北陸
Hokuriku
8 destinations
Overview
The Japan Sea coast stretches through a region of heavy snow winters, extraordinary craft traditions, and the beautifully preserved samurai city of Kanazawa - often called Japan's second Kyoto but with far fewer tourists. Fukui has the country's highest density of Soto Zen temples. The Noto Peninsula curves into the sea with its own food culture and ancient fishing villages. The Hokuriku Shinkansen now connects this coast to Tokyo in under 2.5 hours.
Who it's for
Craft and design enthusiasts, second-time Japan visitors, temple-and-garden travellers, and anyone seeking Kyoto-quality aesthetics without Kyoto-level crowds.
Destinations in Hokuriku
Where the destinations are
Kanazawa
金沢
Hokuriku · Ishikawa
The 'Kyoto of the north' - a preserved castle town with Japan's most-visited garden, a samurai district, and exceptional seafood.
CultureFoodHistory
See moreShirakawa-go
白川郷
Chubu · Gifu
A UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouse village in a mountain valley, most spectacular under winter snow.
CultureHistoryNature
See moreToyama
富山
Hokuriku · Toyama
A compact, clean city at the foot of the Northern Alps, gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Japan's most varied fresh seafood.
NatureCultureFood
See moreEiheiji
永平寺
Hokuriku · Fukui
A living Zen monastery founded by Dogen in 1244, where 150 young monks train in strict discipline in a cedar forest complex.
HistoryCultureNature
See moreWajima
輪島
Hokuriku · Ishikawa
The main town of the remote Noto Peninsula, famous for its morning market, Japan's finest lacquerware, and dramatic coastal scenery.
CultureFoodHistory
See moreFukui
福井
Hokuriku · Fukui
A compact city with the world's best dinosaur museum, Japan's finest Echizen crab, and excellent soba cuisine.
CultureHistoryNature
See moreYour JP Adventure
Plan a trip to Hokuriku
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Plan a trip to Hokuriku →Frequently Asked Questions
Guides for Hokuriku
View more →Guides
Samurai Towns: Kanazawa, Aizu-Wakamatsu and Kochi Compared
Compare Kanazawa, Aizu-Wakamatsu and Kochi - three authentic samurai towns. Refined aesthetics, unwavering loyalty, or rebellious spirit? Find your perfect samurai experience.
12 min read·23 May 2026
Guides
Samurai History in Japan: Where to Actually See It Today
Visit actual samurai castles, districts, and museums across Japan. From Tokyo's hands-on exhibits to Kanazawa's preserved streets, where to see authentic samurai history.
11 min read·23 May 2026
Guides
Spirited Away: The Real Places Behind Studio Ghibli's Masterpiece
Discover the real Japanese locations that inspired Spirited Away, from Dōgo Onsen's historic bathhouse to traditional towns echoing the film's atmosphere.
12 min read·23 May 2026