Kanazawa, Capital city in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
The city lies on the north coast of central Japan between the Sea of Japan and the mountains, crossed by two rivers that run on either side of the old town. Three large gardens, several districts with wooden houses, and a busy fish market define the cityscape alongside modern shopping streets.
When feudal lord Maeda Toshiie established his residence here in 1583, the rise to a major center for arts and crafts began. For over two centuries the city remained under the rule of the same family, which supported painters, lacquer masters, and artisans.
The name combines the characters for gold and marsh, recalling a legend about a peasant who once washed gold flakes from the soil here. This connection to the precious metal remains visible today in countless shops that apply gold leaf to sweets, sake, and souvenirs.
Many sights lie within a loop that can be covered on foot or by rental bicycle. A sightseeing bus connects the main points for visitors who prefer not to walk.
During World War Two the city was spared from bombing raids because it was not considered a military target. This fact explains why so many historic streets and traditional districts have survived to this day.
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