DESTINATIONS
About Ishikawa
Three Reasons to Visit Ishikawa
Ishikawa is everything you are looking for in a Japanese experience. Ishikawa is centuries-old crafts and cutting-edge contemporary art. It is the trail up Mt. Hakusan and the rugged Noto coastline. It is the serene Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa’s vibrant nightlife. Come to Ishikawa and experience its multifaceted charm.
Discover timeless traditions
Ishikawa has a rich heritage with a focus on craft, cuisine, and cultural pursuits. During the Edo period (1603–1867), it was part of the extravagantly wealthy Kaga domain. Its rulers, the Maeda family, poured their resources into crafts, fine art, tea ceremony, cuisine, and hospitality. You will find their legacy in the exquisite gold leaf work, colorful Kunitani ware porcelain, and the prefecture’s temples, gardens, and theaters. The city of Kanazawa was shaped by their samurai retainers, whose traditional neighborhoods preserve their historical atmosphere. Today, Ishikawa’s creativity and passion for hospitality continue to influence its modern ryokan inns, innovative galleries, and contemporary architecture.
A lifestyle shaped by nature
Sea, mountains, and fertile fields shape not only the geography of Ishikawa but the lives of its citizens. Jagged cliffs and rock formations form natural observation points from which to appreciate the bright blue waters of the Sea of Japan. Bucolic pastoral scenes are the backdrop to a culture of self-reliance on Notojima Island. Hikers and skiers treasure the mountains of the Hakusan area. Ishikawa’s abundant natural products—seafood, beef, vegetables, salt, rice, and more—are key to its world-class cuisine. Come at any time of year to experience the area’s seasonal delights, from lush cherry blossoms in spring to succulent snow crab in winter.
Find your way to relax
Slow down and enjoy the journey. Enjoy natural hot springs, uncrowded roads, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage. Rest in the mineral waters of a luxury ryokan, walk on the sand of a pristine beach, or explore a secluded stretch of rocky coastline. Whether relaxation means a glass of local wine or a farm-stay deep in the countryside, Ishikawa is a place to unwind. This far off the beaten path, even the most striking sights feel like a private getaway.
