A new bullet train route makes exploring Japan’s stunning Hokuriku region more accessible than ever

Tucked between the majestic Japanese Alps and the winding coastline of the Sea of Japan lies one of the nation’s best-kept treasures: Hokuriku.

Made up of four prefectures – Toyama, Niigata, Ishikawa, and Fukui – this region on Japan's main Honshu island was a central hub during the Edo period (1603-1867), but over time, it became overshadowed by its bustling neighbors, Tokyo to the east and Osaka to the southwest.

Thanks to a new bullet train extension launching in March 2024, getting to Hokuriku and experiencing its many attractions will be more convenient than ever.

To Nagano and beyond.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line has its origins in 1997 when it was known as the Nagano Shinkansen, designed to connect the region with Tokyo for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

In 2015, the line was extended and renamed the Hokuriku Shinkansen, marking its expansion into new areas including Niigata and Toyama, the latter famous for its 20-meter-deep snow corridor, before reaching Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa prefecture.

The 2024 extension, which will reach Tsuruga Station in Fukui, adds 125 kilometers (78 miles) of track, cutting the journey from Tokyo to Tsuruga by 51 minutes, with travel time now reduced to three hours and eight minutes, opening up exciting new possibilities for international travelers.

"The launch of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has significantly boosted interactions between cities and facilitated an influx of visitors for both business and tourism across the region," says a spokesperson from West Japan Railway Company (West JR), when discussing the impact of the new Shinkansen on the area in recent years.

This transformation is most evident in Ishikawa prefecture, where the tourism industry saw a remarkable boost following the extension of the bullet train to Kanazawa city.

The figures speak for themselves – in 2019, Ishikawa saw 3.3 million more tourists than the previous year, following the opening of the Kanazawa Shinkansen station in 2015.

"Although tourist numbers haven’t yet returned to pre-Covid-19 levels, since the opening of Kanazawa, the region has seen spillover effects in many areas, including a significant rise in the number of visitors, far surpassing expectations," says Yumiko Omoteguchi, a representative from Ishikawa prefecture's tourism division, in an interview with Dinogo Travel.

Hokuriku’s onsen villages

The hope is that the new bullet train extension will shine a spotlight on the lesser-known corners of the Hokuriku region, attracting international attention.

Among the region’s top attractions are its famous onsen (hot spring) resorts.

There are four onsen resorts located near Komatsu Station and Kaga Onsen Station in Ishikawa (Awazu, Yamanaka, Yamashiro, and Katayamazu), along with Awara Onsen, which has its own station in Fukui prefecture.

"A variety of hot spring resorts, ranging from affordable to high-end ryokan (traditional inns), are ready to accommodate travelers, and with the Shinkansen extension opening in March 2024, we expect a surge of visitors to these areas," says Omotegushi.

She adds that overnight stays at the five onsen resorts are projected to reach 3 million in 2024, an increase of around 400,000 compared to pre-Covid numbers in 2019.

KAI Kaga, a centuries-old onsen ryokan in Ishikawa, is among the many welcoming spots eager to host a new wave of travelers.

Originally known as Shiroganeya, this historic Japanese ryokan was established in 1624 in Yamashiro. It once hosted notable figures like the feudal lord of the Kaga domain during the Edo period, as well as the renowned early 20th-century artist Rosanjin Kitaoji.

In 2012, the Hoshino Resorts group, a local company, took over and renovated the property, breathing new life into the ryokan.

The ryokan, with its striking red wooden walls and serene outdoor zen garden, proudly displays regional craftsmanship and collaborates with local communities to boost tourism in the area.

Each room is adorned with handcrafted paper art, dyed textiles, and Kutani-yaki (elaborately painted porcelain) tea sets, showcasing traditional local artistry.

Every evening, a modern performance inspired by the traditional mythical lion dance (shishi) is held, adding a touch of cultural flair to the experience.

"For KAI Kaga, the new Shinkansen line offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase the unique charm of Kaga to both domestic and international visitors," shares General Manager Aya Morishita with Dinogo Travel.

Dinos, a techno Buddhist temple and king crab

The Shinkansen stations in Fukui prefecture – Awara Onsen, Fukui, Echizen-Takefu, and Tsuruga – are set to become popular spots for travelers, thanks to the bullet train's arrival. And for good reason.

Much like Ishikawa, Fukui prefecture is home to well-preserved ancient architecture, temples, and historic sites. At the same time, new attractions are emerging around Fukui City, while existing ones are expanding.

"The extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Fukui is expected to dramatically alter the flow of people and goods," says Yasui Masaki, Director of the Fukui City Omotenashi Tourism Promotion Division.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to highlight the very best of Fukui. We are on the brink of a new era for Fukui, and with Expo 2025 in Osaka a year after the Shinkansen extension, we anticipate a significant increase in international visitors," says a local representative.

A massive 100-meter-tall (328-foot) commercial complex, featuring a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, a three-story food hall showcasing Fukui's local delicacies, offices, and a residential building, is being built next to Fukui Station and is expected to open by March 2024.

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of Asia’s largest dinosaur collections, has recently expanded. It now boasts 50 complete dinosaur skeletons, including a rare Brachylophosaurus mummy fossil with remarkably preserved skin.

For a truly unique experience that can't be found anywhere else in Japan, Yasui recommends Sho-onji Temple’s techno Buddhist memorial service as a must-see.

"The temple itself is remarkable, but it’s the fusion of techno music and projection mapping used in the Buddhist service that makes this experience truly unforgettable," says the tourism director.

Introduced in 2016 to appeal to younger audiences, the biannual techno memorial services (held in May and October) have become so popular that the temple is planning to open an 'art space' to offer this immersive service year-round, according to Yasui.

Fukui is renowned for its local cuisine, being a significant rice producer and a bustling seafood hub, making it an ideal spot for sushi enthusiasts.

The region’s Echizen gani crabs – impressive male snow crabs reaching up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) in length – are some of the most sought-after delicacies.

‘Discover beyond Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto’

"Until now, most foreign visitors to Fukui Prefecture have come from East Asia, due to its proximity to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) and Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya), which cater to many flights from East and Southeast Asia," explains Nagata Tomohiro, Senior Group Manager of the Fukui Prefectural Government International Tourism Office.

With the new Shinkansen link, travelers arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airports will find it much easier to reach Fukui Prefecture directly.

Nagata explains that this is expected to boost the influx of tourists from Europe, North America, and Australia, who primarily fly into Narita Airport. He encourages visitors to venture beyond the familiar urban hubs of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

For cherry blossom enthusiasts, Asuwa River, which winds through Fukui City, offers a picturesque two-kilometer stretch lined with blooming sakura trees every spring.

Fukui City also serves as a great base for visitors looking to explore Maruoka Castle Park, home to one of Japan’s remaining 12 original castle towers, as well as Eihei-ji, one of Japan's two main Soto Zen Buddhist temples.

Meanwhile, Nishiyama Park, located between Fukui and Echizen-Takefu Stations, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a sea of vibrant azalea flowers and visit a red panda zoo.

The tourism manager also recommends visiting the dramatic cliffside rock formations of Tojinbo, as well as the breathtaking Mikata Goko (Five Lakes of Mikata) and its accompanying Rainbow Line – an 11-kilometer (seven-mile) scenic route that provides stunning views of the lakes, all nestled within Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park near Tsuruga Station.

“Ever wondered why it’s called ‘rainbow’? Come to Fukui and discover the answer,” Nagata playfully invites.