Ishikawa Prefecture offers tourist attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Wakura Onsen Hot Springs, and Hakusan Mountain; sightseeing events such as doll memorial services, Sanno Festival, and exorcisms; and local delicacies such as kintsuba (sweet made from wheat flour), jibu-ni (stewed vegetables), and Kanazawa curry.
Ishikawa is a prefecture in the Hokuriku region, with the central part bordering Honshu (mainland Japan) and the northern part bordering the Sea of Japan, and is long and narrow in shape from north to south. The northern part of the prefecture juts out into the Sea of Japan as the Noto Peninsula, and thus has a long coastline. The topography of Ishikawa Prefecture differs greatly between the northern and southern parts of the prefecture. The Noto Peninsula, where mountains formed by volcanic and sedimentary rocks spread out, has sea cliffs along its coastline.
On the other hand, the southern part of the prefecture is covered by the Ryohaku Mountains, including the 2,702-meter-high Hakusan Mountain Range, and alluvial plains. In this way, Ishikawa is a prefecture where one can enjoy different landscapes in different regions.
Ishikawa Prefecture was once the Kaga domain ruled by the Maeda family, and the prosperity of the Kaga domain, known as "Kaga Hyakumangoku," can be felt here. Kenrokuen Garden, designated by the national government as a special place of scenic beauty, is a kaiyu rinsen-style garden where visitors can enjoy a tour around the garden, and is considered one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.
There are many sightseeing spots with old townscapes such as Higashi Chaya-gai, Shukkei-cho, and Nishi Chaya-gai, where you can walk around and feel the atmosphere of the old days.
The path of meditation on the mountain, which was built for the purpose of being used as a defensive camp, has temples of various religious sects, making it an enjoyable stroll for those who are interested in shrines and temples.
Hakubine Hot Springs at the foot of Mt. Hakubine, Tsurusenkei Hot Springs where you can enjoy strange rocks and monstrous stones, Yamanaka Hot Springs where you can see the Saiishigamo, and Shiga-no-Sato Hot Springs in the center of the Noto Peninsula where you can enjoy a view of the Japan Sea. Ishikawa is also a great place to enjoy food.
Ishikawa is also a prefecture with many culinary delights. Bura sushi, which is yellowtail sandwiched between green turnips and fermented with rice malt, koro-kaki (persimmon), and pickled puffer fish eggs, which are made by pickling the ovaries of puffer fish, are some of the specialties of Ishikawa Prefecture. Also, enjoy traditional Kanazawa cuisine, such as jibe-ni (stewed in a pot with a small piece of meat), kara-mushi (steamed sea bream), and gori ryori, which is a traditional dish of Kanazawa, a town that developed as a castle town.
Kanazawa City, which developed wagashi through the culture of the tea ceremony, is known as a production center of wagashi, as are Kyoto and Matsue, where you can see delicate wagashi produced by traditional craftsmen.
The museum is like a park where anyone can drop in. The museum's concept is to provide a place where visitors can feel familiar with contemporary art and encounter it in a variety of ways. The word "contemporary art" may sound esoteric to some, but here you can actually see, touch, and feel many exhibits, including Leandro Erlich's "Swimming Pool" (also known as "Leandro's Pool"). Visitors can en...»
There are only three natural driveways in the world where you can drive on the sandy beach.It is about 8 kilometers long, and can be driven on the beach by bus, motorcycle, or bicycle. The secret lies in the size of the sand, with each grain measuring approximately 0.2 mm.Each grain of sand is about 0.2 millimeters in diameter. The same size of fine sand contains seawater, which hardens and tight...»
Kenrokuen Garden is a beautiful garden known as one of the three best gardens in Japan. The vast grounds are dotted with mountains, ponds, teahouses, and other features that allow visitors to enjoy a variety of landscapes. The garden is decorated with natural beauty from season to season, and the snow hanging in winter is especially famous as a Kanazawa tradition. The garden is illuminated at n...»
This is a historical townscape with many traditional townhouses built from the time of the establishment of the teahouse district to the early Meiji period (1868-1912). The beautifully designed deogoshi (latticework) and cobblestone-paved streets are full of taste, and the area has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. ...»
Hakusan is one of the three sacred mountains of Japan and is also known as a mountain of flowers. At the foot of the mountain, beautiful flower fields spread out, attracting climbers. The scenery is truly worthy of being called a "mountain of flowers. Visitors can also enjoy mystical experiences such as the sea of clouds at sunset, the sunrise from the summit, and worship at the inner shrine of ...»
The temple Myoritsu-ji is also commonly known as "Ninja Temple" because of its unique architectural structure and secret tricks used to deceive the enemy. In fact, there were no ninjas involved; the name derives from the temple's architectural structure. When Maeda Toshiie entered Kanazawa Castle in 1583 during the Warring States period, the temple was built as a prayer hall for his political ph...»
Kanazawa's Nagamachi area, which was once the castle town of the Kaga Hyakumangoku clan, was inhabited by samurai during the Kaga Domain era, and is lined with samurai residences. The stone pavements and earthen walls of the old days still remain, and among them is the Nomura family's samurai residence, which is open to the public. The Nomura family's residence is a perfect combination of a pres...»
The quiet Nagamachi area was once home to middle-class samurai of Kanazawa, the castle town of Kaga Hyakumangoku, and is lined with samurai residences. The old castle town scenery still remains, with its earthen walls, stone-paved alleyways, nagaya-mon gates with samurai windows, choji-ji streets, and cul-de-sacs. Komogake," which protects earthen walls from snow, and Onosho Waterworks are also ...»
Located in a corner of Kaga Onsen-kyo, Yamanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history. Surrounded by mountains, the hot spring town also offers a rural mountain atmosphere with its natural mountains, valleys, and rivers. The town is lined with inns along the Daishoji River valley and other areas. Yamanaka Onsen Attractions Yamanaka Onsen, literally "in the mountains," is an area with ...»
This is a place where the atmosphere of the Kiriko Festival is recreated, so you can feel the festival atmosphere anytime you want. The large kirikos used in Noto's kiriko festival are on display, and their power is sure to overwhelm you. The kiriko, a fusion of tradition and aesthetics, is a fascinating symbol of Noto. A Fantastic World of Festival Enjoy the kiriko with screen images and aeri...»
Kanazawa Castle Park is one of Japan's representative early modern castles and a symbol of Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa Castle Park was built on the ruins of Kanazawa Castle, the former residence of the Kaga Clan, and is attractive for its historical buildings and abundant nature. Restored historical buildings such as the Hishi Yagura (water chestnut turret), Gojyumen Nagaya (row houses), and H...»
Awazu Onsen is the oldest hot spring resort in Hokuriku, and is said to have been founded by Taicho Daishi, a high priest and founder of Mt. Awazu Onsen boasts a history of 1,300 years since its opening. The "Oshobe love story" handed down from the Edo period (1603-1867) in Awazu Onsen is a tale of great love between a young man and woman. As a result, many lovers have visited the area. A hot sp...»
A powerful experience! Travel back in time to the world of dinosaurs starting with Tyrannosaurus. There are many fun exhibits such as a 28-meter-long full skeletal specimen of theropod Diplodocus, a realistic robot of Tyrannosaurus, a diorama of the dinosaur era, and a multi-theater. Fossil Treasure Trove The local city of Hakusan is home to the "silicified wood production area in the Tedori Ri...»
Yamanaka Onsen offers a peaceful townscape where nature, history, and culture are in harmony. In particular, Yuge Kaido, located in the center of the town, is lined with numerous gallery stores, cafes, and eateries featuring Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani pottery, many of which are unique and appealing. The street is a 600-meter main street that runs from Hasebe Shrine, the founder of the hot s...»
This public bathhouse features an elegant Tenpyo-style structure. It stands on the site where a yuzaya has been built since the discovery of hot spring water, and the men's and women's baths are located adjacent to each other in separate buildings. The men's bath is a massive Tenpyo-style building with a waist-deep bathtub. On the other hand, the women's bath is a gorgeous, gracefully curved stru...»
Tsuki-Usagi no Sato (Moon Rabbit Village), themed on the legend of the Moon Rabbit of Kaga, is a healing space that makes you feel as if you have wandered into Peter Rabbit's world. More than 50 cute rabbits of about 10 different species are free-ranging in the plaza, and their adorable appearance will soothe your heart. Cuddle time is available for visitors to touch the fluffy rabbits (for a fe...»
Mitsukejima is a chalk island with a circumference of 400 meters and a height of 28 meters, with large rocks towering over the island as if a warship were coming toward it. Known as the symbol of Noto, this island is said to have been found by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) when he went there to proselytize, and the name Mitsukejima comes from the meaning "found. It is also called "Gunkanjima" or "Mitsukes...»
Hakusan, one of the three most famous mountains in Japan and one of the three sacred mountains of Japan, has long been a mountain coveted by the people of the capital. Hakusan Hime Shrine is the head shrine of the approximately 3,000 Hakusan shrines in Japan, and is known locally as "Shirayama-san," the first shrine in Kaga Province. The sacred deity Shirayama-hime-no-ohkami, also known as Kukur...»
About 180 stores line the narrow lanes, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables and fruits. You can get seafood such as nodoguro (Pacific bluefin tuna) and locally caught amaebi (sweet shrimp). The highly reputed kaisen-don (seafood bowl) is especially well known for the size and taste of its ingredients. While enjoying local gourmet food made from local ingredients, ...»
This aviation-themed museum is located on the north side of Komatsu Airport. Here, 17 aircraft from small planes to jet fighters are on display. The history of aircraft, their mechanisms, and the principles of flight are explained in an easy-to-understand manner using models, videos, panels, and wind tunnels. An aviation experience for both adults and children Visitors can experience what it fe...»
The Ninja Weapons Museum in Nishi Chaya-gai, Kanazawa, houses about 160 valuable ninja weapons of 50 different types, including shurikens, chain weapons, and armor. Visitors are intrigued by their unique design and function!At the "Shuriken Experience" corner, visitors can try their hand at ninja techniques. In the souvenir store, you will find a variety of attractive items such as imitation swo...»
"Kanazawa curry" is very distinctive as it is made with caramel, and is blackish and very thick. Its sweet and rich flavor is very popular not only among the locals but throughout Japan. The curry is served in a Kanazawa style - curry in a stainless plate, and served with a folk or spork. There are several rules of Kanazawa curry - there are always shredded cabbage on the side, and rice is fully c...»
Hodatsushimizu City in Ishikawa Prefecture is where a French cook, Shigeo Kitahashi was born, and "Hodatsushimizu omu rice" was developed as a new local food after him. There are many different types of omu rice served at each restaurant such as "omu udon" made with udon noodles, "ishiyaki bibimpap" at a Korean BBQ restaurant, "omu maki" wrapped with eggs from a sushi restaurant, and many other va...»
"Komatsu udon" used to be presented as a gift of the Kaga Domain in the old times, and it was also praised by a haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, when Jinsei presented it to Basho. It is a local dish from Komatsu City in Ishikawa Prefecture that has a long history of over 300 years. The noodles are kneaded with river-bed water from the sacred mountain of Hakusan and light colored transparent dashi set off...»
Kabura Sushi is a kind of “Nare Sushi” made with salted buri wrapped with salted kabu (turnips) then pickled in kouji (amazake). Kabura Sushi has been one of the preserved foods of winter in Kanazawa. Each home has its own recipe, and some uses mackerels as well. “History of Kanazawa City (people’s daily life edition)” describes about the delicacy dishes for guests in the New Year as “Namako, kono...»
Kobako Kani-don is a popular local rice-bowl dish served with plenty of “eggs” known as sotoko (fertilised eggs) and uchiko (ovaries) of snow crabs. Not only because sotoko and uchiko are available from female crabs, but also because the fishing season is limited to only one month of the year, they are extremely popular delicacy of the area, and Kobako Kani-don is the recommended dish to fully enj...»
"Kanikouraage" is a local dish of Ishikawa Prefecture, also known for the famous "Kano gani (crabs)" which was invented by a request "any unique dish for winter?" This is a delicacy of a deep-fried whole crab of its shell and filling in it, and the harmony of its savory aroma of the deep-fried shell and the juicy filling is very enjoyable. There are various kinds of dishes served at a restaurant i...»
"Shio Yakisoba, a local delicacy of Komatsu City" born with an idea of the fried noodles "chamen" from China 60 years ago. It is made with lots of local vegetables such as crispy moyashi, negi, and carrots with thick noodles developed jointly with a noodle making factory "Nakaishi Foods." It is seasoned simply with salt, thus has a very rich flavor of each ingredient with a savory aroma. Some peop...»
Tsurugi TKGY is a rice dish invented by the youth group of the Tsurugi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote the town by using its local products such as rice, water and shoyu. Tsurugi TKGY was named by taking the first letter of "Tamago Kake Gohan Yaki." As the names says this dish is a grilled version of tamago kake gohan with a savory aroma, or yakionigiri in a new style. There are three ...»
This dish was imported from overseas to Kaga Domain through Nagasaki, and made of snappers from the local with "unohana" stuffed inside the snappers. Unohana is made of okara, shredded lotus roots, carrots, burdocks, ginnan, cloud ear mushrooms and hempseeds all together simmered in dashi, sake, sugar and soy sauce. Unohana by itself is a delicacy dish, but it becomes even more delicate stuffed in...»
That I say secret ingredient of the local food made with only the part of Noto-hanto "Ishiru no kaiyaki" by a word, fish sauce. Internal organs of sardine and squid are salted, and one summer season can be imposed, and the one I made fermented naturally is boiled down and it's made. Something "to be here and know, shellfish baking" uses a shell of scallop instead of a pot, and to eat while boiling...»
From the food culture which was blessed with seafoods and mountain products also was introduced from a continent and every region of the country, physical distribution, they gather, you say that Kaga's food culture was made with "geographical advantage". When hearing "Kaga dish", I also have "luxurious dish of" Kaga Hyakumangoku a luxury image, but it's the taste of the democratic local food and t...»