Ishikawa Prefecture is known for being the home to the famed Kenrokuen Garden, which is located in Kanazawa.
Ishikawa Prefecture is located at the center of the Hokuriku Region, which is on the Sea of Japan coast. North of the prefecture is the narrow Noto Peninsula and to the south are Kaga and Hakusan. The islands of Notojima, Mitsukejima, and Hegurajima are also part of Ishikawa. The coastline of the prefecture reaches almost 600 kilometers. Ishikawa Prefecture is long and narrow thus the topography between the north and southern areas are vastly different. In 2012, 13% of the land in prefecture were designated as Natural parks. This includes Hakusan National Park, Echizen-Kaga Kaigan and Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park. Ishikawa Prefecture is best known for being the home to one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. The Kenrokuen Garden is located in the historic and cultured Kanazawa city. Kanazawa is located in the center and is the capital of the prefecture. Aside from Kanazawa there is the sacred mountain Mt. Hakusan.
In Ishikawa Prefecture you can find one of the best preserved samurai districts in Japan. The strong cultural influences can be traced back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). It was a time when the Maeda Clan ruled the region. The Maeda Clan used their fortunes to promote the importance of culture and education. Music, dance, tea ceremony, and Noh became very popular fine arts in that time especially in Kanazawa. Ishikawa is also known for its beautiful nature spots especially its beaches on the Noto Peninsula. Along the peninsula is Masuhogaura Beach where one of the longest benches in the world is located. In addition to the bench you can find 400 to 600 different types of seashells on the shores.
Chubu | Ishikawa Prefecture
Noto Peninsula
The Noto Peninsula can be found in the northern part of Ishikawa Prefecture and is known for its coastal scenery.
Chubu | Ishikawa Prefecture
Kaga Onsen
Kaga Onsen is a mecca of hot springs and is located south of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Chubu | Ishikawa Prefecture
Kanazawa
Kanazawa has many historical attractions and the 21st Century Museum, but the city is known for the Kenrokuen. It is one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan.