VISITING ISHIKAWA, JAPAN

Here are the best spots to stay, play and feast in Ishikawa’s captivating highlights: Kanazawa and Kaga areas.

🛌 Where to stay (pure luxury & traditional ryokan bliss):

@hanamurasaki_official Hanamurasaki – elegant ryokan with private onsen baths & serene tatami rooms (Kaga area)

@hoshinoresorts.kai – modern Hoshino Resorts luxury with stylish Japanese-Western fusion & hot springs (Kaga Onsen)

Kinjoho – historic ryokan charm with beautiful gardens & open-air baths (Kanazawa/Kaga vibes)

Shikitei – refined traditional inn with tatami suites & exquisite kaiseki dining (Kaga Onsen area)

🎡 Where to play (absolute 2026 must-dos):

Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden – enchanting moss-covered paths & tranquil cedar forest serenity (near Natadera)

Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three gardens with seasonal beauty, ponds & lantern views (Kanazawa)

Natadera Temple – dramatic cliffside temple with pagodas, caves & panoramic winter snowscapes (Komatsu area)

Kakusenkei Gorge – stunning river gorge walks with seasonal foliage, snow-covered bridges & kawadoko platforms (Yamanaka Onsen)

🍜 Where to feast (standout dining experiences):

Kanazawa Kaitenzushi Kirari – fresh conveyor-belt sushi with premium local seafood like snow crab & uni (Kanazawa)

A la ferme de Shinjiro – intimate French-Japanese fusion using organic farm ingredients & Kanazawa Winery wines (Kanazawa)

Hanamurasaki Restaurant – luxurious kaiseki with seasonal crab, sashimi & traditional dishes (ryokan dining, Kaga)

Daimyo Chaya – classic grilled crab & tempura in elegant setting with local specialties (Kanazawa area)