Ishikawa Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ishikawa, Japan with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, accommodations, culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Ishikawa

Ishikawa is a prefecture located in the Chubu region of Japan, situated on the western coast of Honshu island. With a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Ishikawa is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and culinary delights.

List of Places to Visit in Ishikawa

This section highlights some of the top tourist attractions in Ishikawa:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kanazawa Castle: Once the residence of powerful feudal lords, this castle has been transformed into a museum, housing an extensive collection of samurai armor and weapons.
  • Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenrokuen is a testament to the art of Japanese landscaping, with stunning ponds, streams, bridges, and teahouses nestled among the trees.
  • Higashi Chaya District: This traditional geisha district dates back to the Edo period, with charming teahouses and winding streets.
  • Nomura Samurai House: A beautifully preserved home of a samurai family, featuring traditional architecture, gardens, and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Ishikawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Noto Peninsula: A rugged and picturesque peninsula with secluded beaches, hiking trails, and hot springs.
  • Hakusan National Park: A hiking paradise with diverse flora and fauna, beautiful waterfalls, and hot springs.
  • Tateyama Alpine Route: A scenic mountain drive with stunning views, cable-car rides, and hiking trails.
  • Kaga Onsen: A cluster of hot springs, surrounded by beautiful nature, and dotted with traditional ryokans and spas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ishikawa

Ishikawa has numerous scenic hiking and biking routes that give visitors a chance to experience the prefecture’s beautiful landscapes up-close. Some popular options include:

  • Hakusan Multi-day Trek: A challenging trek, offering spectacular views of Mount Hakusan and its surroundings.
  • Notojima Cycling Tour: A leisurely bike ride through the picturesque fishing villages and beautiful countryside of the Noto Peninsula.
  • Kaga Onsen Hiking Trail: A relaxing walk through the forested hills surrounding the hot springs, featuring waterfalls and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Ishikawa: Activities and Tours

Ishikawa offers visitors a wide variety of activities and tours that allow them to experience the prefecture’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Some of the top options include:

  • Gold Leaf Making: Ishikawa is known for its gold leaf production, and visitors can try their hand at creating their own decorative items using this precious material.
  • Tea Ceremony: Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, where you’ll learn about the art and history of Japanese tea culture.
  • Sake Tasting: Ishikawa is home to many sake breweries, and visitors can sample a variety of local varieties while learning about the brewing process.
  • Samurai Experience: Dress up in traditional samurai costume and take part in sword-fighting lessons, archery, and other combat training sessions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ishikawa

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Ishikawa, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District Day 2: Nomura Samurai House, D.T. Suzuki Museum, Oyama Shrine Day 3: Noto Peninsula (Wakura Onsen, Senmaida Rice Fields, Wajima Morning Market) Day 4: Hakusan National Park (Hakusan Shirakawa-go World Heritage Trail) Day 5: Outdoor Activities (Rafting, Canyoning, Zip-lining) Day 6: Kaga Onsen (Yamanaka Onsen, Katayamazu Onsen, Kaga Yuzen Silk Center) Day 7: Local Cuisine (Sushi-making class, Sake brewery tour, Gold leaf workshop)

Food and Drink Scene of Ishikawa

Ishikawa is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, and rich sake culture. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample while in the prefecture:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaga Cuisine: A traditional multi-course meal using local ingredients such as freshwater fish, mountain vegetables, and gold leaf.
  • Sushi: Freshly caught seafood, served sushi style, with locally grown rice.
  • Jibuni: A warm soup containing chicken, vegetables, and wheat gluten, popular in Edo period nobility cuisine.
  • Morokoshi: A popular dish made from grilled corn on the cob, covered in miso paste.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Ishikawa is home to numerous sake breweries, producing high-quality sake made from locally grown rice.
  • Matcha Tea: A traditional ground tea served in a special ceremony, using high-quality green tea leaves grown in the prefecture.
  • Yuzu Juice: A refreshing citrus drink, made from yuzu fruit grown in the Noto Peninsula.

Where to Stay in Ishikawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ishikawa offers a variety of accommodations that suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), with their tatami mats, futon beds, and hot springs, are a popular choice. There is also a range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, in both urban and rural areas.

What to Buy in Ishikawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ishikawa is famous for its gold leaf products, including decorative items such as sake cups, jewelry boxes, and folding screens. Other popular local products include lacquerware, glassware, and Japanese sweets.

Local Culture and Customs of Ishikawa

Ishikawa has a rich history and culture, with many traditions that are still practiced today. Some customs to keep in mind include:

  • Bowing: Japanese people bow to show respect, gratitude, or apologies. It’s customary to return the bow in the same way.
  • Shoes: It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a home or certain businesses, such as temples and restaurants.
  • Chopsticks: Use chopsticks to pick up your food instead of your hands, and never stick them upright in a bowl of rice or pass food with chopsticks.

Best Time to Visit Ishikawa

Ishikawa can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to May, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and from September to November, when the autumn leaves are at their peak.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ishikawa

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Ishikawa:

Do:

  • Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases and greetings.

Don’t:

  • Be loud or disruptive in public areas.
  • Tip at restaurants or other establishments.
  • Take photos without permission, especially of people.

Safety and Health

Ishikawa is a safe prefecture, with relatively low crime rates. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as keeping an eye on valuables and avoiding dimly lit areas at night.

Safety in Ishikawa

  • Traffic: Be cautious when crossing streets and always use designated crosswalks.
  • Natural Disasters: Japan is prone to earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters. It’s advisable to check local weather conditions and emergency alerts.

Health in Ishikawa

  • Tap Water: Safe to drink from the tap.
  • Medical Facilities: Highly qualified medical care is available throughout the prefecture.
  • Allergies: Be sure to inform restaurants of any allergies you have.

Getting to Ishikawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ishikawa is accessible by plane, train, and bus.

Airports Near Ishikawa

  • Komatsu Airport: The main airport serving Ishikawa.
  • Haneda Airport: The closest international airport, located in Tokyo.

Bus and Train Stations Near Ishikawa

  • Kanazawa Station: The main train station in Ishikawa, with connections to Tokyo and other major cities in Japan.
  • Komatsu Station: Located near Komatsu Airport, with limited train connections.
  • JR Bus Kanto Ishikawa Bus Terminal: A bus terminal located near Kanazawa Station, with connections to Tokyo and other major cities.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Cars can be rented from the main airports or designated rental agencies.
  • Taxi: Taxis are commonly available throughout the prefecture.

How to Get Around in Ishikawa

Ishikawa is well-connected by public transportation, with trains, buses, and taxis. Walking and cycling are also popular options for getting around.

Where to Go Next from Ishikawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Gifu: Located to the east of Ishikawa, Gifu is home to the historic Takayama district and the iconic Shirakawa-go village.
  • Nagano: To the north of Ishikawa, Nagano is renowned for its ski resorts, hot springs, and historic temples.
  • Kyoto: Located to the southeast of Ishikawa, Kyoto is a must-visit destination in Japan, with its ancient temples, gardens, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Ishikawa offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend a week or more exploring the prefecture’s highlights. Whether you’re interested in hiking, Japanese traditions, or simply savoring delicious food, Ishikawa has something to offer every traveler.

21st Century Museum in Kanazawa 21st Century Museum in Kanazawa Natadera in Komatsu Natadera in Komatsu


    Hakui
    Kaga
    Komatsu
    Nonoichi
    Noto Peninsula