Get the lowdown on some of what Ishikawa Prefecture has to offer!

Ishikawa Prefecture lies on the west coast of Japan's main island, a part of Hokuriku in the larger Chubu, or "central", region. It is best-known perhaps for its capital city of Kanazawa, an old castle town rich in history and natural beauty and surprisingly compact in size (a good thing -- more on this later). Kanazawa offers a range of sightseeing destinations and cultural experiences -- not to mention the tasty food -- that will delight history buffs and artisans alike.

Ishikawa Prefecture is not just rich in history; it is also historically rich. The prosperous Kaga Domain -- led by the Maeda clan -- which occupied this area during the Edo period precipitated the development of an array of fine arts, crafts, and products. On a recent trip to Kanazawa, I experienced a few highlights including Kanazawa gold leaf, Kutaniyaki porcelain and Ohi-style pottery, and locally brewed sake.