Hokuriku

Hokuriku is a subregion of Japan’s Chūbu region, located on the northwestern coast of the main island of Honshu along the Sea of Japan. It typically comprises Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama Prefectures, though some classifications include adjacent areas. The name Hokuriku means “northern land,” reflecting its position on the northern coast of Honshu.

Geography and climate are shaped by the Sea of Japan and the inland Japanese Alps. The coastline features rugged cliffs and fishing harbors, while the interior includes high mountain terrain with strong winter snowfall caused by cold Siberian air masses. The Tateyama Mountain Range in Toyama is a prominent feature, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a popular seasonal travel corridor.

Major cities and cultural highlights include Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, home to Kenrokuen Garden, a historic Edo-period city center, and traditional crafts such as Kutani ware and Kaga yuzen dyeing. Toyama Prefecture is known for its alpine scenery, the Tateyama mountains, and scenic areas like the Kurobe Gorge. Fukui Prefecture offers the Tojinbo basalt cliffs, Eiheiji Temple, and the Fukui Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama, one of the world’s notable dinosaur museums.

Economy and culture in Hokuriku center on a mix of manufacturing, traditional crafts, agriculture, and fishing, with tourism driven by historic towns, alpine landscapes, hot springs, and regional cuisine featuring seafood and seasonal produce. The region is increasingly connected to the rest of Japan by rail and road, including the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which links Tokyo to Kanazawa.