Eye on Kanazawa

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1) Shinrensha Temple ［心蓮社］
Let’s get started at Shinrensha Temple. They have an impressive painting of the Boddhisatva Amida which is designated as an important cultural property, as well as a garden designated by KZ city for its beauty.

6min

2) Myokokuji Temple ［妙国寺］

Next temple is the Myokokuji! The small white alter, called Daikoku-Do, welcomes you. Look at the extraordinary shape of the building and the magic mallet! One of the seven happy gods, Daikokuten, is enshrined in this temple. We found a cute stone monkey in a group of statues. Enjoy the beautiful harmony between the fence and wall as you walk the grounds.

1min

3) Zenshoji Temple ［全性寺］

4) Myoshoji Temple ［妙正寺］

Let’s move to the Zenshoji Temple with a red gate. You’ll be surprised to see huge straw sandals there! The sandals represent healthy strong legs. You’ll also find a beautiful street with old walls, and just across the street is Myoshoji Temple.

5min

5) Honkoji Temple ［本光寺］

Leave the Myoshoji Temple, then turn left to keep walking along the building. There is a park. Don’t forget to check the guide map on sign board, OK? You’ll find stairs leading to Honkoji Temple.

8min

6) Shinjoji Temple ［真成寺］

7) Ryukokuji Temple ［龍国寺］

Take a left in front of Honkoji Temple and keep walking. Follow the map on the sign board to follow. After passing by Sanpoji Temple, go straight then turn left. You’ll find the pomegranate temple, Shinjoji, with its beautiful stone wall. It’s well-known as the patron temple of easy delivery and child raising. To our surprise, there is the grave for the Kabuki actor, Utaemon Nakamura the 1st. Why here? The slope leads to Ryukokuji Temple where the founder of Kaga-Yuzen, Yuzensai Miyazaki, is buried.

6min

8) Saiyoji Temple ［西養寺］
Go back the street towards Seiganji Temple. Check the guide map on the sign boards to make sure where you are. Pass by Higashiyama 2-chome Ryokuchi Garden and walk up the narrow steep stairs to Saiyoji Temple. Check the charming statue of a small Buddhist monk in the temple! After passing through the temple and going down the long stairs, turn left at the vending machine. Say Konnichiwa (hello) to the residents when you meet them on the narrow street!

9min

9) Renjoji Temple ［蓮昌寺］

10) Jiunji Temple ［慈雲寺］

Stop by Renjoji, a temple famous for appearing in an Izumi Kyoka novel. Keep strolling up the street! After you climb a narrower winding path, you’ll arrive in Jiunji Temple with its beautiful fence.

10min

11) Hosenji Temple ［宝泉寺］



Cross the Yanone-Gawa river and walk up along the narrow promenade in green! Pass through Korai-Machi Ryokuchi Garden to get to Hosenji Temple with its multiple red Torii (traditional Japanese gate). Then Keep going up the stairs! You’ll see a great view of the city there!

5min

12) Utasu Jinja Shrine ［宇多須神社］



The spirit of Toshiie Maeda is enshrined in Utasu Jinja. We found English instructions at the Chozuya (ablution basin) , so let’s follow them and wash our hands and rinse our mouth before praying!

1min

13) Sugawara Jinja Shrine ［菅原神社］



Just across the street is Sugawara Jinja shrine. Now we are in the Higashi Chaya district! It’s known as the patron shrine of Geisha. You’ll see the pair of imperial guardian lions there.

Higashi Chaya District

14) Kaikaro ［懐華樓］



Well... let’s have a cup of Japanese green tea at the Geisha house, Kaikaro! It’s amazing that this beautiful building has been preserved for nearly 190 years. Look at the tatami mats, the tatami-beri (edging of brocade cloth) are very chic! Despite being built nearly two centuries ago, the building looks brand-new because it’s still being used as a Geisha house. No wonder it’s listed in the Micheline Travel Guide!

5min

15) Gallery Kyoka ［ギャラリー鏡花］



We also recommend a walk along the Asano-Gawa river to Kazue-Machi. Cross the Asano-Gawa Ohashi bridge, then walk down the river for a while, until you see the many Machiya (traditional town houses) there. Let’s stop by the charming shop, Gallery Kyoka! We heard there were great traditional local crafts and a few English speaking staff for tourists.We talked to the Kaga Maki-e master, Mr. Tamura. He explained the history of lacquerware from the Ishikawa prefecture.

1min

16) Machiya Kanazawa Kikunoya
［町屋金沢 菊乃や］



There are some restaurants in this area and it’s becoming popular with tourists. We happened to see a traditional Japanese wedding at the Machiya, Kikunoya. It was beautiful! If you’re curious, you can rent the building to stay in. Eye on KZ introduced the Machiya, Kikunoya, in the last issue. You can also tour the building before you rent it (reservation required in advance).

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