I had visited Kanazawa on one of my previous trips to Japan, but this time I wanted to spend my five days exploring. The city is recognized as having cultural diversity with young aspiring designers migrating to Kanazawa. Respecting Tradition, embracing innovation and technology in the development of new products.
- Crafts
- Urushi (Japanese Lacquer) -Through Kazu Shimoda of Warakuya Yanaka, I was introduced to Wajima Kirimoto, a 200 year old family workshop dedicated to wood and urushi lacquerware product development. Junko Kirimoto took a few hours of her time to show me their workshop and explain the many processes that goes into making Urushi Lacquerware. It always amazes me how hospitable the Japanese has been. In addition to showing me the workshop she took the time to drive me to her home to show me some of her husband’s personal work and sites around the city. You can read more about Wajima Kirimoto Urushi on there website, http://kirimoto.net/eng/index.html
- Home/Cultural Center: My search started with a visit to the Kanazawa Machiya Information Center. Even though the Center does not have English speaking staff, we somehow managed to communicate and I was able to get access to a list of Machiya (a traditional j\Japanese townhouse) that were available in Kanazawa.
- Walking, I was able to visit 3 locations as potential home and Cultural Center.
- A train ride took me to Kaga to see one other potential option.
- No decisions was made, just more questions. I was hoping hat I could narrow down a list of potential places to live in Japan. Instead, I seem to be adding to the list.
Next stop Otsu. Check back for future blogs and follow me on Instagram @shimazustudio for more Japan Travel content.