Ishikawa, Japan

 

Ishikawa blends traditional Japanese crafts, award-winning sake, scenic landscapes and resilient local communities rebuilding after the 2024 earthquake.

Why Go: Traditional Crafts and Award-Winning Sake

On 1 January 2024, a powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s remote Noto Peninsula, causing extensive damage across Ishikawa Prefecture. Two years later, local leaders are encouraging visitors to return to the region and support its recovery and local economy through tourism.

In the southern part of the prefecture, the city of Kanazawa is easily accessible from Tokyo by bullet train. The city is home to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, as well as a vibrant community of traditional artisans.

Visitors can explore gold-leaf workshops and try their hand at creating pieces using Kaga Yuzen, a traditional Japanese silk-dyeing technique. The experience offers travellers an opportunity to discover the craftsmanship and cultural heritage that have been passed down through generations.

However, travellers can make an even more direct contribution by visiting the northern Noto Peninsula, which was severely affected by the earthquake. Some local farmhouse inns invite guests to take part in seasonal activities such as rice planting. Revenue from these experiences helps support local families and preserve the centuries-old terraced rice fields of Shiroyone Senmaida.

Noto is renowned throughout Japan for its seafood, centuries-old Wajima-nuri lacquerware and award-winning sake. The region’s sake is traditionally produced by skilled Noto Toji, or master brewers, whose expertise is an important part of the area’s cultural heritage.

Following the earthquake, many local sake breweries have resumed operations. Initiatives such as the “Don’t Stop the Noto Sake” project have helped support the recovery of damaged breweries by directing revenue back to producers affected by the disaster.

Travellers can contribute to the region’s recovery in simple but meaningful ways. Staying at family-run inns, dining at reopened local restaurants and purchasing traditional crafts directly from local artisans can help support businesses and communities rebuilding after the earthquake.

Tourism also provides an opportunity to help preserve Ishikawa’s distinctive cultural traditions at a time when many remain vulnerable. By visiting responsibly and supporting local businesses, travellers can contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts, food culture and historic landscapes.

Ishikawa therefore offers more than scenic beauty and cultural experiences. For visitors, a journey to the region can also provide an opportunity to connect with local communities and support their ongoing efforts to rebuild homes, livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Source: BBC Travel — Mizuki Uchiyama.