Trip to the ancient city of Kanazawa

 A few days ago, I traveled to Kanazawa with my husband and parents-in-law. On the first day, we strolled through the “Higashi Chaya District.” This area used to be an entertainment district during the Edo period. Many geisha performed here—they sang, danced, and sometimes prostituted themselves. You can see many historical buildings here, such as “Kaikarou.”

家族で金沢に旅行に行ってきました！初日は、ひがし茶屋街を散策。懐華樓を始め、歴史的建物を見学。

The following day, we went to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. It is here that I was most looking forward to visiting, as I had seen many beautiful photos of the place in dozens of art magazines. However, the experience was a bit disappointing. To be sure, the permanent collection was great, featuring well-known artists such as James Turrell and Anish Kapoor. Unfortunately, the ticket counter was terribly crowded and it took even more time to get in due to their complicated ticket system. (Admittedly, we went during the busiest time of the year.) For various other reasons, we were quite exhausted by the end of it. This museum started out as quite a humble museum and has since become extremely popular.

2日目は、兼六園内にある成巽閣を見学したあと、金沢21世紀美術館へ。今回の旅で、ここを訪れることを一番楽しみにしていましたが正直、心地よい体験を得ることは出来ませんでした。ジェームズ・タレルや、アニッシュ・カプーアなどの、恒久展示作品は素晴らしかったですが。

ハイシーズン中のハイシーズン(お盆)に行った私も悪いのですが、芋洗状態のチケットカウンターは、その複雑なチケットシステムのせいでチケット購入までかなりの時間を要しました。他にもガッカリした点がたくさんあるのですが、これ以上書くのはやめておきます。金沢21世紀美術館は有名になりすぎましたね。

After walking for 10 minutes, we arrived, quite unexpectedly, at the D. T. Suzuki Museum. D. T. Suzuki was a Japanese Buddhist monk and philosopher who wrote many books about Buddhism and Zen. These books are famous today, in part, because they were read by Steve Jobs. The museum tells visitors about his life and philosophy. With slightly rippled water surfaces, gently rustling willow, and contemplative spaces in its tranquil patio, this is a highly thought-provoking and calming place (just what we needed!).

しかし、金沢21世紀美術館を出て10分後、その混雑具合に疲れきった心を仏教・禅研究の大家・鈴木大拙館の静謐な雰囲気が癒してくれました。鈴木大拙館の中庭の、茶室を思わせるような小部屋から、波打つ水面、そよぐ柳を見つめていると、心が穏やかになり、自己が溶解していくような感覚を味わいました。今回の旅行で一番のお気に入りの場所はここですね。

For dinner, we ate at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Honami. Its gorgeous dishes were absolutely exquisite. It was an unforgettable experience.

夜は、穂濤（ほなみ）というミシュラン二つ星の料亭で贅沢な夕飯。その繊細な味付けは忘れ難いものになりました。

This was my first time visiting the ancient city of Kanazawa. Its history, towns, museums, and food are all so impressive. Next time, I'd like to visit Toyama or Wajima near Kanazawa.

古都・金沢。初めて訪れましたが、歴史、街並み、文化施設、食、全てが一級の都市でした。次は富山や輪島にも行ってみたいです。

English Corrected by Edward F.