Cosmo Isle Hakui

Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast


One for X-Files fans, this quirky space and science museum features ’60s and ’70s USSR space-mission relics and several UFO and alien exhibits (including a replica of the alleged Roswell alien dissection).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast attractions

1. Myōjō-ji

4.88 MILES

Founded in 1294 by Nichizō, a disciple of Nichiren's, the imposing Myōjō-ji remains an important temple for the sect. The peaceful grounds comprise 10…

2. Kita-ke

7.14 MILES

During the Edo period the Kita family administered over 200 villages from Kita-ke, the pivotal crossroads of the Kaga, Etchū and Noto fiefs. Inside this…

3. Himi Shōwa Museum

12.52 MILES

This fabulous little museum is a good reason to pass through Himi. It showcases all manner of memorabilia from the Shōwa period (1926–89), encompassing…

4. Ganmon

14.65 MILES

There's a lot of hype about this interesting, though relatively unexciting sea cave carved into the cliff by the force of the waves. Nearby are souvenir…

5. Risaburō Foundry

15.75 MILES

This factory has been producing traditional Takaoka bronzeware since the Meiji era and allows visitors a rare and fascinating glimpse of the casting…

6. Takaoka Great Buddha

16.47 MILES

Construction of this great bronze Buddha statue began in 1907 and was completed in 1933. The statue was moved to its present location in 1981 after the…

7. Kojō Park

16.5 MILES

This big park is the site of the old Takaoka castle (kojō means – you guessed it – 'old castle'), demolished in 1615 after being in use only six years…

8. Zuiryū-ji

16.64 MILES

One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…