The West Japan region is known to have many unique and attractive spots everywhere. It is an additional appeal to visitors that they can access various places within the area by rail and/or ferry. Here are recommended spots as well as activities in West Japan, which can be accessed more conveniently and cheaply with a JR-WEST RAIL PASS!
For details about ticket deals and passes, access: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/cp/west_japan/
Experience feeding and getting acquainted with dolphins and other marine life at this interactive aquarium. Get up close to whale sharks swimming slowly by in their mysterious blue world.
Fee: Adult (High school students and above) 1,890 yen
| Access | JR Wakura Onsen Sta → 30 min by bus |
| Business hours | 9:00-17:00, 9:00-16:30 (Dec. 1-Mar. 19) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
| Regular holiday | Dec. 29-31 |
| URL | https://www.notoaqua.jp/global/english/ |
The name Kaga Onsen-kyo refers to three hot spring areas. Famous for traditional crafts and ceramics called Kutani ware, the Kaga area is home to Yamashiro Onsen, featuring the public bath called Kosoyu, Yamanaka Onsen in a beautiful valley, and Katayamazu Onsen, offering hot springs with a view of the lake. Come explore the unique character of each.
・Kaga Onsen Passport
This pass offers great value providing convenient access to all three hot spring areas and the Kutani ware museum! Options also include sightseeing bus tickets.
Fee: 800 yen for admission ticket only, 1,500 yen for admission ticket + tour bus ticket
| Access | JR Kagaonsen Sta. |
| URL | https://www.tabimati.net/ |
At the beginning of the 20th century, Tsuruga prospered as an international port city that served as the gateway to the Sea of Japan. In addition to a stylish cafe and restaurant, the diorama hall in this facility gives a sense of the historical period.
Fee: Diorama Hall Adult 400 yen
This bus is an efficient way to tour not only the Red Brick Warehouse but a variety of other sightseeing spots in the city as well. A 1-day pass is economical and convenient. Fee: 200 yen for 1 ride, 500 yen for 1-day ticket
http://www.turuga.org/category/access/gurutto.html
| Access | JR Tsuruga Sta. → 10 min by Tsuruga Gurutto Loop Bus |
| Business hours | 9:30-22:00 (Diorama Hall 9:30-17:30) *Last admission until 17:00 *Opening hours vary by store/restaurant. Please contact each store. |
| Regular holiday | Wednesdays (the next day if Wednesday is a holiday), Dec. 30-Jan. 2 |
| URL | https://tsuruga-akarenga.jp/ |
A precious geological treasure with a roughly 1 km coastline of columnar joints. Marvel at the white crests of raging waves crashing over the cliffs. Board a tour boat to see up close the magnificent rockfaces and wild waters of the Sea of Japan.
| URL | https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/spot/spot 1/ |
Across the deepest V-shaped gorge in Japan, along the famously clear waters of the Kurobe River, this railway runs about 20 km each way in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, connecting Unazuki to Keyakidaira. In autumn, the entire canyon is colored like a dyed woodblock print. The vivid red and gold autumn leaves set off the emerald green river for an unparalleled vision of beauty. On sunny days, the vast panorama of autumn leaves embracing the open windows of the train car is a joy. (Service until the end of November)
| URL | https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/ |
In the mountainous Gokayama region, traditional gassho-zukuri steep thatched roof houses remain in the two villages of Ainokura and Suganuma. Their registration as World Heritage sites along with Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, recognize their historical significance to the life and culture of this “snow country.”
・World Heritage Bus
A bus connecting JR Takaoka Station/JR Shin-Takaoka Station and the Gokayama area, and also running between Gokayama and Shirakawa-go. No reservations are required so hop on one of the daily round-trip rides. For those planning a trip to both Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, a two-day pass is a great deal.
Fee: Gokayama/Shirakawa-go free ticket 3,500 yen
| URL | http://www.kaetsunou.co.jp/company/sekaiisan/ |
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs through Toyama, connecting Tokyo with Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture. The line is scheduled to extend to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture in the spring of 2024. Travel time from Kanto and Kansai to Hokuriku will be shortened. The new Shinkansen section will also include stations near hot springs such as Kaga Onsen and Awara Onsen. Why don’t you take the Hokuriku Shinkansen and visit the attractive sightseeing spots in Hokuriku?
