Top 26 things to do in Ishikawa according to TripAdvisor

Kanazawa, the main city in Ishikawa, is a popular place to visit especially after the Hokuriku Shinkansen was built. This Shinkansen takes you from Tokyo to Kanazawa in a mere 2.5 hours. In order to enjoy Ishikawa to its fullest, I suggest taking 2 or 3 days to go sightseeing and eat all the delicious seafood they have to offer as well. Here are the top 26 things to do when visiting Ishikawa prefecture.

Kenroku-en

This garden is known as one of Japan’s three greatest gardens. It is also designated as a National Treasure. Enjoy the different features of each season in this garden where man-made beauty and nature exist in remarkable harmony.

Mitsukejima Island

Mitsukejima Island is called the Holy Land for Lovers where it’s said that love can blossom if the Matchmaking Bell on the shore is rung and a wish is made. The romantic scene of the morning sun rising is also popular.

Shiroyone Senmaida

Shiroyone Senmaida is a beautiful scene of ancient terraced rice paddies with the Sea of Japan in the background. The land is considered to be the holy for Japanese agriculture and even now rice is still raised there using ancient methods.

Kanazawa Chaya Districts

Tea houses, where visitors can enjoy the company of “geisha”, were established in the Chaya (tea house) districts since the Edo period. That tradition is still alive today in these picture-perfect districts with their historical buildings.

Ninjadera

Myoryuji Temple is known by the nickname Ninjadera. The tense historical background of this valuable building can be felt in the unique traps and mechanisms set for the Shogunate army.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Chirihama beach, facing the Sea of Japan, is a beach where cars can drive right to the edge of the surf. You can enjoy an exhilarating drive on the straight 8 km beach, the only place in Japan where you can do so.

Omicho Market

Ishikawa Prefecture is blessed with an abundance of seafood. Omicho Market famous in Japan as a place you can get your hands on some hard to- get fresh fish. Walk around and try some of the seasonal food in this lively market.

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle was constructed using various traditional techniques. Because it was a wooden building , it was repeatedly burned down and rebuilt. Even now it is a famous castle being passed down to future generations as a historical cultural asset.

Notojima Aquarium

An aquarium where you can really see the animals of the sea up close. There are numerous enjoyable features such as shows and feeding time, along with displays of unique fish only found around Notojima Island. The whale shark swimming in the huge water tank is incredible!

Wajima Morning Market

At Wajima Morning Market, considered to be one of the three top morning markets in Japan, 200 booths sell seafood, vegetables, and local traditional handicrafts including “Wajima-nuri” lacquerware. Wajima is in fact one of the famous areas in Japan for lacquerware.

Natadera Temple

Countless numbers of caves exist on the exposed rock wall. Natadera Temple is infused with a mysterious beauty, surrounded by the nature of the mountains, with features such as a garden with tall strangely shaped rocks and a main hall situated inside a cave.

Oyama Shrine

The unique design of the main gate of this historical shrine is impressive. It is a tourist spot where you can sense the rich history of Kanazawa.

Nagamachi

Narrow stone paved alleys with long ocher earthen walls continuing along the waterways. Nagamachi is a place where you can get a peek at the life of samurai in the Edo Era, and find yourself in the warrior district of those times.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

A famous new type of museum where you can experience art like playing in the park. Have fun in the huge “swimming pool,” the glass wall pavilion made using three primary colors, and much more!

Seisonkaku

Seisonkaku was built by Nariyasu Maeda for his mother. It is a villa filled with vibrant colors where you can feel his consideration for his mother built into the details. The beauty in even the smallest details is breathtaking.

Ubagataki Falls

The white ribbons of water flowing over the rock face are like that of an old woman’s unraveling of the hair. You can enjoy a walk in the midst of the mountain environment and enjoy a foot bath while viewing the waterfall.

Kaga Traditional Village Yunokuni No Mori

You can try your hand at the brilliant and first class traditional handicrafts of Kaga. They include “Kaga Yuzen” dyeing, “Kutani“ ware, “kinpaku” gold leaf application and lacquerware. Spend time amid the culture of Kaga, experience a tea ceremony and relax in an old traditional house.

The World’s Longest Bench

The 460.9m ultra long bench at Masuhogaura Beach was once registered as the World’s Longest Bench in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is also known as a famous spot to watch sunsets.

Noto Satoyama-Satoumi Train

A 33 km journey to enjoy the scenic ocean and countryside of the Noto Peninsula. You can enjoy the scenery as you travel leisurely through the area with a few occasional stops. On the “Yuttari” (Relaxing) Course, you can even enjoy sushi with some local brands of “sake”.

Ganmon

Ganmon is a Place of Scenic Beauty which represents Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park. The spectacular sight of this cave mouth formed from the rough seas is something to behold. You can enjoy walking or an excursion cruise in Ganmon Park.

Wakura Onsen

The 1200-year-old Wakura Onsen has a wealth of salts in this singular hot spring of the seas with its excellent waters which are effective for injuries and beautiful skin. You can enjoy the appeal of superb scenery looking out on the bay and wonderful dishes from the sea.

Kutaniyaki Art Museum

At the museum, you can fully enjoy the world of Kutaniyaki that has been in existence for 360 years. Precious Kokutani ware from around the 17th century to contemporary articles of rare beauty are on display here. And at the adjoining tea room, you can view a garden while enjoying Japanese or Chinese tea on Kutaniyaki ware.

Yamanoshita Temple Group

This is a temple group that was intentionally put together by the Daishoji clan with the 7 temples and 1 shrine bringing about an ancient atmosphere. Zensho-ji and Jissho-in Temples are open to the public, and at the former temple, you can see 517 arhat statues which were created in the closing years of the Edo Era.

Kutaniyaki Kiln Museum

You can see the remains of this kiln that has been brought down over the generations since its original construction in 1826 by Den’enmon Toyoda who had intended to revive the tradition of Kokutani pottery. In the main hall, famous Kutaniyaki works are displayed, and along with visitors being able to try painting and using the potter’s wheel, porcelain created by Kutaniyaki artists are also sold.

The Temporary Abode of Rosanjin: Iroha Souan

Calligrapher and ceramicist Rosanjin lived in this house for 6 months in 1915. It served as a cultural salon where tea masters, painters, writers and people interested in antiques gathered. Visitors can see Rosanjin’s workplace and study among other rooms.

Yamashiro Onsen Ko-Soyu

Yamashiro Onsen has a history of 1300 years, and a century ago, it was renovated into a public bathhouse. Not only the exterior but the interior was renewed with stained-glass windows and Kutaniyaki tiles. Day-trip visits to the onsen can also be enjoyed.

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