Both the Missus and I were really enjoying our stay in Kanazawa. In terms of prices, we both found that Kanazawa was very affordable. For the price of a mid-level hotel in Tokyo, we could stay at the Hotel Nikko and the price included breakfast. Over the years, I've mentioned my love of Japanese breakfast, and how it triggers great memories for me. And these days the Missus enjoys it as well.
And the Japanese breakfast option at the Hotel Nikko is no slouch either. You have choice of western or Japanese breakfast. You know what we chose, right?
It's a rather stylish – garden like surrounding.
Though the setting is rather simple as are the tables and chairs.
And, like I said, breakfast is no slouch……
You have a "breakfast set" of your choice along with buffet items.
At times I found myself wondering; "is this really breakfast"…..
I'm glad it really was……
What a way to start the day.
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
2-15-1 Honmachi
Kanazawa 920-0853, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Of course, after such a hearty and delicious breakfast, the Missus would have me walking all day to burn off the calories. So we quickly headed out.
All paths for us during our short stay went thru Omi-cho Market. And just like the previous day we really enjoyed wandering and browsing.
The morning was a fun time because it was less busy and you could really check out the seafood and produce on sale.
It is indeed "Kanazawa's Kitchen". We even noticed a place we'd end up stopping at for lunch.
We exited at the rear of the market and skirted the walls of Kanazawa Castle. We eventually came to the back entrance of Oyama Shrine. The shrine is well known for its distinctive gate, which was once the gate to the palace of Kanazawa Castle.
Along with the mixed Japanese-Chinese influences, the gate also features Dutch style stained glass windows on the upper level. In fact, the upper two levels once were part of a lighthouse! And the lightning rod at the top is claimed to be the oldest in Japan.
This Shinto Shrine was built by Maeda Toshinaga to honor his father Maeda Toshiie who was the granted and was the first ruler of the Kaga (Kanazawa) Han. He was lauded for his skills with the Japanese spear known as the yari. And as you can see, this statue of him proudly holds that spear.
At this time of the day, the grounds of the shrine were empty, so we really had a chance to appreciate the peacefulness and tranquility.
The gardens actually predate the shrine, which was moved here in 1873.
There are several very distinct statues on the grounds of Oyama Shrine; like this one.
After a fairly hefty breakfast, it was quite relaxing to walk around the grounds of Oyama Shrine.
But the day was still young and it was time to explore a bit more.