Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
August 24, 2026
Ishikawa Prefecture has a unique shape, resembling an arm stretching out towards the Sea of Japan. In the south lies the Kaga area, centered around Kanazawa, where the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town remains strong. On the other hand, in the north is the Noto Peninsula, a long, narrow peninsula jutting out into the Sea of Japan, boasting beautiful coastlines, terraced rice fields, fishing ports, and other abundant natural attractions. In recent years, Ishikawa Prefecture has become increasingly popular with those who want to enjoy a relaxed trip, as it is less crowded than Kyoto or Osaka and has a wide range of accommodations. This article will provide detailed information on Ishikawa Prefecture, from basic information to popular tourist spots in Kanazawa, driving routes on the Noto Peninsula, local cuisine, and even recommended luxury accommodations.
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Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, on the Sea of Japan side, in the Hokuriku region, and together with Toyama and Fukui Prefectures, it is known as one of the "Three Hokuriku Prefectures."
The prefectural capital is Kanazawa City, with a population of approximately 110 million. It's a travel destination of just the right size for a leisurely 3-5 day trip.
Kanazawa
It is the central city of Ishikawa Prefecture and flourished as a castle town of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain.
Many popular tourist spots, such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Higashi Chaya District, are concentrated in this area.
Kaga area (southern part)
Located south of Kanazawa, the area boasts numerous hot spring resorts, including Kaga Onsenkyo, Yamanaka Onsen, Katayamazu Onsen, and Natadera Temple.
Noto area (northern part)
The Noto Peninsula, stretching from Hakui City to Suzu City, boasts a rich natural landscape including beautiful coastlines, terraced rice fields, fishing ports, and Wakura Onsen hot springs.
Kanazawa suffered little damage from air raids during World War II, and its Edo-period streetscape has been preserved in good condition to this day.
Furthermore, Ishikawa Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan, is rich in seafood, and its winter delicacies, such as Kanou crab and Koubako crab, are famous and attract food connoisseurs from all over the country.
Furthermore, many of Japan's most representative traditional crafts, such as gold leaf, Kutani ware, and Wajima lacquerware, are still being passed down through generations.
This is a renowned garden in Ishikawa Prefecture, known as one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
Built over approximately 200 years by successive lords of the Kaga Domain, the gardens cover a vast area of about 11.4 hectares.
In spring, approximately 400 cherry trees adorn the garden; in summer, fresh greenery; in autumn, vibrant autumn leaves; and in winter, the famous "yukitsuri" (snow-covered trees) add color to the garden.
This is a historical park located right next to Kenrokuen Garden.
With the Ishikawa Gate, Hishiyagura Tower, and Gojukkengaya (Fifty-Ken Long House) all restored, and the diverse array of stone walls on display, it is also known as the "Museum of Stone Walls."
This is the most famous teahouse district in Kanazawa.
The streetscape, lined with traditional townhouses featuring wooden latticework, has been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Many people stroll around in kimonos, and gold leaf specialty shops and gold leaf soft serve ice cream are also popular.
This is a circular contemporary art museum designed by architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
His most representative work is "Swimming Pool" by Leandro Erlich.
From above, it looks like an ordinary swimming pool, but once you step inside, you'll have a不思議な experience as if you were underwater.
It's known as "Kanazawa's kitchen," with a history of approximately 300 years.
The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan, including crab in winter and sweet shrimp and winter yellowtail throughout the year.
There are also many popular seafood rice bowl restaurants within the market.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary temple, but inside there are many hidden staircases, trapdoors, and secret passages.
It is believed to have been built by the Kaga Domain for defensive purposes and is affectionately known as the "Ninja Temple."
*Advance reservations are recommended for tours.
This facility commemorates Daisetsu Suzuki, a Buddhist philosopher from Kanazawa.
The building was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, and features a tranquil space centered around a water-reflection garden.
This is a relaxing spot where you can sit back, take your time, and enjoy some contemplation.
*Due to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, some roads, tourist facilities, and accommodations are still undergoing restoration work. Please check the latest information before you go.
The Noto Peninsula, which juts out into the Sea of Japan, was designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2011.
The traditional way of life, where the mountains and the sea coexist, is still passed down today.
Located in Hakui City, this is the only coastal road in Japan where you can drive a regular car on the sandy beach.
The beach is approximately 8km long, and its fine-grained sand makes it difficult for cars to sink, so even regular vehicles can drive on it.
At sunset, you can enjoy a spectacular drive while gazing at the Sea of Japan and the sandy beach.
It's also a popular gateway to sightseeing on the Noto Peninsula.
Located in Hakui City, this is the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Noto Province, a venerable shrine with a history of approximately 2,000 years since its founding.
The main hall is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
It is also famous as a shrine for matchmaking, and the primeval forest known as the "Forbidden Forest" is carefully protected as a sacred area.
This is a hot spring resort located in Nanao City, boasting a history of approximately 1,200 years since its opening.
Known as a hot spring resort town with spectacular views overlooking Nanao Bay, it is characterized by its salty spring waters.
The view of Noto Island and Nanao Bay from the bath is a unique charm of Wakura Onsen.
This is a representative winter delicacy of Ishikawa Prefecture.
There are male "Kano-gani" and female "Kobako-gani," and Kobako-gani is a rare delicacy that can only be enjoyed during a limited period from November to the end of December.
Kanazawa is known throughout Japan for having some of the highest quality sushi.
One of its attractions is that you can enjoy authentic sushi at a relatively more reasonable price than in Tokyo.
There are many popular shops in the Omicho Market and the surrounding Katamachi area.
This is a representative local dish of Kanazawa.
Duck meat coated in flour and vegetables are simmered in a thick broth and served with wasabi.
This is a brand of Wagyu beef that Ishikawa Prefecture is proud of.
Because it is produced in small quantities and is difficult to find outside the prefecture, it is an ingredient that you should definitely enjoy at accommodations or BBQs.
Kanazawa accounts for approximately 98% of the nation's gold leaf production.
While gold leaf soft serve ice cream is famous, it is also widely used in lacquerware, traditional Japanese sweets, cosmetics, and more.
This luxury glamping facility boasts a location offering stunning views of the Sea of Japan.
During the day, you can enjoy the blue sea, and at night, you can enjoy a magical time surrounded by the sound of waves and moonlight.
For dinner, you can enjoy Noto beef steak, grilled live abalone, and BBQ using local ingredients.
Located on the western side of the Noto Peninsula, this glamping facility accepts only three groups per day.
The hotel boasts a variety of attractive services, including amber-colored natural hot springs, a private BBQ area, and complimentary drinks and ice cream.
For dinner, you can fully enjoy local ingredients such as a seasonal sashimi platter, Noto pufferfish, matsutake mushroom chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), and BBQ.
Kanazawa has an extensive network of sightseeing buses, so you can easily enjoy your trip using only public transportation.
While Kaga Onsenkyo is accessible by express train, renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore the Noto Peninsula.
Yes.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, is popular with children, and the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway offers the unique experience of driving on the sandy beach.
BBQ and campfires at glamping facilities are also recommended for family trips.
A recommended plan is to stay 1-2 nights in Kanazawa city to enjoy sightseeing, and then spend one night at a hot spring inn or glamping facility.
The charm of Ishikawa Prefecture lies in the fact that you can have a variety of experiences in one trip, from historic townscapes dating back to the Edo period, to fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, hot springs with a history of over 1,200 years, and even the only scenic road in Japan where you can drive on the sandy beach.
Beyond sightseeing in Kanazawa, venturing further to the Noto Peninsula and Wakura Onsen will allow you to experience Ishikawa Prefecture's unique nature and culture more deeply.
For your next trip to the Hokuriku region, why not enjoy the history, stunning scenery, hot springs, and delicious food of Ishikawa Prefecture?
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
