Friday, October 20th, was the second day
in Kanazawa. After an included buffet
breakfast in a hall – very good - the
bus drove us around the town.
We left the hotel at 10 am and went to Nomura house
- old Samurai houses - that were on a moat.
Everyone else entered an old Samurai house, but we did not want to take
our shoes off, so instead went shopping in the walled enclosed stores.
For lunch, we went to the Omicho market - fish and
vegetables - about 3 blocks long. There was time to buy lunch – lots did – we had
a coffee and an ice cream. This took
about two hours - maybe a little too long, cause lots of us were standing
around outside.
Back on the bus to Kenrokuen Gardens, one of the top
3 most beautiful gardens in Japan. The others went to have their picture taken,
and go to a Japanese Tea Ceremony (sat on floor) but we had already been to
one, so just walked around. We spent
about 3 hours here, and had a coke at a stall in the Garden. Beautiful - including seeing a Bride and Groom.
After that, we went to a gold leaf factory/retail
store. Again, you have to take off your
shoes to see how gold leaf is put together, but we passed on that so went
window shopping, and just sat outside.
Maybe too long a stop here if you are not interested in buying, or
taking your shoes off.
On our way from the hotel out to a steak restaurant - lots of vending machines.
Dinner was on our own, so we asked the Concierge her
recommendations for a steak place. She
sent us right behind the hotel.
The Chef cooked the meal on a grill in front of you - Salad, mushrooms, onions,
bean sprouts, asparagus, potatoes, and we split a filet steak - 150 grams. Also a glass of wine each - a delicious meal
and lots of bantering with the Chef ($62).
Then back to the hotel - we heard about the cyclone approaching
Japan - a couple from our tour flying from Tokyo left early the next morning.
