Top Things to do in Hokuriku
What to do and see in Hokuriku, Chubu: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Hokuriku, Japan including Kenrokuen Garden, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Natadera Temple, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Toyama Glass Art Museum, Notojima Aquarium, Tojimbo Cliff, Kakusenkei Gorge, Mikatago Lake, Tsuruga Museum.
Restaurants in Hokuriku
1. Kenrokuen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,780 reviews
This beautiful park contains one of the top three celebrated gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all gardens should have: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views.
Reviewed By 400kayl - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Outside Kanazawa Castle, these magnificent gardens attract visitors near and far to experience the serene, peaceful, zen ambience and the tranquil, calm waters with lots of quiet time amongst the pine trees and cherry blossoms. Located at Kanazawa, this region is famous for its gold leaf industry, which can be sampled as gold-decorated ice-cream. It is now a regional commercial centre and transportation hub for Ishikawa Prefecture. There are multiple outlets, selling gold-themed items, cosmetics and desserts. Choose ice-cream with gold sprinkles, gold (See my HAKUICHI review) sheets or gold tinsel garlands. Besides the lacquer and gold-mix-lacquer-work, the plum and cherry blossoms are also a major attraction here. There are some engineering feats, designs and techniques in the garden, such as the natural water fountain without any pressure system, or the bamboo supports which form the backbone for juvenile and senile trees. Many famous pictures show snow on the supporting ropes and bamboo, which illuminated at night appear as Christmas tree props. There is an earthy tone throughout the park, emphasizing the wonders and powers of nature interspersed with the gentle, soft colors and texture of the flora. Walk to Kasumigaike Pond and see the karasaki pine tree with its horizontal branch propped up by sticks. There are many bridges and footpaths traversing ponds and streams. The kotoji lantern at the lake is another photogenic site. The 6 Confucian virtues and elements; seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views are embodied in the design, character and layout of this traditional Japanese garden. Our group visited on a sunny morning, then continued our journey to snowy SHIRAKAWAGO (see my review) in the afternoon!
2. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,028 reviews
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine (pronounced “Alpen”) Route is known as the “Roof of Japan”. The route passes through the dynamic scenery of Mt. Tateyama in the Japan Alps. It is traversed using a variety of vehicles with an elevation change of 2400 meters from Toyama Prefecture to Nagano Prefecture.
Reviewed By sweetie_inc - Singapore, Singapore
I bought a local tour via Viator and went there with my 6yo daughter. The tour was travelling East direction, from Tateyama Station to Ogizawa Station. We noticed that there is lesser crowd if u start from Ogizawa to Tateyama when we were there in May 2018. The snow wall was by far the highlight though all the other points were very beautiful. Also the ropeway with 360 degree views of the snow clad mountains on all sides was a beauty. I would highly recommend this to everyone visiting Japan, and especially in April when the snow wall is at its highest point. We wish that we have more time at the Murodo as my daughter loves playing with snow and the walk along the snow wall was very amazing.
3. Natadera Temple
4. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
Reviewed By KlapauciusJapan
Revisited after about 6 months since the last time. Have been here many times but always seem to find something I’ve missed before or something new added, and enjoy seeing the same exhibits again. Also, the special exhibition changes every few months. Well worth revisiting if you haven’t been for a while.
5. Toyama Glass Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By BlueTak - Frankfurt, Germany
Colourful visual spectacle from the permanent "Glass Art Garden" exhibition on the top floor by Dale Chihuly (American Glass Sculpture). Works are dotted around on the 6th floor. Cost of entry is Y200 for adults / Y170 for kids. The building itself is architecturally stunning, and has a cafe/small gift shop on the 1st floor. Many of the other floors are temporary exhibits or function rooms, and they also house a small public library. The museum was voted by TripAdvisor commentary/word of mouth count as top to visit in 2019 (came 13th). Worth a short visit!
6. Notojima Aquarium
7. Tojimbo Cliff
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 855 reviews
Reviewed By G_Intl_Travel - Melbourne, Australia
This is a world wonder and I am surprised that the tour buses have not found their way here. This place is probably Japan’s best kept secret for the locals to enjoy and not open to too much foreign tourists. If you get a chance, do come for a day trip and enjoy the Sea of Japan, the beautiful cliffs, and the sea breeze. The picture below speaks wonders of this place.
8. Kakusenkei Gorge
9. Mikatago Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By chongcp - Singapore, Singapore
The weather was bad as I visited in February. However, the extreme weather only made the foot bath at the summit park much more enjoyable, as well as a little snack at the cafe as well. Views are magnificent all around and it is best enjoyed with a full and shining sun.
10. Tsuruga Museum
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