Located in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan, the city of Kanazawa is a historical treasure of Japan. Kanazawa was left virtually untouched by air raids in World War II, leaving the original tea districts and historic homes and businesses intact. Alongside the rich cultural heritage of this city are also modern shopping and art museums providing entertainment and enrichment for those of all ages.

WHAT DOES KANAZAWA HAVE TO OFFER:

• KENROKUEN

  Kenrokuen (兼六園）is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It is renowned for it's beautiful trees and landscapes which were first cultivated by the ruling Maeda clan in the 1600's. Kenrokuen houses the oldest water fountain in Japan which operates using natural water pressure.

• HYAKUMANGOKU MATSURI

  The Hyakumangoku Matsuri (百万石まつり) is the main festival celebration of Kanazawa. Currently held on the first Saturday in June, it commemorates Lord Toshiie Maeda entering Kanazawa Castle in 1583. Hyakuman means "1,000,000" and koku (or goku) is a measurement of rice production. A huge parade of bon dance performers goes through the main streets in Kanazawa culminating with them leading in an actor portraying Toshiie Maeda entering the gates of the castle.

• SUSHI

  Kanazawa is the birthplace of kaitenzushi (回転寿司) or sushi that is served via a conveyor belt. Kanazawa is known for it's fresh seafood because of it's proximity to the Japan Sea. A local specialty is amaebi or "sweet shrimp" which is eaten raw. Fresh amaebi eggs are blue in color.

• CHAYA DISTRICTS

  A chaya (茶屋) is a Japanese tea house, and Kanazawa has three well preserved chaya districts where you can actually see a historical tea house. Several of the chaya's have been converted into museums, but there are still a few that are operating as tea houses. Many chaya's sell local specialty items. Kanazawa is known for its gold leaf. The name Kanazawa actually means "gold marsh" and is thought to have been named for the abundance of gold found locally.

Statistics about Kanazawa
Population (in 2010)	462, 478
Population (in 2005)	454,607
Geographic Size (land area)	180.61 sq miles
Average humidity	73%
Average number of rainy days	193 per year
Number of tourist per year	7,000,000