Ishikawa Prefecture was formerly split between Kaga Province and Noto province and is still sometimes thought of as two peas in a pod. What was once Kaga Province in the now southern part of Ishikawa consists of six cities and towns including Kaga, Komatsu, Nomi, Kawakita, Hakusan, and Nonoichi.
Kaga Province is home to many waterfall spots widely known as great places for keeping cool in the hot sun. Providing as great sightseeing experiences, one can bask in the negative ions of the waterfalls and overcome the summer scorch.
Watagataki Waterfall
Watagadaki gets its name from its appearance which is likened to falling torn cotton (wata being the Japanese word for the material). You will arrive right next to the waterfall when you descend down the path beside it, at which its great tumbling sound will fill you with a feeling reminding you that you are enveloped in nature.
▶︎Watagataki Waterfall (綿ヶ滝)
Address: 1-4 Shimoyoshitanimachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture
Enquiries: 076-274-9544 (Hakusan Tourist Centre)
Access: 50-minutes south of Japan National Route 157 via Hakusan Interchange / 60-minutes from Kanazawa Station
Nanatsudaki Falls
Nanatsudaki Falls is comprised of seven smaller waterfalls which it gets its name from. It has long been a place of worship. Six of the waterfalls are found upstream, where the water rolls beautifully over the rocks which have formed over tens of thousands of years as a result of the movement of the earth’s crust. The surrounding trees boast lush green verdure or red and yellow autumnal leaves depending on the season, offering different spectacular sights to behold whatever time of the year you visit. There’s a path you can walk along where the upper six waterfalls are so you don’t have to worry about falling in!
▶︎Nanatsudaki Falls (七つ滝)
Address: Nagatakimachi, Nomi, Ishikawa
Enquiries: 0761-51-2308 (Nomi no Satoyama Fan Club)
Access: 25-minutes by car from Nomi-Neagari interchange
Tsuruga Falls
The water at Tsuruga Falls flows down five levels, and the biggest waterfall at the back splits into two separate waterfalls. Collectively the waterfalls tower up 30 meters high which is an incredible sight to see when up close. Tsuruga Falls gets its name from the splitting waterfall at the back which is said to look like the legs of a crane.
▶︎Tsuruga Falls (鶴ヶ滝)
Address: Yamanakaonsen Aratanimachi, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture
Enquiries: 0761-78-0330 (Yamanaka Onsen Tourist Association)
Access: 15-minutes by car from Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal
Junigataki Waterfalls
The name origin of Junigataki Waterfalls lies in its twelve separate falls which flow from the Gotani River. The incredible crashing sound of the water cannot be put into words; it’s an overwhelming spectacle that will have you wanting to go back more than once. In summertime it’s common to see families and young people playing in the water from up at the top of the waterfall down to the lake below. The waterfalls are a quite a distance from the city of Komatsu, but there are roads that lead right to it so it’s very accessible.
▶︎Junigataki Waterfalls
Address: Nunohashimachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture
Enquiries: 0761-22-4111 (Komatsu City Hall)
Access: 45-minutes by car from JR Komatsu Station
Did you enjoy this list? If you’re in Japan this summer visiting Ishikawa then be sure to pay a trip to one of Ishikawa’s many waterfalls to cool yourself off.
Information
Komatsu City Official Website
https://www.city.komatsu.lg.jp/soshiki/kankoubunka/kankou_shoku/3/4239.html
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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“Kissho Yamanaka” will sell the hot spring lodging plan named “Kissho TOUJI” from April of 2018 to the 30th of September.
Yamana Onsen (hot spring) which was opened about 1,300 years ago is a hot spring area where the famous Japanese poet Basho Matsuo stayed for 9 days.
The plan that they are going to sell offers the experience of enjoying the view/forest of Kakusen Valley, Kaga Area’s delicious foods and hot springs. This hot spring is known to be effective for relieving stress and healing illnesses.
“Yuge Kaido Machi Aruki Ticket” where you can enjoy 10 hot springs in the mountains, local sakes, Daiginjo (sake variety) Soft Served Ice Cream and famous crocket is included in the plan as well as the Jiwamon Onigiri (rice ball) lunch menu/Teppanyaki (pan fried meat and vegetables), sauna, hand-massage service, rental cycle and bus tickets.
Persons who are interested in this plan must visit Kissho TOUJI since you can obtain an onsen textbook from the onsen sommeliers.
■InformationKissho TOUJI – Hot Spring Plan Recommended by Onsen Sommeliers.
Address: Kissho Yamanaka, 14-3, 1st avenue, Higashimachi, Yamanaka Onsen, Kagashi, Ishikawa Prefecture
Date: 2018/04/01 (Sat.) to 09/30 (Sat.)
Price: One day ticket that comes with dinner and breakfast / 21,000 yen ～ (two persons – one room) ※the price differs depending on season. ※tax/service fees and hot spring fee (150 yen) are not included, additional fee (5,000 yen) must be paid when staying at the accommodation before a holiday. ※one person – one room ticket is available.
Meal: Dinner – tea ceremony dishes of Kaga Noto Area at “Benihana,” breakfast – Japanese dishes or teppan breakfast
TEL：0761-78-5656
Website：http://kissho-yamanaka.com/ -
Kaga no Yu Purin is a new shop specialising in Japanese custard puddings, known in Japanese as 'purin,' that is inspired by Kaga Onsen―a collection of hot spring towns in Ishikawa Prefecture. It will open on June 29. The shop encourages people to experience Kaga Onsen's ancient hot spring culture while enjoying their desserts made with fresh ingredients from Kaga such as milk and eggs. The shop itself too has that Japanese hot spring atmosphere to it.
One of their standout purin is the Awa Purin (Bubble Pudding), the first purin in Japan to be inspired by the bubbles of hot springs. Not only is its appearance bubbly, the texture is too so it just melts on your tongue. Other purin flavours include strawberry, which are made with local strawberries, Kaga-bocha tea, and pumpkin. If you're passing through the hot spring region of Kaga Onsen then be sure to treat yourself to one of these special purin. Information
Kaga no Yu Purin
Address: 1-55 Kosuganamimachi, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00-16:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-17:00
Access: 1-minute on foot from Kagaonsen Station
Official Website: https://kaganoyupudding.com/
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Japan’s largest “experience-based museum,” “Hakkokan” was renewed on the 20th of April 2018.The museum was built about 20 years ago and it was renewed to become “an experience-based gold-leaf museum” using the latest technologies such as projection mapping. Museum staff will entertain and introduce the beautifulness and charms of “gold-leaf” to their customers.The panels that include directions written in 8 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, French, Spain and German) were installed. They will also offer various contents related to gold-leaf such as an entertainment spot named “Taikangata Kinpaku Museum,” “Taikendokoro” where both children and adults can play together.The largest gold-leaf specialized shop in the Hokuriku Area, “Hakuichi Café” where they will sell very popular menu items named “Kinpaku no Kagayaki Soft Cream.”And “Sozo Kogei,” a gallery which was opened last winter.Let’s visit Hakkokan to learn about gold-leaf.■InformationExperience-based gold-leaf museum “Hakkokan”Address: 1-1, 2nd avenue, Morito, Kanazawashi, Ishikawa Prefecture Business hours: 9:00 to 18:00TEL：076-240-8911
RELATED ENTRIES
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Insomniacs After School Anime Collaboration Train to Run in Series Setting of Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
The upcoming anime adaptation and live-action film versions of Insomniacs After School have been a hot topic since both projects were announced. Ahead of the anime’s premiere on TV Tokyo in April, a themed train will begin running on the Noto Railway line in Nanao City, the setting for the series.
The train design has been unveiled and features beautiful Nanao scenery from the anime series along with the starry sky and the main characters.
Fans can find the train running between Nanao Station and Anamizu Station in Spring 2023. Check the schedule on the Noto Railway official website for more information.
Insomniacs After School (Trailer #2)Makoto Ojiro’s coming-of-age manga series is set in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It follows Ganta Nakami, a high school boy suffering from insomnia, and Isaki Magari, a girl with the same problem.
Insomniacs After School is only two months away. Will you be tuning in?
©オジロマコト・小学館／アニメ「君ソム」製作委員会
Information
Insomniacs After School x Noto Railway Nanao Line (Wrapped Train)
Start of Operation: Spring 2023
Operation Timetable: To be posted on the Noto Railway website
Operating Section: Nanao – Anamizu
*Please note that the service may be changed or suspended without prior notice due to various circumstances.Insomniacs After School Episodes 1-3 Advance Screening
Date: March 19, 2023
Time: 15:00
Venue: Toho Cinemas Ikebukuro inside Hareza Tower (1-18-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku)
https://hlo.tohotheater.jp/net/schedule/084/TNPI2000J01.do
Tickets: https://eplus.jp/kimisomu_anime/Tickets Available: February 17, 18:00 – March 5, 23:59
Details: https://kimisomu-anime.com/news/post-16Insomniacs After School
Airing on TV Tokyo starting April 2023
Official Site: https://kimisomu-anime.com -
NAKED Exhibition Inspired by Tea Master Sen no Rikyu Opens at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa
NAKED’s newest work, inspired by Sen no Rikyu, has opened at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa! The exhibition will run through September 3 and blends physical art pieces found in the museum with the Metaverse. NAKED’s first exhibition at this popular Kanazawa Museum brings visitors a modern version of chanoyu, or the ‘Way of Tea.’ This year marks the 500th birthday of Sen no Rikyu, a historical figure who had a significant influence on the tea ceremony still found in Japan today. NAKED wants to honor his contribution to shaping this massive part of Japanese culture. Visitors are invited to a traditional tea ceremony room, but the experience itself has been modernized by NAKED. This unprecedented art exhibition allows both those who know nothing about Sen no Rikyu and those who know him well to experience his philosophy and aesthetics in an entirely new way.Gate: Greetings from the Master
Open-air: The Crossroads of this Transient World
Wash Basin: Where the Four Seasons Float
Dry Landscape Garden: The Teachings of Rikyu
Tea Whisk: “Make a Good Tea for your Guest.”
Hanging Scroll: The Master’s Memories
Small Room: Evolution
Tearoom: The End and the Beginning
NAKED Fuji Canele
Tsukubai, or a low stone basin filled with water, is used to cleanse the hands before entering a tearoom. Using interactive art, the water’s surface is covered in digital flowers that blossom when a guest's hands pass over the basin. In the ‘Small Room: Evolution’ area, guests will find the Sustainable Contemporary Golden Tearoom, which was created by NAKED staff together with sixth graders using golden trash collected at Kanazawa University Elementary School. The calligraphy on display in the tearoom was also done by children, with the best creations selected to be included in the exhibition. The scent was produced by EarthRing, an aroma brand located in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture. The ‘Tea Whisk’ area offers a unique experience for all five senses, including the scent of matcha, which guests can smell when they mimic the act of prepping tea. In addition, guests can purchase special NAKED Fuji Canele and a Kutani ware Original Tumbler with special tea-inspired motifs. The Canele is a triple collaboration with Fukumitsuya, the oldest sake brewery in Kanazawa, so don’t miss out!Information
NAKED Meets Sen no Rikyu
Venue: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Civic Gallery B
(1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa)Running: August 6 – September 3, 2022
*For more information about tickets, please visit the official website.
Tickets / Details: https://meets.naked.works/kanazawa21/ -
In 2023, an anime adaptation of the manga series Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia will air on television. During the Nanao Port Festival held on July 17 in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, fans were treated to tons of artwork and collaboration visuals. After all, the series takes place in Nanao City! Over 1,500 flyers for the show were handed out in under two hours, and the local community was thrilled to know that such a popular anime series would bring more attention to the town.
As part of the collaboration between Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia and Nanao City, an exhibition will be held featuring 30 reproductions from the original manga manuscript and some original anime drawings! The exhibition will be held from August 10 until September 25 at Patria, located directly in front of Nanao Station and prominently featured in the series. Admission is free and reservations are not required, so fans should consider coming to check it out! Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia is the latest work by Makoto Ojiro. Set in Nanao City, the coming-of-age story follows Ganta Nakami, a high school boy suffering from insomnia, and Isaki Magari, a girl with the same issue. The manga is serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits. Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia will receive an anime adaptation in 2023, and a live-action film is also in the works. The first trailer for the anime series has been released, so be sure to give it a watch! ©オジロマコト・小学館／アニメ「君ソム」製作委員会 Information
Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia
Official Site: https://kimisomu-anime.com
Nanao City Official Site: https://www.city.nanao.lg.jp/
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The Wakura Onsen Tourist Association is sponsoring a new project to illuminate Seirinji Temple, a nationally registered cultural property. Along with this light show, guests can enjoy a luxurious tea time starting on January 8, 2022. This year, the pavilion and garden will be lit up again, and the entrance will be decorated with traditional local paper lanterns. The historic property was built in 1909 as a resting place for Emperor Taisho. Only two such buildings exist in Japan: one in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the other at Wakura Onsen. Both were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2017. Last year, the area was photographed for posters and pamphlets as part of the ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku’ campaign organized by JR East, JR West, and the Central JR Railway.
Each Saturday evening through February 26, guests will be invited to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere while enjoying a very fancy tea time. The program has been very well received by visitors, so it shouldn’t be missed! The light-up of the temple and garden, with its slowly changing colors, will transport guests to another world. The entrance to Seirinji Temple will be redecorated and lit up, and a pathway of lights will be created from the gate to the entrance of the pavilion using paper lanterns. Information
Seirinji Temple Illuminations & Luxury Tea Time
Running: Saturdays from January 8 – February 26, 2022
First Seating: 17:00
Second Seating: 18:00
Address: Seirinji Temple, Wakura Onsen (61 Wakuramachi, Nanao, Ishikawa)
*Available for guests of Wakura Onsen
Official Site: https://www.wakura.or.jp
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Discover the wonder of Kanazawa with AMIAYA and ETSUNA with new “HAKKEN” videos produced by Channel 47
Fashion icons show the modern and historical charm of Kanazawa, Japan
TOKYO, JAPAN (16 November, 2021) – Channel 47, a company focused on globally promoting the appeal of local and popular Japanese culture through the power of entertainment, is excited to debut their new “HAKKEN” video series today, 16 November, highlighting the wonderful modern and historical tourism aspects of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. “HAKKEN” is the Japanese word for discovery, which is the core feeling this new video series is aiming to convey. Channel 47 wants toinspire viewers to discover the wonders of Japan’s local culture through these shortfilms.
The debut videos feature fashion icons AMIAYA and ETSUNA (both represented by ASOBISYSTEM), each exploring a different facet of what Kanazawa has to offer curious visitors. These films were produced by Channel 47 as a part of promotional efforts for the Kanazawa Film Festival held in September of 2021. These entries in the “HAKKEN” series were informed by Channel 47’s shared philosophy with the Kanazawa Film Festival, to disseminate the culture of Japan’s countryside and promote its appeal worldwide.
In the first video, twin model & singer duo AMIAYA discover the “pop” elements of the city at locations such as the Omi-machi market, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nagamachi Samurai District, and more. Along the way they sample delicacies from some of Kanazawa’s highly rated restaurants. Through their experiences viewers will see art, food, shopping, and scenery that has high appeal among visitors.
Watch “HAKKEN - Discover Kanazawa with AMIAYA”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9-gD-ftTE0
Find AMIAYA online
Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/amiaya/
AMI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amixxamiaya/
AYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayaxxamiaya/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AMI__AYA
In the second video, fashion designer and influencer ETSUNA takes a different approach and wanders the traditional side of Kanazawa. Starting with a stroll in the Higashi Chaya District, her journey takes her to make ceramic art at Hokutoh, and to see historic locations such as the Ishikawa Bridge, the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden, Sannomaru Square, and more. To fit the traditional theme of her visit, she visits Kimono & Antiques Soki and gets dressed for the occasion. Viewers will see through ETSUNA’s exploration the beauty and historical legacy of Kanazawa City.
Watch “HAKKEN - Experience Kanazawa’s History with ETSUNA”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3h-57mhouU
Find ETSUNA online
Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/etsuna/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etsunaotsuka/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/etsuna_artist/
ABOUT KANAZAWA FILM FESTIVAL
The 15th Kanazawa Film Festival was held from September 18-20, 2021 in Theater 21 at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary art in Kanazawa. The festival has a reputation not only for the high quality of films presented each year, but also for its “New Directors with Promising Talent” program. This year 83 films were entered in the “New Directors with Promising Talent” program, and 11 of them won screening rights. The Grand Prix was awarded to MELIA’s “Experiential Tour”, for which she also received the special Channel 47 Award.
More information on the Kanazawa Film Festival can be found at
https://www.eiganokai.com/event/filmfes2021/kanazawa/
ABOUT CHANNEL 47
Channel 47 is a project that using the power of entertainment to communicate the appeal of Japan and its different regions to overseas audiences. Through planning and producing events with celebrities and personalities, Channel 47 creates content that conveys the appeal and charm of Japan’s many different regions to viewers all over the world. Channel 47 created the post-movies for the 15th Kanazawa Film Festival, held in September 2021. Additional efforts to promote the event overseas include producing
English subtitles for “Alien Painter” which was screened as a Kanazawa Film Festival Scholarship Film.
For more information about Channel 47 please contact: info@channel47.jp
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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how many people live their lives, with fewer and fewer people venturing outdoors. Now, Japanese creative company NAKED has announced a Night Walk at the picturesque Katayamazu Hot Springs in Kaga, Ishikawa. While practicing social distancing, visitors can explore an illuminated wonderland from December 17, 2021, until January 16, 2022.
Lights of the Dragon God: Ukimidou
Sunny Spot Baths: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
NAKED Distanced Lanterns: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
NAKED Flower Cleansing: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza
The Halo of Life: Aizenji Temple
Crystal-Dyed Paper Lanterns: Aizenji Temple
Guests will be invited to explore the grounds while carrying a NAKED Distanced Lantern--both an art piece, and a way to illuminate your steps. With safety in mind, there will be plenty of space between visitors, so people can enjoy the event with peace of mind. The location for the event, Katayamazu Onsen, was recently a runner-up in the Onsen General Election 2018 spectacular scenery category. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and with a beautiful view of Mt. Haku, the location will have guests feeling completely calm by the time their visit comes to an end.Information
NAKED Night Walk -Katayamazu Hot Springs-
Running: December 17, 2021 – January 16, 2022
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Address: Katayamazu Hot Springs (Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza, Yonomoto Park, Aizenji Temple)
Admission: Free
Official Site: https://yoru-sanpo.naked.works/katayamazu/