The BBC has unveiled its anticipated list of the 20 best places to travel in 2026, spotlighting destinations that balance memorable experiences with meaningful, community-focused tourism. Among the global picks, Ishikawa Prefecture stood out as a region where cultural tradition, natural beauty and post-disaster recovery efforts come together to create a travel experience with purpose.
Ishikawa's presence on the list carries particular weight. In early 2024, the Noto peninsula endured a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that disrupted life across the region. Two years on, local communities are rebuilding with determination, and they are openly welcoming visitors whose presence can directly support the area's revitalization.
In southern Ishikawa, Kanazawa remains the prefecture's cultural heart. The city's gardens, historic districts, and artisan studios offer an intimate look at Japanese craftsmanship. Travelers can learn gold-leaf techniques, explore pottery workshops or try hands-on silk dyeing, and these immersive encounters echo the heritage that the BBC list aims to celebrate.
This quieter, more deliberate cultural immersion also provides a striking contrast to Kyoto, Japan's long-reigning cultural capital. While Kyoto's ancient temples and geisha districts continue to enchant, the city has been wrestling with overtourism. Crowded streets and new visitor restrictions reflect the strain on daily life. Ishikawa, by comparison, offers similarly rich traditions without the crush of crowds, making it an appealing alternative for travelers seeking both depth and a bit of breathing room.
Further north in Noto, the impact of tourism is even more profound. The BBC mentioned family-run farmhouse-style inns inviting guests to participate in seasonal activities like rice planting, and in turn helping to protect landscapes such as the iconic terraced fields of Shiroyone Senmaida. The region's famed Wajima-nuri lacquerware and award-winning sake are also making a comeback, buoyed by initiatives that channel revenue back into recovering breweries and workshops.
