Stories
Where to Stay in Hokuriku: Ryokan, Boutique Inns, and Mountain Retreats
Staying in Hokuriku is as much about atmosphere as location. From riverside retreats in Toyama to minimalist hotels in Kanazawa and intimate inns in Fukui’s mountains, accommodations here reflect the region’s close relationship with nature and craft. These selected stays offer thoughtful design, seasonal cuisine, and a sense of place—making them ideal bases for exploring Hokuriku’s quieter landscapes and traditions.
Hokuriku: Japan’s Quiet Coast of Craft, Cuisine, and Mountains
Hokuriku, stretching along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast through Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, is a region shaped by mountains, water, and craft. Known for its heavy winters and rich natural resources, it has developed a culture rooted in food, making, and seasonal life. This four-part series explores Hokuriku through its landscapes, traditions, and daily practices—offering a slower, more intimate way to experience Japan beyond its major cities.
What to Do in Hokuriku: Crafts, Villages, and Living Traditions
Hokuriku offers experiences rooted in making, movement, and quiet observation. Visitors can explore centuries-old villages, walk through preserved geisha districts, and witness traditional crafts such as metal casting, knife making, and washi paper production. In Ishikawa, long-established traditions of lacquerware and Kutani ceramicware reveal how surface, form, and function evolve through generations of artisans. From moss-covered shrine paths to hands-on workshops and Zen meditation, these activities show how history and daily life remain closely intertwined across Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui.
Ocha Nouveau
Spring brings an exciting time for green tea lovers—shincha season! Shincha (新茶), meaning “new tea,” is the first flush of Japanese green tea, handpicked in early spring and celebrated for its delicate flavor, enticing aroma, and invigorating freshness. Unlike other green teas, shincha is lightly processed, capturing the essence of the season in every sip. Available for a limited time, this fleeting treasure is cherished in Japan and beyond. If you’re lucky enough to find shincha near you, don’t miss the chance to savor this once-a-year delight!
Again at AIPAD, The Photography Show
Encounter with the new talent
Experiencing a memorable holiday in kyushu
Altering Graffiti — A New Form of Signature
A Peek Under the Curtain — Works by Ryota Aoki
