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Ishikawa

Ishikawa travel guide

Prefecture of Japan

Things to do12 experiences
Best time to visitApril to October
Nearest airportKMQ · 18 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+9
Population1,132,497

About Ishikawa

Ishikawa Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu island. Ishikawa Prefecture has a population of 1,096,721 and has a geographic area of 4,191 km2. Ishikawa Prefecture borders Toyama Prefecture to the east, Gifu Prefecture to the southeast, and Fukui Prefecture to the south.

Things to do in Ishikawa by type

12 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 6
  • 3-6 hours 2
  • 1-3 hours 1
Browse all things to do in Ishikawa

Top experiences in Ishikawa

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 12 available.

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Where to stay in Ishikawa

Popular hotels in Ishikawa, out of 274 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Ishikawa

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ishikawa is April to October, when average daytime highs are around 63–88°F and rain falls on about 14 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 33° – 45° 24
Feb 32° – 45° 21
Mar 37° – 52° 20
Apr 47° – 63° 14
May 54° – 70° 12
Jun 64° – 79° 13
Jul 75° – 88° 15
Aug 76° – 88° 12
Sep 71° – 84° 15
Oct 59° – 71° 15
Nov 46° – 59° 17
Dec 38° – 49° 27

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥158
Language
Japanese
Calling code
+81
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Asia/TokyoUTC+9
Capital
Tokyo

Upcoming public holidays in Japan

  • Labour Thanksgiving Day勤労感謝の日
  • New Year's Day元日
  • Coming of Age Day成人の日
  • Foundation Day建国記念の日
  • The Emperor's Birthday天皇誕生日
  • Vernal Equinox Day春分の日

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Ishikawa

These are the airports closest to central Ishikawa. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • KMQ Komatsu Airport18 mi (30 km) from the city centre
  • TOY Toyama Airport30 mi (49 km) from the city centre
  • NTQ Noto Airport52 mi (84 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Ishikawa

For most tourists, traveling around Ishikawa will not be a problem. Kanazawa, the single most important destination for tourists is near the Komatsu airport, and is easily reachable by bus or train.

By train

Travelling by train in Ishikawa is not a problem. There are local trains which go to a number of destinations in Ishikawa for a small cost. Once you're in Ishikawa, the easiest way to find out where to go is to head over to the Kanazawa Train Station where you can see the costs to go to a number of cities.

By bus

This is another option for traveling within Ishikawa. A large number of buses leave from the Kanazawa Station to go to various destinations in Ishikawa. This makes travel particularly convenient within Ishikawa. There are also inter-city bus systems, which allow you to travel from one town to another nearby town. You take a ticket when you get on and pay when you get off. Depending on the city, it may even have its own inner-city bus system or bus system aimed at tourists.

By car

Car rentals are available at a variety of locations. If you're coming into Ishikawa by other means, you can rent cars easily in downtown Kanazawa, by the train station. However, be aware that there are tolls on the roads in Japan, and parking can sometimes be a problem.

Ishikawa travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Ishikawa?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ishikawa is April to October, when average daytime highs are around 63–88°F and rain falls on about 14 days a month.

What is the weather like in Ishikawa?

August is usually the warmest month in Ishikawa, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 32°F (0°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 277 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Ishikawa?

Komatsu Airport (KMQ) is the closest airport, about 18 miles (30 km) from the centre of Ishikawa. Other nearby airports include Toyama Airport (TOY, 30 mi) and Noto Airport (NTQ, 52 mi).

What currency is used in Ishikawa?

Ishikawa uses the Japanese yen (JPY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥158.

What time zone is Ishikawa in?

Ishikawa uses the Asia/Tokyo time zone (currently UTC+9). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Ishikawa?

For most tourists, traveling around Ishikawa will not be a problem. Kanazawa, the single most important destination for tourists is near the Komatsu airport, and is easily reachable by bus or train.

What are the top things to do in Ishikawa?

Popular experiences you can book in Ishikawa include Discover Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and the Wood Carving Village of Inami - Full-Day Tour, Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty and Kanazawa Highlights, Curated: Garden Rituals, Samurai Craft & Geisha District. Destina Holidays offers 12 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Ishikawa?

The most popular types of experiences in Ishikawa are day trips & excursions (6), city tours (4), tour & activities (4) and bundle (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Ishikawa?

Popular areas for hotels in Ishikawa include Kanazawa. Well-reviewed options include Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa.

How many hotels can I book in Ishikawa?

Destina Holidays currently lists 274 properties in and around Ishikawa, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.