Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui
The World Heritage Shirakawa-gō is now a really popular tourist destination in Japan. Often, people visit this fairytale-like village by catching a bus or driving from Kanazawa. Many tourists take the normal highway. But unbeknownst to them (and us when we first visited Shirakawa-gō), there is also a really scenic toll road that goes through …
Hakusan City (白山市) is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture filled with breathtaking scenery. One of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Mt. Hakusan, stands on one side of it. Naturally, the city has numerous hiking trails with various difficulties that suit a wide range of age groups. It also features one of Japan’s best places for paragliding. …
Hakusan City – A Paradise for Hikers and Paragliders Read More »
The name Komatsu probably makes you think of construction sites and a global manufacturing company. And most people might know about Komatsu City (小松市) in Ishikawa Prefecture because of Komatsu Airport and the manufacturing company that has a long presence in it. But you might not be aware that the city boasts beautiful natural landscapes, …
Komatsu City and Its Stunning Landscape and Craftworks Read More »
With an altitude of 2702 meters, Mt. Hakusan (or Mt. Haku (白山)) is one of the top three mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Fuji (富士山) and Mt. Tate (立山) of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With picturesque and magnificent scenery along the hiking trails, Mt. Hakusan is a popular hiking destination for any age …
Hiking Mt. Hakusan, One of Japan’s Top Three Sacred Mountain Read More »
Katayamazu Onsen (片山津温泉) is a small onsen town created by the reclamation of part of Lake Shibayama (柴山潟) during the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). The biggest appeal of the town is the stunning view of Mt. Haku or Mt. Hakusan (白山), reflecting on Lake Shibayama on a clear sunny day, which visitors can admire …
Katayamazu Onsen – The Town Overlooks the Mighty Mt. Haku Read More »
Kaga City (加賀市), also commonly referred to as Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉), can be sub-divided into six areas, including three main onsen towns, each with unique selling points. The hot spring resorts have a history dating back 1,300 years. There are onsen ryokans with high-quality service and various beautiful local handicrafts waiting for you to discover …
Kaga Onsen – The Charming Onsen Resorts Close to Kanazawa Read More »
Yamashiro Onsen (山代温泉), the biggest onsen town in the Kaga region, is a popular hot spring destination for onsen aficionados. With facilities providing different types of onsen, tourists often spend most of their stay in Yamashiro Onsen, indulging themselves in one onsen pool after another. The town is also where Kutani ware was revived. Museums …
Yamashiro Onsen – An Onsen Town Where Kutani Ware Revived Read More »
Just like its name, Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) in Kaga City is located deep in the mountains next to a beautiful hidden valley. First discovered 1,300 years ago by an eminent monk of the time, Gyōki (行基), the place was developed into an onsen district in the late 12th century. Apart from the onsen with great …
Yamanaka Onsen – Where Hot Spring Meets Elegant Lacquerware Read More »
In Yamanaka Onsen Town in Kaga Onsen Region, you will find a stunning gorge that you will want to visit all year round. The 1.3 km Kakusenkei Gorge (鶴仙渓) starts from the Korogi Bridge (こおろぎ橋) at Daishōji River’s (大聖寺川) upstream and is the best attraction in the gorgeous town.
The Chūbu Region (中部地方) is located in the center of Japan’s main island – Honshū (本州), which is one of the most scenic parts of Japan. As these stunning attractions are mostly situated in mountainous areas, we recommend you embark on your trip between mid to late October for beautiful fall foliage.