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.
Click here for more information about Ishikawa/Fukui.
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Tateyama Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture
See the world-famous Tateyama mountain range, valleys, and magnificent natural beauty.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Traversing the Northern Alps with peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, this mountainous tourist route has earned three stars in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan.” General car traffic is restricted, so the 37.2 km journey from Toyama Prefecture’s Tateyama Station to Nagano Prefecture’s Ogizawa Station uses various modes of transport like buses, a ropeway, and cable cars. Particularly noteworthy is the Tateyama Ropeway, a 1,700m-long route without any support pillars, offering a 360-degree panoramic view.
Although the majestic scenery is a joy in any season, the “Snow Corridor” visible from mid-April to mid-June is particularly famous. Located around Murodo at an altitude of 2,450 m, these snow walls, created by snow removal, can reach a height of 20 m. Murodo’s temperatures during this period hover around 10 degrees Celsius, so coming with winter gear is recommended.
This railway runs for around 20 km from Unazuki to Keyakidaira, along Japan’s deepest V-shaped canyon, the Kurobe Gorge. A one-way journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes (closed in winter from Dec. to mid-Apr.). Board an open vehicle to appreciate the natural beauty of the gorge, including early summer greenery and autumn leaves. Unazuki Onsen is at the gateway to the Kurobe Gorge, boasting the clearest hot spring waters in Japan, known as “bihada no yu” or “bath of beautiful skin.” Various types of accommodation with scenic views of the Kurobe Gorge are found throughout the area
Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
An ideal base for regional travel in Toyama, offering historical sites, museums, hotels, and more. Toyama foods are also a true delight.
Fugan Canal Kansui Park
A spacious waterside park within a 10-minute walk from Toyama Station. Take in the magnificent view of the park and the Tateyama mountain range from the observation deck of Tenmonkyo Bridge. One great spot for a break to enjoy the waterside scenery is the Starbucks Coffee shop, said to be the “most beautiful in the world.”。
Toyama Chihou Railway City Tram
Among the trams running through central Toyama City are ones with retro-designs. This convenient mode of transport is helpful for exploring attractions like the Toyama City Glass Museum designed by architect Kengo Kuma and Toyama Castle.
Fee: 210 yen per ride
Facing the Sea of Japan, Toyama Bay seafood is renowned for its diversity produced by the natural riches of the location, including Japanese glass shrimp, and firefly squid. The region is known as a “natural fish tank.” A specialty is “Toyama Bay Sushi,” made with exceptionally fresh local fish.
Toyama’s local ramen stands out for its dark black soup. The deep soy sauce flavor is said to have been created long ago to replenish the salt of manual laborers. The shop that invented “Toyama Black,” called “Taiki,” is also inside JR Toyama Station, so it’s easy to stop by for a bite.
Takaoka/ Nanto, Toyama Prefecture
From cast metalwork to sculpture, experience a range of traditional crafts, and explore a village designated as a World Heritage site, immersed in a way of life from long ago in harmony with nature.
Kanayamachi
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture is a place steeped in history, revered for over four centuries as a major producer of copperware and cast metalwork. Kanayamachi is the birthplace of Takaoka metal casting and the old town atmosphere of this historic district still remains, designated as an “Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.” Try making your own accessories out of tin, or take a seat at one of the traditional Japanese restaurants or cafes.
Sightseeing train: Belles montagnes et mer
Starting from Takaoka, this tourist train runs with the Johana Line towards the mountains and the Himi Line stretching out to the Japan Sea. Inami wood carvings and other traditional crafts along the route are exhibited in the carriage. The sushi chefs onboard make it possible to enjoy freshly made morsels featuring delicious seafood from Toyama Bay.
(Advance purchase required through “VISIT Toyama Prefecture” http://toyama.visit-town.com/)
Admire the beauty of the valley from a cruise ship floating on the reservoir of Shogawa Gorge. The snowy winter landscape unfurls before your eyes like a sumie ink painting. There are two routes available, including the unique experience of visiting the remote “Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan,” accessible only by this boat.。
Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village
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 recognizes their historical significance to the life and culture of this “snow country.”
*Some facilities are affected by the Noto Earthquake. For the latest information, please see the official website.
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
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.
