Higashi Chaya District
Address: Minamiota, Tsukubamirai, Ibaraki 300-2306
Hours: Shops and tea houses have varying hours
Closed: Varies by establishment
Admission: Free (charges apply for tea house entry)
Official Website: Higashi Chaya District
Walking into the Higashi Chaya District is like stepping back in time. This area, one of the few remaining geisha districts in Japan, exudes a historical charm, with its traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow, lantern-lit streets. Established in the Edo period, Higashi Chaya was a place where geishas entertained guests with dance, music, and conversation. Today, visitors can experience this rich cultural heritage by exploring tea houses that have been converted into museums, galleries, and shops selling Kaga crafts, including the renowned Kanazawa gold leaf. Enjoying a cup of matcha in a traditional tea house, amidst the district’s preserved beauty, offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated culture and artistry that have been cherished and maintained through the centuries.
Kenrokuen Garden
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936
Hours: Vary by season
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: ¥320 (Adult), ¥100 (Children)
Official Website: Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen, located in the heart of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is not just a garden; it’s a picturesque representation of Japanese landscape design at its finest. Created over centuries, starting in the 17th century, this garden was designed to embody the six qualities that constitute a perfect garden: spaciousness, serenity, venerability, scenic views, subtle design, and coolness. From the iconic two-legged Kotoji lantern to the oldest fountain in Japan powered by natural water pressure, every element in Kenrokuen has a story, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the soul of Japanese aesthetics. As you wander through the meticulously maintained grounds, you’ll find that each season reveals a new, breathtaking landscape, from the delicate blossoms of spring to the snow-draped scenery of winter, making Kenrokuen a timeless beauty to visit year-round.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0937
Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free (fee for some buildings)
Official Website: Kanazawa Castle Park
The sprawling expanse of Kanazawa Castle Park, once the stronghold of the powerful Maeda family, offers visitors a window into Japan’s feudal past. With a history dating back to the 1580s, the castle has undergone various reconstructions, preserving its historical significance while showcasing traditional Japanese architectural ingenuity, such as the use of unique, lead-covered tiles that make the castle’s roofs gleam in the sunlight. The park is not only a historical site but also a cultural hub, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can explore the Ishikawamon Gate, the Gojikken Nagaya warehouse, and the Hishi Yagura turret, each telling a tale of the castle’s strategic importance and architectural evolution. The expansive green lawns and serene water features provide a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to picnic, relax, and reflect on the passage of time.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (weekdays), 10:00 – 20:00 (weekends)
Closed: Mondays
Admission: Varies by exhibition
Official Website: 21st Century Museum
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa is a marvel of modern architecture and creative expression, designed to be open and accessible, blurring the lines between the public space and the museum. Since its opening in 2004, the museum has captivated visitors with its circular layout and glass walls, encouraging a unique interaction with contemporary art. The collections feature works by both Japanese and international artists, challenging viewers to engage with art in new and unexpected ways. Noteworthy installations, such as Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool,” invite participation and reflection, making art accessible to all ages and backgrounds. The museum is more than a place to view art; it’s a community space where ideas, culture, and creativity converge, symbolizing Kanazawa’s forward-thinking approach to art and society.
Mount Haku
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Best visited during daylight hours in hiking season (May to October)
Closed: Winter months due to snow
Admission: Free
Official Website: Mount Haku
Mount Haku, revered as one of Japan’s three holy mountains alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama, is a symbol of purity and nature’s magnificence. This sacred mountain has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, attracting those who seek spiritual solace and natural beauty. The diverse ecosystems of Mount Haku are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare alpine plants and wildlife. The mountain’s trails offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both seasoned hikers and casual walkers looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature. The journey through dense forests, past gushing waterfalls, and up to the mountain’s snowy peak is a rewarding experience, offering panoramic views that stretch across the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps. Mount Haku is not just a mountain; it’s a living testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature and the deep spiritual connection it fosters.
Kaga Onsen Village
Address: Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Open year-round; individual onsen hours vary
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Varies by onsen
Official Website: NA
Kaga Onsen Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Haku, is a collective of four historic hot spring towns, each with its own character and healing waters. For centuries, these onsens have provided sanctuary and rejuvenation for travelers and locals alike. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, offering relief from various ailments and stress. Beyond the hot springs, Kaga Onsen Village is surrounded by nature, including serene rivers, lush mountains, and traditional Japanese gardens, enhancing the sense of relaxation and well-being. Visitors can stay in ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) where they can experience omotenashi, the Japanese art of hospitality, enjoying seasonal kaiseki meals, and the peaceful atmosphere of the onsen towns. Kaga Onsen Village is a place where the body and soul can find rest and rejuvenation, wrapped in the warmth of nature and traditional Japanese culture.
Oyama Shrine
Address: 11-1 Oyama-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0918, Japan
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Official Website: Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the founding lord of the Kaga Domain, stands out for its striking gate, a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural styles. This unique gate, designed by a Dutch architect and featuring a rare glass lighthouse, is a symbol of Kanazawa’s openness to cultural exchange during the Edo period. The shrine’s grounds are a tranquil oasis in the city, with a pond that reflects the changing seasons, lush gardens, and ancient trees that have witnessed centuries. Visiting Oyama Shrine offers a moment of peace and reflection, an opportunity to appreciate the blend of cultures that have shaped Kanazawa, and a chance to connect with the history and spirit of the Maeda family, who played a pivotal role in the region’s cultural and economic development.
Each of these destinations in Ishikawa Prefecture offers a unique window into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, history, and natural beauty. From the serene elegance of Kenrokuen Garden to the healing waters of Kaga Onsen Village, Ishikawa invites visitors to explore, relax, and immerse themselves in experiences that bridge the past and present. Join us on this journey through Ishikawa, where every path leads to discovery and every moment is a treasure to be savored.
