La Bonne Vie!: Being Allured By Honshu

Breakfast was included in our accommodation package at Nakayasu Ryokan. We were the only ones who chose to have a Western style breakfast, which consisted of cereal, pancakes with honey, omelette, bacon, fruits and coffee.

Simple yet tasty breakfast served at Nakayasu Ryokan

The weather, unfortunately, was not on our side this morning. It was gloomy and there was a light drizzle when we ventured out. Nevertheless, we made our way to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (the other 2 being Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito). Entrance fee into this 25-acre garden costs ¥310 each. Just as we were about to start exploring the vast garden, it started pouring and we had to seek shelter at the souvenir shop. It was there that Derrick spotted an adorable zodiac tea towel (¥650), which we bought and have had it framed up in Ipoh.
It cleared up a little and we started exploring, amidst a slight drizzle. Kenrokuen is truly beautiful, and even more so, with all the red autumn leaves. We fell in love with every corner that we turned. And we spent many hours in Kenrokuen, so it was past midday when we left.

Wandering around with a hat to protect my hair from the light drizzle

The Kotoji Toro (a two-legged stone lantern)

Duck duck comes out to play

Red carpet

Astounding beauty of Kenrokuen

And the path goes on

Dedicated photographers

Fortunately, we found a restaurant just opposite Kourin Sushi that was still serving lunch. We both ordered the pork cutlet rice bowl, which also came with a small udon (¥780). It was really yummy!

Hungry and eager to start eating

Yummy katsudon

After that, we walked around and found ourselves at the Gyokusen-inmaru Garden, which was the residence of the wife of a feudal lord. From there, we went on to explore the grounds of Kanazawa Castle.

Well-manicured Gyokusen-inmaru Garden

Lovely to meander around

Despite not being a sea of red, it was still idyllic here at Gyokusen-inmaru Garden

Kanazawa Castle's whitish roof tiles are made of lead

"Follow me?"

Got to rest my weary feet

Blissful rest

We decided to return to our ryokan to rest and to delight in the onsen. En route, we stopped to buy corn croquette (¥79) and pau (¥167) from 7-Eleven to munch on.
Later, we returned to 7-Eleven for an economical dinner (¥1299 for both of us) before proceeding to Kenrokuen for the Night Illumination. It was so crowded and we were practically inching forward around the grounds to marvel at the beautiful garden with its magical lights. It turned out that this was the last night of the Autumn Night Illumination, hence the big crowd!