After years of exploring Japan, I can honestly say Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture ranks as my second favorite city after Kobe, and there’s a compelling reason why.
During our pre-marriage road trip around the Noto Peninsula, my wife and I discovered a spot where you can drive on beach sand.
We watched artisans create 99% of Japan’s gold leaf.
Plus, we enjoyed sushi so fresh that Nagoya’s seems plain.
Ishikawa Prefecture offers what many places lack.
A true blend of authentic culture and stunning nature.
This isn’t just another spot to visit in Japan.
It’s a place where tradition meets innovation.
Here, you’ll find unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
When to Visit
Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms transform Kenrokuen into a pink wonderland. Mild 15-20°C weather.
Hyakumangoku Festival in June brings spectacular parades.
Summer (June to August): Perfect for driving Chirihama Beach and coastal exploration.
Lush mountain hiking but humid.
Autumn (September to November): My favorite season.
Maple-lined paths glow in deep red and gold at Kenrokuen.
Comfortable weather and prime snow crab season begins.
Winter (December to February): Snow-covered gardens are magical.
Peak time for the prized winter snow crabs and hot spring soaking.
Some amazing Ishikawa prefecture experiences:
Getting There and Around
From Major Cities
Tokyo: Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (2.5-3 hours, ¥7,340).
JR Pass covers this route.
Osaka/Kyoto: Limited express trains (2-2.5 hours, ¥6,380-¥7,130)
By air: Komatsu Airport with shuttle bus to Kanazawa (40 minutes, ¥460)
Local Transportation
Kanazawa: Most attractions walkable from station.
Day bus pass ¥500. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work.
Noto Peninsula: Rental car essential (¥6,000-¥10,000/day)
Accessibility: Kanazawa Station has elevators and luggage storage (¥400-¥700/day).
Most major attractions wheelchair accessible.
Kanazawa: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Kenrokuen Garden
Hours: 7:00-18:00 (Mar-Oct), 8:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb) | ¥320
One of Japan’s three perfect gardens, and honestly, it’s hard to capture its magic in words.
Spring brings 8,000 cherry trees in bloom.
Then, autumn paints the maples bright red.
In winter, yukitsuri (snow protection ropes) create a fairytale landscape.
Kanazawa Castle
Hours: 9:00-16:30 | ¥320
The Maeda family’s former stronghold showcases impressive stone walls and traditional architecture.
The newly restored Gojukken Nagaya building shows how Japan’s feudal lords lived in surprising luxury.
Higashi Chaya District
Free to explore
Step into the Edo period in this perfectly preserved geisha district.
Wooden lattice buildings hold traditional tea houses.
Here, you can enjoy authentic tea ceremonies for ¥1,000 or see geisha on their way to evening appointments.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Hours: 10:00-18:00 | Free zones + ¥450 exhibitions
This circular glass building proves Kanazawa isn’t stuck in the past.
Interactive installations and cutting-edge Japanese art create a perfect counterpoint to the historical sites.
Omicho Market
Hours: 9:00-17:00
The freshest sushi you’ll find anywhere.
We ate here and the tuna quality was dramatically better than what we get in Nagoya.
Winter brings the famous snow crabs that are Ishikawa’s pride.
Ninja Temple (Myoryuji)
¥1,000 | Advance booking required
This temple hides 23 rooms and 29 staircases behind innocent-looking walls.
Secret passages, hidden doors, and trap doors were designed to confuse attackers.
Tours are in Japanese but the visual experience speaks for itself.
Noto Peninsula: Wild Coastal Beauty
Before my wife and I married, we spent several days driving around the Noto Peninsula.
It remains one of our most memorable Japanese road trips.
Wajima
Famous for lacquerware so exquisite that even King Charles visited as Prince of Wales.
Watch master craftsmen apply dozens of lacquer layers in workshops around town.
The morning market buzzes with local fishermen selling their overnight catches.
Chirihama Beach: Japan’s Only Driveable Beach
An 8-kilometer stretch where you can drive directly on sand packed with crushed shells.
Rent a beach buggy for the full experience while watching waves crash beside your wheels.
Wakura Onsen
Over 1,200 years of hot spring history meets dramatic coastline views.
The mineral-rich waters are perfect after hiking, and the ryokan here serve some of Japan’s finest seafood kaiseki meals.
Food Scene: From Market Sushi to Gold Leaf Ice Cream
Signature Dishes
Winter Snow Crab: November to March brings sweet, delicate crab that’s Ishikawa’s winter obsession
Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch): Local fish with rich, buttery flavor
Kaga Vegetables: Heirloom varieties like purple sweet potatoes and lotus root
Must-Try Experiences
Omicho Market sushi: Ultra-fresh fish caught hours earlier
Gold leaf ice cream: Thin gold sheets make this Instagram-worthy and surprisingly delicious
Sake tasting: Noto Peninsula breweries use pure mountain water for smooth, clean flavors
Local Specialties
Wagashi: Artistic sweets that change with seasons, perfect with matcha
Kanazawa curry: Local comfort food with a slightly sweet, mild flavor
Traditional Crafts and Culture
Gold Leaf (Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s supply)
Watch artisans hammer gold into sheets just 0.1 microns thick.
Try decorating your own small item with gold leaf techniques unchanged for centuries.
Kutani Porcelain
Bold, colorful ceramics known for their deep blues, greens, and reds.
Paint your own piece in workshops around Kaga region.
Tea Culture
Higashi Chaya District offers authentic tea ceremonies in 200-year-old buildings.
Learn proper etiquette while savoring carefully whisked matcha and seasonal sweets.
Outdoor Adventures
Coastal Experiences
Drive the full Noto Peninsula loop for fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches.
The rugged coastline offers hiking trails with spectacular Sea of Japan views.
Mountain Activities
Hakusan National Park features trails through pristine beech forests and alpine flowers.
Summer brings mountain hiking, winter offers cross-country skiing.
Hot Springs
Check out smaller mountain springs like Yamanaka and Yamashiro Onsen.
You can also visit the popular Wakura Onsen for a more personal experience.
Sample Itineraries
3 Days: Kanazawa Focus
1: Kenrokuen Garden (early morning), Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum
2: Higashi Chaya District, Ninja Temple (pre-booked), Omicho Market lunch, gold leaf workshop
3: Choose: Noto Peninsula day trip OR Kaga hot springs relaxation
5 Days: Complete Ishikawa
Days 1-2: Follow Kanazawa itinerary
3: Drive Noto Peninsula: Wajima workshops, Chirihama beach driving
4: Wakura Onsen relaxation, coastal hiking
5: Kutani pottery workshop, sake brewery visits, final shopping
Budget and Practical Tips
Daily Costs
Budget: ¥6,000-8,000 (hostels, market meals, public transport)
Mid-range: ¥12,000-18,000 (business hotels, restaurant meals, some activities)
Luxury: ¥25,000+ (ryokan with meals, private transport, premium experiences)
Money-Saving Tips
Kanazawa City Loop Bus: ¥200 per ride or ¥500 day pass
Combination tickets: Kenrokuen + Castle ¥500 (saves ¥140)
Free activities: Garden walking, district exploration, market browsing
Practical Essentials
Best IC Card: Any major card (Suica/Pasmo) works
Luggage: Kanazawa Station coin lockers ¥400-700/day, hotel storage usually free
Language: Download Google Translate camera function for menus
Cash: Many places still cash-only, especially traditional shops and markets
FAQ
What makes Ishikawa different from other Japanese destinations?
It’s the perfect blend of accessible culture and unspoiled nature.
You can explore real geisha districts without the crowds of Kyoto.
You can drive on unique beaches that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
Plus, you’ll see traditional crafts being made every day, not just in museums.
How much time do I need?
Three days covers Kanazawa thoroughly.
Five days adds meaningful Noto Peninsula exploration.
Seven days offer more chances for in-depth workshops, several hot springs, and seasonal fun like crab feasts or flower viewing.
What’s the best way to see traditional crafts?
Book gold leaf workshops in Kanazawa (¥1,500-3,000) and Kutani pottery painting in Kaga (¥2,000-4,000).
Many workshops offer English instruction with advance booking.
Wajima lacquerware demonstrations are free but fascinating.
Is it worth renting a car?
Essential for Noto Peninsula.
The coastline, fishing villages, and beach driving experiences are impossible by public transport.
Within Kanazawa, walk or use excellent local buses.
When’s the best time for food?
Winter (Nov-Mar) for snow crab season.
Spring for mountain vegetables and cherry blossom viewing meals. Autumn for persimmons and seasonal kaiseki featuring local ingredients.
What should I buy as souvenirs?
Gold leaf items (chopsticks, picture frames), Kutani pottery pieces, local sake, and traditional sweets.
Avoid tourist trap gold leaf cosmetics and stick to authentic crafts from actual workshops.
