Hokuriku Region

Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui

能登金剛 巌門のしあわせのがんもん橋

The Ultimate Guide to the Stunning Noto Peninsula

The Noto Peninsula (能登半島) close to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture is rich in nature. The entire peninsula is designated as a national park. The diverse landscape created a unique rural culture that differs from the close-by popular destination – Kanazawa. The best way to explore the peninsula is to do a loop course and discover […]

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A Guide to the Noto Peninsula’s Sightseeing Trains and Buses

If you ever plan to visit Kanazawa, we would recommend you to also consider exploring the Noto Peninsula (能登半島) nearby for its rich nature. The entire peninsula is designated as a national park. The diverse landscape created a unique rural culture that differs from the close-by popular destination, Kanazawa. To get there, you can choose

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Wakura Onsen – Noto Peninsula’s Best Hot Spring Resort

Known among hot spring lovers, one of the most popular spots amongst the Japanese in the Noto Peninsula is Wakura Onsen Town (和倉温泉). Discovered around 1,200 years ago, the onsen became famous after the second lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshinaga (前田利長), who was treated with the hot spring here. Besides the hot spring,

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Keta Grand Shrine – The Biggest Shrine in Central Japan

Keta Grand Shrine (Keta Taisha, 氣多大社), close to Chirihama Beach, is the representative shrine of the Noto Peninsula. According to Japan’s ancient documentation, the shrine was already the biggest in the central part of Japan’s main island back in 741. Originally, the shrine god was worshiped as the region’s guardian. But more recently, it is

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Chirihama Beach Driveway – The Only Sandy Driveway in Japan

Chirihama Beach Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is an 8 km beach shore on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture that connects Imahama Coast (今浜海岸) and Chirihama Beach (千里浜). It is the only place you can freely drive any vehicle on the sand in Japan, including bicycles. Even across the world, you probably won’t be able to find

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Yuwaku Onsen – A Quaint Town to Enjoy Onsen at Kanazawa

While there are plenty of historical attractions in Kanazawa, the city is quite modern. If you are seeking a spot that is quieter and less touristy, Yuwaku Onsen (湯涌温泉), which is 60 minutes away by bus from Kanazawa’s city center, can be a great choice. The hot spring town, with a history as long as

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Gyokusen-en – Nishida Family’s Gorgeous Garden

Although its existence remains unknown to many, in addition to the famous Kenrokuen Garden, there is one more garden that is worth your time in Kanazawa. Directly next to the Kaga-Yūzen Kimono Center, the Gyokusen-en (西田家庭園「玉泉園」) is a garden that is 120 years older than Kenrokuen, opposite the Hyakumangoku-dori avenue. Not known by many tourists,

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Unazuki Onsen: The Best Hot Spring Town at Kurobe Gorge

Unazuki Onsen (宇奈月温泉) in Kurobe City is a popular hot spring resort where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Kurobe Gorge. The hot spring town is the best place to base yourself in to take in what the picturesque gorge has to offer. Once you get there, it won’t be hard to understand why Kurobe

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