Prefecture Directory · Chubu
Ishikawa 石川県
Ishikawa Prefecture occupies the Noto and Kaga peninsulas along the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa, the prefectural capital, is known for its samurai district, Kenroku-en garden, and traditional arts and crafts. The prefecture attracts international students and researchers and has a growing tourism sector with a corresponding international community. The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake affected health infrastructure in the northern part of the prefecture.
Healthcare landscape
Kanazawa University Hospital is the principal advanced-care facility, with Kanazawa Medical University Hospital providing supplementary specialist capacity. Post-earthquake healthcare recovery is ongoing in the Noto region; some facilities there remain affected. Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (IFIE) provides multilingual consultation including medical referral assistance.
Multilingual medical support
生活相談（外国人のための無料相談）
公益財団法人石川県国際交流協会（IFIE）
- Phone
- 076-262-5932
- Hours
- 月〜金 9:15〜17:00（年末年始・祝日を除く）
- Languages
- 英語, 韓国語, 中国語, ポルトガル語, ロシア語, ベトナム語（火曜・木曜）, インドネシア語（木曜）
Public health center (保健所)
Ishikawa Prefecture operates public health centers (保健所, hokenjo) across its municipalities. Public health centers manage infectious disease surveillance, maternal and child health programs, and mental health consultation. Contact the prefectural health department or your municipal office to locate the nearest hokenjo.
Emergency numbers in Japan
- Ambulance / Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Japan Helpline (24-hr English): 0570-000-911
- JNTO Tourist Helpline: 050-3816-2787 (available for medical referrals)
See our emergency guide for full details on calling an ambulance and communicating with emergency services in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026