A Golden Treat: Our Sweet Adventure at Kanazawa’s Hakuichi

On our recent trip to Kanazawa, a charming city famously dubbed the “City of Gold,” my husband and I stumbled upon a real gem—Hakuichi, a place where gold isn’t just treasured, it’s edible. Right there, in the heart of the city, we discovered that gold leaf isn’t just for decoration; it’s a key ingredient in one of the most unique ice creams we’ve ever tasted.

From the moment we set foot in Kanazawa, it was clear that gold leaf was a big deal here. Almost every shop had something shimmering in the window, but Hakuichi caught our eye with something we couldn’t find anywhere else—gold leaf soft serve ice cream. Just the thought of it made us giggle—eating gold, really? But there it was, a luxurious treat lined up for anyone daring enough to try it.

Hakuichi isn’t just any ice cream shop; it’s a celebration of all things gold leaf. Here, they take their local specialty to a whole new level. Did you know Kanazawa produces a whopping 98% of Japan’s gold leaf? That’s a lot of bling! And at Hakuichi, they don’t hold back in showing off this local craft.

The star of the show, the gold leaf soft serve, was something we just couldn’t pass up. Imagine this: a creamy, dreamy scoop of ice cream, so rich and smooth it almost feels sinful, then wrapped in a delicate sheet of pure gold. It’s not just food; it’s art. Eating it felt like a royal experience. The gold doesn’t really change the flavor—it’s more about the texture and, of course, the bragging rights. Who else can say they’ve literally eaten gold?

Beyond the ice cream, Hakuichi offers a glimpse into the traditional craft of gold leaf application. The store is a treasure trove of gold-leaf-adorned items, from elegant jewelry to luxurious cosmetics. Each item tells its own story of Kanazawa’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. I purchased a few boxes of instant coffee with gold leaf for my friends. We spent a good part of our visit just marveling at the intricate pieces and even tried our hands at applying gold leaf, which is harder than it looks!

The visual appeal of their gold leaf soft serve is something else. It’s not every day you see ice cream covered in gold, shining under the shop lights. It’s a spectacle that demands to be photographed. Needless to say, our social media feeds looked pretty spectacular that day. Eating gold ice cream? Definitely Instagram-worthy.

Visiting Hakuichi was more than just a shopping trip; it was like stepping into a living museum, celebrating a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. This wasn’t just about indulging in a luxurious treat; it was about connecting with a piece of Japanese culture that is still very much alive today.

For anyone planning a trip to Kanazawa, I can’t recommend Hakuichi enough. It’s not just about trying something new; it’s about experiencing a piece of the city’s soul. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just in it for the ‘gram, Hakuichi offers something for everyone. It’s a place where you can taste the richness of tradition and see firsthand how ancient crafts are being preserved and cherished.

In the enchanting streets of Kanazawa, Hakuichi stands out as a beacon of tradition and innovation. It’s an adventure, a taste of luxury, and a lesson in history, all rolled into one. For us, it was one of the highlights of our trip—a sweet reminder of Kanazawa’s golden charm.