Among the tourist hotspots across Japan, one doesn’t necessarily think of visiting the Hokuriku region. Nestled against the Japan Sea, Ishikawa Prefecture is the jewel in the crown of Japan. Fiercely proud of their traditions, Ishikawa inhabitants boast their ability to produce lacquerware, kimono fabrics and gold leaf, only to name a few.

Kanazawa: The Heart of Ishikawa

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa and has much to offer to its visitors. From temples to modern shopping galleries, Kanazawa has everything that Tokyo has. Much like Kyoto, Kanazawa has an old teahouse district, complete with Geisha and traditional restaurants. The chayagai is a beautiful area to visit if you like Edo-style buildings and streets.


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The westend of chagaya has pretty Edo-style wooden facades

Kanazawa is also famous for kagayuzen, a century-old fabric dyeing technique that produces gorgeous kimono silks. You can also find this technique in the art of ceramics, lacquerware and screen printing.


Lacquerware bowls for sale down at the Wajima open-air market

Kenrokuen Gardens: Nature and Man in Harmony

Japan has many beautiful gardens to admire, whether they are rock or trees, man-made or natural. Amongst these gardens, there are some top quality ones, deemed to be the pride of Japanese horticulture. Among those stands Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Gardens. One of 3 top gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen offers unbeatable seasonal views and is especially famous for its winter garden, so heavy with snow that the trees must be supported by bamboo rods to prevent them from caving under the weight.


A teahouse sits in one of the areas of the garden, next to a man-made pond

Noto Peninsula: Paradise of Earth

The Noto Peninsula is just northeast of Kanazawa, a short bus or train ride away. Here you will find gorgeous ocean views, nature walks, beaches and open-air markets. Noto Peninsula offers the most spectacular seafood, caught straight from the surrounding waters of the Japan Sea.


Dozens of types of fish and seafood are on display at a fish market in Wajima

Senmaida, the one-thousand rice fields, is a beautiful sea-side cultivation field in Noto where several festivals are held throughout the year. This rice field is particular because of the way it’s carved into the cliffs, high above the sea. The descent is steep and slippery, but worth the trip to see great waves crashing against the rocks. Be careful when exploring this area and wear appropriate footwear.


Senmaida fields and the sea are harmonious in nature, and a sight to behold

How To Get There

By Plane

Fly to Ishikawa via Komatsu Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to Kanazawa. Buses depart 10 to 15 minutes after all domestic arrivals. For more information, visit the Komatsu Airport website.

By Train

From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen for a direct trip to Kanazawa station. More information about fares and schedules can be found on their official website.

From Osaka station, take the JR Special Express “Thunderbird” to Kanazawa station. Travel time is 160 minutes.