Kanazawa Off The Beaten Path

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If you're hiking any mountain, you should be prepared for rain. Hakusan, being on the sea of Japan makes it even more probable. Make sure to bring rain gear and water proof your stuff.

Mountain weather can change quickly, so be ready.

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Everyone knows that Mt. Fuji is the most sacred mountain in Japan, but few know that Hakusan, outside of Kanazawa is the 2nd most sacred mountain in Japan.

As well, the hiking season is much longer than Fuji. The hike is easier as well, which is to say it can be done in a day if you're in fairly good shape. Most Japanese do it in 2 days though. They stay at a cabin called Marudo, close to the summit.

The Mountain itself if much better looking than Fuji also.

During the main summer season, you can catch a morning bus from Kanazawa station to the base of Hakusan. You have to go early though, the bus leaves at 5:30am or 6 am. not sure, cause i drove there.

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Instead of heading direct to Higashi Chaya district after alighting at the bus stop, deviate towards this restaurant lined district situated right along the river. Wind through the narrow alleys behind the main walk for some interesting shop fronts. Across the river, walk through a quiet residential area. Stone arched bridges span across the river.

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The West side of Kanazawa offers very little in the way of tourist attractions and is mostly the industrial and government side of the city. However, if you find yourself on the West side of Kanazawa, be sure to check out the Kanazawa city government office. The building is opened for free and the 19th floor is opened for observation of the cityscape in all directions. The 19th floor also hosts various local arts on a rotating schedule. The building is only opened during normal government hours, so the observation deck is usually closed about 5pm so you will be unable to see the city at night.

Frankly, I think you find better things to do with your time especially since Kanazawa isn’t the most dazzling city to see. The price is right though!

The Government building is easy to find because its right off the main road that heads west from the train station. It is the only talk buildings in the area so they should pretty easy to spot. See the photos of the building below so you have an idea of what to look for. They should be about a 5 to 10 minute ride from the west exit of Kanazawa station.

Senmaida, or a 1000 fields in a top scenic spot to stop and gaze out on the ocean, or the beautifully staked rice fields. There are usually some merchants around selling little knickknacks and such as well. It’s a great to stop and stretch your legs. The area is very close to Wajima and the village of Sosogi.

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Ok, this is kind of a strange tip, but here goes. If you’re in Kanazawa during early April, you should check out the fields of beautiful yellow flowers (not sure what they7re called) that are used to make cooking oil. The best place to head is CCZ (check out my CCZ tip). Next to the beach are a couple of huge fields of flowers which are perfect for photographing and frolicking. These flowers seem to be harvested rather quickly, so there is a small window of opportunity to see them.

Most will never get a chance to see any of the wonderful festivals in the Noto area, but you can catch a glimpse of the some the excitement at the Kiriko-kaikan exhibition hall (8-5 600yen). Kirikos are giant paper lanterns, which are displayed here along with videos of some Wajima’s festivals. Defiantly worth it if you don’t have a chance to see the real thing.

There are a few things in Wajima that deserve some real attention. The main tourist attraction is the morning market (8-11:30) where hundreds of vendors setup on the main street near the port and sell fish, fruit, knickknacks, lacquerware and things like that. It’s a good slice of life and you’re sure to meet some colorful characters and get a chance to try some excellent local food.