On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by the worst earthquake to hit Japan since 2011, costing over 200 human lives and causing widespread damage on the peninsula, especially in its northern half around the cities of Wajima and Suzu.
100 kilometers south of the epicenter, the city of Kanazawa was also rattled by the earthquake, but damage was lighter. Train service to the city resumed on the day after the earthquake, and most tourist attractions - with some exceptions - reopened within four days.
However, visitor numbers to the city - especially Japanese tourists - have decreased since the earthquake, causing additional troubles to the local economy. While months will be needed for the Noto Peninsula to reopen to tourism, Kanazawa is already welcoming tourists again, with local leaders actively calling on travelers not to avoid the city. So, today I visited Kanazawa to check on the city's state one month after the earthquake.
All buses are back in service, but the Kanazawa Loop Bus is running only in the clockwise direction for the time being
