Touring Kanazawa

Thursday morning, after a traditional Japanese breakfast, the Brand G bus took our group back to Kanazawa. Our tour started at the beautiful Kenroku Garden, formerly the pleasure grounds of the local daimyo, or feudal lord. Opposite Kanazawa castle, these extensive gardens feature ancient trees, a waterfall, ponds and various tea houses. After the tour and free time we all ate at the exclusive Paul Bocuse/H. Hiramatsu restaurant. The French food served was elegant-looking on the plate as any superior Japanese meal. Post luncheon activities included a visit to a gold leaf shop (a local specialty,) the old tea houses in their famed wooden Japanese storehouses, and a taste of green tea at the Kaikaro Tea House. That tea house is also a home to the local geishas, and I toured rooms in the large structure where they once lived. Upon returning to the Kagaya ryokan/hotel in Wakura we hunted for a restaurant for dinner and ended up at Blossom, known for its Western-style food. I washed down my seafood gratin with sake while Jim had scallops. - Dan