Five Places for Outstanding Scenery Accessible from Kanazawa

1. Ubagataki Falls

This fall is recognized as one of the three most beautiful falls in Ishikawa and as one of the 100 most beautiful falls in Japan. This is a spectacular fall that is 76m high and 100m wide, with thousands of thin, white ribbons of water that look as if they are slipping down the mountainside. It is said that it was given the name of "ubagataki" (old woman\'s waterfall) because it looks like an elderly woman flinging her white hair around. If you take the trail that goes to the bottom of the fall, you will get to an area with the open-air bath, "Oyadani No Yu," and foot baths. Relax and enjoy the fall while soaking your feet to refresh the body and soul.

2. Noto Kongo

This is a scenic spot in the Noto region of Ishikawa. It is a coast with 30km of sharp cliffs and unusual rock formations created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. There is a lot to see here, including the natural cave, Ganmon Sea Cave, formed by the waves, and the two beautiful rocks tied together with a shimenawa (rope tied to mark the line between the sacred and the unclean) called Hatagoiwa, and the sheer, vertical 35m-high Yase Cliff. The Ganmon Sea Cave, located around the middle of Noto Congo, is a particular recommendation. A tourist boat that offers 20-minute rides around the Ganmon Cave area runs from mid-March to mid-November. The beauty of the natural sculptures seen up close from the tourist boats will take your breath away. The views enjoyed with the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean is bound to become a lifelong memory.

3. Mitsukejima Island

This is a 28m-high uninhabited natural island off Mitsuke Kaigan Beach at the tip of the Noto Peninsula, in Suzu. It is also referred to as "gunkan-jima" (battleship island) because it is shaped like a battleship. There are large stepping stones from the Mitsuke Kaigan Beach, so that visitors can walk along a straight path of about 200m to see the island up close. The Mitsuke Kaigan area is a part of Noto Peninsula National Park and is perfect to stroll and relax in. The area is lit up in the evening, creating a magical scenery. This island is also famous as a place to see beautiful sunrises. Why not get up early to see the sun coming up from beyond the horizon?

4. Tojinbo

This is a scenic area representative of the Hokuriku region, with miles of sheer cliffs with rock surfaces chiseled by the waves. The 1km-long rough rocks are strange rock formations made of the geologically rare "columnar jointing of pyroxene andesite" that is said only to exist in three places around the world including Tojinbo, and are designated a national natural treasure. There are many ways to enjoy the area, such as walking the paths along the coast or seeing the sheer cliffs up close from a tourist boat. The rough waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against the 25m-high rock wall is a sight to behold! Please enjoy this powerful scenery.

*Please be careful when walking around Tojinbo.

5. Kurobe Gorge

This is a large, deep, steep-sided V-shaped valley in the upper and middle stream of Kurobegawa River, which flows through eastern Toyama. It is a popular tourist site where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors. It is recommended to take the Kurobe Gorge train, run by Kurobe Gorge Railway Co. to see the valley. The train takes 80 minutes to travel the 20.1km distance from Unazuki in Kurobe Gorge to Keyakidaira. There are many spots along the railway where you can enjoy the valley\'s beauty, such as Shin-Yamabiko Bridge, about 40m above the valley, the six mountain cliffs called Dashiroppo that look as if they are competing to reach skyward, and the 220m-high great rock wall, Nezumigaeshi-no Ganpeki. The scenery seen from the windows of the train that weaves through the steep valley is so beautiful, it will take your breath away.

*The Kurobe Gorge train runs from late April to November every year. Please confirm details on the official website.

In the Hokuriku region, there are many spots with beautiful scenery that are truly a gift of nature. If you\'re planning to go to Kanazawa, please go a little further to enjoy Hokuriku\'s nature.