Nanto(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Nanao City, the top choice for traditional Japanese charm is Nanako Ryokan, a centuries-old inn nestled in the historic Ishikawa Old Town district. Its wooden beams, tatami-mat rooms, and private garden reflect authentic Edo-period aesthetics. Guests enjoy kaiseki meals featuring Hokuriku seafood and local sake. The hotel also offers kimono rental and access to nearby temples like Takayama Shrine. For an immersive experience, book a room facing the quiet alleyway—perfect for morning tea with views of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.

The Ishikawa Old Town district is the heart of cultural immersion in Nanao City. Here, visitors can stroll through well-preserved Edo-era merchant houses, explore the Ishikawa Folk Museum, and attend seasonal festivals like the Nanao Lantern Festival. Many local shops sell handmade Hokuriku lacquerware and washi paper crafts. Staying in a family-run guesthouse here allows direct interaction with residents, offering insights into daily life, rice farming traditions, and regional cuisine such as soba noodles and fresh sea bream sushi.

Tourists in Nanao City can participate in traditional lacquerware workshops at the Ishikawa Lacquer Art Studio, where they craft their own piece using time-honored techniques like maki-e. Another highlight is the fishing village homestay program, where guests join local fishermen on early-morning boat trips and learn to prepare fresh Hokuriku mackerel. During spring, visitors may join rice planting ceremonies in nearby fields, experiencing the rhythm of rural life. These activities emphasize harmony with nature—a core value in Hokuriku culture.

Sekishu Onsen Hotel stands out for its breathtaking hot spring views. Located at the foot of Mount Hakusan, its open-air baths overlook lush forests and misty valleys, especially magical during winter. The mineral-rich waters are known for soothing skin and joints. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to soak while gazing at snow-capped peaks. The hotel serves exquisite Hokuriku beef and seasonal vegetables in a kaiseki-style dinner. Early HopeGoo is essential, particularly during peak season.

Must-try dishes in Nanao City include Hokuriku beef, tender and rich, often served as yakiniku or sukiyaki. Fresh mackerel sushi is a local favorite, prepared with vinegared rice and delicate fish from the Sea of Japan. Don’t miss Nanao soba, made from locally grown buckwheat, served cold with a clear broth. In markets, sample Hokuriku rice cakes (mochi) filled with red bean paste or salted plum. Pair these with locally brewed rice wine (sake) or ume-shu plum wine for a full sensory journey.

For families, Ishikawa Old Town offers child-friendly options like Kids’ Craft Corner at the Folk Museum and guided storytelling walks through historic alleys. Stay at Family House Minami, a spacious guesthouse with a backyard playground and bike rentals. Nearby, Hakusan Nature Park features easy hiking trails and wildlife observation points. Parents can also join bamboo weaving classes with children, creating simple baskets together. The city’s low crime rate and pedestrian-friendly layout make it safe and convenient for kids to explore.

Top spots for autumn foliage in Nanao City include Mount Hakusan’s lower slopes and the Kurokawa Valley Trail, where maple trees blaze crimson and gold against deep green pines. Stay at Kurokawa View Inn, which offers panoramic balcony views of the changing leaves. The hotel hosts a fall festival with lantern displays and local food stalls. Visit mid-November for peak colors. Early mornings offer crisp air and fog-laden valleys, perfect for photography. Some trails are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring inclusive enjoyment.

Sekishu Onsen Hotel is a photographer’s dream, with its elevated viewing decks overlooking Hakusan’s forested slopes and seasonal landscapes. The hotel’s minimalist design and natural lighting create striking compositions. In Ishikawa Old Town, stay at Photogenics Guesthouse, which provides free access to rooftop platforms and curated photo tours of hidden alleys, lantern-lit streets, and traditional rooftops. Winter brings ethereal scenes of steam rising from hot springs amid snow-covered trees. Bring a tripod—golden hour light and starry nights enhance the shots.

Travel from Tokyo to Nanao City via Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station (2.5 hours), then transfer to a local bus or rental car (40 minutes). Alternatively, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly to Nanao Station if available. Local buses connect major sites like Ishikawa Old Town and Mount Hakusan. Download the Hokuriku Bus App for real-time schedules. For flexibility, renting a car is ideal—routes pass through scenic countryside and coastal views. Note: Trains are punctual and luggage-friendly.

For couples, Sekishu Onsen Hotel’s private hot spring suites offer secluded outdoor baths with mountain views—perfect for stargazing after sunset. Book a couples’ kaiseki dinner with seasonal ingredients and candlelit service. In Ishikawa Old Town, stay at Love Lane Ryokan, where each room features a hand-painted mural and a shared tokonoma (display alcove) for intimate moments. Take a moonlit walk along the river path, listen to traditional shamisen music from a nearby teahouse, and savor a bottle of local sake. This blend of serenity and intimacy captures the soul of Hokuriku romance.