A devastating earthquake hit the northern coast of Japan on January 1 2024, affecting Ishikawa prefecture and, more specifically, the Noto Peninsula. The tremor has caused extensive damage to many homes and businesses in the region and crippled infrastructure including roads. Unfortunately, the area's tourism industry has also taken a big hit, with many visitors now avoiding the region altogether since the disaster.
While people have been advised not to travel to the seriously affected areas due to poor road conditions and limited resources, there are still parts of Ishikawa prefecture that can be visited safely without disturbing relief efforts.
To help bring people back to the region, the government of Ishikawa prefecture has put out a useful map indicating what areas visitors can travel to safely.
#能登半島地震
— 名取 祐一郎（アニメ作家）🐇うさぎのアニメ放送中！ (@natoriyuichiro) January 16, 2024
私は石川県在住です。
私の住んでいる地域では日常生活を送れています。
石川県は南北に200kmあり、北部と南部で被害の差があり報道と差があるため、石川県の現状を解説します。
被災地を支援したい方（石川県HP）https://t.co/nERugi3D4t
みなさんのご支援をよろしくお願いします pic.twitter.com/jEd1WFZ7Lb
While the northern part of the prefecture (the Noto region is designated in red and orange on the map) has been hit the hardest, the southern area (the Kaga region, designated in green) is safe to visit.
As indicated on the map, business in the Kaga region is back to normal with shops, restaurants and sightseeing areas operating as usual. One of the most popular destinations in Kaga is the city of Kanazawa, known for its quaint streets, the gorgeous Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and stunning Kanazawa Castle. If you’re wondering how to get to the area, know that the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa, is operating on its regular schedule.
To find out how you can donate to the communities affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, visit here.
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