VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

Akiko Koshiishi is involved in activities to promote the natural attractions of Kanazawa, Noto, and Kaga. Please tell us about Kanazawa's natural features and attractions.

One of Kanazawa's natural features is the abundance of greenery in the city. For example, even in the center of Kanazawa, there are many places where you can feel nature, such as Kenrokuen Garden and Honda Forest Park. The people of Kanazawa have always valued nature, and the fact that the samurai families and merchants never missed taking care of their gardens is an indication that they considered nature to be close at hand. Nature is so close to us that few people may be aware of it on a daily basis, but we should continue to cherish and preserve it.

In 2019, we launched TABITAIKEN. How did you start working with nature?

I was born in Noto Town on the Noto Peninsula, where Ogi Port is located, and stayed in Noto until I graduated from high school. Once I left my hometown for higher education and employment for a few years, I made a U-turn to Ishikawa Prefecture. When my child was a newborn, I thought about what I could leave behind for him or her, and I suddenly remembered many things my grandmother had taught me when I was a child. It was a life in which nature was close at hand, and the wisdom to live and play were combined, such as gathering wild vegetables in the nearby mountains and catching shellfish and seaweed in the sea. Looking back, it was so much fun that I wanted to leave it as an experience for my children.

I learned that Ishikawa Prefecture was opening the “Ishikawa Nature School” at the same time, and I decided to take a training course to become a nature experience planner. Since the “Ishikawa Nature School” was mainly a program for prefectural residents, I launched “TABITAIKEN” in 2019 with the hope that visitors from outside the prefecture would also experience the nature of Ishikawa Prefecture.

What are the attractions of Kanazawa and what spots do you recommend?

My favorite place is Hondanomori Park, where you can feel nature even though you are in the city. The park is named “Honda-no-mori Koen” because the Honda family used to have a mansion there, and I recommend you visit the spot behind “Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art Hirosaka Annex” where there are many magnificent trees. When you see such large trees up close, you will think that people are really tiny, and your worries and anxieties will decrease.

What does Kanazawa mean to you?

It is a place that helps me get myself in shape. The nature here, my close friends, and the people who are involved in my life all support me.

Akiko Koshiishi, Representative of TABITAIKENet

I grew up with the Noto sea and forest as my playground. She is learning about nature and practicing healthy living in her own way every day. She is a senior instructor at Ishikawa Nature School Instructor School. She has been involved in human resource development at Ishikawa Nature School, and her network of fellow nature lovers in Ishikawa is her treasure. Currently lives in Kanazawa and Noto. Hot Ishikawa Tourism Meister, trainer for the Nature Experience Activity Promotion Council, chief instructor for the National Experiential Activity Leaders Certification Committee, nature experience coordinator, representative of the Sunset Temple Nature Experience Executive Committee, workshop Okaginobanya / Green Keepers