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Your JP Adventure
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Your JP Adventureあなたの旅のプランナー
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Hokuriku

北陸

Hokuriku

8 destinations

Home/Regions/Hokuriku

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

Map of 6 destinations across Japan

The map is for orientation - select a destination below to explore it.

AKanazawaBShirakawa-goCToyamaDEiheijiEWajimaFFukui
Kanazawa

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
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Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go

白川郷

Chubu · Gifu

A UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouse village in a mountain valley, most spectacular under winter snow.

CultureHistoryNature
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Toyama

Toyama

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
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Eiheiji

Eiheiji

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
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Wajima

Wajima

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
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Fukui

Fukui

福井

Hokuriku · Fukui

A compact city with the world's best dinosaur museum, Japan's finest Echizen crab, and excellent soba cuisine.

CultureHistoryNature
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Frequently Asked Questions

Guides for Hokuriku

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Samurai Towns: Kanazawa, Aizu-Wakamatsu and Kochi Compared
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
Samurai History in Japan: Where to Actually See It Today
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
Spirited Away: The Real Places Behind Studio Ghibli's Masterpiece
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

Practical Info

Getting There

Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa (2h30m) and now Tsuruga (extended 2024). A Hokuriku Arch Pass covers the shinkansen plus JR lines across the region.

Best Season

October - November for crisp weather and autumn colour. March for the famous Kenroku-en snow-weighted pine branches (yukitsuri). Summer is less crowded than Kyoto.

When to Avoid

Deep winter (January - February) brings heavy snow that can disrupt travel, though it's beautiful if you're prepared.

Money Tips

Kanazawa and Fukui have good ATM coverage. The Noto Peninsula is mostly cash.

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