Newly opened in March 2017, Aeon Mall Shinkomatsu is the latest and the largest shopping mall in Hokuriku region (northwestern part of the main island of Japan). There are around 160 shops, cafes and restaurants and 3,400 parking space! The shopping mall is only 15 minutes away by car from Komatsu Airport. There are shuttle buses from JR Komatsu Station but it’s only twice every hour at the moment. Taking a taxi from the JR Komatsu station costs about ¥2,100 one way.
The name Kanazawa, which literally means marsh of gold, is said to be originated from a legend that the peasant Imohori Togoro who washed gold dust in a local marsh. The history of gold leaf production dates back to the end of 16th century but it was restricted to be produced in Edo (Tokyo today) and Kyoto at the time. Kanazawa, with the suitable climate, temperature, humidity, water, and highly skilled craftsmen was only revived publicly in the second half of the 19th century. Today, over 98% of the gold leaf was produced in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Japan. When you visit Kanazawa, you will see a lot of gold leaf products and you may experience making a lacquer ware with gold leaf yourself. It’s fun!
