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.
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.
Boxed In Beauty: A Digest of the New York Times Article on Japan’s Deeply Rooted Packaging Culture
Boxed In Beauty: A Digest of the New York Times Article on Japan’s Deeply Rooted Packaging Culture
Exploring how Japan’s reverence for boxes—crafted from paulownia wood, lacquer, and cloth—reflects centuries of artistry, order, and cultural meaning.
Note from Japan Suite

