Kanazawa [Ishikawa]

Q. What does Kanazawa mean in Japanese?

A. It means marsh of gold. The city supplies 99 percent of Japan's gold leaf.

Q. Which prefecture is Kanazawa a capital of?

A. Ishikawa.

Q. Which area of Japan is it located?

A. It's on the west coast of Japan, along the Sea of Japan called Nihonkai. 

Q. Is it easy to access from Tokyo?

A. Yes. It's 2 and a half hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station.

There are also flights from Haneda Airport. 

Q. Does it get cold in winter?

A. Yes, it gets very cold. It snows beautifully in winter.

Q. What are most iconic landscapes in Kanazawa?

A. Kenrokuen Garden.

Q. Tell me about famous sightseeing spots. 

A. Nagamachi Samurai District is a place to peek samurai life. 

21st Century Museum of Contemporary shows many contemporary arts from around the world and also from Ishikawa.

Q. What are specialties of gourmet in Kanazawa?

A. Fresh seafood indeed. 

Q. What should I buy for souvenirs?

A. It's a good place to shop for traditional Japanese crafts such as gold-decorated lacquerware and Kutani-yaki pottery.

Word focus:

gold leaf 金箔

pottery 陶器

feudal 封建主義の

clan 一族

Tokugawa shogunate 徳川幕府

marsh 沼地

vibrant 活気のある

evolve発達させる

Immerse 没頭する

hands-on experience実地体験できる

Zen-like atmosphere 禅のような雰囲気