The Hokuriku Shinkansen line is one route along Japan’s super high-speed Shinkansen often called “the bullet train.” On March 16, 2024, this line, currently running from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station, will be extended to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture. Six new stations will open past Kanazawa: Komatsu, Kagaonsen, Awaraonsen, Fukui, Echizen-Takefu, and Tsuruga. Going from Tokyo to Fukui without changing trains will become possible, also leading to smoother travel on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kyoto and Osaka.
Until now it has taken 3.5 hours to travel between Tokyo and Fukui, with a transfer needed between Shinkansen and regular express trains, but the new extension will cut the time to as little as 2 hours 51 minutes direct, with no transfer required! From hot springs, traditional crafts, breathtaking views in every season, and a wealth of seafood, there are so many reasons to visit the Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui). The editorial team of att.JAPAN has scoured the region to gather the latest information on all the places you won’t want to miss.
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Kanazawa / Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture
In the Edo period (1603–1868), Kanazawa, known as “Little Kyoto,” flourished as a castle town of the Kaga domain. Even today, the city continues to exude the charm of its illustrious ancient past.
*On January 1, 2024, an earthquake struck Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture. For business conditions of each facility, please see their website.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, has been designated by the nation as a Special Scenic Site. Ponds and teahouses are scattered throughout the vast garden that features a variety of landscapes to enjoy on a stroll. With plum and cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, autumn colors in autumn, and “yukitsuri” (a technique for preserving trees from heavy snow) in winter, the famous garden offers great beauty every season.
Access
JR Kanazawa Sta. → 12 min by bus → Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle stop → 5 min walk
Business hours
Please refer to the official website
Fee：Adult 320 yen, Child 100 yen
This contemporary art museum is renowned for its open design with extensive use of glass. Particularly popular is the artwork called “The Swimming Pool,” which creates the illusion of people walking at the bottom of a pool filled with water. Beyond visuals, the museum also offers a wealth of interactive exhibits for a rich experience both adults and children can enjoy.
*Part of Public Zone has resumed operation, while the opening of Exhibition Zone is yet to determined (as of the end of January).
Leandro ERLICH, “The Swimming Pool”, 2004 Collection: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Photo: WATANABE Osamu Courtesy: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, KanazawaPhoto: WATANABE Osamu Courtesy: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Access
JR Kanazawa Sta. → 10 min by bus → Hirosaka / 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art stop → short walk
Business hours
Exhibition area: 10:00-18:00 (Fri, Sat open until 20:00)
Fee：Varies depending on the exhibition
Regular holiday
Exhibition area: Mondays (or the following weekday when it falls on a national holiday), New Year holidays
Ishiura Shrine, the oldest shrine in Kanazawa, is located near Kenrokuen, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and Kanazawa Castle Park. With 101 torii gates, colorful amulets and more, this renowned “power spot” for romance is a hit with young visitors.
Higashi Chaya District
The area has thrived as an entertainment district since the Edo period. The traditional townscape of lattice-fronted row houses has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Folk houses now renovated into cafes and shops selling Kanazawa’s traditional crafts like gold leaf art and Kutani ware abound for a delightful shopping experience.
Kanazawa Station Tsuzumi-mon Gate
The massive red wooden gate at the Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit) of Kanazawa Station is a striking sight. Standing 13.7 meters high, it resembles a traditional Japanese drum used in Noh and Kagura performances. Today, it has become one of the city’s classic photo spots. Illuminated from sunset until midnight, its appearance floating in the dark of night is a captivating, magical sight dramatically different from the daytime.
Kanazawa 100 Bangai
Directly connected to Kanazawa Station, this shopping area has three areas: the souvenir shops in “Anto,” the fashion goods and cafes in “Rinto,” and the restaurants and supermarket in “Anto Nishi.” Stop by while waiting for your train and pick up some great souvenirs.
Omicho Market
This market is known as the “People’s Kitchen of Kanazawa.” The lively atmosphere is home to around 170 shops selling fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and more. Kaisendon (sashimi rice bowls) and sushi made with bountiful catches from the Sea of Japan are a pleasure not to be missed. Be aware that many shops are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, so be sure to check when planning your visit.
An ancient, 1,300-year-old temple in Komatsu City. The moss, trees and other greenery surrounding the entry path creates a mystical impression of entering an earthly paradise. Be sure to see the “Kigan Yusenkyo,” designated as a National Scenic Site, where many caves punctuate the massive rocky mountainside. The ever-changing beauty is a joy in every season, but the temple grounds colored with autumn foliage are truly a sight to behold.
Access
Awazu Sta. (IR Ishikawa Railway)→ 17 min by Hokutetsu Kaga Bus → Natadera stop → 5 min walk
Kaga Onsen Village, Ishikawa Prefecture
The hot spring village of Kaga Onsen in southwestern Ishikawa Prefecture is comprised of three onsen areas: Yamashiro, Yamanaka, and Katayamazu. Here, you can enjoy not only the varied, distinct features of each spring, but also a wealth of other attractions including a castle town, fishing port and old post towns.
Yamashiro Onsen
Yamashiro Onsen has two public bathhouses – the high-quality natural hot spring “Soyu” with 100% undiluted source water, and “Kosoyu,” housed in a restored public bathhouse from the Meiji era (1868–1912). The stained glass, made with cutting edge techniques of its day, is an unmissable feature of Kosoyu that has stood the test of time. While in the area, venture next door to Yakuoin Onsenji Temple and to Hattori Shrine to marvel at the giant, sacred tree over 200 years old.
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
Yamanaka Onsen
Cradled among mountains, Yamanaka Onsen offers not only the pleasures of a hot spring village, but also of strolls through the seasonal scenery of the Kakusenkei river valley. The splendor of autumn leaves at their peak in November intertwined with Korogi Bridge is a breathtaking sight! In addition to hot springs, the array of attractions in the area include hands-on experience workshops of Ishikawa’s traditional arts such as making Kutani ware and painting lacquerware.
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
Katayamazu Onsen
Katayamazu Onsen, on the shores of Lake Shibayamagata, offers experiences such as kayaking and SUP (stand up paddle surfing). The glass-walled building nestled on the lakeshore, Katayamazu Onsen Soyu, is a hot spring spa with two bathing areas and a cafe. Feel free to stop by for a day of relaxation, or to catch summer fireworks and seasonal scenery from the open terrace on the 2nd floor.
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
（一社）加賀市観光交流機構
Kaga tour bus CANBUS
This tour bus starting from JR Kagaonsen Station offers five routes to visit sightseeing spots in Kaga Onsen Village. Check the timetable in advance, then purchase tickets at the Kaga City Tourist Information Center, KAGA Tabi-Machi Net, or onboard the CANBUS. Make the most of your time at Kaga Onsen Village with this efficient, smooth way to travel!
Fee: 1-day ticket: Adult 1,100 yen, 2-day ticket: Adult 1,300 yen (valid for 2 of 3 consecutive days)
*Please check the website for the latest operation status.
I am from Taiwan and currently living in Japan. I started listening to the radio for language study and this habit has become part of my life. Now my hobby is learning about lesser-known great places and information on local food all over Japan via the radio. On my days off, I visit places mainly in the Kanto area to look for seasonal views, such as those with cherry blossoms and hydrangea. I am a big fan of Arashi, a popular Japanese boy band.
