Travel Discovery

Day Trips from Kanazawa: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Ishikawa Prefecture

Destination: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

    1. Shirakawago & Gokayama
    2. Overview: Venture into a fairy-tale setting at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago and its neighboring village, Gokayama. Renowned for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer, these villages offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Walk through narrow streets lined with centuries-old houses, some of which are open to the public as museums or even offer homestays.
    3. Visit Duration: 4 hours

    4. Next Stop: Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local ingredients at one of the village's quaint restaurants before continuing your journey.

    5. Noto Peninsula

    6. Overview: The rugged coastline and idyllic fishing villages of the Noto Peninsula beckon with their serene beauty. Visit Senmaida, a series of over 1,000 terraced rice fields cascading down towards the sea, a sight particularly stunning during sunset or when illuminated at night. Don't miss Wajima Morning Market for a taste of local seafood and handcrafted lacquerware.
    7. Visit Duration: 3 hours

    8. Must-Try Delicacy: Sample fresh sushi and sashimi at Wajima, prepared with the day's catch.

    9. Hakusan National Park

    10. Overview: Escape to the serenity of Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's three sacred mountains. The park offers a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels, leading through lush forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints. In autumn, the area transforms into a vibrant canvas of autumn foliage colors.
    11. Visit Duration: 5 hours (including hike)

    12. Highlight: Take a leisurely stroll around the mystical Mikuriga-ike Pond, renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Mt. Hakusan.

    13. Kaga Onsen Villages

    14. Overview: Relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs of Kaga's four famous onsen towns: Yamanaka, Katayamazu, Awazu, and Yamashiro. Each town has its own unique character and thermal waters, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and traditional inns (ryokans) offering the ultimate Japanese spa experience.
    15. Visit Duration: Afternoon until evening
    16. Evening Indulgence: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony or dress up in a yukata for a stroll around the town before indulging in a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal featuring seasonal delicacies.