Ishikawa Prefecture is generally split into two areas—Kaga and Noto—and these areas are home to six cities dubbed Kaga no Kuni, or “Kaga Country.” The cities include Kaga, Komatsu, Nomi, Kawakita, Hakusan, and Nonoichi. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the must-visit spots in these cities to visit during the autumn season.

Kaga Country’s Autumn Colours

Natadera Temple in Komatsu

The beautiful Natadera Temple is a symbol of southern Kaga and even has a Michelin star in Michelin Green Guide Japan. It’s home to a large number of important cultural properties such as the picturesque Kigan Yusenkyo Rock Formations. Visitors can ross the Fugetsukyo Bridge to reach the observation deck from which their eyes are treated to all the fiery colours of autumn.

Address: Yu-122 Natamachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-65-2111
Natadera Temple Official Website: http://www.natadera.com/

Kakusenkei Gorges in Kaga

The Kakusenkei Gorges are located in a valley where the Daishoji River runs. Its autumnal beauty is said to be the most beautiful in all of Japan’s Hokuriku region. The 1.3km stretch of the valley has a public footpath which is perfect during autumn as you gaze at the red and yellow leaves overlooking the river below.

Address: Kakusenkei Gorges, Yamanakaonsen Kajikamachi, Ho, Kaga, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-78-0330
Information: https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/global/eng/view2.html

Matsusaki in Nomi

Matsusaki is an onsen ryokan (hot spring Japanese inn) that was built during the Edo Period. It’s enjoyed greatly for its open-air baths which boast their own water source as well as their kaiseki-ryori traditional Japanese multi-course dinner made using local ingredients. It’s also the setting for the Japanese novel Umi no Naru Toki. It boasts a gorgeous garden with an area that overlooks trees which blossom beautifully in autumn.

Address: 3-1 Tatsunokuchimachi, Nomi, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-51-3111
Matsusaki Official Website: https://www.matsusaki.jp/

Jumoku Park in Hakusan

The park located by the Ringyoshiken Center in Ishikawa Prefecture is home to a variety of towering regional trees. There are 900 trees of 130 different species, which give rise to beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. It also enjoy incredible autumn scenery and is home to rolling fields and a Japanese-style garden too. It offers must-see views throughout all four seasons.

Address: Ho-1 Sannomiyamachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa
TEL: 076-272-0673
Information: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/ringyo/about/park.html

Aramata Gorge in Komatsu

Aramata Gorge is known as one of the Eight Views of Kano. The Osugidani River flows through this year, and there’s huge strangely shaped rocks and rolling trees which create an incredible sight to see. There’s a 400m path which bustles with people during the autumn months who flock to see the verdure.

Address: Akazemachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa

Bettou Suspension Bridge in Hakusan

Bettou Suspension Bridge is the entryway to the highset peak of Hakusan. The discharge of rocks to the area in 2004 meant that the bridge had to be rebuilt. The towering bridge offers a panoramic view of autumnal trees and bushes.

Address: Shiramine, Hakusan-shi, Ishikawa

Tedori Gorge in Hakusan

The beautiful Tedori Gorge was created as a result of the flow of Tedori River. Along the 8km path, which runs from Komon Bridge to Taizan Bridge, is a 20m-30m precipitous cliff. The surroundings along the bridge are a must-see, bringing people together every year to see the autumn environment.

Address: Kamashimizumachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa