🕓 2023/1/28
#Sightseeing
About Ishikawa Prefecture
Ishikawa Prefecture is one of Japan’s most representative regions, renowned for its beauty, history, and cultural depth. Located in the Hokuriku region in central Japan, it faces the Sea of Japan. The beauty of this area is characterized by the charm of all four seasons, with its magnificent natural environment harmonizing with meticulously crafted traditional crafts.
Kanazawa City, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is known as a city of beautiful landscapes and art, and its reputation extends both within and beyond Japan. Kanazawa was once the center of the Kaga Domain, and many historical buildings, heritage sites, and beautiful Japanese gardens are scattered throughout the city. Most notable among these are the beautiful Japanese garden Kenrokuen and the historically rich Kanazawa Castle.
Ishikawa Prefecture is also a treasure trove of traditional crafts. Many traditional crafts such as gold leaf work, Kutani ware pottery, and Kaga thimbles continue to be passed down, and their exquisite techniques and beautiful designs captivate visitors. Gold leaf craft, in particular, is a symbol of Kanazawa, and its brilliance can be seen throughout the city.
The Noto Peninsula is rich in nature with beautiful coastlines, and old townscapes and local traditions remain strongly in the region. The World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go is just across the prefectural border.
Ishikawa Prefecture is a region where you can enjoy its history and traditions dating back to ancient times, magnificent nature, and cuisine made with delicious local ingredients. The harmony of these rich elements allows visitors to experience the true charm of Japan.
Top 3 Must-See Attractions in Ishikawa Prefecture
Higashi Chaya District
● Appeal
The Higashi Chaya District is a place where the traditional beauty and modern charm of Kanazawa blend together. This district is known for its distinctive wooden lattice houses called “kimusuko,” cherry blossoms in spring, and the illuminated Asanogawa Bridge at night, offering visitors a full experience of Japanese beauty throughout the four seasons.
An abundance of cultural experiences unique to Kanazawa are available, including strolling in rented kimonos, sampling wagashi and matcha, authentic tea ceremony experiences, and gold leaf application workshops, creating unforgettable memories for travelers. The historic buildings and atmospheric streets are also popular as photogenic spots, allowing visitors to capture photos against the backdrop of traditional Japanese beauty.
This area has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and is highly valued as a Japanese cultural heritage site.
● History
From the late Meiji period through the Showa era, this area was known as the “Eastern Quarter” (Higashi no Kuruwa), a thriving geisha district (hanamachi) where many geiko (geisha) were active. Of particular interest is the unique custom where, when a geiko became independent and established her own teahouse, she would receive one character from the name of her previous teahouse. For example, the proprietress of “Hachi no Fuku,” Fukutaro, was a star geiko of “Hachishige,” and the proprietress of “Fujinoya,” Yaeko, was affiliated with “Fujitoshi.” Such traditions represent the master-disciple relationships and sense of belonging in the world of performing arts, and speak to the uniqueness of the Higashi Chaya District’s history and culture.
The area is also known as the setting for the novel “Toki no Haka” (Grave of the Crested Ibis) by author Hiroyuki Itsuki, adding a literary backdrop. Many tourists from within Japan and abroad visit to enjoy the atmospheric old streets.
● Access
- Address: Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0831
- Time Required: Approximately 60 minutes
- Public Transportation: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from “Hashiba-cho” bus stop on the Joshita-machi Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railway Route Bus, or West Japan JR Bus
- Parking: Municipal Higashiyama Tourist Parking (15 cars), Municipal Higashiyama Riverside Tourist Parking (14 cars), Higashiyama Tour Bus Parking (5 buses), Higashiyama North Tour Bus Parking (4 buses)
- Official Website: Kanazawa Tabi Monogatari – Higashi Chaya District
- Google Maps: Higashi Chaya District
Kenrokuen Garden
● Appeal
Kenrokuen is a Japanese garden located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government. Covering approximately 11.7 hectares, it originated as a daimyo garden created in the mid-17th century as an outer garden of Kanazawa Castle by the Kaga Domain. Along with Korakuen in Okayama City and Kairakuen in Mito City, it is counted among the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and was selected as a top three-star attraction by the Michelin Green Guide in 2009.
Each season has its own charm, and the yukitsuri (rope supports to protect trees from heavy snow) is a winter tradition. The garden is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn foliage within the prefecture, and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The garden possesses beauty in every season: wisteria trellises and cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, vibrant autumn colors in fall, and yukitsuri with snow-covered landscapes in winter. The beauty of the wisteria trellises, the Midori-taki waterfall flowing from Kasumiga-ike Pond, and the view from Seisonkaku are not to be missed.
● History
The origins of Kenrokuen date back to 1676 (Enpo 4), when the 5th lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Tsunanori, moved the domain’s construction office on the sloped land facing Kanazawa Castle into the castle grounds, and built “Renchi-den” on the vacant site, landscaping the surroundings into a garden.
This garden was called Renchi-tei and was used as a venue for maple-viewing banquets and other events by successive domain lords and senior retainers. The garden then underwent several restorations and improvements before reaching a form close to its current appearance. In 1822, the 12th lord Maeda Narihiro completed “Takezawa Goten,” and in that year the garden was named Kenrokuen by Shirakawa Rakuo (Matsudaira Sadanobu).
Since then, many domain lords have continued to expand and improve it, and to this day it remains a beloved cultural symbol of Kanazawa.
● Access
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0937
- Official Website: Kenrokuen (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Google Maps: Kenrokuen
- Access by train and bus: From Kanazawa Station, it takes approximately 15 minutes by bus to reach Kenrokuen.
Mitsukejima Island
● Appeal
Mitsukejima Island, also called “Gunkanjima” (Battleship Island) due to its distinctive battleship-like shape, is an uninhabited island located in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and serves as an iconic symbol of the Noto region. This unique rocky formation stands 28 meters tall and is famous for its distinctive appearance. The sunrise from Mitsukejima and its nighttime illumination are particularly famous, offering visitors a must-see spectacular view.
On clear days, the distant mountains of the Northern Alps can be seen, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshing natural beauty. The “Enmusu-beach” bell of romantic ties on the shore is also beloved by many couples. Mitsukejima received TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” in both 2017 and 2018, with its charm highly rated both domestically and internationally.
● History
The name Mitsukejima derives from the legend that it was the first island spotted by the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) when he traveled from Sado Island to this region. It is also said to be the island that the deity Kashiwarabara-hiko first discovered when visiting this land.
Historically revered as an object of faith, this island once had a nearby rock called “Kojima” (small island), which was lost due to Typhoon No. 19. Geologically, it is formed from sedimentary structures of mudstone and diatomaceous mudstone from the late Miocene epoch of the Neogene period. The 1993 Noto Peninsula offshore earthquake and a 2024 earthquake caused changes to its shape. In particular, the 2024 earthquake was reported to have partially altered the island’s “Battleship Island” appearance.
● Access
- Public Transportation: From Kanazawa Station West Exit, Anamizu Station, or Noto Satoyama Airport, take the Hokutetsu Oku-Noto Bus Suzu Express Line or Suzu-Ushitsu Express Line, and get off at “Suzu Ukai” or “Minami Ukai” bus stop.
- By Car: Approximately 40 minutes from Noto Satoyama Airport.
- Parking: Free parking for approximately 200 vehicles (Mitsuke Park Parking)
- Official Website: Mitsukejima – Suzu City Official Website
- Google Maps: Mitsukejima