sechan19 | Kanazawa Day Two.

After my impressively late evening of drinking, I was up again at 8am to prepare for the day. It was extremely cold in the morning, and rain showers kept blinking on and off outside the windows. It wasn't until 10 that I plucked up the will to leave the warmth of the guesthouse.

I debated taking a bus to the Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle Park area, but I decided against that and hoofed it again. It only took about twenty minutes of walking, and since I now had the route memorized there were no problems in getting there. I made for the Kenrokuen, where I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the entry was free due to it being a national holiday.

A fairly strong rain shower began shortly after I arrived, but I have to admit that I found it somewhat pleasant. The rain had the effect of keeping a lot of people at home, so there was a sense of seclusion in the park. I was able to enjoy a quiet few hours in periodic sun-dappled splendor with scenery that was resplendent with a number of wondrous sights that are visible only on a rainy day.

Kenrokuen lives up to its reputation as one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. It seemed that I was taking a photograph of something achingly lovely at every turn. The autumn colors were in various stages of completion throughout the gardens, and the landscaping of trees, shrubs, lawns, paths, ponds, and streams was indescribably sublime.

I had lunch at a shop in the park, where I was warmly welcomed by the proprietress and shown to a nice little spot by a panoramic window. The mountains in the distance were cloud-shrouded and blanketed with snow. I sipped tea and ate delicious and filling udon noodles while contemplating the view.

While I was eating, Toku-san and Take-san arrived to have tea. It was quite an unexpected coincidence, and I was surprised out of my reverie at the sound of my name being called from across the shop. We exchanged pleasantries about the periodically sunny weather and laughed over how funny it was to run into each other in such a huge place.

With lunch finished, I bought some omiyage for friends and headed for Kanazawa Castle Park.

The castle grounds are nowhere near as immediately striking as the Kenrokuen, but they held charms of their own - with densely overhung paths that wound around to various ruined foundations and still standing buildings. I took the time to go into the restored buildings of the castle - making the march all the up to the turret via a set of extremely nerve wracking stairs.

On my way down, I commented to the attendant that they were a bit scary. This prompted him to begin speaking to me a little bit about the history. He talked about how the stairs were often traversed by two warriors at a time (side by side), in full armor and trappings, and at top speed. He also let me know that there wasn't a handrail back in the day.

By comparison, I guess I had it pretty good. But still...

It was truly a lovely, relaxing day. Good food, beautiful sights, lots of fresh air and exercise, peace and quiet of the mind and soul. Very replenishing.

Back at the guesthouse, I retrieved my baggage, checked my email, chatted a bit with Makoto-san, Toku-san and Take-san (who had returned just a little before me). Then I presented Makoto-san with a small gift, in appreciate for his incredible awesomeness, made my goodbyes and headed out. Everyone came to the door to see me off and offer wishes for a safe journey. I really made some fantastic friends, and I hope that we all keep in touch back in Tokyo.

From start to finish (and yes, I include the Niigata nonsense in that sentiment) this was a picture-perfect trip. I'm so happy I was able to go.