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With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen and growing interest in Japanese culture, Ishikawa Prefecture, once a popular destination for domestic travelers, is now a hugely popular destination for international tourists as well. The historic streets of Kanazawa, the natural beauty of the Noto Peninsula, the healing hot springs of Kaga Onsen, and the unique local cuisine—all of these combine to captivate travelers from around the world. This article provides clear, detailed information on must-see spots, cultural experiences, recommended cuisine, transportation options, and travel tips for international visitors to Ishikawa Prefecture. We carefully introduce the area from the perspective of a Japanese person living in Japan, taking into account what information foreigners are actually looking for and the cultural and language differences that can be confusing. This article is packed with information perfect for those looking to increase the satisfaction of their international visitors to Japan and those looking to rediscover the charms of Ishikawa Prefecture.

What is Ishikawa Prefecture like? Why it's popular with foreigners

Located on the Sea of Japan coast of central Honshu, Ishikawa Prefecture is known for its rich local culture, art, and traditional architecture. Kanazawa City, in particular, is a fascinating city where history, art, and traditional crafts blend together, making it the perfect place for international travelers to experience the "real Japan." Ishikawa Prefecture's appeal lies primarily in its rich history and culture. Prospering under the Maeda clan of the Kaga domain during the Edo period, this region retains a strong presence of samurai culture, tea ceremony, gold leaf, Kutani ware, and Kaga Yuzen, a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. The prefecture is also known for its gourmet cuisine, where visitors can enjoy a full range of Japanese delicacies, including fresh seafood, Kaga vegetables, and local sake, at Omicho Market. Additionally, local culture, such as hot springs, mizuhiki crafts, and festivals, are also major attractions for international travelers.

A city in harmony with nature

One of the great attractions of Ishikawa Prefecture is the exquisite harmony between nature and the city. With the sea nearby and mountains nearby, you can enjoy a trip with a beautiful landscape as a backdrop. The coastline of the Noto Peninsula and the scenery of the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces are particularly spectacular.

Kanazawa: A city that embodies the beauty of Japan

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and the city most visited by foreign tourists. Also known as "Little Kyoto," the city is home to many historically significant buildings and streetscapes, and offers a wealth of cultural experiences.

Kenrokuen: A Japanese garden renowned worldwide

Kenrokuen Garden, a symbol of Kanazawa, is one of Japan's three most famous gardens and has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. This garden, which changes its appearance with the seasons, is an ideal spot for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese garden design and a tranquil atmosphere.

Higashi Chaya District: Preserving the atmosphere of the Edo period

There are several "Chaya Districts" in Kanazawa, and one of the most popular among foreign tourists is "Higashi Chaya District." Here, you can try on traditional Japanese clothing while eating gold leaf soft serve ice cream, and even peek inside traditional houses, truly experiencing the feeling of "traveling back in time."

Omicho Market: Experience a Japanese Kitchen

Omicho Market is located in the center of Kanazawa City and boasts a history of over 300 years. It is lined with fresh seafood, Kaga vegetables, and Noto specialties. There are an increasing number of stores with English menus and staff who speak multiple languages, so foreigners can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Noto Peninsula: Nature and Culture Perfect for Slow Travel

The Noto Peninsula stretches out into the Sea of Japan in the northern part of Ishikawa Prefecture. This area, where nature, food, and traditional lifestyles coexist in harmony, is the perfect place to experience the true essence of Japan.

Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces: Instagrammable

Shiroyone Senmaida, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best rice terraces, is a spectacular sight with its terraced rice fields that spread out along the coast like steps. Foreign tourists are impressed by the sight of a truly Japanese rural landscape.

Wajima Morning Market: Experience local food and handicrafts

Wajima's morning market, which opens around 7am, is known for its unique atmosphere and for being a place where you can purchase crafts made by local mothers, freshly caught fish, vegetables, and more. Craft products that are popular with foreigners, such as lacquerware and washi paper, are also available.

Experience Japanese-style relaxation at Kaga Onsenkyo

The southern area of Ishikawa Prefecture is dotted with many hot spring resorts. Kaga Onsenkyo is home to historic hot springs such as Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen, making it a special experience for foreigners who want to experience Japan's hot spring culture firsthand.

Ryokan accommodation experience

The experience of staying in a Japanese-style room, futon, and yukata is unique to a ryokan. Add in the hot springs and kaiseki cuisine, and for foreigners, it's a truly "luxurious Japanese experience." Even if you don't speak Japanese, many of the staff are friendly, and translation apps are available.

Traditional crafts and cultural experiences in Ishikawa Prefecture

Ishikawa Prefecture is also one of Japan's leading treasure troves of handicrafts. There are many facilities and workshops where you can actually experience intricate techniques that have been passed down for many years, such as gold leaf crafts, Kutani ware, and Kaga Yuzen.

Gold Leafing Experience: A Fusion of Luxury and Delicacy

Kanazawa accounts for approximately 99% of Japan's gold leaf production. In this gold leaf craft experience, you can apply gold leaf to small items yourself and take them home as a memento of your trip. It's a valuable opportunity to experience a part of beautiful Japanese culture.

Kimono experience: Make your walk around town many times more enjoyable

In Kanazawa and Kaga, there are many rental services that allow you to stroll around town in traditional kimonos. For foreign tourists, simply putting on a kimono and walking around temples, shrines, and teahouse districts seems to be a major cultural experience.

Popular gourmet spots for foreigners

Ishikawa Prefecture is a treasure trove of delicious food. Not only is it famous for sushi and Japanese cuisine, but in recent years, the number of restaurants appearing in international gourmet rankings has been increasing.

Nodoguro: The taste of a premium fish

Nodoguro, known as "white fatty tuna," is a high-quality fish caught in Ishikawa Prefecture. Served as seared sushi or grilled with salt, this fish is sure to surprise even foreigners, who describe it as an "undiscovered deliciousness."

Paired with local sake

Ishikawa Prefecture's sake is characterized by its delicate flavor, due to the outstanding quality of the rice and water. There are also sake breweries that offer English menus and sake tasting experiences, making it the perfect place to experience Japanese sake culture.

Ishikawa Prefecture is making progress in supporting English and other languages

Language support is extremely important for foreign tourists to feel safe when visiting. Ishikawa Prefecture is making progress in improving its tourist information centers, hotels, and major tourist spots to provide information in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.

Free Wi-Fi spots and translation services

Many tourist facilities and public transport facilities have free Wi-Fi, and some facilities require the use of translation apps. The worry of foreigners getting lost has also decreased significantly.

Access and Transportation: Foreigner-Friendly Transportation Network

Ishikawa Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Local public transport and sightseeing buses are also becoming more and more accessible to foreigners, lowering the language barrier.

The convenience of the Hokuriku Shinkansen

It takes about two and a half hours to travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This route is recommended for foreign tourists staying in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as it is a comfortable and smooth journey.

Use of city buses and sightseeing tour buses

Kanazawa City operates sightseeing buses for tourists, such as the "Machi Bus," and is increasingly introducing English announcements and apps that are easy for foreigners to understand.

This is the best season to travel to Ishikawa Prefecture

Ishikawa Prefecture is a region that changes with the seasons, and there are different sights to see no matter what season you visit.

Spring: Cherry Blossom and Festival Season

The cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen Garden and the spring scenery of Kanazawa Castle are spectacular. Local festivals, such as the Seihaku Festival, which is held to pray for a bountiful harvest, are also attractive.

Winter: Snowy scenery and crab dishes

Walking through the snow-covered streets of Kanazawa while savoring winter delicacies such as winter yellowtail and Echizen crab will make you feel like you're in a painting.

summary

Ishikawa Prefecture is a destination full of inspiration and discoveries for foreign tourists as well. Experience traditional culture firsthand by walking around town, experiencing crafts, experiencing a diverse food culture, relaxing hot springs, and magnificent natural scenery. And above all, the entire tourist area welcomes visitors with a "spirit of hospitality." English support, transportation networks, and Wi-Fi are steadily improving, so even visitors from overseas can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. For foreign tourists visiting Ishikawa Prefecture, a trip that allows you to experience the uniqueness of this region and the "real Japan" is sure to become a special memory.

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