Ishikawa
For the month of October we are focusing solely on Ishikawa, breaking down the 3 parts of the prefecture: Kanazawa, Noto Peninsula and Kaga & Hakusan along with a super unique ryokan suggestion.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a destination packed with culture and history with no shortage of things to do, and we want to highlight several experiences we recommend while visiting this region. Beginning with Kanazawa's own Geisha district, Higashi Chaya; its ambience retains a rich historical feel as many of the buildings such as cafes and shops were constructed over 200 years ago. Along with geiko teahouses, visitors can also stop by craft shops like Gold Leaf Workshop, a signature craft of Kanazawa, where visitors can try applying real gold leaf to plates, chopsticks and jewelry boxes. Nearby in the Nagamachi Samurai District, Samurai culture lives on today in what was once the residential district for the city’s samurai. Old meets new with the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art where Ishikawa's creative culture flows through into the present day and is just a few steps from Kenrokuen Garden. Referred to as the greatest landscape garden of Japan, visitors can appreciate the charm of every season. At the Kanazawa Castle Park the spectacular structures and stone walls show the Kaga Domain's massive wealth and the park provides wonderful cherry blossom viewing in the spring. The castle’s inner garden, Gyokuseninmaru, is a great place to enjoy tea and sweets in a traditional teahouse.
Noto Peninsula
At the northern tip of Ishikawa lies the Noto Peninsula, home to a stunning array of natural wonders. One of the most well known is the Senmaida Rice Terraces where the terraces stretch on the hill side along the coast, creating a breathtaking ocean view. At the Koke no Sato Moss Garden in Hiyo, the entire rural village rests on a giant, verdant moss garden that has been cultivated for generations. For a different kind of picturesque experience, visit the Wajima Morning Market where locals have been doing their daily grocery shopping for over 1,000 years.
Kaga & Hakusan
The southern part of Ishikawa is defined by geothermal hot springs, majestic mountains, and the Sea of Japan. The ultimate hot springs experience takes place in Kaga Onsen which encompasses four hot-spring villages, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu. Each has its own distinct character and various accommodation options. Nearby the, 2,700-meter-high Mt. Hakusan has been a destination for ascetic worship since ancient times and is open to climbers during the summer. In winter, Hakusan becomes a destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. While at the Natadera Temple, a temple for the worship of nature, dramatic cliffs tower over unique temple buildings and serene gardens.
Ryokan Feature: Lamp no Yado
For those who are looking for a very off the beaten path experience look no further than Lamp no Yado, a ryokan located at the very tip of Noto Peninsula. To add to the immersive experience, each room is traditional Japanese style and has a private bath to take in the scenery (this is after all, why you make the trek there). The food is also traditional and the local Noto beef is a must try. While not relaxing in the private baths or sampling the delicious cuisine, a visit to the nearby salt farm on Noto Peninsula is a must in order to witness the same traditional method that has been carried out for 500 years to harvest salt from the seawater.