Kanazawa, oh Kanazawa

I had been wanting to visit Kanazawa since we first started planning this trip. It is known for its seafood.

It also has a very fancy bus station.

The morning started off a little rough. We were unable to conquer the walls of the Kanazawa castle:

Because of this nonsense:

But then we found the fish market, ate some incredible sushi and the angels sang.

Then onto one of the three best gardens in all of Japan, Kenrouken:

It is spider season

Then onto some Buddhist edumacation at the DJ Suzuki Museum. Very zen

I thought this was interesting for anyone interested in architecture:

Another prayer at a Shinto temple because we can use all the help we can get:

Then we went to a sweets festival which was like Sweet Hut in a bunch of tents. They had the greatest bouncy castle I’ve ever seen (or scariest?):

I had been worried about smokers in Japan because I had read there’s lots of smoking. But it hasn’t been a problem, thanks to the Smorking tents:

I would like to come back to Kanazawa and stay for more than one night. It’s a nice little city and I wish I could shop some more.

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Kyoto is Crowded

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More public bathroom awesomeness

I never thought I’d write so much about bathrooms; but I never knew how awesome bathrooms could be until Japan. Japanese toilets usually have a “sound” feature. Sometimes this feature automatically turns on when you sit down. The toilet plays loud water fountain white noise so that no one can hear you make bodily noises, like peeing and farting! Genius. And I saw this gem of a PSA in a stall: No toilet for long time!

Takayama Folk Village and Cult Headquarters

Today started with a trip to the morning markets where you can sample the goodies! We had Hida beef nigiri. We bought an apple and a pear. Then we headed to the Hida Folk Village. Super views. Then we visited what was described by our travel agency, Inside Japan, as a cult headquarters: The place is massive and they are building an even bigger shrine next door. I don’t know where this place gets all it’s money. There were only 2 other visitors there. A huge koi aquarium inside and lots of red velvet and chandeliers. I couldn’t take pics inside. But outside there was a replica Mexican fountain They were very nice there and did not try to make us join their cult. And they gave us a couple sips of sake on our way out. Then we did a Shinto shrine and cemetery And we visited a museum that had “retro” Japanese goodies from the 60s. highlight: playing vintage pachinko games!!! Here are some...

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