Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Hokuriku in Japan.
Sitting in the central northern area of Japan’s mainland facing the Sea of Japan, Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures make up the picturesque Hokuriku region.
The great thing about this destination is that Shinkansen bullet train tracks have recently extended to Fukui Prefecture, making it an easy 3-hour train ride from Tokyo.
Elegant townscapes with traditional town and farmhouses, numerous traditional gardens, breathtaking natural beauty, high-quality crafts and delectable gastronomy make Hokuriku a top-notch attraction and a great getaway. Some of the must-see spots in Hokuriku include:
• Gokayama Area in Toyama Pref. – Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture is a World Heritage Site and home to traditional farmhouses with steep-angled thatched straw roofs nestled in the stunning countryside. The unique farmhouses are called “gassho-zukuri” because their shape looks like hands in prayer. The inter-generational homes have existed for hundreds of years.
Gokayama (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Gokayama (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Gokayama’s local instrument “Sasara” (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
• Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Pref. – Kanazawa City is a beautiful castle city where history and elegance meet. Kenrokuen, a scenic traditional Japanese garden, boasts spacious, manicured grounds with ponds, moss-covered green hills and classic teahouses. Check out various gardening styles from different periods coexisting in the botanical harmony.
Kotoji Tourou at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Tea ceremony at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Higashi Chaya in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Omicho Market in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Nearby, Higashi Chaya, a traditional entertainment district filled with a fascinating atmosphere. Higashi Chaya’s elegant streets are lined with geisha houses with lattice “kimusuko” features.
Drop by Omicho Market, home to over 170 stores and stalls. Here you can peruse many fresh, local products and even fresh catches from the nearby Sea of Japan.
• Fukui City in Fukui Pref. – Known as Dinosaur Kingdom, 80 percent of Japan’s dinosaur fossils are found in Fukui. While Dinosaurs’ sculptures and murals at Fukui Station offer great photo ops, the Dinosaur Museum displays 44 dinosaur skeletons and unique exhibits and is considered one of the world’s greatest dinosaur museums.
Fukui Station (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Fukui Station (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Fukui Station (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Fukui Castle moat (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Fukui Castle moat (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
The Central Park nearby, you’ll find the ruins of the former Fukui Castle, including remnants of a moat, bridge and fountains. Visitors can enjoy the grounds into the evening when the ruins are illuminated.
While you’re there, don’t forget to sample radish soba in Echizen City, as the buckwheat aroma and punchy radish flavor match amazingly well, and that burst in your mouth with every bite.
I hope you enjoyed a look at Hokuriku through my travel photos and that it has inspired your next trip. Get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!
AloJapan.com