Kiriko are large lanterns that are carried around during summer festivals on the Noto Peninsula. There are said to be 800-900 Kiriko lanterns on Noto. Kiriko usually accompany Mikoshi (portable shrines) during these festivals. About 180 Kiriko festiv..
Just two and one half hours from Tokyo via Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet Train) is the historic city of Kanazawa. This mid-sized city is the capital of Ishikawa prefecture and a Unesco City of Crafts and Folk Art. During the 300 years of the Maeda Dynasty its Arts flourished. It was a stroke of geniu..
Kaga-Hakusan in the Hokuriku region of south-western Ishikawa Prefecture is blessed with beautiful nature and natural hot springs. The Kaga Onsen-kyo hot spring resort, which includes Yamanaka, Yamashiro, Katayamazu, and Awazu, is surrounded by picturesque views of majestic Mt.Hakusan. Kutaniyaki, ..
Most foreign visitors are not aware of the beauty of Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. Off the beaten path, it provides a quality vacation for the entire family. If taking a tour by bus or car, be sure to include the northern coast of Noto Peninsula. Just north of Wajima on Highway 249 are sev..
Kanazawa enjoys a fortunate position, perched on the edge of the Sea of Japan. That location means that Kanazawa's kitchens are graced with some of the freshest seafood in the nation. Much of that seafood can be purchased at the Omicho Market, th..
The city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture offers visitors an abundance of riches, from fresh fish caught in the Sea of Japan to unique local vegetables to the stunning handicrafts that have brought the city nationwide fame. There's no better ..
In a quirky move, this small shop in the back streets of Kanazawa has renamed the symbolic Japanese dish of ramen as "Chinese-style soba" on their menu. The very name ramen is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters f..
Kanazawa is an incredible city vibrant with culture and life. Much like the nearby Kansai region cities, Kanazawa has many physical reminders of Japan's past and more traditional elements with temples, entire districts untouched by the war..
Located in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hotel Hokuriku Koganoi is a beautiful setting for those looking to unwind at Katayamazu Onsen (hot springs), one of four onsen towns that make up the Kaga Onsen area. The hotel is situated by the shore of L..
In the East Teashop District of Kanazawa, you can experience the feeling of being in old Japan as, having escaped the air raids of the second world war, many of the buildings in this area are the same as they were 450 years ago. With many Edo-era bui..
"You have been to Matsumoto Castle? Then you will not find Kanazawa Castle very interesting. Too new. Too ugly." These were the solemn parting words I received from the owner of the guesthouse I was staying at in the city of Kanazawa. I w..
Kanazawa city is one of Japan's most popular tourist sites for both foreigners and Japanese. In addition to famous places such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle park, and Chaya-districts, there are many other preserved authentic buildings in t..
