Introducing some famous sightseeing spots in Toyama Prefecture

National Treasure, Zuiryuji Temple

Zuiryuji Temple was constructed in early Edo - era as the family temple of the second feudal lord of Kaga - han (the domain of Kaga), MAEDA Toshinaga. It took 18 years before completion. San - mon (the Temple Gate), Butsuden (the Buddist Temple), and Houden (the Public Chamber) are designated as National Treasures, and some other architectures are designated as national important cultural properties.


Takaoka City
Tel: 0766-22-0179
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Takaoka station.

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

This alpine sightseeing route can take you from Toyama to Shinano-Omachi of Nagano Pref., by transferring from cable car to highland bus to ropeway, and so on. Toyama is proud of its dynamic sceneries such as Kurobe Dam, Shomyo Falls, the Japan's highest waterfall, and smoke-spewing Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley).

Tateyama Town
Tel: 076-432-2819(Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route,sales Head Office)
Access: 60 minutes on Toyama Chiho Railways Tateyama Line from Toyama station.

Etchu Yatsuo Tourist Hall (Hikiyama Exhibition Hall)

Etchu Yatsuo Hikiyama Festival's 7-meter high float is decorated with traditional dolls in the upper part and has musicians riding on the lower part. It is a piece of arts and crafts with a collection of Toyama's craftsmanship such as doll sculpturing, gold leaf, lacquer ware, and master carpenter techniques, which has been handed down as the Yatsuo Town's assets from old times.

Toyama City
Tel: 076-454-5138
Access: 9 minutes by bus from JR Etchu Yatsuo Station.

Tonami Tulip Park

The city park where you can enjoy various kinds of flowers such as Canna, Tulip -the specialty of Tonami-, and seasonal flowers. In spring, it is used as a venue for "Tulip Fair", and is bustling with visitors from all over the country.






Tonami City
Tel: 076-333-7716 (Tonami Flower & Greenry Foundation)
Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Tonami Station.

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Introducing some famous sightseeing spots in Fukui Prefecture

Eiheiji Temple


30 minutes by bus from Fukui Station, JR Line.
This famous temple was founded by Zen Master Dogen Zenji in 1244. Nestled among Japanese cedar trees that are over 600 years old, the temple buildings －Sanmon(temple gate), Butsuden(hall with Buddhist statues), Hatto(lecture hall), Soudou(meditation hall), and more －create a solemn atmosphere. The priests in ascetical training study hard day and night

Eiheiji Town
Tel: 0776-63-3102
Access: 15 minutes by car from Fukui Kita IC of Hokuriku Expressway.

Tojimbo Cliffs

About 30 minutes by bus from Awara Onsen Station, JR Line.
The rough waves of the Sea of Japan formed this scenic spot, where giant rocks rise up in columns from the sea. Your legs will freeze when you stand atop one of these 25 meter tall precipitous cliffs. Tour boats offer views of the lion rock, candle rock, and other oddly-shaped rocks.



Sakai City
Tel: 0776-82-5515 (Sakai City Mikuni Tourism Association)
Access: 25 minutes by car from Kanazu IC of Hokuriku Expressway.

Five Lakes of Mikata

5 minutes by car from Mihama or Mikata Stations, JR Line.
Five Lakes of Mikata are surrounded by verdant mountains and the calm Wakasa Bay, creating breathtaking scenery. A boat tour of four of the lakes on the Mikata Goko Jet Cruise comes highly recommended. The view from the top of Mt. Baijodake is also a must-see.



Mihama Town, Wakasa Town
Tel: 0770-45-0113 (Wakasa Mikata Goko Tourism Association)
Access: 20 minutes by car from Tsuruga IC of Hokuriku Expressway.

Fukui Dinosaur Museum

10 minutes by car from Katsuyama station, Echizen Railway.
The largest museum dedicated to dinosaurs in the country is here in Katsuyama City, where the most dinosaur fossils in Japan have been found. The museum contains 38 life-size dinosaur skeletons, six of which consist of actual fossils. The museum provides an introduction to ancient forms of life and to history during the age of the dinosaurs.

Katsuyama City
Tel: 0779-88-0001
Access: 35 minutes by car from Fukui Kita or Maruoka IC of Hokuriku Expressway.

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Introducing Ishikawa Prefecture

Kanazawa

Kanazawa, which was once a feudal castle town, is home to Kenrokuen Garden - one of the three most famous gardens in Japan - as well as many historic districts and cultural assets. It is also the main city of the Hokuriku region that brings together the best of the old and the new.

Kaga/Hakusan

The Kaga region is famous for its many hot springs resorts including Yamanaka hot springs, Yamashiro hot springs, Katayamazu hot springs and Awazu hot springs. Mt.Hakusan, one of the most famous mountains in Japan, is a national park with a rich variety of alpine plants and wild flowers and is bustling with ski-lovers in winter.

The Noto Peninsula

The Noto Peninsula has two faces: while its west coast is rough and wild, the east coast is soothingly calm.
Noto is famous for its Kiriko festivals held all over the peninsula during the summer, and its famous Wakura hot springs resort.

Accomodations in Noto Peninsula

Festivals in Ishikawa

There are many types of traditional festivals: festivals in spring to pray for abundant crops, festivals in summer requesting for safety at sea and the blessings of the sea, festivals in autumn to express gratitude for a good harvest, and festivals in winter to drive away evil sprits and bring luck and safety for the New Year. The seasonal festivals in Ishikawa provide the energy and prayers necessary for everyone to live and work harmoniously.


*** The Noto "Kiriko"Festival
Many festivals take place on the Noto Peninsula during the summer. The center of attraction for many of these festivals is the "Kiriko" sacred lanterns that are approximately 10m in height. These great lanterns are carried through the streets by young people and dance wildly through the night sky. The Noto Town "Abare Festival" and the Nanao City "Issaki Hoto Festival" are especially heroic and magnificent in nature.