About Ishikawa

Nestled along the Sea of Japan coast, Ishikawa Prefecture is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship, historic charm, and stunning natural beauty. The region's crown jewel is Kanazawa, often called 'Little Kyoto' for its remarkably preserved Edo-period districts like the Nagamachi Samurai District and the geisha quarters of Higashi Chaya. Here, you'll find Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, offering breathtaking seasonal displays. Ishikawa is a haven for artisans, renowned for its Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing, Kutani porcelain, and Wajima lacquerware. Beyond the city, the Noto Peninsula juts into the sea with dramatic coastlines, tranquil fishing villages, and the unique 'Senmaida' (thousand rice paddies) terraces. The prefecture is also a culinary destination, celebrated for its fresh seafood from the bountiful Sea of Japan, including snow crab and yellowtail, and its high-quality Koshihikari rice. From the spiritual atmosphere of the 1,300-year-old Natadera Temple to the modern art installations at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Ishikawa offers a profound journey into both Japan's past and its vibrant present.

Major Hub

Visit Official Website

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Make original accessories with Mizuhiki, experience Kanazawa's traditional craft

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八幡屋

八幡屋, 古殿須賀川線, Bohata, Ishikawa, 963-7801, Japan

旅館喜楽亭

旅館喜楽亭, National Highway Route 349, 大字竹貫, Furudono, 963-8399, Japan

鏡石第一ホテル

鏡石第一ホテル, 下松本鏡石停車場線, 岡ノ内, Kagamiishi, 969-0401, Japan

岩瀬牧場

岩瀬牧場, 須賀川矢吹線, 成田東, Sukagawa, 969-0402, Japan

割烹旅館鏡石館

割烹旅館鏡石館, 下松本鏡石停車場線, 岡ノ内, Kagamiishi, 969-0401, Japan

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Travel Tips for Ishikawa

Getting Around

The JR Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Kanazawa to Tokyo and Osaka. Within Ishikawa, the JR Hokuriku Main Line and IR Ishikawa Railway serve major areas. Buses are essential, especially for the Noto Peninsula; consider the 'CAN Bus' pass for tourists in Kanazawa. Taxis are plentiful and reliable. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Noto Peninsula's remote coastal areas and villages. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and JapanTravel by NAVITIME. Bicycles are a great way to explore Kanazawa's flat city center.

Best Time To Visit

April to May (Spring) and October to November (Autumn). Spring offers mild weather and stunning cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen Garden. Autumn provides crisp air and vibrant fall foliage, also spectacular in the gardens. These seasons avoid the heavy snows of winter (Dec-Feb), which, while beautiful, can limit travel, and the humid, rainy summer (Jun-Aug), though summer features lively festivals.

Local Customs

Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns (ryokan), and some temples/restaurants. Be quiet and respectful in temples and gardens. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion; excellent service is standard. When visiting onsens (hot springs), wash thoroughly before entering the bath and do not wear swimsuits. It is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisōsama deshita' after. When handing over money or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect.

Safety Information

Ishikawa is extremely safe with very low crime rates. Standard precautions for personal belongings are sufficient. The Noto Peninsula region is still recovering from the 2024 earthquake; travelers should check official sources for any access restrictions to specific areas. Be cautious of seasonal weather: heavy snowfall in winter can disrupt travel, and typhoons may affect the coast in late summer/autumn. There are no specific areas to avoid, but always be respectful in temples and traditional districts. Scams targeting tourists are very rare.

Health Information

Japan has an excellent healthcare system. In Ishikawa, major hospitals like Kanazawa University Hospital offer high-standard care. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines should be up-to-date. Tap water is safe to drink. Be aware of pollen allergies in spring. For minor issues, visit a clinic ('shinryōsho') or pharmacy ('yakkyoku'). Pharmacists can advise on over-the-counter medicines, though some common Western drugs may not be available.

Languages Spoken

Japanese

Quick Facts

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)
¥

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+81

Electricity

Type A, B; 100V, 50/60Hz (60Hz in Kanazawa)
Socket types →

Driving Side

Left

Population

1.12 million

Area

4185.32 km²

Government

Prefectural government with a governor and a prefectural assembly

ISO Code

JP-15

Emergency Contacts

Police

110

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Tourist Police

Also known as: Isikava prefektúra, JP-17, Ishikawa, Prefektura Ishikawa, Prefectura de Ishikawa, Prefeitura de Ishikawa, いしかわけん, 이시카와현, Префектура Ісікава, Prefettura di Ishikawa, Prefektur Ishikawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Исикава, Ishikawa-ken, Präfektur Ishikawa, 石川県, 石川县, Préfecture d'Ishikawa, إيشيكاوا, prefektura Išikawa, 170003, 石川縣, NTQ, Vadzima, Vađima, Wajima, Wajima-shi, Wajimazakimachi, Wazima, Wazima-chhi, Wazima-chhī, lun dao, lun dao qi ding, lun dao shi, wajima si, wajyma, wajyma ayshykawa, Вадзима, Вадзіма, Вађима, Ваҷима, واجيما, واجیما، ایشیکاوا, 輪島, 輪島崎町, 輪島市, 와지마 시

About Ishikawa

Things to do in Ishikawa

Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide

Takayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by professional photographer

Photoshoot session by professional photographer in Kanazawa

Kanazawa private half day/Photoshoot by professional photographer

Private Tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa (Half Day)

Kanazawa Sushi-Making Experience

Kanazawa Machiya: Private Tea Ceremony with a Local Tea Master

Kanazawa Full Day Private Tour to Top Highlights with Local Guide

Private transfer Kanazawa to Takayama Including Shirakawago

Colors of Kanazawa (Traditional Crafts and Gardens)

Try Mindful Calligraphy Near Kanazawa's Ninja Temple

Noto peninsula 1 day/Photoshoot with professional photographer

Your Fully Private Kanazawa Tour

Kanazawa Art : Long Tradition of Potter's Wheel Experience