D.T. Suzuki Museum — Attraction in Kanazawa

I gave 3 stars but actually I meant 3.5. And maybe it would have been 4 if I had seen any books in English in the Learning room. When I entered this room I took a glance at the books (I had the intention to read) and I only saw books in Japanese and concluded (apparently wrongly given some comments here) that there were no books in English. So I grabbed a tablet, but found out only one of the videos (which I watched and interested me) was in English. I left the room a bit frustrated and expecting more ahead. At that point, though, the very little information I had seen had really set me up to absorb more about zen (I was really feeling that I was pretty close to understanding/feeling its fundamentals). Maybe this should be enough to consider the experience/visit as successful, but I was expecting more (more information or even a deeper experience in the other rooms). But that was it, there was hardly any more (there were three more brief writings to read, meaningful, though) than looking at the water and the trees. And some people were taking photos (it is forbidden) or laughing while taking photos (outside the museum but at the side of the pool). People who, obviously, were far from understanding...

I absolutely adored this little out-of-the-way museum. I was fascinated by online photos for a long time and had always wanted to visit, but my time in Kanazawa was always too short for a visit during my previous trips. I finally had time this Feb 2023 and I was so glad I made it.

It's a very small museum, and you can't take photos inside the halls, but once you get out to the "pond" outside, you can take as much photos as you like. As for me, since I visited during a weekday morning, there wasn't any other visitors around. I sat outside staring at the waters for quite a long time. It's really zen and peaceful, I sat there contemplating and reflecting on some of my life moments without even noticing time passing by as there's no distractions at all.

This is not a museum where one would revisit, but I...

The museum is a beautiful place for anyone who wants to learn about this important figure in Zen. I found the most information about him by looking at the electronic terminals in the corner, otherwise the displays were a lot but lacking for English speakers or one unfamiliar with this branch of Buddhism. They also have a little to library where I thumbed through some of his books. Obviously the contemplation space and reflection pool outside are a big draw and I enjoyed sitting there for a good 10 minutes. People are respectful of the silence. A bonus is a short walk behind the museum where you can see a more traditional green...