Kanazawa Castle

We’re definitely beginning to feel the pace after two and a half weeks on the road; not so much physically (our bodies seem to be getting used to 20000 plus steps a day, though we’re still exhausted by the end of the day!) but mentally in that one castle seems to run into another, temples and shrines start to look alike and we’re struggling to remember where we’ve been and what was where!

Anyway, somewhat fortified by a good night’s sleep and a hotel breakfast, we set off to explore  the rest of Kanazawa, starting with Omicho market where a staggering variety of seafood and fruit is on display and Sunday morning strollers were enjoying brunch.

From there, it was a short stroll to Kanazawa Castle where the plum blossom was looking pretty and the castle impressive. This bird of prey was swooping around the grounds before settling to pose on a distant post. Siri assures me it’s a black kite.

This too is a replica of the destroyed original and the display inside focuses on the restoration and the carpentry skills needs to do it, of which they are justifiably proud.

The main blip is a view through one of the windows.

We strolled across the bridge to the Kenrokuen Gardens, another of Japan’s Big Three. This one is more mossy and shaded, which was useful as there were several heavy showers, as the extras show.

From there we found our way, with the help of a local passer-by, to the old Samurai district where we toured one of the old houses before heading for the warmth of the hotel. Tonight’s meal of ramen, accompanied by rice topped with beef and prawns, was in a restaurant in the basement of a big apartment store opposite. Just what was needed to warm us up on a bitter day.