Ishikawa Living Guide: Best Cities & Popular Tourist Spots

Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the Hokuriku region. It is bordered by Toyama Prefecture to the east, Gifu Prefecture to the southeast, and Fukui Prefecture to the southwest, and faces the Sea of Japan. The capital is Kanazawa.

In addition to numerous historic sites and scenic spots, such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kuroshima area, Kanazawa Castle, and Noto Peninsula National Park, Ishikawa is also known for traditional crafts. In terms of agricultural production, rice production is so active that it accounts for about 50% of the total. Many vegetables are also produced, such as radishes, sweet potatoes, and watermelons. 

In this guide, we will introduce Ishikawa Prefecture, including some of the best cities for relocating and tourist spots that would be great to explore.

Why People Love Ishikawa

Culture and Education

Ishikawa boasts a large number of traditional crafts, including 10 nationally designated traditional crafts such as Kutani ware, Yamanaka lacquerware, Wajima lacquerware, Kaga yuzen, and Kanazawa haku (gold leaf). Furthermore, a whopping 99 percent of Japan's gold leaf is produced in the prefectural capital of Ishikawa. In terms of education, Ishikawa has the second highest number of institutions of higher education per capita after Kyoto.

Nature

Ishikawa has many places to enjoy nature, including Hakusan, which is one of the three sacred mountains of Japan, the only beach in Japan where cars can drive: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, fantastic hot springs, and more.

Food

With delicious seafood, Kaga vegetables, Noto beef, Kanazawa curry, and more, Ishikawa is a great destination for foodies. Ishikawa is also home to Ruby Roman, known as the most expensive grape in the world.

Best Cities to Live in Ishikawa

Ishikawa is home to a variety of cities that would be nice to relocate to and call home. Below, we will list some of the best cities to live in Ishikawa.

Kanazawa - The Prefectural Capital and Castle Town

Kanazawa, which developed as a castle town, is the prefectural capital and the most populous city in Ishikawa. It is also the largest city in Hokuriku region. During the Edo Period, it was the 4th largest city in Japan after Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Kanazawa is home to a great variety of tourist spots ranging from Kenrokuen, which is one of the three great gardens of Japan, to Nagamachi Samurai District and Kanazawa Castle. Kanazawa is also known for kinpaku (gold leaf), accounting for more than 99 percent of Japan's gold leaf production. In addition to rich culture and history, Kanazawa boasts plenty of nature including two rivers flowing through the city. Furthermore, it is also a great place to enjoy Japanese traditional sweets - wagashi, as Kanagawa has the second largest number of wagashi stores per capita in the whole of Japan.

Key attractions: Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park, Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya District

Hakusan - One of the UNESCO Global Geoparks

Hakusan is the second most populated and the biggest city by area in Ishikawa. It is also a UNESCO Global Geopark called "Hakusan Tedorigawa UNESCO Global Geopark". With Hakusan, which is one of Japan's three sacred mountains, Tedori Gorge, and more, the city boasts rich nature, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Shirayama Hime Jinja Shrine, which is the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Hakusan shrines in Japan, is a famous spot.

Key attractions: Shirayama Hime Jinja Shrine, Shishiku Highland, Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road

Kaga -  A City Known for Hot Springs and Traditional Crafts

Bordering Fukui Prefecture and Komatsu, where Komatsu Airpot is located, Kaga boasts traditional crafts such as Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani ware. It is also home to famous hot springs such as Katayamazu, Yamashiro, and Yamanaka of Kaga Onsen-kyo. Furthermore, it is also the birthplace of Kutani Ware. It is a very attractive destination for those interested in traditional crafts or relaxing while soaking in hot springs. There is a shinkansen station called Kaga Onsen Station, which provides convenient access to various destinations in Japan.

Key attractions: Kutaniyaki Art Museum, Yamashiro Onsen, Katayamazu Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen

Nonoichi - One of the Most Livable Cities in Japan

Situated on the flat land almost in the center of Ishikawa and bordering Kanazawa and Hakusan, Nonoichi is the smallest city by area in Ishikawa. It is considered a great city for living, including being ranked number one in Japan according to Toyo Keizai's livability ranking of 2020, 2021, and 2023. The city offers a good balance of commercial facilities, culture, history, and nature.

Key attractions: Kita Residence, Nonoichi Central Park

Nomi - A City Known for Production of Kutani Ware

Nomi is a city rich in nature, culture, and with a great transportation access to Kanazawa. From the city's Nomi Neagari Station, it would take less than 30 minutes to reach Kanazawa Station in the prefectural capital. It is also located next to Komatsu with its Komatsu Airpot. Nomi is known for production of Kutani ware. Furthermore, there is also Tatsunokuchi Onsen with a history of around 1400 years.

Key attractions: Ishikawa Zoo, Kutani Pottery Village, Tatsunokuchi Onsen

Access to Tokyo and Other Areas

Trains

Ishikawa has shinkansen stations such as Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen, and Komatsu Stations, providing easy access to various areas in Japan. From Kanazawa Station, you can reach Tokyo Station in around 2 hours and a half by shinkansen.

Airport 

Ishikawa has 2 airports: Komatsu Airport and Noto Satoyama Airpot. Located in Komatsu, Komatsu Airport is easily accessible from Kanazawa and serves both domestic and international flights. Noto Satoyama Airpot is located on Noto Peninsula and offers flights to Haneda Airpot in Tokyo.

Highway Buses

There are various highway buses connecting Ishikawa with Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other areas in Japan.

Popular Tourist Spots in Ishikawa

Kenrokuen

Considered as one of the three great gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen is a fantastic place to take a stroll and enjoy its landscape throughout 4 seasons. It is also Japan's special place of scenic beauty. With a history dating back to 1676, Kenrokuen was opened to the public in 1874.
>> Kenrokuen

Higashi Chaya District

In the past, Higashi Chaya District developed as an entertainment district where geiko (geisha) entertained customer. With a history of more than 200 years, it is "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" and a wonderful place to take a stroll and explore various stores, cafes, etc., while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Edo.
>> Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle used to be home to the prominent Maeda Clan for 14 generations. With its important cultural properties such as the Ishikawamon Gate, which was rebuilt in 1788, structures restored in modern times, and a beautiful garden, Kanazawa Castle Park is a fantastic place to explore.
>> Kanazawa Castle Park

Myouryuji Temple

Myouryuji Temple is also known as Ninja Temple. However, it is not due to its association with ninja, but because the temple acted as a fortress with various tricks such as hidden stairs, pitfall, escape route, etc.
>> Myouryuji Temple

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Stretching for 8km, Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is the only beach in Japan where driving a car is possible.
>> The Official Ishikawa Travel Guide: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway 

Conclusion

With rich nature, culture, delicious food, and livable cities, Ishikawa offers everything for comfortable living. Whether it is a prefectural capital with rich culture, one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks with fantastic nature, or a city with famous hot springs, Ishikawa offers a variety of cities that are definitely worth considering as a relocation destination. Ishikawa is also home to many tourist spots making it a fantastic destination for your next trip in Japan.