The bullet train journey from Tokyo through the Japan Alps to Ishikawa Prefecture is like being fast-forwarded through a Japanese winter hall of fame; a snow resort from the Nagano Winter Olympics here, a hot spring retreat that inspired a Nobel Prize-winning novel there. The pot of gold at the end… Read More
An ancient bathhouse and four sublime hot spring inns in a secluded coastal retreat Just an hour from Kanazawa by train, Wakura Onsen is an idyllic hot spring village overlooking the Sea of Japan from the sheltered eastern side of the Noto Peninsula. It was developed by the local Maeda clan fo… Read More
From to craft to cars, Kaga has a range of attractions ideally suited to family groups Okashi-jo Kagahan & Nippon Origami Museum Okashi-jo Kagahan is one of the Kaga area's most well-established traditional sweet makers, and with more than 300 types to choose from under the one ro… Read More
Stay in Kanazawa to dig deeper and experience Ishikawa's diverse regional culture Kaga Area Visit the Kaga area from Kanazawa for a full-bodied mix of local culture, hot springs and mountain scenery. Centred on the city of Kaga, an hour to the south of Kanazawa by train, it has six ma… Read More
Kanazawa's cultural riches make the city an incredibly rewarding day trip from Nagano or Tokyo Early: Hirokoji & Myoryuji Temple Now that the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train has put Kanazawa just over an hour from Nagano, and only two and a half from Tokyo, Kanazawa's special castle town… Read More
From one of Japan's most beautiful gardens to modern art Morning: Kanazawa Station, Omi-cho Market Even before setting foot in Kanazawa's cultural heritage area, gold leaf greets visitors to the city with a shine on the bullet train platforms of Kanazawa Station. First priority? Fresh… Read More
Kenrokuen Garden, Myoryuji Temple, Kanazawa Station & Omi-cho Market Kenrokuen Garden Featuring an inspiring series of landscapes imbued with deep philosophy and spirituality, Kenrokuen Garden is an iconic part of Kanazawa's cultural heritage, and one of Japan's three most beautif… Read More
Connect with the city's living cultural heritage Try a hands-on creative workshop in Kanazawa for a more intimate insight into the city's cultural riches, and find out why it has been recognised as a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art. http://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/feature/taiken-prog… Read More
Castle town charm, and gastronomic delight Kanazawa was founded amidst the storm of famine, rebellion and civil war that raged during sixteenth-century Japan, and richly matured as a castle town to become one of the most influential cities in the country. A patchwork of gently undulating plat… Read More
Japan's bullet train now gets you to one of the country's most culturally rich gems in record time Ishikawa Prefecture offers a kaleidoscope of colour and flavour throughout the four seasons, showcased beautifully in its capital city of Kanazawa. A historic centre of gold leaf produc… Read More
