The Hokuriku region is located on the northwestern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu and is known for its all-seasons appeal – spectacular cherry blossoms destinations, pleasant summers, vibrant autumn colours and snowy winters. Travellers from Malaysia can catch a flight to Narita International Airport before transferring to Tokyo Station to get on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to explore more of the Hokuriku Shinetsu area.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen’s current terminus is historical Kanazawa City, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, traditional tea houses, and beautifully landscaped gardens like Kenrokuen but this new extension will offer improved access to Fukui Prefecture starting 16th March this year.
Fukui Prefecture is where Tsuruga and Fukui City are located and the area is getting ready to welcome more visitors once the Hokuriku Shinkansen commences 14 round trips from Tokyo per day. The capital of Fukui Prefecture is Fukui City, a small castle town most known for the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum which is recognized as one of the greatest dinosaur museums in the world, with more than 900,000 visitors yearly. Travellers also love visiting the city during cherry blossom season where the Asuwa River transforms into a pink paradise each spring. Not far from Fukui City is Maruoka Castle, one of twelve castles in Japan with a surviving historical keep from the feudal era that also hosts an annual cherry blossom festival.
Aside from its historical riches, Fukui is home to a Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty which are the Tojinbo Cliffs. As for culture, Asuwa Shrine with its large weeping cherry tree is a sight to behold, and deep in the Fukui mountains lies a temple founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, Eiheiji Temple, where over a hundred monks practise devotion daily.
Other stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line include Awara Onsen, an ideal day trip destination for onsen-seekers looking to bathe in central Japan’s geothermal waters. Meanwhile in Tsuruga, travellers will get to enjoy fresh seafood, owing to the city’s location by the sea. Kehi Shrine is the main shrine of the region, originally built in the year 702 and has one of the three great wooden torii gates in Japan.
From Tokyo, major stops in the Hokuriku area include Nagano Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan’s mountainous terrain known for its rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Meanwhile Toyama Prefecture is a jumping-off point for visiting World Heritage Gokayama villages and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The expansion of this shinkansen line is another step to increasing connectivity to the outskirts, which creates a wonderful opportunity for travellers to discover the towns of the Hokuriku area rather than large metropolitan areas.
Images credit: JNTO
