Published date: March 13, 2025
Morning Stroll in Kenroku-en Illuminated by the Morning Sun: A Kanazawa Trip Begins
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
This is my third trip to Kanazawa, and the purpose this time is to visit Kenrokuen Garden in the early morning.
I checked in on Friday night around 9 PM.
When I arrived at the front desk, the hotel was offering free Kaga booncha tea and snacks as part of their activities.
I could choose between “Kaga booncha” or “original blend Kaga booncha” with lavender, so I picked the original blend with the scent I liked.
The savory flavor of the Kaga booncha and the simple sweetness of the snacks soothed my tired body.
This time, I was assigned a room on the 6th floor, the top floor.
The size was more than enough for one person, and I appreciated that the toilet and bath were separate.
Since it was located in the city center, I couldn’t enjoy a view from the window, but the curtain design featured patterns typical of Kanazawa.
The room also had a comfy sofa, and while the bath was filling, I relaxed watching TV.
The bathroom was spacious, perfect for unwinding.
After getting out of the bath, I laid on the bed and somehow dozed off.
I woke up at 4:30 AM, got ready, and headed to Kenrokuen Garden as it opened early in the morning.
Details of this experience are recorded in the 'experience' section.
I returned to the hotel around 7:30 AM and went to OMO Cafe on the first floor to have breakfast.
In the morning, there is a breakfast exclusive to guests staying at the hotel (additional charge).
However, from noon, the cafe is open for everyone.
Last time, I had the limited menu of Kaga booncha and fresh gluten risotto, so this time I ordered the regular menu item, cheese egg risotto.
With a mini buffet including salad, soup, yogurt, and soft drinks, it was a real treat!
The cheese was rich, and the eggs were creamy and delicious.
I surprisingly love the soft drinks at Hoshino Resorts!
I particularly like ginger-flavored drinks, and this time, the ginger cranberry drink was delightful!
After breakfast, I participated in an activity starting at 8:45 AM.
I had reserved a guided tour at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
A staff member guided me to the museum, explaining the exhibits and how to book events in detail.
Even though I was there alone, thanks to the friendly guide, I didn’t feel lonely at all; in fact, it was super enjoyable!
They even took photos for me, which became a nice keepsake!
Since it was early, there were few people, and I could take my time exploring, which was the best part!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Rabbit Chair and Turrell’s room, satisfying my artistic soul.
After returning to the hotel, I spent a leisurely time on the sofa watching TV and checked out around 10:30 AM.
Though my stay was short, I was healed by the charm of Kanazawa and the hotel, which was more than enough to enjoy alone.
Experiences during the trip
From March 1, 2025, Kenroku-en will open early in the morning. In March, you can enter the park starting at 5 AM. Although it’s early morning, it’s still quite dark at 5 AM in March, creating a night-like atmosphere. This adds to the excitement of feeling like you’re on an adventure. Walking while relying on the few lights available, and breathing in the serene air of the garden made me feel like I was separated from my daily routine. After waiting a bit, the eastern sky began to brighten slightly, and the sunrise started. Blessed with a cloudless sky, the sunrise at Kenroku-en was truly beautiful, with the light reflected on the pond and the silhouettes of trees looking like a painting. It was cold, but just being able to see that moment made the early wake-up worthwhile. After that, I headed to Kanazawa Castle nearby. I strolled through the grounds bathed in the morning glow and walked leisurely through the garden. The stone walls and trees sparkled in the morning light, as a peaceful time flowed while feeling the history. Next, I stopped by Oyama Shrine, where I was able to worship in an almost private state as there were hardly any people. The remaining snow also added to the atmosphere. My favorite memory is the stained glass gate reflecting the morning sun, allowing me to take pictures quietly. I highly recommend a morning stroll in Kanazawa!