Nakayasu Ryokan

Cultural Experiences

Defining cultural experiences in Kanazawa can be found in many places, but the majority of them will be in or near its central districts, where the old neighborhoods are. This is because Kanazawa was the seat of the Maeda Clan for centuries, and many of these historic spots are situated around the castle. That said, Kanazawa Castle Park is what remains of their primary estate, though the castle's keep had already been lost before the Edo period. Right next to the park is Kenroku-en , a sprawling private garden of the Maeda Clan and was not open to the public until 1871. It's also celebrated as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens , alongside Kairaku-en in Mito and Koraku-en in Okayama.

If you've got time to do some walking around, the hosts of Nakayasu Ryokan will likely recommend historic neighborhoods such as Higashi Chaya. These districts are filled with Edo architecture houses, and are also famous for being Kanazawa's geisha and teahouse districts.

Other Celebrations

If you're planning to visit Kanazawa to also celebrate a special day, it's worth getting in touch with the hosts of Nakayasu Ryokan to see if they can help you make that day even more memorable. Although there are no privatizations available, they may be able to provide personalized service if you'd like to hold a commemorative banquet, such as for a birthday or anniversary.

Book Venue

Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.