SOUTHERN ISHIKAWA

(click on the above link or the area of your choice on the map)

Southern Ishikawa is where the real mountains begin in Ishikawa. Contained in this area of the Prefecture is the important peak of Mount Hakusan. This stunning mountain, literally translated as White Mountain can dominate the skyline on clear days and is well worth a climb when it isn't actually white. The Mount Hakusan National Park also contains the majority of the ski resorts in Ishikawa and some of these are excellent including Ichirino Onsen and Seymour Ski areas. The area does have its share of beaches and though these do not compare with the standard in the Northern Noto for cleanliness or tranquility, they are there good ones aren't too hard to find.

The city of Komatsu is the major centre in South Ishikawa. This is the second largest city in Ishikawa after Kanazawa and has what many people would consider the second best night-life after Kanazawa (or first depending where your loyalties lie!). From Komatsu it is a mere 1 hour 45 to Kyoto and 20 minutes fast train to Kanazawa where the last train home is later than the last tube in Tokyo- 0315!

Kaga is set in beautiful surroundings with a fine view over the mountains