Prefecture
Ishikawa Prefecture is a prefecture in the Hokuriku region facing the Sea of Japan, known as a tourist destination where the history of the one-million-koku Kaga Domain coexists with abundant nature and refined traditional culture. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has improved access from Tokyo, and the prefecture continues to attract travelers from both Japan and abroad.
Ishikawa Prefecture is dotted with sightseeing spots that symbolize the castle town of Kanazawa, including Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, and Kanazawa Castle Park, the former residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. On the Noto Peninsula, you will find numerous spots that capture the breathtaking scenery of the Sea of Japan and the charm of fishing villages, such as the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces stretching down to the coastline and the city of Wajima with its traditional morning market.
In terms of history and culture, the streetscapes of the feudal era, including the Higashi Chaya District, Kazuemachi Chaya District, and Nagamachi Samurai District, are still carefully preserved. Traditional crafts such as Kutani Ware, Kaga Yuzen, Wajima Lacquerware, and Kanazawa Gold Leaf are also nationally renowned. Together with the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, where you can enjoy modern art, Ishikawa is a place where you can experience both old and new culture.
Gourmet food is another major attraction of Ishikawa Prefecture. You can enjoy a culinary culture unique to the Hokuriku region, including nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and Kano snow crab landed in the Sea of Japan, fresh seafood bowls and sushi at Omicho Market, and Kaga cuisine represented by Jibu-ni stew and Kabura-zushi. Famous hot spring resorts such as Wakura Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Yamashiro Onsen are also scattered throughout the prefecture, making it the perfect destination for a journey of hot springs and fine dining.
A route for first-time visitors to Kanazawa, with how long each stop takes, lunch at Omicho Market, and bus or taxi rides between them.
The Loop Bus serves Kanazawa's main sights and local buses the wider city. Learn each step from boarding to getting off, and how to pay.
Katamachi is Kanazawa's largest nightlife district. Izakaya, kappo and bars line its main street and the drinking alleys behind it.
Omicho Market is a 300-year-old market in central Kanazawa, selling Sea of Japan seafood, Kaga vegetables, sake and local street food.
Kanazawa Castle was home to the Maeda lords for 300 years. Tour Edo-era gates, huge stone walls, rebuilt wooden turrets and a lord's garden.
Kenrokuen is a strolling garden in Kanazawa, built by the Maeda lords. Its name means a garden that unites six contrasting sceneries.
Oyama Shrine honors Maeda Toshiie, founder of Kanazawa. See its rare Japanese-Chinese-Western gate, lit up at night, near Kenrokuen Garden.
In Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya District is a preserved 200-year-old geisha quarter, now home to craft shops, gold leaf, and matcha cafes.
One of Kanazawa's three chaya districts, Kazuemachi keeps lattice-lined alleys, Kuragari-zaka and Akari-zaka slopes, and teahouse dining.
Myoryuji, Kanazawa's Ninja Temple, hides traps, secret stairs, and lookouts built by the Kaga clan. Visit by guided reservation tour.
Nishi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's three historic teahouse districts, home to sweets shops, cafes, dining, and a free museum.
Nishi Chaya Museum in Kanazawa's geisha district has a recreated teahouse room and exhibits on Taisho author Shimada Seijiro. Free entry.
In Kanazawa's Nishi Chaya District, the Ninja Weapon Museum shows 160+ real ninja and samurai weapons. Throw shuriken and browse the shop.
Nagamachi in Kanazawa is the Kaga domain's preserved samurai quarter, with earthen-walled lanes, historic residences, gardens, and museums.
The Ashigaru Museum in Kanazawa's Nagamachi samurai district preserves two real homes of foot soldiers and shows how their families lived.
Takada Family Samurai Residence is a free site in Kanazawa's Nagamachi with a restored longhouse gate, servants' rooms, and a stroll garden.
A free rest house in Kanazawa's Nagamachi samurai district, with restrooms, tourist maps, volunteer guides, and a local history exhibit.
A Nagamachi garden built in 1894 by a former Kaga-clan samurai who longed for Kenrokuen, now open to the public in Kanazawa since 2025.
The Nagamachi residence of a Kaga-clan samurai family in Kanazawa, with an award-winning garden, a tearoom, and antique heirlooms.
In Kanazawa, this museum holds 9,000 heirlooms from one of the Kaga clan's top retainer families, founded by Toshiie's 2nd son.
A Michelin-starred museum in an 1878 merchant pharmacy, displaying Kaga wedding culture and crafts from Kanazawa's century-old shops.
Champion's Curry, founded in 1961, is one of the defining names in Kanazawa curry. This Omicho branch is in Omicho Market basement.
Komejirushi is a Japanese breakfast spot in Kanazawa, 1 min from Kanazawa Castle. Hagama-cooked Koshihikari rice with seasonal sides.