Laowai

For the second part of our trip we went west to a city called Kanazawa and gosh I took a lot of photos. Our ride on the high speed train was peaceful with a surprising amount of mountain views. Kanazawa gave us a chance to see traditional Japanese architecture and garden design which I was really looking forward to.

This is a favorite photo (below) that Brian took of the Kanazawa Castle.

These photos are of a house and garden that we toured in the old Samurai district. I was struck by the small courtyard garden and how as you look out of the house it feels like a picture. It's hard to capture in my photos but it really felt like looking at a framed, carefully composed picture. So beautifully done! I was also delighted to feel some architectural similarities to Frank Lloyd Wright and Alden Dow's work – both were influenced by their travels to Japan. The details in the woodwork and how the pieces fit together felt familiar.

The coffee and matcha were delicious at the Moron Cafe and we had lots of giggle over the name. We almost bought one of their aprons that said "The Moron Cafe, Meet your friends here".

The river looked brown and dreary but I expect just few days after we were there the flowering trees that lined it would be super pretty.

In the Higashi Chaya district we had these yummy rice pancakes – they were fluffy and eggy. 

The Higashi Chaya is a well preserved district of teahouses where Geisha perform.

Claire and I enjoyed the shopping in Tokyo and Kanazawa.

On our last day in Kanazawa Claire and I went to a beautiful old garden while Bea and Brian went for a hike.

The garden was full of moss and old trees that were gnarly but also manicured.

Here are a few photos from Bea and Brian's hike.

Ramen dinner and then it was time to get on the train again in the morning.

Since our flight was delayed several hours – we decided to go back to the park with the many cherry blossoms. The trees were more peak bloom and I think every person in Tokyo was at the park. Busy! But at least we got some fresh air before our long journey home.

Thank you Japan for your immpecable hospitality – what a wonderful and memorable trip.