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TESTIMONIALS:
"For someone who works in the hospitality industry
like myself it is always a nice surprise when you experience
first class hospitality like I did when staying at the
Araya Ryokan in Kanazawa. From the moment I entered
the small lobby we could tell that this is managed by
people who really cared about
service and genuine hospitality. Shortly after we checked
in we were expected for dinner so I asked if it was
possible to have my shirt to ironed, by the time I returned
from having a shower which was about 15 minutes my shirt
was already ironed and hanging in my wardrobe. The attention
detail is a good example of the level of service here.
Our dinner in a small private room was delicious, it
was the first time we tasted snow crab and the flavors
were heavenly as was the rest of the dinner. What really
impressed me were the rooms, very comfortable, clean
and everything you need. My favorite activity here is
the hot spring baths, for a western person this is a
new concept but one that left us feeling completely
relaxed and not ever wanting to leave. Our stay was
only short but the experience will linger on in my memory
as being one of the best stays in a small boutique hotel
ever.
Thankyou to the whole team at the Aoyama Ryokan for
the wonderful
hospitality and wonderful memories."
2/14/2007by Sean Flakelar (General
Manager Amanjiwo Resort,Indonesia)
"My encounter with Kanazawa
dates back to February, 2001 when I was first offered
to work with Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa as an extra
player. Arriving with no prior knowledge of the city,
I was struck immediately by the graceful and glittering
scene of snow falling thick and fast, a sight I had
never seen in Australia.
What always intrigues me about Kanazawa is a stark contrast
between traditional and modern values of Japan, both
of which are represented in the Ishikawa region. Much
of the pleasure of Kanazawa is to be found by simply
wandering around the city and soaking up the blend of
past and present amongst the city's markets, picturesque
parks, old buildings and backstreets.
On arriving in Kanazawa by train,
the area around the station will give you the impression
of a bustling contemporary city with an innovative station
complex and endless construction of new hotels to cater
for a throng of tourists and businesspeople.
Walking the streets of the city, however, you will soon
glimpse the traditional aspects of the city. I particularly
relish the Higashiyama Chaya District and the remains
of samurai residences in Nagamachi, where the feudal
atmosphere of Japan can still be felt vividly. I am
also stunned by the magnificent Kenrokuen Garden, where
the harmonious combination of elegance and oneness with
nature is remarkable. The garden is regarded as one
of Japan's Three Most Famous Gardens and also designated
as a national special place of scenic beauty. Many consider
Kenrokuen Garden at its best in its spectacular spring
dress of cherry blossoms in April.
As a member of the orchestra, I've
traveled to all the major cities including Kyoto, Tokyo,
Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, Sendai, Niigata, Nagano,
Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Okinawa, but I've never seen
any other city take such meticulous care to preserve
the historic aura of the ancient town as can been seen
even in narrow back streets and streams. The fact that
Kanazawa was not subject to aerial bombardment during
the Second World War and has not undergone major natural
disasters such as fire and earthquakes has bequeathed
the city a wealth of cultural and historical heritage.
Without this luck, the maintenance of the city would
be impossible.
For discerning diners, Kanazawa
offers an unparalleled dining experience that you can
readily take advantage of. The city features a dazzling
selection of Japanese restaurants for all budgets from
some of the most exclusive ones, where the staff in
traditional dress serve your delectable kaiseki meals,
to the humblest izakaya (Japanese pubs). Wherever you
choose to go, however, you can be sure that the restaurants
will be stocked with the most delicious and freshest
fish from the nearby Sea of Japan, which local restaurants
can easily procure from the market in the center of
Kanazawa.
For those who wish for a taste of home, there is a wide
spectrum of high-quality European restaurants including
Spanish, French and Italian. The freshness of fish also
makes a big difference in the quality and variety of
dishes served in international restaurants as well as
in Japanese restaurants.
I strongly recommend you to include
Kanazawa in your itinerary. It will surely be one of
the highlights of your trip."
10/06/2006
by Vaughan Hughes(Violinist,Australia)
"My trip to several ryokans in The Real
Japan network brought me a deep feeling of
connection to Japanese culture. The kindness and excellent
service that I experienced from both the proprietors
of the ryokans and my contacts at The Real Japan made
me feel welcome throughout my stay. While the bright
lights of Tokyo are dazzling, another quieter and more
peaceful side of Japanese life is waiting for you --
and The Real Japan helped me to experience it."
7/25/2006 by Aaron Dalton (New
York,USA)
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