Birthday trip to Kanazawa - Day 3

The temps dropped drastically compared to the last couple of days and the sky was overcast but no threats of rain. I decided to go visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Kenrokuen. I decided to get a one day bus pass so I can ride the bus without having to pay each time. I was shocked to learn that I couldn't use prepaid transportation IC cards, which is normally used to pay train and bus fares in the greater Tokyo area, mostly compatible with train and bus systems nationwide, although there are rural areas where IC cards aren't accepted. The bus system in Kanazawa accepted contactless credit cards, but like cash, it's a hassle to have to dig out my wallet each time.

First stop was the Nagamachi Samurai District, a district preserving the historic atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. There's restored samurai residence with a beautiful, small garden that serves as a museum, but I didn't go in. I roamed around looking at the impressive gates and interesting shops, then I headed back to the bus stop to go to the Kanazawa Castle Park.

The Kanazawa Castle was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. The main castle burnt down in the 1800s and is currently slowly being rebuilt. Parts of the park suffered damages from the Noto earthquake, so is closed off to the public, so work is being done on rebuilding the damaged parts. The buildings are being rebuilt to their original appearance using traditional techniques and materials. There's a a pretty garden with a central pond and circular walking path, but it was closed off but I could still get good pics of the garden. The park had several impressive gates, where I patiently waited for gaps in the flow of tourists to catch pics with no people.

After touring the park, I headed for Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Although it was winter, the pond was still quite lovely. I'm sure the garden explodes in color in the spring. I saw quite a few flowering trees patiently waiting for warmer weather. I didn't get to fully explore the garden since the blisters I got from walking around the first day was starting to really bother me and made it hard to walk. It doesn't help that the knees were starting to scream too. I had to cut short the visit so I headed back to the station for some lunch and rest. I still had a couple of hours before I had to catch the train back. Since I had the bus pass, I decided to take a bus that loops around the major sightseeing sites. It was a great way to see a few things without having to walk.

I got back to the station to pick up my suitcase from the hotel and wait for the train.

Needless to say I was exhausted by the time I got home. I was so glad that HR finally approved contract employees to work from home for a couple of days/week. That really helped, or I would've been non-functional at work had I had to go into the office. I slept in a couple of extra hours and took a nap during my lunch break. Man, I love working from home.

Despite the blisters and knee pain, it was a good trip. I really enjoyed the visit to Shirakawa-go. I wouldn't mind visiting again.

 Jan 25