Matto, Ishikawa
Japan
Introduction
Nestled in between the ocean and the mountains
sprawls the medium sized town of Matto, Ishikawa. Best
known for it’s haiku poet Chiyojo, it’s Summer
Fire Festival and it’s incomparable view of Mount
Hakusan (when it is clear), Matto also boasts having the
most amount of Super Malls within a 5-mile radius. Shopping
is aplenty in Matto and very soon this town of 60,000
will have its very own Starbucks.
Matto is conveniently close to the bustling
metropolis of Kanazawa (11 minutes on the train) if you
want that urban jolt, and a ten-minute picturesque drive
to the more traditional town of Tsurugi (where you can
go paragliding if you feel brave, I guess that is not
very traditional).
Matto has everything you need to feel comfortable
and informed. The new library has English newspapers and
free Internet access. The International Salon, across
the street from the library also has Internet access as
well as free Japanese language lessons.
Matto is a good town. It is small enough
to get to know people and big enough to be anonymous when
you need it.
RESTAURANTS
At Ease (Italian)-Excellent food
Shanghai (Chinese)- Great Atmosphere
Many fast food joints (McDonalds, KFC,)
GROCERIES
Nalx
Apita
Jusco
EXERCISE
The Matto Culture Park (near city hall)- 100 yen to use
the slightly outdated, but useful gym
ENTERTAINMENT
Movie Theater in SATY Mall (1 stop away on train)
CCZ- A beach and Onsen Park
