour of the Lord's house to showcase the clever protective mechanisms and escape routes employed by the samurai in overseeing the safety of their lord. Secret passageways, falls floors, tunnels, hidden closets and half floors were absolutely amazing.
It sort of requires Ninga skills to keep getting your shoes on and off!
As the only two English speaking tourists in a group of 15 we were presented with a thick folder that had each stopping point on it with a translation of the commentary. Was excellent. But what made the adventure even better was that we were tacked onto an extended Japanese family of 14 who had obviously been hitting the sake all day. They were so naughty - little dare devils (the elders and the teens) and our poor guide was constantly chipping them to keep them in line. Better yet, they really looked after us! Helped though the passageways, pointed our eyes in the right directions, kept "aaahing" for us to note the highlights. We left, safely, on an absolute high. Absolutely no photos inside this house - guess they are trying to keep it all a secret even today.
Back on the bus to visit the Market area and arrived after 5 and it was very quiet. Was surprised to see that one of the restaurants that was open was selling grilled oysters at over $7 each. We made an absolute killing for the all you can eat option for $10 at the Bay.
Look at those oyster prices!
Can't go by the vending machine - have to empty the pockets of coins
Weather: 23 degrees and perfect for "strolling"
Steps: 17 034
KEEP CALM THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I am not old yet. Tina Turner
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