Ishikawa
Ishikawa Prefecture, located in Japan’s Hokuriku region, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Its capital, Kanazawa, boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, and the contemporary 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Ishikawa’s picturesque Noto Peninsula features rugged coastlines, charming fishing villages, and traditional crafts. The region’s rich culinary scene offers delectable seafood from the Sea of Japan and unique local dishes like jibuni. Visitors can also experience the warm hospitality of the prefecture’s ryokan inns, which often feature rejuvenating hot springs, known as onsen.
Access
By Train:
- Tokyo to Kanazawa: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with an average cost of 14,000 yen for a one-way ticket.
- Osaka to Kanazawa: Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, with a one-way ticket costing approximately 7,600 yen.
By Bus:
- Tokyo to Kanazawa: Highway buses operate between Tokyo (Shinjuku or Tokyo Station) and Kanazawa. The trip takes around 7 to 8 hours and costs approximately 3,500 to 6,000 yen one-way.
- Osaka to Kanazawa: Highway buses are also available from Osaka (Umeda Station) to Kanazawa, with a travel time of approximately 4 to 5 hours. One-way fares range from 2,800 to 4,500 yen.
By Air:
- Tokyo to Komatsu Airport: Flights operate from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture. The flight takes around 1 hour. From Komatsu Airport, it takes about 40 minutes by bus to reach Kanazawa, with a one-way fare of 1,150 yen.
Please note that travel times and fares may vary depending on the specific routes and schedules chosen. It is recommended to check current schedules and fares before making travel arrangements.