Kanazawa, a coastal city in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is not only famous for its historical legacy as the capital of the Kaga Domain, but also serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the world of Japanese sea islands. From Kanazawa, you can take ferries or buses to the surrounding特色 islands, each offering distinctly different atmospheres—some excel in natural scenery, some are famous for seafood cuisine, while others preserve traditional fishing village charm. This island-hopping travel style allows travelers to experience the diverse coastal charm of Ishikawa Prefecture in a short time, and is also the best choice for escaping city noise and getting closer to the Sea of Japan.
The biggest highlight of Kanazawa island-hopping is undoubtedly the magnificent views of the Sea of Japan along the way. Unlike the tranquil inland sea scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan is known for its turbulent waves, and the ocean currents between islands have created rich marine ecosystems. Additionally, the islands off Ishikawa Prefecture retain a strong traditional fishing village culture, where visitors can taste the freshest seafood, participate in traditional fishing activities, and even stay at local guesthouses, experiencing a completely different slower pace of life. Cherry blossoms in spring, summer beach swimming, autumn harvest festivals, and winter's quiet beauty—each season offers reasons worth exploring.
Wajima is one of the most well-known island-hopping destinations around Kanazawa, located in the northeastern part of the Noto Peninsula, and is famous worldwide for "Wajima lacquerware." This small island preserves traditional machiya townhouses, and walking along the Morning Market Street (Asaichi-dori), you can see locals selling fresh seafood and handcrafted items in a lively scene. Wajima Port serves as an important hub for reaching surrounding smaller islands, where you can take ferries to other islands. The Wajima Pearl Center on the island also offers seawater pearl farming experiences, which is a popular activity among female visitors. For transportation, take the JR Noto Line from Kanazawa Station to Wajima Station in about 2 hours, with a fare of approximately ¥1,500; or take a ferry from Kanazawa Port, with a journey of about 1 hour and a fare of approximately ¥2,000. Wajima Morning Market is open from 8 AM to noon, so it is recommended to go in the morning to ensure you get the freshest ingredients.
Mitsuke Island (also known as "Noto Mitsuke Island") is a small volcanic island offshore from the Noto Peninsula. With only a few residents, it has become a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts due to its unique geological features. The island's biggest特色 is the tunnel in its center—reportedly dug by former residents for convenience, passing through it leads to the other side of the island, delivering the surprise of "after darkness, light." The waters around Mitsuke Island are exceptionally clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. To reach Mitsuke Island, you can take a regular ferry from Wajima Port, with a journey of about 15 minutes and a fare of approximately ¥500; or join a day trip from Kanazawa, which includes transportation and costs approximately ¥5,000 to ¥8,000. There are no formal restaurants on the island, so it is recommended to bring simple meals.
Another recommended destination is "Narusaki Island" (also known as "Nariji Island"), located at the eastern tip of the Noto Peninsula. This island is famous for its unique coastal terrain, where waves crashing against rocks create a spectacular sight. The name Narusaki Island comes from the Japanese meaning "to moor boats here," indicating this has been an important port since ancient times. There is a small Sea Goddess Shrine on the island, which enshrines the deity protecting seafarers. From Wajima Port, take a bus for about 30 minutes to the nearest port, then transfer to a ferry to Narusaki Island.
For practical information, the main transportation methods to reach the islands around Kanazawa are JR trains or ferries. From Kanazawa Station, the main route is to take the JR Nanao Line or Noto Line to coastal towns, then transfer to ferries to reach each island. Ferry schedules on the Sea of Japan may change due to weather conditions, so it is recommended to check the latest sailing information before your trip. Transportation between islands is mainly by bus and taxi, with fewer bus departures, so it is advised to check the timetable in advance or drive yourself. Touring costs on each island are relatively affordable, with one-way ferry fares ranging from ¥300 to ¥2,000, and meal costs depending on the restaurant, generally ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per person for seafood dishes.
Travel tips: The best season for traveling to the islands around Kanazawa is from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is stable and sea transportation is less likely to be suspended due to waves. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions on the islands require walking. Since public transportation between islands is limited, if time is limited, joining a local day tour would be more convenient. For language, basic Japanese communication is smoother on the islands, so it is recommended to carry a translation app for emergencies.
