Explore Ishikawa: 19 Popular Sightseeing Spots

The Shirayone Senmaida rice terraces are a representative of Japan's first World Agricultural Heritage 'Noto Satoyama Satoumi'. Located on a steep slope facing the Sea of Japan, there are a total of 1,004 rice fields arranged in terraces. Each field is small in size and too narrow for farm machinery, so rice cultivation is done manually, just as it has been for generations. The seasonal beauty is a must-see, especially during the rice planting season when the landscape reflects on the water's surface and the shimmering ears of rice in the harvest season!

Omicho Market, which started in 1721 as the Maeda family's kitchen, has been bustling as a local market for about 300 years. Around 180 shops lined along narrow alleys sell a variety of products, including fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, vegetables, pickles, and sweets, with lively transactions taking place. Be sure to visit the 'Omicho Market Ichiba Hall' located within the market, which also features a food court. The seafood you can eat on-site is super fresh! Enjoy street food until you're full.

Kaga Traditional Crafts Village is a lush, 130,000 tsubo hilly area where magnificent traditional houses from the Edo and Meiji periods have been relocated. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of craft experiences, including authentic potter's wheel throwing, glass blowing, gold leaf application, maki-e technique, and making dorayaki filled with your preferred sweet bean paste, among more than 50 different activities. Why not create your own unique original piece as a memory of your trip? The area also offers a rich selection of souvenirs, featuring various traditional crafts such as Wajima lacquerware, Kutani pottery, and gold leaf crafts.

The 'Noto Kongo' coastline, part of the Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park, features rugged cliffs and dramatic waves. A highlight of this area is 'Ganmon', a natural rock formation that showcases a cave carved by the power of the Sea of Japan. The cave symbolizes the strength of the waves and the harsh nature of Noto. Sightseeing boats operate in the area, offering stunning views of the unique rock formations from the water. The cave created by the rough seas is a must-see!

The head shrine of approximately 3,000 Shirayama shrines across the country, dedicated to the sacred peak of Hakusan. The deity, Shirayama Hime, also known as Kukuri Hime, is said to be the goddess who ties bonds. The shrine grounds feature towering cedar and Asunaro trees that are over 1,000 years old, and visitors can freely draw water from the sacred spring of Hakusan. Don't forget to offer an 'enmusubi' ema for good connections. The shrine is located at the foot of Hakusan, worshipping the mountain as the sacred body.

A facility embodying the worldview of Daisetz Suzuki, a Buddhist philosopher from Kanazawa. Designed by the internationally renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the museum consists of three buildings: the entrance building, exhibition building, and contemplative space building, along with three gardens: the entrance garden, the mirror pond garden, and the corridor garden. It is intended not just as a place to appreciate writings and works, but as a space where visitors can learn about Daisetz Suzuki, engage in contemplation, and freely reflect.

A long bench measuring approximately 460.9 meters that overlooks Masuhoura Beach. The area around the bench is known as 'Sunset Hill in Masuhoura,' a famous spot for watching sunsets, created by around 830 volunteers inspired by local residents' wishes to enjoy the sunset over the Japan Sea. It has been recorded in the Guinness Book as 'The World's Longest Bench' since 1989. Enjoy the view of the sea right in front of you from the world's longest bench!

This geisha district was authorized by the Kaga clan in 1820 and is one of the three main tea districts in Kanazawa, alongside Higashi Chaya and Hashitate Chaya. Although it is smaller in scale compared to the other two, it is said to have the highest number of geishas. Strolling through the streets in the early evening, you may hear the sounds of shamisen and drums coming from behind the lattice doors. Don’t miss the Nishi Chaya Museum, where the famous Taisho-era author Seijiro Shimada spent his childhood.

Myoryuji Temple, also known as the 'Ninja Temple', was established in 1643 as a prayer site for the Kaga Domain on the orders of the third feudal lord, Toshiie Maeda. It served as a secondary castle for Kanazawa Castle and is said to have a secret passageway leading to it from a well in the temple grounds. With features like a trapdoor donation box, hidden stairs, and concealed doors, the temple resembles a ninja hideout. Reservations are required for visits, allowing guests to enjoy the intricacies of its mechanisms with guided tours. Although the temple appears to have two floors, it actually has a complex structure of seven layers!

This aquarium houses approximately 40,000 creatures of about 500 species, mainly focusing on fish that migrate in the Noto Peninsula waters. Visitors can marvel at the largest tank along the Japan Sea housing a gentle whale shark, enjoy popular dolphin and seal shows, experience the light and sound fantasy of bream swimming to piano music, observe otter feeding, and watch penguin walks. A sea fishing center overlooking Nanao Bay is also nearby, and you can meet the first whale shark ever exhibited on the Japan Sea coast!

Natadera Temple was established in the Nara period by the Zen master Taichu Shinkaku and is a significant temple of the Hakusan faith, recognized as a special temple of the Shingon sect. The temple grounds feature several important cultural properties, including the nationally designated scenic area 'Kiiwayu Senkyō', the main hall, three-storied pagoda, goma hall, bell tower, and study hall, making it a worthwhile visit. The main hall, which is built along the cliffs, houses the Eleven-faced Kannon, and visitors can experience the 'Iwaya Tainai Kugi', believed to purify the soul and allow for rebirth. In autumn, it is also a popular spot for viewing beautiful foliage!

This area retains the remains of residences where Kaga samurai of the middle and lower ranks lived. It is designated as a traditional environment preservation area and scenic area in Kanazawa City, featuring ochre-colored earthen walls and stone-paved alleys that evoke the atmosphere of the past. Despite being close to the bustling downtown area, it exudes a tranquil atmosphere, with facilities showcasing luxurious buildings and gardens such as 'Nomura House' and 'Former Takada Samurai Residence,' as well as shops selling Kutani pottery and restaurants, making it enjoyable for strolls. The 'Komokake,' which protects the earthen walls from snow, is a winter symbol of Kanazawa.

Kenrokuen is a famous strolling garden developed over many years by the successive feudal lords of the Kaga Domain. Designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the government, it is one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Spanning over 100,000 square meters, the garden features ponds, waterfalls, and winding paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of each season. There are shops selling sweets, meals, and Kutani pottery, and be sure to enjoy traditional sweets served with tea at the Shiguretei teahouse. The seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow-covered landscapes, is truly stunning!

Located in the Kaga Onsen-kyo area of Ishikawa Prefecture, the Japan Automobile Museum boasts the largest collection in Japan with around 500 cars gathered from around the world. A wide range of popular and classic cars are on display, including the Rolls-Royce that Princess Diana rode during her visit to Japan, the Fiat that appeared in the anime film 'Lupin III', and the bonnet bus used in the movie 'ALWAYS: Sunset on Third Street'. Don't miss the rare 1948 British Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, of which there is only one in Japan. The museum also features unique toilets from various countries, a restaurant, a museum shop, and die-cast model sales, making it perfect for family outings.

The old street lined with red lattice and cobblestones perfectly embodies the atmosphere of the Edo period. This area, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, is filled with shops and cafes offering traditional sweets, crafts, and miscellaneous goods. The largest teahouse in Kanazawa, 'Kaikaro', prohibits entry at night but is open to the public during the day. Visitors can tour a tea room with tatami mats woven with gold leaf and a staircase made of Wajima lacquer. Experience the charming old town and enjoy numerous teahouses!

Kanazawa Castle, the former residence of the Kaga Domain Maeda family, is complemented by the beautifully landscaped Kanazawa Castle Park. Together with Kenrokuen Garden, it showcases the rich historical heritage of Ishikawa Prefecture. The park features important cultural properties such as Ishikawa Gate, Sanjikken Nagaya, and Tsurumaru Warehouse, as well as various reconstructed buildings including the Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizume Mon Tsuzuki Yagura. Visitors can enjoy early morning entry and evening openings on Saturdays and designated days, with a magical light-up during nighttime openings.

Tsuki Usagi no Sato, located in Nagai-cho, Kaga City, is a theme park where you can interact with cute rabbits. About 50 rabbits of 10 different breeds are free-roaming, and you can enjoy holding them and feeding them (for a fee), ensuring a delightful experience for children! There are also shops filled with rabbit-themed goods and cafes where you can enjoy meals and shopping. Experience corners are available, such as the 'Fragrance Sachet Making Experience' where you can create your own sachets, and the 'Freshly Baked Pie Making Experience' where you can make your favorite shaped pie and enjoy it with a drink. Come and be healed by the adorable rabbits, which are beloved locally for bringing happiness and good fortune. You can play with the rabbits regardless of the weather!

A contemporary art museum conceptualized as a 'park open to the city'. The circular building is made entirely of glass, allowing easy access for visitors. It showcases works that can be seen, touched, and enjoyed through the senses. One of the highlights is Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool', which uniquely facilitates an interaction between people above and below ground through the pool. The museum is divided into a paid exhibition zone and a free interaction zone.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Government is the second tallest building in Ishikawa, offering free access to its 19th-floor observation lobby. From the glass-walled windows on the east, west, north, and south sides, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kanazawa city, with a stunning view of the sunset over the Sea of Japan. There is a café on-site with plenty of comfortable seating and spacious areas. A community corner regularly hosts events, allowing visitors to enjoy classical concerts if the timing is right.