Friend Travel Agency:: Enjoy snowscapes and build snowmen in Hokuriku, then soak in the warmth of a century-old hot spring

The Hokuriku region, adjacent to the Sea of Japan, lies to the north of central Japan and has developed unparalleled craftsmanship centered around Kanazawa, along with stunningly artistic garden landscapes. In winter, the vast snowy landscape covering the land and mountains, every camera shot turns into a postcard-worthy view. If you’re lucky enough to encounter a local snow festival, you can join the locals in building snowmen, having snowball fights, and lighting heartwarming candles at night.

The Hokuriku region boasts rich cultural and natural attractions, with the iconic Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri being the most famous. These fairytale-like houses, built using ancient methods, are even more charming in winter when blanketed in thick snow, resembling adorable sugar-frosted decorations on a cake. Even with the chilly air, the itinerary includes visits to two of Japan’s three great ancient hot springs—Kusatsu Onsen and Gero Onsen. With the blessing of two of Japan’s top hot springs, not only will you warm up your body and relax your muscles, but you’ll also enjoy beauty and wellness benefits.

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Kusatsu Onsen
Among many Japanese hot spring towns, Kusatsu is truly unique. The center of the hot spring town features a spacious “yu no kawa,” which in Japanese means “hot spring field,” or yu no ta. Because the hot spring water from yu no kawa gushes out at such high temperatures, an age-old “yu nuru” ritual has been passed down through generations, where long wooden boards are used to stir the hot spring water continuously to lower its temperature. While soaking, visitors hum the Kusatsu Festival songs as they stir the water. Once the temperature drops, they scoop a few ladles of water to get accustomed to the heat, then, under the command of the yucho (hot spring manager), everyone soaks together for about three minutes before standing up to continue “yu nuru.” This unique Kusatsu hot spring ritual, repeated four times, is called “time onsen”...Click to see all attraction introductions

 

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, was built in 1593. Having survived over four hundred years of fierce warfare and frequent changes in feudal lords—ruled by six families across 23 generations—it has witnessed the rise and fall of power among wartime castles. Over these four centuries, it has developed a rich cultural heritage, earning the nickname “City of Learning.” Along with Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Hikone Castle, it is one of four castles designated as national treasures by the Japanese government...Click to see all attraction introductions

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Gassho-style Houses
At the end of 1996, UNESCO registered the Ogimachi gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa-go and the nearby Mount Hakusan as World Heritage Sites. Shirakawa-go is located in Gifu Prefecture, on the border of Toyama and Ishikawa Prefectures, with a population of only about 1,900. Its gassho-style buildings are concentrated in Ogimachi. From the vantage point of Shirakawa Castle Hill (Ogimachi Castle Ruins), over a hundred thatched-roof gassho-style homes are scattered across the landscape...Click to see all attraction introductions

★★★ Recommended Attraction = Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, along with Okayama’s Korakuen and Mito’s Kairakuen, is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Kenrokuen was originally built in 1676 by the 5th lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Tsunanori, as a lotus pond pavilion and garden, serving as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Through renovations by successive lords, especially the 13th lord, Harunaga, who excavated Kasumigaike Pond, Kenrokuen achieved its complete form and layout. It meets the “Six Attributes” described in the “Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang” by Chinese Song Dynasty poet Li Gefei: “spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramas,” thus earning the name “Kenrokuen” (Garden of Six Attributes). Originally part of Kanazawa Castle, it is an Edo-period strolling garden. Visually, whether it’s the cherry blossoms of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery red maples of autumn, or the snowy landscapes of winter, Kenrokuen offers the unique aesthetics of a traditional Japanese garden in every season. Among them, the rare silver-white snow scenery is especially worth seeing in Taiwan. ...Click to see all attraction introductions

★★★ Recommended Attraction = San-machi Old Street
The approximately 400-meter-long San-machi Old Street is located about a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station. The black wooden lattice windows exude a quaint charm, while the faces of the people radiate warmth and kindness. The street can be divided into two sections: the area closer to the north is known as the “Old Men’s Zone,” while the southern part is the “Young People’s Zone.” In terms of atmosphere, the Old Men’s Zone leans more toward tradition, while the Young People’s Zone is livelier. In terms of shops, the Old Men’s Zone features traditional buildings and specialty stores of artisans, which are also fascinating. You can also visit the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, the venue for the autumn Hachiman Festival. ...Click to see all attraction introductions