Travel writer, Donny Kimball said Kanazawa is like Goldilocks’ porridge. A city that’s not too big, not too small, but just right. I couldn't agree more. No longer hiding in the background since the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) extended their route from Nagano to Kanazawa in 2005, it has brought more people here. The city feels alive with energy, but it doesn't feel overrun by tourists like in Kyoto. Largely spared in WWII, Kanazawa has all the historic preserved districts of the Edo period but without the crowds: Samurai district, several geisha districts and traditional teahouses. They are also the largest producers of lacquer wares and gold leaf craft.
Kanazawa has a cooler climate than Tokyo, so Autumn leaves are beginning to show. What a gorgeous sight.
Near the town center, where many of the top sights branch out in all directions.
Narrow streets in one of the Geisha districts. Geisha population in Kanazawa has dwindled considerably but you can see them in Kyoto. Teahouses and izakayas (small pubs) can be found here.
Preserved Geisha district
These are Samurai houses of low ranks. Some are open to the public, and I must say they aren't too shabby for Samurai of lower status!
Teahouse on Kanazawa Castle grounds, overlooking a lovely garden.
Garden caretaker. There appears to be fruit blossoms appearing, maybe apple or plum?
Immaculate - not a stone out of place
This is a sign of a sake brewery. It's said that when the topiary turns brown, the sake is ready.
Matcha ice cream with matcha powder and gold leaf sprinkles. Didn't know gold leaf is edible.
Tiny country, tiny cars
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