Located on the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture once held a powerful place in feudal Japan. We can see this legacy today at Kenrokuen Garden , one of the three greatest Japanese traditional gardens, and the faithfully restored Kanazawa Castle . In the prefectural capital and beyond, there are lots of ways to connect to the culture and beauty of Ishikawa.
From its celebrated seafood and local produce to vibrant ceramics and views from atop Mount Utatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture has much to savor and explore. On Jan. 1, 2024, Ishikawa and the Noto Peninsula was rocked by a powerful earthquake that killed hundreds of people and injured thousands more.
The hardest hit regions are still recovering from the disaster and residents continue to experience other hardships, such as extensive flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall in September. While bringing tourism back to the area helps to reinvigorate local economies, there are ways to help from afar too. Making donations to the Japanese Red Cross and 2nd Harvest , an organization that provides food for vulnerable groups, can go a long way towards making a positive difference in Ishikawa.
In the city or out on the Noto Peninsula, there’s plenty of nature to bask in for visitors to Ishikawa. Measuring almost 150 meters tall, Mount Utatsu looks over Kanazawa City. The relatively short size makes for an easy hike to the top in just about 30 minutes.
From there, you’ll have a sweeping panoramic view of the city, especially at night..