Hokuriku Shinetsu

The Hokuriku-Shinetsu region is an area located on the Sea of ​​Japan coast, and is a combined name for the two areas "Hokuriku" and "Shinetsu." This region is attractive for its rich nature, historical culture, and fresh food culture, and is also popular as a tourist destination. Below, we will introduce an overview of the Hokuriku-Shinetsu region and the attractions of each region and tourist spot.

Hokuriku-Shinetsu's Seasonal Attractions

The Hokuriku-Shinetsu region consists of five prefectures: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Nagano. This area has four distinct seasons, and each season offers different attractions. With its rich nature, traditional culture, food culture, and hot springs, the Hokuriku-Shinetsu region is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Spring (March to May)

As the harsh cold of winter comes to an end, the snow melts and new greenery appears, and cherry blossoms bloom. This is also the time when rice planting begins, creating beautiful rural landscapes.

Attractions and Activities

・Famous cherry blossom spots

Kenrokuen (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture)

One of the three most famous gardens in Japan, the harmony between the spring cherry blossoms and the garden is beautiful.

Takada Castle Site Park (Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture)

Approximately 4,000 cherry trees lit up at night create a fantastic sight.

Fukui Castle Site Daimyocho Park (Fukui Prefecture)

Enjoy the collaboration of historical castle ruins and cherry blossoms.

・Trekking after the snow melts

In Kamikochi and the Hakuba Mountain Range in Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy hiking in the clear air after the snow melts.

・Rice planting experience

In rice-producing areas such as Niigata and Toyama, events are held where you can experience rice planting.

・Hot spring tours

We recommend relaxing in an open-air bath while feeling the arrival of spring.

Summer (June to August)

It is characterized by a cool highland climate and is popular as a summer resort. Festivals and fireworks displays are lively in many parts of the region.

Attractions and Activities

・Summer festivals

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (Ishikawa Prefecture)

A gorgeous period procession marches through the city.

Uozu Lantern Floating (Toyama Prefecture)

A fantastic festival where lanterns are floated into the sea.

Echigo's Three Great Fireworks Festivals (Niigata Prefecture)

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is particularly famous, and you can enjoy spectacular fireworks.

・Summer resorts

Shiga Kogen (Nagano Prefecture)

A highland resort with a cool climate and beautiful nature.

Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture)

Enjoy the refreshing scenery of the valley on a trolley train.

・Camping and outdoor activities

You can enjoy camping and trekking around Azumino in Nagano Prefecture and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in Toyama Prefecture.

Autumn (September to November)

When the rice harvesting season arrives, and the rice fields are tinged with golden colors, the mountains and valleys are filled with colorful autumn foliage spots.

Attractions and Activities

・Foliage viewing spots

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture)

One of the best spots for viewing autumn leaves in Japan, where you can enjoy magnificent mountain scenery.

Eiheiji Temple (Fukui Prefecture)

A special space where autumn leaves and a Zen atmosphere blend together.

Myoko Kogen (Niigata Prefecture)

A spectacular view of the vast plateau and autumn leaves in harmony.

・Harvest festivals and agricultural experiences

Rice harvesting experiences in Niigata, apple picking in Nagano, and grape picking are popular.

・Hot springs and autumn leaves

Kaga Onsenkyo (Ishikawa Prefecture)

A luxurious spot where you can enjoy a hot spring while watching the autumn leaves.

Kusatsu Onsen (border with Gunma Prefecture)

An open-air bath experience in the clear autumn air is the best.

・Traditional crafts

It's also fun to experience traditional crafts during your autumn trip, such as "Kutani ware" and "Wajima lacquerware" in Kanazawa, and "Tsubame-Sanjo metalwork" in Niigata.

Winter (December to February)

The Hokuriku-Shinetsu region is a region of heavy snowfall and beautiful snowy scenery. Onsen (hot springs), ski resorts, and snow festivals are the main winter tourist attractions.

Attractions and Activities

・Snow Festivals

Himi Snow Lantern Festival (Toyama Prefecture)

Snow lanterns create a fantastic sight.

Tokamachi Snow Festival (Niigata Prefecture)

The snow monsters "frost-covered trees" and giant snow sculptures are must-sees.

・Winter Sports

Naeba Ski Resort (Niigata Prefecture)

One of Japan's leading ski resorts, enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)

A unique area where a hot spring resort and ski resort are adjacent to each other.

・Hot Spring Tours

Dogo Onsen (near Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture)

Japan's oldest hot spring resort, the perfect combination with the winter snow scenery.

Gero Onsen (border with Gifu Prefecture)

The entire hot spring town is covered in snow, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Popular Attractions in Hokuriku Shinetsu Region

Toyama Prefecture

Toyama Prefecture, located in the Hokuriku region of Japan, is an attractive tourist destination with beautiful nature and rich culture. With a well-balanced mix of sea, mountains, and plains, you can enjoy seasonal scenery and fresh food culture. Below, we will introduce some useful information for tourists visiting Toyama Prefecture.

Kurobe Dam is one of the largest arch dams in Japan, located in Tateyama-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture, and is popular among both domestic and international tourists due to its grand scale and beautiful scenery. It is known as part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and is surrounded by magnificent nature and tourist attractions.

Kurobe Dam

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a mountain tourism route that crosses the Northern Alps straddling Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad as one of the most spectacular scenic spots in Japan. The route is a place where visitors can enjoy magnificent nature, with 3,000-meter-high mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful lakes.

Ainokura Gassho Style Village

The Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village is a World Heritage-listed traditional village in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and embodies a valuable cultural landscape of Japan. Gassho-zukuri refers to a unique architectural style in which thatched roofs are shaped like clasped hands, and was developed in this region to cope with harsh winters and heavy snowfall.

Mikurigaike

Mikurigaike is a volcanic lake located at an altitude of about 2,405 meters in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, and is an iconic spot on the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route." Known as the highest lake in Japan, it is surrounded by the majestic Northern Alps mountains and offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.

Toyama Castle Ruins Park

This historic park is located in the center of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, and was developed on the site of the former Toyama Castle. It is loved by many tourists and locals as a spot that conveys the history of Toyama Castle, which flourished from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and in spring you can enjoy beautiful rows of cherry blossom trees.

Kintaro Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Tateyama-cho, Nakashinagawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture, in the Bijodaira area, known as the gateway to the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Surrounded by a rich natural environment, this hot spring resort is popular among tourists and climbers for its day-trip bathing and lodging facilities.

Kintaro Onsen

Ishikawa Prefecture

Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the Hokuriku region of Japan, and is an attractive region rich in history and culture, where you can also enjoy natural beauty and a unique food culture. Below, we will introduce some useful information for tourists visiting Ishikawa Prefecture.

Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. The garden was created by the Maeda family of the Kaga domain in the Edo period (1603-1868) and has a history spanning some 300 years. Because of its beauty and historical value, it is a popular spot for tourists from Japan and abroad.

Kenrokuen Garden

Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle Park is a historical park located in the center of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and was developed from the ruins of Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the Kaga clan. Along with Kenrokuen Garden, it is a major sightseeing spot in Kanazawa, where visitors can experience the castle architecture and history of the Edo period.

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi-chaya-gai is one of the historic streets of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is representative of the “teahouse district” where the culture of the Kaga clan flourished in the Edo period. The atmosphere of those days remains strong even today, and the area has been designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Shiroyone Senmaida

Shiroyone Senmaida is a series of small rice terraces that spread across a steep slope facing the Sea of ​​Japan, with a total of about 2,000 rice paddies, large and small. It has been cultivated by local people since before the Edo period, and is a landscape that symbolizes the traditional agricultural culture of the Noto Peninsula. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces. It has attracted attention both from within Japan and overseas as a landscape that gives a sense of harmony between nature and humans.

Hakuichi Gold Leaf

Hakuichi Gold Leaf is a long-established gold leaf manufacturer headquartered in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is known as the "city of gold leaf" and is a major production area that accounts for approximately 99% of gold leaf production in Japan, and Hakuichi is one of the most famous companies among them. It is a popular place where many tourists can experience Kanazawa's traditional culture through products and experiences using gold leaf.

The Senrihama Nagisa Driveway is a unique tourist spot in Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, known as the only road in Japan where you can drive on a sandy beach. It has attracted the attention of tourists from Japan and abroad because it offers the rare experience of driving directly on a beautiful sandy beach facing the Sea of Japan.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and belongs to the Hokuriku region. The prefectural capital is Fukui City. Fukui Prefecture is characterized by beautiful nature, a rich history, and a unique culture, making it a very attractive tourist destination. It is also known as the "Kingdom of Dinosaurs," and many fossils have been discovered there. Below, we will introduce some useful information for tourists visiting Fukui Prefecture.

Tojinbo is a famous coastal scenic spot in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The area is made of pyroxene andesite formed by volcanic activity, and its unique topography has been created by erosion and weathering by waves over a long period of time. Tojinbo is designated as a natural monument of Japan and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fukui Prefecture.

Tojinbo

Eiheiji Temple

Eiheiji Temple, located in Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, is the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism and one of the leading Zen temples in Japan. The temple was founded by Zen Master Dogen in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and is widely known as a “Buddhist training center” for its history and prestige.

Kazura Bridge

The Kazura Bridge, which spans the tree-lined Ashiba River valley, is a nationally unique suspension bridge of kazura that is 44 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 12 meters high. The unique swaying of the bridge is very thrilling. It is said that if you pledge your love on this bridge, you will be happy forever.

Mikata Five Lakes

The Mikata Five Lakes are the collective name for five lakes located in Wakasa Town, Mikata-Kaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and are part of the Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park. They are known for their beautiful scenery that blends in with the surrounding natural scenery. The Mikata Five Lakes consist of Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, Lake Mikata, and Lake Hinata.

Rainbow Line

The Rainbow Line is a tourist road that connects the Mikata Five Lakes area in Wakasa Town, Mikata Kaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and is a popular driving course where you can enjoy the Mikata Five Lakes Rest House and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. This road is part of the Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, and is a great spot to enjoy the unique natural scenery where the lake meets the sea.

Mizushima is a small uninhabited island at the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula. It is known as the "Hawaii of the Hokuriku region" for its crystal clear water and white sand. Many families and couples visit the island during swimming season. Tourist boats can be reached only from July to August, and many tourists come to swim in the summer.

Mizushima

Echizen Ono Castle

Echizen Ono Castle was built in 1576 by warlord Nagachika Kanamori. The castle was abandoned in the Meiji period (1868-1912), but was rebuilt with a mock castle tower in 1968. Located in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, this mountain castle is a beautiful sightseeing spot known as the "Castle in the Sky. Built in the Warring States Period, this historical castle now attracts many visitors with its scenery in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Maruoka Castle is a historical castle located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and is known as one of the few castles in Japan with an existing castle tower. It is one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, and has a particularly valuable architectural style as a "watchtower-type castle tower. Also known as Kasumiga-jo, it attracts many tourists with its beautiful appearance that harmonizes with the scenery of each of the four seasons.

Maruoka Castle

Sodomon Gate

The scenic spot of Sotomon is a huge cave with a total length of about 60 meters. It is a scenic spot in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, and a beautiful coastline that is part of Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park. Characterized by cliffs and caves formed by marine erosion, it has been selected as one of the "100 Best Beaches in Japan" and is known as a tourist spot where you can enjoy natural beauty. It is said that the name "Sotomon" was taken from the legendary cave "Suzhou Cave" in China.

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in central Honshu, Japan, and is an inland prefecture with many mountainous areas. The prefectural capital is Nagano City, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains known as the Japan Alps and abundant nature. Nagano is also a very popular tourist destination, with many historical temples, shrines, and hot springs. 1998 saw the hosting of the Winter Olympics, which attracted international attention. Below is some useful information for tourists visiting Nagano Prefecture.

Ueda Castle is a historical castle located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is one of the most famous castles built during the Warring States Period. It has been especially selected as one of the “100 Great Castles of Japan” and attracts many tourists as a place associated with the Sanada clan. Surrounded by nature-rich parks and museums, it is a spot where visitors can enjoy sightseeing and historical exploration at the same time.

Ueda Castle

Zenkoji Temple

This historic Buddhist temple is located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is one of Japan's most famous sacred sites. With a history of about 1,400 years, it has attracted the faith of many people since ancient times, so much so that it is said that "you should visit Zenkoji at least once in your lifetime." It is known as a "non-sectarian" temple that transcends sects, and is characterized by the fact that anyone can easily visit.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is one of Japan's most famous castles, with a surviving castle tower designated as a "national treasure." Built from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, this castle is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its beautiful black exterior walls and graceful appearance, and attracts many tourists.

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a beautiful natural scenic spot located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is also known as the gateway to the "Japan Alps. It is part of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park and is a popular destination for tourists and mountaineering enthusiasts from Japan and abroad. Its magnificent nature and clean air are so beautiful that it is called “God's Valley,” and it shows different faces in each of the four seasons.

Nishina Three Lakes

The three lakes of Nishina (Lake Aoki, Lake Nakatsuna, and Lake Kisaki), which straddle Omachi City and Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, are beautiful scenic spots located at the foot of the Northern Alps. These lakes are also known as the “Matsushima of Shinshu,” and their clear waters and surrounding mountains attract many visitors. Lake Aoki is also home to the “Dragon God Legend,” in which it is said that a dragon god lives at the bottom of the lake.

Senjojiki Cirque is a spectacular spot located in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is a glacial landform that spreads at an altitude of about 2,600 meters in the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains). This place is called "Japan's most beautiful alpine scenery" and attracts many climbers and tourists. The name comes from the fact that the flat terrain looks like "a thousand tatami mats laid out."

Senjojiki Curl

Mishaka Pond

Mishaka Pond is a beautiful pond located in Tatsuno Town, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The pond attracts many people because of its harmony with the surrounding nature. It is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and tourists who enjoy nature walks, especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The pond is located near an area selected as one of the “100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan” and is one of the places that symbolize the rich nature of Nagano Prefecture.

Hakuba is a resort located in the northwest of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is a popular spot visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Many ski and snowboard enthusiasts gather here especially during the winter sports season, but it is also known as a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature throughout the year. Surrounded by the Northern Alps mountains, this area is attractive for its magnificent scenery and rich variety of activities.

Hakuba

Achi Village

Achi Village is a small village located in Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, characterized by its highlands rich in nature and beautiful scenery. In recent years, it has attracted attention as a spot where you can enjoy "Japan's best starry sky," and many tourists from both Japan and abroad have come to visit. Located at an altitude of about 1,400 meters, there is little artificial light such as streetlights, so the night sky is filled with stars.

Niigata Prefecture

Niigata Prefecture is a vast prefecture located in the northwestern part of Japan's main island, facing the Sea of Japan. The prefectural capital is Niigata City, which is characterized by its rich nature and diverse culture. It is known as one of Japan's leading rice-producing regions, producing brand-name rice such as "Koshihikari. It is also a region of heavy snowfall, offering ski resorts and snowy landscapes in winter. Below is some useful information for tourists visiting Niigata Prefecture.

Kiyotsukyo is a scenic spot located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and is one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan. It is a popular spot that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad, especially during the fall foliage season, when the scenery is spectacular. The charm of Kiyotsukyo lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in the unique sightseeing experiences that can be enjoyed, such as caves and walking trails.

Kiyotsu Gorge

Sado Gold Mine

Sado Gold Mine is a historical mine located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and is one of Japan's representative industrial heritage sites. It is known as “the gold mine that supported Japan's finances” due to the large amount of gold and silver mined from the Edo period to the Showa period. Today, the site has been developed as a tourist attraction, where many people can experience its history and technological feats.

Shioritoge

Shioritoge is a mountainous area located on the border between Niigata and Fukushima prefectures, and is famous for the natural phenomenon known as waterfall clouds, which can be seen especially from autumn to winter. Waterfall clouds are a type of cloud that form under certain conditions. When the water vapor from the river flowing along the valley comes into contact with the cold air, mist-like clouds are formed, and they look like they are cascading down like a waterfall, hence the name "waterfall clouds."

Takada Castle

Takada Castle is a historical castle ruin located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is a flat castle built in the early Edo period. Takada Castle was built in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadateru, who ruled Echigo Province. Today, its beautiful rows of cherry blossom trees and historical buildings attract tourists, and it has become a popular spot selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.

Myoko Kogen Sky Cable

Myoko Kogen Sky Cable is a ropeway facility located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. By using this ropeway, visitors can easily reach an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters and enjoy the magnificent nature and spectacular views. It is a popular destination for many tourists, especially during the season of autumn foliage and snowy scenery.

Naena Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and is known as one of the "Three Great Waterfalls of Japan." It is a popular spot that attracts many tourists due to its power and beautiful scenery. It is especially beautiful during the seasons of fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves, making it an attractive place for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Naenataki