Japan’s Stunning Ishikawa Prefecture
Discover a hidden gem in Japan, a region hailed for its unmatched beauty and centuries-old traditions.
Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, located on the north-west coast of Honshu Island by the Sea of Japan, should definitely be on your travel list. It’s a mere bullet train ride from Tokyo and offers stunning landscapes, historic streets, age-old crafts, vibrant geigi culture, temples, gardens, delightful cuisine, hot springs, cherry blossoms in spring, and ski slopes in winter. With diverse attractions such as the remote Noto Peninsula, the historic castle town of Kanazawa, the seafaring city of Kaga, and the mountainous Hakusan area, there’s something to captivate everyone.
Despite the significant earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day in 2024, much of Ishikawa remains unaffected and welcoming to tourists. Visiting now supports recovery efforts through tourism-generated income.
While some parts of the Noto Peninsula are still closed to visitors, places like Kanazawa and Kaga have suffered minimal damage and remain open. Thus, Ishikawa is a fantastic destination for your next trip to Japan.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa, is a city rich in culture and history, seamlessly blending the old and the new. It boasts numerous historical sites and modern museums.
Kenrokuen Gardens
Kenrokuen Gardens, Kanazawa’s crown jewel, opened to the public in 1871. It’s one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens. Small enough to explore in an hour, it offers an ever-changing landscape with the seasons—from cherry blossoms in spring to green moss in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snow-laden trees in winter. The Shigure-tei teahouse within the garden is perfect for relaxing with a bowl of tea and traditional snacks. Kenrokuen used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, crafted by the Maeda family over nearly two centuries.
Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle, built in 1580, is a major tourist attraction. Though it has endured several devastating fires, recent restorations make it an impressive site to visit. Enjoy a traditional tea service at Gyokusen’an Rest House in the castle grounds’ Gyokusen’inmaru Garden.
Higashi Chaya District
Known for its restaurants and shops, the Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa’s entertainment hub. Chaya, or teahouses, were historically venues for geigi performances. A visit to In Kanazawa House offers a traditional geisha evening with food, entertainment, and the chance to converse with geigi.
Omicho Market
Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the 1600s, features over 180 stalls and restaurants. Shop for fresh produce before learning to make sushi at In Kanazawa House.
Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi District’s cobblestone streets and tiled earthen walls once housed samurai families during the Edo period. Explore the Nomura Residence to glimpse samurai life through various heirlooms, including a full suit of armor.
Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
In the small hamlet of Kanagaso, you’ll find the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute. Founded by renowned sake master Noguchi Naohiko, who has been brewing sake since 1949, this institute aims to train future master brewers. Sample sake in their tasting room and stay at the luxurious Auberge Eaufeu nearby, a former elementary school turned hotel and restaurant.
Kaga Onsen
Southern Ishikawa is famed for its geothermal hot springs, mountains, and the Sea of Japan. Kaga Onsen encompasses four hot spring towns discovered over 1,300 years ago by monks. These towns are known for their public baths and offer experiences like fresh seafood, unparalleled onsen bathing, and serene temples and shrines.
Yamashiro Onsen
Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Hakusan, Yamashiro Onsen provides traditional ryokan stays and public baths. Enjoy private thermal baths at Tachibana Shikitei ryokan or luxurious amenities at Mori no Sumika Resort & Spa.
Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen, along the Kakusenkei Gorge, is famed for its healing hot-spring waters. Bathe at Kikunoyu, the town’s public bathhouse, and dine at the Enuma Station Bistro for a unique culinary experience.
Kakusenkei Gorge
Kakusenkei Gorge, a tranquil escape from Yamanaka Onsen, features beautiful bridges and a scenic forest trail with river views, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
Natadera Temple
Founded in 717 by monk Taicho, Natadera Temple boasts dramatic cliffs, serene mossy forests, and intricately carved wooden halls. The main hall houses a 25ft statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen train route, Ishikawa Prefecture is now just two and a half hours from Tokyo, making it an easily accessible and magical destination.
It’s time to discover this special part of Japan.