Japanese Jaunt with a rugby ball. Kanazawa and the Kindness of Strangers

I was a little worried about our accommodation in Kanazawa. I booked through Airbnb and we had a whole house at rather a low price. When we eventually got in the place was great. The only problem was upstairs bedroom with futons and downstairs toilet. The sofa however made a great bed so Helen didn't need to climb the steep stairs. Otherwise the place was brilliant, complete with a massage chair. But let's go back to our arrival in Kanazawa and the station that was at the end of the Shinkensen line.
This is the outside concourse of Kanazawa main station. The gate you can see just below the hanging banners is an intriguing design. Made of wood shaped into a spiral, they are a scaled up version of a famous shrine gate and function not only as support but also as rainwater drains from the huge roof and snow chutes.

Kanazawa calls itself the "Jewel of Japan " and with some justification. It is not yet really on the tourist route but it is quickly getting there. It's a city with great creativity and imagination combined with traditional cultural assets. It is famous for its food scene, particularly seafood. Come and explore. 

This is called the Kenrokuen Gardens. The manager of our accommodation kindly gave us a lift here without any asking. They are reckoned to be in the top three gardens in Japan. Extending to 11.4 hectares it was originally the private gardens of the ruling family that lived in the nearby castle. They were designed in the Edo period C18 and C19, but are now open to the public and like the castle next door are free of charge for the over 65s. This privilege is extended to visitors on production of ID. The blossom in Spring is a star attraction. 

This fine gentleman is the restored Emperor after the Meiji Restoration of 1868.

Other activities take place within the gardens. Here, I have muscled in on what was probably a wedding shoot. 

Next visit is to the vast castle where again we were able to take advantage of our geriatricy. Owned by the Maeda family of noble war-lords, who took the castle in 1583. There were several devastating fires followed by rebuilding. The castle had the nickname of the Palace of one thousand tatami mats indicating its massive size. It was still standing until the Meiji Restoration when seemingly it was razed. The present structure is a contemporary rebuild which includes useful things like concrete foundations and lifts for the disabled, not forgetting the sprinkler system. Traditional building methods are faithfully followed. I am really not sure about this Japanese technique of restoration, but I suppose it keeps history tangible. 

As we crossed this square it started to rain and it wasn't long before a couple offered to give us plastic ponchos. Yet more un-asked for kindness. Helen posted this picture on Facebook which gave rise to much comment and not a little hilarity. I really cannot understand why. 

The rain shower turned into a torrential downpour that lasted for the rest of the day. We had an appointment with a rugby match to fulfill and managed to book into this sports bar which was probably one of only two places screening the game in town. We squeezed in with a selection of Aussies, Kiwis, Brits and Japanese. There was about 15 of us in a room that could comfortably accommodate 10. We witnessed England trimming up a disappointing Australia and then the All Blacks giving Ireland a pasting. 

After all this we were faced a soaking walk back to the house. We ducked into an Italian restaurant for a drink and a break from the rain. When we came to leave the owner presented us with an umbrella to take home. The kindness of strangers.