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Things To Do

Things To Do

Ishikawa has something for everyone, from historic sites and time-honored traditions to natural hot springs and rural landscapes. Explore the gardens, museums, craft workshops, temples, activities, and more that make Ishikawa special.

MUST-SEE

Kenrokuen Garden

One of Japan’s greatest traditional-style landscape gardens

MUST-SEE

Natadera Temple

Dramatic cliffs tower over unique temple buildings and serene gardens

MUST-SEE

Mt. Hakusan Hiking

Scale the region’s tallest mountain, considered sacred for over a millennium

MUST-SEE

Wakura Onsen

Seaside hot spring resort with rich history and a range of accommodation

MUST-SEE

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

Forward-thinking contemporary art museum showcasing artists from Japan and abroad

Heritage & History

Heritage & History

Discover the rich history and heritage of Ishikawa through its many preserved historical sites, ancient shrines and temples, and centuries-old Japanese gardens. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the Higashi-Chaya District of Kanazawa, explore the temples and shrines of Kaga, and visit the beautiful, historic seaside towns along the Noto Peninsula.

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Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden
One of Japan’s greatest traditional-style landscape gardens
Kanazawa
Myojoji Temple
Myojoji Temple
Head temple of Nichiren Buddhism in the region
Noto Peninsula
Natadera Temple
Natadera Temple
Dramatic cliffs tower over unique temple buildings and serene gardens
Kaga & Hakusan
Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi Samurai District
Samurai culture lives on in this historic neighborhood
Kanazawa
Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle
Faithfully rebuilt structures, large green spaces, and original stone walls
Kanazawa
Keta Taisha Shrine
Keta Taisha Shrine
Pray for love at one of the most important shrines in Noto
Noto Peninsula
Shirayama Hime-jinja Shrine
Shirayama Hime-jinja Shrine
Purification rituals and ancient trees at a 2,100-year-old shrine
Kaga & Hakusan
Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Ishikawa is an epicenter of traditional and contemporary Japanese art, design, culture, and craft. From the modern architecture of Kanazawa Station to the progressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the traditional geisha performances at Yamanaka-za Theater to exquisite porcelain displays at the Kutani-yaki Art Museum, there is something to satisfy everyone's curiosity.

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Kutani-yaki Kiln Exhibition Hall
Kutani-yaki Kiln Exhibition Hall
Large, important kiln from 1824, with exhibits and painting experiences
Kaga & Hakusan
D.T. Suzuki Museum
D.T. Suzuki Museum
Contemporary architectural interpretation of D.T. Suzuki’s Buddhist philosophy
Kanazawa
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum
Towering lantern floats from around Noto create a festival atmosphere
Noto Peninsula
Oku-Noto Triennale
Oku-Noto Triennale
Contemporary art in tranquil, abundant nature
Noto Peninsula
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Forward-thinking contemporary art museum showcasing artists from Japan and abroad
Kanazawa
Kitamaebune Ship Museum
Kitamaebune Ship Museum
Stately home of a shipping magnate steeped in history
Kaga & Hakusan
Nature

Nature

Ishikawa's dramatic landscapes are defined by the region's location, between picturesque alpine vistas and the Sea of Japan. Experience unforgettable scenery, from the towering peaks of Mt. Hakusan and the walking trails along the Kakusenkei Gorge, to the iconic Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces and Ganmon Sea Caves. Stroll through the Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden or visit the Nanao Castle Ruins, with sweeping views of Nanao Bay.

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Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
Terraced rice paddies overlooking the sea form a classic Japanese landscape
Noto Peninsula
Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
Picturesque mountain road with waterfalls and hiking
Kaga & Hakusan
Notojima Island
Notojima Island
Sustainable agriculture, friendly locals, and a culture of self-reliance
Noto Peninsula
Chirihama Nagisa Driveway
Chirihama Nagisa Driveway
Go for a drive along 8 kilometers of sandy beach
Noto Peninsula
Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden
Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden
Rural village carpeted by carefully maintained, vibrantly green moss
Kaga & Hakusan
Kakusenkei Gorge
Kakusenkei Gorge
Scenic gorge and walking trail cutting through Yamanaka Onsen
Kaga & Hakusan
Activities

Activities

Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Ishikawa through hands-on activities. Try crafts like lacquerware, traditional dyeing, porcelain painting and gold leaf, to create your own memento. Learn to cook local dishes, tour a sake brewery, renew your spirit with a relaxing temple stay, climb or ski Mt. Hakusan, cycle coastal trails, or experience local life on a farm-stay. Explore the unforgettable experiences available in Ishikawa.

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Gold Leaf Experience
Gold Leaf Experience
Decorate your own souvenirs with Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf
Kanazawa
Kutani Porcelain Experience
Kutani Porcelain Experience
Paint your own porcelain in the Ishikawa’s local style
Kanazawa
Cooking Classes
Cooking Classes
Learn to make Ishikawa delicacies with local instructors and quality ingredients
Kanazawa
Temple Stays
Temple Stays
Experience meditation, monastic life, and vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
Noto Peninsula
Hakusan Cycling
Hakusan Cycling
Cycle through serene rice fields to shrines, waterfalls, and canyons
Kaga & Hakusan
Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Ishikawa is renowned for its elegant Japanese cuisine, from sushi and wagyu beef to sake and sweets. Dine on the freshest seafood, including snow crab, sweet shrimp, and yellowtail. Try Noto beef, delicious stews made with Kaga vegetables, and rich soy sauce and miso paste from Ishikawa's fertile farmlands. Whether your tastes run to fine kaiseki dining, small, rustic eateries, or tasting tours of local food markets, a journey around the prefecture is a treat for the senses.

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Omicho Market
Omicho Market
Experience local culinary culture at Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market
Kanazawa
Noto Shokusai Market
Noto Shokusai Market
Seaside fresh food market with self-grilling stations
Noto Peninsula
Chuo Mishokugai
Chuo Mishokugai
Nostalgic collection of tiny bars and eateries
Kanazawa
Katamachi-Korinbo Area
Katamachi-Korinbo Area
Kanazawa’s lively, modern shopping and nightlife centers
Kanazawa
Noto Winery
Noto Winery
Ishikawa's first winery with sprawling vineyards
Noto Peninsula
Local Products

Local Products

Ishikawa has a rich food and craft heritage. During your visit, shop for keepsakes to take home with you, like colorful Kutani ware porcelain, delicate lacquerware (urushi), and dazzling gilded crafts. Don't miss Ishikawa's famous foods, from seafood and sake to traditional sweets and snacks. Visit the Wajima Morning Market for fresh snacks and local crafts, and the Omicho Market for succulent seafood. In a hurry? Ishikawa's convenient shopping centers offer one-stop souvenir shopping.

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Wajima Morning Market
Wajima Morning Market
Large, energetic daily market in operation for over 1,000 years
Noto Peninsula
Yamanaka Urushi-za
Yamanaka Urushi-za
Museum, gallery, and shop featuring Yamanaka lacquerware
Kaga & Hakusan
Ishikawa Local Products Center
Ishikawa Local Products Center
Local foods and souvenirs for sale, with cooking and crafting experiences
Kanazawa
Kanazawa Hyakubangai
Kanazawa Hyakubangai
Kanazawa
Wajima Lacquerware Museum
Wajima Lacquerware Museum
See fine Wajima lacquerware and learn about its production
Noto Peninsula
Hot Springs

Hot Springs

Ishikawa is dotted with natural hot springs, from Wakura Onsen on the Noto Peninsula, to the charming hot spring towns of Yamashiro, Yamanaka, and Awazu in Kaga. Go onsen hopping at simple public bathhouses or indulge your senses at a luxurious onsen resort. Ishikawa's hot springs have drawn visitors to soak in their natural mineral-rich waters for over 1,000 years.

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Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen
Hot spring village with moutainous scenery, geisha culture, and local lacquerware
Kaga & Hakusan
Yamashiro Onsen
Yamashiro Onsen
Majestic onsen village with high-end ryokan and a historic public bath
Kaga & Hakusan
Wakura Onsen
Wakura Onsen
Seaside hot spring resort with rich history and a range of accommodation
Noto Peninsula
Yuwaku Onsen
Yuwaku Onsen
Charming hot spring town within easy reach from Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Katayamazu Onsen
Katayamazu Onsen
Hot spring village with a picturesque lakeside setting
Kaga & Hakusan
Awazu Onsen
Awazu Onsen
Natural hot springs with over 1,000 years of history
Kaga & Hakusan
Festivals & Events

Festivals & Events

Ishikawa's vibrant festivals and events celebrate the seasons and showcase the region's culture and traditions. The Hyakumangoku Festival is Kanazawa's biggest summer celebration and a chance to experience the traditions of the Kaga domain and thrilling taiko drum performances. The Wajima Crab Festival showcases Noto's fresh seafood in autumn, while the exciting Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival held in winter displays the acrobatic skills of Kanazawa's firefighters. In spring, spectators help pull massive floats during the Seihakusai Festival in Nanao.

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Seihakusai Festival
Seihakusai Festival
Help pull massive floats through the streets of Nanao
Noto Peninsula
Hyakumangoku Festival
Hyakumangoku Festival
Massive yearly festival celebrating the riches of Kanazawa and Ishikawa
Kanazawa
Wajima Taisai Festival
Wajima Taisai Festival
Multi-day celebration with towering floats, huge torches, and local smiles
Noto Peninsula
Otabi Festival
Otabi Festival
Parades of traditional floats and children performing kabuki plays
Kaga & Hakusan
Lake Shibayama Fireworks
Lake Shibayama Fireworks
Fireworks displays over the hot springs of Katayamazu Onsen
Kaga & Hakusan
Yamashiro Daidengaku Festival
Yamashiro Daidengaku Festival
See a centuries-old style of dance performed in a festive atmosphere
Kaga & Hakusan
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