I am always on the lookout for locations offering Japan’s famous mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural depth without huge crowds, and I recently found such a place on a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture in Kanazawa City and the small town of Nanao.
Located on the western coast of Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture is easy to access from Tokyo Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) which connects directly to Kanazawa Station. Arriving at Kanazawa Station, I knew I was in for a special journey. I was greeted by the Tsuzumimon Gate at the east exit, imaged after traditional taiko drums. It is a huge (literally!) indicator that this city is serious about its history and culture.
I began my journey in Kanazawa with a visit to the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater. At around 600 years old, Noh is one of the oldest types of performance drama still actively practiced today. Listening to the rhythmic chanting and drums along with the iconic dress and dance in such an historic setting, it felt like sitting in a castle watching the same thing hundreds of years ago.
One of my favorite locations in Kanazawa was Kenrokuen, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. As with many landmarks in the area, this garden was constructed by the ruling Maeda clan over 150 years ago, making it both a stunning garden and a memorial to an era long past.
Part of what made my trip to Kenroken so exceptional was the opportunity to enjoy a private geiko performance at Kenrokutei, a charming tea house located on the garden grounds. Geiko are geisha in training and masters of their art, offering skilled performances of traditional dance and music, as well as opportunities to play fun games together! Along with the incredible performance, I was able to enjoy a special dinner featuring flavorful Japanese gourmet and drinks, making for one of the most memorable experiences I have had in Japan.
There were a few other places I had to make sure to visit while in Kanazawa. One is the Highashi-Chaya district, a stunningly preserved historical area of the city. Another was Kanazawa Castle. Although the main keep no longer exists, the grounds are pristine and worth exploring. Walking among such well-preserved historic buildings gave me a better sense of the rich history of the region.
During my time in Kanazawa I stayed at the four-star Hotel Nikko Kanazawa. With luxurious rooms, stunning views, and famed Japanese hospitality, the stay here enhanced my travel experiences in the city. The comfortable rest and quality buffet-style breakfast made for an enjoyable day of exploring.
Following my time in Kanazawa, I headed to the quiet countryside town of Nanao in Ishikawa’s Noto region. Nanao was one of the hard-hit towns from the Noto earthquake in January 2024. This made visiting here even more worthwhile – not only did I get to enjoy a unique travel experience, but I was also able to support a recovering local economy.
I began my trip to Nanao with a trip to Hanayome Norenkan, a museum dedicated to the delicate craft of noren, a traditional Japanese curtain used for marriage ceremonies specific to this region. I followed this with a visit to the Noto Satoyama Satoumi Museum, which offers an educational journey through different aspects of the region. There were interactive sections dedicated to the region’s unique economic and cultural history, as well as a section where I learned about local geological and seismic activity. I learned so much about the region in this single visit!
One of my favorite stops in Nanao was the Nanaojoyama observation area, which is set among the ruins of an ancient castle. The views from here are absolutely breathtaking. It’s easy to see why someone would build a castle here!
I enjoyed several other notable locations in Nanao. One was Torii Shoyu, a local soy sauce business founded nearly 100 years ago. I was able to talk to the owner, Mrs. Okami, and learn more about her unique process of brewing soy sauce. Another was Takazawa candle, a shop which makes candles used for certain Buddhist practices but which can also be used for beautiful decorations around the home. I could see the artistry Mr. Takazawa puts into each candle, and it was fun to learn more about the creative process. Experiencing some of the long-standing crafts made me appreciate the people of this region and their unique way of life.
My trip to Kanazawa and Nanao was as unique as it was memorable. I was especially happy to support a region rebuilding after disaster. This is a rare opportunity for travelers, and one I would certainly encourage others to pursue.
Thankfully, there is an easy way to enjoy these experiences on the new Taste Ishikawa tour. This tour includes everything I’ve mentioned, as well as additional luxury experiences like outdoor dining in Nanao with food prepared by a Michelin starred chef! This is the travel opportunity of a lifetime!
Learn more about this tour.
