9 SPECIAL PREFECTURE

With so many historic sites, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time in Ishikawa. Kanazawa's top sites include Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Gardens, a ninja temple, the samurai district, and the classic teahouses of Higashi Chaya, where geisha still perform. In the Noto Peninsula, marvel at rice terraces by the sea, and watch the sunset while you soak in the hot springs in Kaga Onsen Town.