Most Scenic Road Trips in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

1. Kanazawa Loop Road

Scenic drive around the city that showcases both modern and traditional Kanazawa.

Cityscape Views: Offers a blend of contemporary architecture and historical sites.
Kenroku-en Garden: Passes through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's famous landscape gardens.
Night Illumination: Enjoy the city lights during the night illumination events.

A picturesque drive along the traditional hot spring towns of Kaga Onsen.

Hot Spring Towns: Visit numerous historic hot spring towns with their unique architecture.
Onsen Experiences: Relax in the traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) along the way.
Kaga Washi Crafts: Learn about and purchase Kaga Washi, a type of traditional Japanese paper.

Mountainous drive with stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities.

Mountain Scenery: Breathtaking views of Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's Seven Famous Peaks.
Hiking Trails: Explore various hiking trails for all skill levels.
Wildlife Spotting: Possibility to see wildlife such as monkeys, black bears, and birds of prey.

Scenic drive along the rugged coastline with stunning ocean views.

Coastal Scenery: Stunning views of the Sea of Japan and the Noto Peninsula's dramatic cliffs.
Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages with fresh seafood markets.
Temples and Shrines: Stop at various temples and shrines along the way, including Chirihama-jima Temple.

Beautiful drive through the Noto Peninsula to the hot spring town of Wakura.

Onsen Town: Relax in Wakura Onsen, famous for its beautiful sunset views.
Wakura Bay: Enjoy the stunning scenery of Wakura Bay and its unique sandy beach.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha: Visit Kumano-Nachi Taisha, one of Japan's Three Great Shrines.

Historical road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo Period.

Historical Significance: Drive on a road with significant historical importance.
Scenic Mountain Passes: Experience scenic mountain passes and stunning views of the Noto Peninsula.
Katayama Shrine: Visit Katayama Shrine, a popular destination for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

Drive through the rolling hills and farmland of the Kahoku Plateau.

Farmland Scenery: Enjoy the peaceful rural scenery with vast fields and traditional farms.
Kahoku Gorge: Visit Kahoku Gorge, a beautiful natural formation with walking trails.
Local Festivals: Experience the local festivals like the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) and Kahoku Bungotori festival.

Mountain drive with ropeways, cable cars, and buses through the Tateyama Mountains.

Mountain Scenery: Stunning views of the Japanese Alps and snow-covered mountains.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Experience the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mica no Yube (Mica Wall) : See the Mica no Yube (Mica Wall), a natural wall made of colorful mica.

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage sites with traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses: Visit the unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their steep thatched roofs.
Rural Landscapes: Experience the beautiful rural landscapes and farm life.
Winter Snow Festival: Witness the Winter Snow Festival, when the village transforms into a winter wonderland.

Historic road connecting Kanazawa and Kyoto, passing through charming towns.

Historical Significance: Drive on a road with significant historical importance.
Scenic Towns: Visit charming towns like Kaga and Wakura with their unique attractions.
Castles and Temples: Stop at various castles, temples, and shrines along the way.

Drive to Nanao Port for beautiful ocean views and fresh seafood.

Coastal Scenery: Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery with a view of Noto Peninsula.
Fresh Seafood Markets: Purchase fresh seafood from local markets.
Ishikawa Prefecture Aquarium: Visit the Ishikawa Prefecture Aquarium to learn about marine life.

Scenic hike along the Anamizu Coast with stunning ocean views.

Coastal Scenery: Stunning views of the Sea of Japan and the Noto Peninsula's dramatic cliffs.
Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages with fresh seafood markets.
Anamizu Coast Natural Park: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Anamizu Coast Natural Park.

Scenic drive to the picturesque Akakura Onsen Village.

Onsen Town: Relax in Akakura Onsen's hot springs, known for their healing properties.
Mountain Scenery: Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and hiking opportunities.
Norikura Ski Resort: Visit Norikura Ski Resort, one of Japan's largest ski resorts during winter.

Scenic bike tour around Kanazawa that showcases both modern and traditional aspects.

Cityscape Views: Offers a blend of contemporary architecture and historical sites on two wheels.
Kenroku-en Garden: Pass through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's famous landscape gardens.
Biking Experience: Experience Kanazawa from a different perspective while biking.

Scenic bike tour through the Kaga Plains with beautiful farmland views.

Farmland Scenery: Enjoy the peaceful rural scenery with vast fields and traditional farms.
Kaga Onsen Towns: Visit charming Kaga Onsen towns with their unique architecture and onsen experiences.
Kahoku Gorge: Stop at Kahoku Gorge, a beautiful natural formation with walking trails.