3 tourist spots to enjoy traditional cuisines in a retro atmosphere in Hokuriku area

The Hokuriku region consists of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, and it takes two and a half hours from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen. In Hokuriku surrounded by Japan Sea and mountains rich in nature, why not forget your daily life and relieve the weariness? So, we’re going to introduce our recommended spots in each prefecture classified into three genres: traditional experience, stunning view, and hot spring. This time, let’s tourist spots-hopping to experience various traditions with your sense of sight and taste!

The world heritage “Gokayama” in which people living still now

“Gokayama” is an area in Toyama prefecture, comprising of 40 small villages. Many tourists visit here regardless of the season to see the traditional Japanese architecture ‘Gassho-zykuri” built from the Edo period to the Taisho period. In paticular, two villages, ‘Ainokura’ and ‘Suganuma,’ registered as World Heritage Site are famous as sightseeing spots having what the Japanese landscape used to be. Visitors can not only observe Gassho-zukuri but also enjoy listening to traditional folk musics, eating charcoal-grilled cuisines while seating alongside the Irori and more. Don’t forget to try nutritious local foods such as Gokayama Tofu and Tochimochi!

Address	Ainokura, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
Access	A 3-min walk from Ainokuraguchi bus stop where it takes 25 mins by bus from Johana station.
URL	http://gokayama-info.jp/en/

Old post town “Kumagawa-Juku” that has remained since the Edo period

Fukui prefecture has “Kumagawa-Juku,” an old post town flourished during the Edo period, consisting of three towns: Kamincho, Nakancho and Shimoncho. Walking along the Wakasa highway and back alleys, you can find many old buildings and the scenes of the Edo period come up to your mind. In addition, there are not only traditional Japanese-style buildings but also stylish cafes and souvenir stores that renovated these buildings. Why not have a relax time while strolling this spot having a quaint atmosphere?

Address	Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access	Close to Wakasa Kumagawa bus stop where it takes 9 mins by bus from JR Kaminaka station.
URL	https://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places_to_visit/historical_place.php

Walk along the stone-paved street at “Higashi Chaya-gai” that seems frozen in time

Going on a trip to Kanazawa city in Ishikawa prefecture, you should stop by at “Higashi Chaya-gai” with an old town atmosphere. It’s very popular as one of instagrammable tourist spots. Well, let’s explore this district! There are many wooden buildings at which cafes, variety goods shop and so on are located along the stone-paved street, so you can enjoy shopping and eating. If you stroll here with wearing Kimono, you can take a photo looking like you’re traveling into the Edo period. By the way, ‘Shima’ which is designated as a national important cultural property is the perfect place to take a break. How about having a cup of matcha while feeling a nostalgic atmosphere?

Address	Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Access	A 5-min walk from Hashibacho bus stop where it takes 15 mins by bus from Kanazawa station.
URL	https://visitkanazawa.jp/mustgoplace/touristspot/area4/1