Ishikawa Prefecture

A cultural prefecture in the Hokuriku region, with the historic charm of Kanazawa's Kenrokuen and teahouse districts and the wild coastal scenery of the Noto Peninsula.

Ishikawa Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan side of central Honshu and stretches long from north to south. The capital Kanazawa preserves the look of the Kaga domain's castle town; Kenrokuen is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, and Higashi Chaya District, the samurai residences, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are all popular, while gold leaf and Kutani ware are traditional crafts. In the north, the Noto Peninsula has a winding coastline and is known for Wajima lacquerware and its morning market; because of recent earthquake impacts, check the latest conditions before traveling. From Kanazawa, buses run to Shirakawa-go in neighboring Gifu Prefecture. Winter is the season for crab. The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs directly to Kanazawa, and there is also Komatsu Airport.

Destinations

• Kanazawa
• Noto Peninsula & Wajima
• Kaga Onsen
• Shirakawa-go

Itineraries

• Shoryudo Nagoya-Takayama-Kanazawa – Head north from Nagoya via Gero, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa. A classic train and bus route for first-time v…
• Tokyo to Kyoto via Japan Alps – Bypass the Tokaido and take the mountain route from Tokyo to Kyoto via Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, and Kanazawa.
• Tokyo, Hokuriku, Takayama & Kyoto Northern Route – Skip the Tokaido route and travel via Karuizawa, Nagano, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama to Kyoto.
• Hokuriku Shinkansen Slow Travel – Travel along the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Fukui through Kaga and Kanazawa to Toyama, connecting temples, coastlines, an…