The moment I walked out of Kanazawa Station, I was immediately struck by the magnificent Tsuzumi-mon Gate! The enormous wooden pillars paired with the transparent glass Motenashi Dome make it instantly recognizable, and it has become Kanazawa’s most iconic city landmark. The gate stands 13.7 meters tall and was inspired by the drums used in Kanazawa’s traditional Noh theater. Its two massive wooden pillars use modern construction techniques, combining traditional charm with a contemporary feel. The Motenashi Dome above was designed around the idea of “holding up an umbrella for travelers,” reflecting Kanazawa’s rainy and snowy climate. On my first visit to Kanazawa, the station itself already made a lasting impression, so it’s no wonder it was selected as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations.
JR Kanazawa Station | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kitano Tenman Shrine
A Tenmangu shrine standing on the hill along Kitanozaka, striking for its vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings. It is said to have been founded in 1180, in the late Heian period, when Taira no Kiyomori invited the spirit of Kyoto’s Kitano Tenmangu during the relocation of the capital to Fukuhara. Enshrining Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, it draws worshippers throughout the year praying for success in entrance exams and certification tests.
位於神戶北野異人館街附近的北野天滿宮，坐落在山坡上，是一座供奉學問之神菅原道真的神社。沿著石階往上走，可以俯瞰神戶市區與街景，視野相當開闊。神社規模雖不大，朱紅色的鳥居與傳統社殿卻很有日本風情，和周邊充滿異國氣息的洋館形成有趣對比，參觀異人館之餘不妨順道來走走。
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Kuroyuri
Founded in 1953, Kuroyuri is a long-established eatery where you can enjoy Kanazawa-style oden, Kaga regional cuisine, and local sake. It is conveniently located inside Kanazawa Hyakubangai Anto, directly connected to Kanazawa Station.
Kuroyuri is a famous oden restaurant in Kanazawa, and as an oden fan, of course I had to make a pilgrimage here. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. I ordered my favorite basics, including daikon and tofu, and everything was thoroughly soaked in the broth and warm and comforting. They also have hanpen, which is relatively uncommon in Taiwan. It’s a white, fluffy, soft fish paste product that becomes light yet springy when cooked, making it something of a rare find in Taiwan.
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Tsutenkaku Tower
A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.
Tsutenkaku Tower is a must-see landmark in Osaka’s Shinsekai district. After going up to the observation deck, you can look out over the city of Osaka from above, but what left the deepest impression on me was Billiken, who is enshrined inside. This golden-haired, grinning god of fortune has a pair of especially prominent soles. It’s said that rubbing the soles of his feet and making a wish will bring good luck and fortune, as well as blessings for business prosperity, passing exams, finding a good match, and more.
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