THE DETAILS

Getting There Ishikawa’s capital, Kanazawa, is directly connected to Tokyo by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen; the scenic ride takes 2.5 to three hours. From Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific ( cathaypacific.com) flies twice-weekly to Komatsu Airport, a 30-minute drive southwest of central Kanazawa.

Where to Stay Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori This superb seaside ryokan combines the best of old and new, with outdoor onsen baths that overlook Nanao Bay. 34 Wa-bu, Wakura-machi, Nanao; 81-767/628-000; matsunomidori.jp; doubles from US$450. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa A full-service business hotel occupying the 17th to 30th floors of a tower near the city’s train station. 2-15-1 Honmachi, Kanazawa; 81-76/234-1111; hnkanazawa.jp; doubles from US$115.