Kanazawa: Japan's Timeless Gem

• Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatou gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただきたいです
  [Menyuu o misete itadakitai desu]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [O-kaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!去ってください！
  [Satte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んでください！
  [Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んでください！
  [Isha o yonde kudasai!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [Michi ni mayotte imasu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [... o kaitai desu]
• I'm just looking見ているだけです
  [Miteiru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げていただけますか？
  [Nedan o sagete itadakemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半です
  [Juji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
• Today今日
  [Kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Shi]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyu]
• 10十
  [Ju]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [... wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せていただけますか？
  [Chizu de misete itadakemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)切符（... まで）
  [Kippu (... made)]

Kanazawa's origins date back to the late 16th century, when it was established as a castle town under the rule of the Maeda clan. The clan, one of the most powerful samurai families during the Sengoku period, chose Kanazawa as their base after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. The city quickly grew in prominence as the center of the Kaga Domain, the second-largest domain in Japan during the Edo period.

Kanazawa Castle, the seat of the Maeda clan, was initially constructed in 1580. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt several times following fires and other calamities. The castle stood as a symbol of the Maeda's wealth and power, featuring impressive fortifications, moats, and a labyrinth of defensive structures. Today, visitors can explore reconstructed sections like the Ishikawa-mon Gate and the Sanjikken Nagaya warehouse, which offer a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the era.

Adjacent to Kanazawa Castle lies Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Developed over a span of nearly 200 years, starting in the early 17th century, Kenroku-en embodies the six attributes deemed essential for a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water, and panoramic views. The garden features meticulously designed landscapes, including ponds, streams, waterfalls, and teahouses, making it a serene escape and a testament to traditional Japanese garden design.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Kanazawa flourished as a cultural hub under the patronage of the Maeda clan. The city became renowned for its arts and crafts, particularly Kutani porcelain, Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing, and gold leaf production. Many of these traditional crafts are still practiced today, and visitors can experience them firsthand at various workshops and museums throughout the city.

In recent years, Kanazawa has become a vibrant blend of the old and the new. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015 has made the city more accessible, boosting tourism and economic development. Despite modernization, Kanazawa has managed to preserve its historical charm, with districts like Higashi Chaya, Nishi Chaya, and Kazue-machi offering a glimpse into the city's past. These geisha districts, with their narrow, winding streets and traditional wooden buildings, transport visitors back in time.

The 21st century has seen Kanazawa emerge as a destination for contemporary art and culture. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 2004, is a prime example of this cultural renaissance. The museum's circular design and innovative exhibits have made it a landmark attraction, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world. This blend of historical preservation and modern innovation encapsulates Kanazawa's unique appeal.

Kanazawa is accessible via several transport methods. The nearest major airport is Komatsu Airport, about 30 kilometers from the city center. From Komatsu Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Kanazawa. Alternatively, you can fly into major airports like Tokyo's Narita or Haneda and take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Kanazawa has a well-developed public transportation system. The Kanazawa Loop Bus and Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus are convenient for tourists, covering major attractions like Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Taxis are also available and are a practical option for short distances. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kanazawa. However, smaller establishments, traditional inns (ryokan), and some local restaurants may only accept cash. ATMs are readily available, but ensure they accept international cards (look for 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs). It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into less touristy areas.

Kanazawa is generally a very safe city for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it’s always wise to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance services. English-speaking operators are available. Kanazawa University Hospital and other local clinics offer medical services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, and many staff members can assist in English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and neatly; casual attire is fine, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs; when visiting temples or shrines, bow at the entrance and avoid loud conversations. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet; avoid talking on your phone and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow; handshakes are less common but acceptable in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and say 'Itadakimasu' before eating. Don’t tip in restaurants, as it is not customary and may be considered rude.

To experience Kanazawa like a local, visit the Omicho Market to sample fresh seafood and local produce. Take a stroll through the Higashi Chaya District to enjoy traditional teahouses and maybe catch a glimpse of geisha performances. Consider visiting the D.T. Suzuki Museum for a peaceful, contemplative experience. Don’t miss the chance to try Kanazawa’s unique cuisine, such as Jibuni (duck stew) and fresh sushi from local fish markets.