Kanazawa City
 

Hi Kim,

I've been playing around with the idea of visiting Kanazawa as suggested by you.

Sadly, my friends are not keen to do Kanazawa city, but I'm not ruling it out yet. I might do it myself before meeting up with them in Nagoya.

If I were to have a day in Kanazawa, what would you suggest that I should not miss??

I glimpsed from several sites recommending Kenrokuen. How is it like in December?? Would I see alot of bare trees with the leaves shed since it's winter??

In December, will it snow heavily in Kanazawa??

Besides Kenrokuen, are there other sights that are must-do?? :)

Kenrokuen Garden is wonderful. I was there in October but I suspect it would be gorgeous in every season.

Kenrokuen without a doubt. In December, the trees will be adorned with special ropes and poles to prevent snow breakage...it's gorgeous! Kanazawa castle across the street. One of the geisha districts (there are 3). Omicho ichiba - market...great sushi and very colorful market under a roof since it rains so often. Oyama shrine, samurai district and house, walk through an old neighborhood - Kanazawa wasn't bombed during WWII so all the old winding, twisting, enemy-evading pathways remain intact, Higashiyama neighborhood (geisha and tea and old houses and shops), Utatsuyama (crafts and tea and gourmet restaurants), shop for Japanese things (gorgeous ceramic/pottery, lacquerware, wood...).

That's enough for a week!

If your trip is to focus on the Gifu area, Kanazawa is a place not to be missed. Kanazawa is not just about the Kenrokuen garden. The Kanazawa castle, the Samuri district, the Gaisha distrits are all very interesting.

Hi Kim,Glorialf and Xgao,

Thanks for all your suggestions!!

It's been decided that after 2 days in Takayama, another 2 in Shirakawa-go, I'll head on to Kanazawa alone while my 2 other friends go ahead to Nagoya. They want to do shopping but I'm not very keen on that.

All the places you've mentioned sound good!! I'll try to leave Shirakawa-go early in the morning on 14 Dec, reach Kanazawa as early as possible and do as many sights as I can. :)

Any place in Kanazawa not safe for a woman travelling alone??

Any other suggestions to what else I should do in Kanazawa are most welcome!! :)

Thanks!!

No problem at all for women travelling alone, day or night. You'll enjoy it!

No offense to KimJapan as she does recommend two days at Shirakawa-go. However, Shirakawa-go is a very small village. It only takes you half an hour to walk from the bus station to the farthest look-out point. I certainly think Kanazawa deserves more time than Shiragowa-go if you have very tight schedule.

Agree with KimJapan, Kanazawa is very safe. I was there alone in September.

I would also say that one full day is more than enought in Takayama. I was actually a bit disappointed in it because it seemed overly touristy. That said, there are a couple of blocks of interesting buildings and some small museums. All very doable in one full day. On the other hand, there is a LOT to see in Kanazawa.

No problem being a woman alone. I stayed at the Grand Hotel there which was in a wonderful location, very reasonable and with a great staff. twoyalawygaasayld

Hi guys,

Yes, I'm leaving for Gifu tomorrow!! Really excited about it!!

One question though...after 2 days in Shirakawa-go, I'll be heading for Kanazawa, on the 14th, all alone for a day trip before meeting up with my friends again in Nagoya that night. Since I can't possibly lug my suitcase with me when I tour the city, is there any place in Kanazawa where I can safely deposit my suitcase and collect it later in the day??

There are coin lockers in various sizes in the station. Go out of the ticket gate, turn right and follow the coin locker signs (symbol is a suitcase and coins). There is a great tourist information booth you'll pass on the left before the station exit...marked with a big red question mark. My husband's student, Minami-san, works in the tourist info center and speaks great English.

In one busy day, you could leave the station by taxi (under 1000 yen) to go see the samurai district and house (45 min), taxi to Kenrokuen (under 1000 yen) and walk through Kenrokuen (1 hour), cross the street and see Kanazawa castle (1 hour), taxi to Higashi Chaya (about 600 yen) and walk around and go inside an old tea house (1 hour). There is a great gold leaf shop near the Higashi chaya (walk there) called Sakuda (Higashiyama 1-3-27 is the address). They do a demo on gold leaf making, and have the coolest bathroom (the walls, sink, even the soap, are made from gold leaf!).

You'll have a great trip!

Hello Kim!!

Thanks!! I'm sure I will too!! :)