Hokuriku area

The ‘Undiscovered’ Side Of Japan

Try to imagine for a moment what a time capsule of traditional Japan may look like. What’s in it? Where do you go to find it? Remote areas outside of Japan’s usual hotspots, places that still haven’t fallen under the effects of mass tourism amid globalization. Open spaces shrouded in nature and history. Small, local craftsmanship places with centuries of traditions. Treasures remaining at the core of traditional Japan. If this is what you’re imagining, Hokuriku and Shinetsu region may be the word you’re looking for.

Hokuriku is the name of the old region comprising the current northern prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, and Toyama, all along the western coast of The Sea of Japan. Between the Heian and Edo periods, this coastal location meant the opportunity for the foundation of a rich cultural development that can be still experienced today. Shinetsu also includes Niigata and Nagano. As the heartland of central Honshu, this is a great mountainous area often overlooked in favor of Kanto or Kansai and thus, translating into plenty of hidden jewels.

With the convenient high-speed bullet train connecting Tokyo to Hokuriku Shinetsu in two and a half hours or less, the soaring mountains of the Japan Alps, views of Japan's west coast, and cities and towns thriving with refined culture are all within easy reach.