The Hokuriku region is rich in nature and ideal for campervan travel. In this issue, we introduce five recommended locations for enjoying the Hokuriku region. Each location is also introduced along with the best times of day, spots to stay overnight in your car, nearby hot springs, delicious local food and specialities, and roadside stations and markets to stop off at.
We wholeheartedly support the recovery from the Noto earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day 2024. The Noto Peninsula is known for its beauty and warm people. When visiting, we would like to show our warm support by actively using local services and shops to support the local economy.
1. Hakusan-Shirakawa-go White Road ,Ishikawa Prefecture
The Hakusan-Shirakawa-go White Road features beautiful valleys and waterfalls. Many places can only be accessed by car, and can be enjoyed only with a campervan.
- Recommended time of day:Morning to early afternoon is the best time. Early mornings and evenings tend to be foggy, so the clearest time to enjoy the beautiful scenery is during the daytime.
- Places to stay overnight in a car:The roadside station “Seme” offers a quiet and serene environment for overnight stays in a car.
- Information on nearby hot springs:Hakusan Onsen and Seme Onsen are located nearby and are perfect for relieving travel fatigue.
- Local Foods and Specialties:The soba noodles grown at the foot of Mt. Hakusan and locally grown vegetables are excellent.
- Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by:Roadside Station Sume offers a wide variety of fresh local vegetables and souvenirs.
2. Shirakawa-go ,Gifu Prefecture
Shirakawa-go’s Gassho-Zukuri Village, a World Heritage Site, is a place where history and culture come alive. Easily accessible by campervans, it is an ideal base for day trips and overnight stays.
- Recommended time of day:We recommend visiting in the early morning. You can enjoy the quiet and beautiful scenery of the village at a time when there are few tourists.
- Car-parking spots for overnight stays:You can stay overnight in your camping car at the dedicated parking lot operated by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association.
- Information on nearby hot springs:Shirakawa-go Hot Spring is located nearby, and an open-air bath with a view of the snowy landscape is especially recommended.
- Local foods and specialties:Dishes using Hida beef and soba noodles produced in Shirakawa-go are excellent.
- Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by:Roadside Station Shirakawa-go offers a wide variety of local crafts and specialties.
3. Noto Peninsula National Park ,Ishikawa Prefecture
The Noto Peninsula offers abundant nature with spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. With a campervan, you can freely stop anywhere you like and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
- Recommended time of day:The scenery at sunrise and sunset is superb. We recommend visiting in the evening, as the sunset is especially beautiful.
- Spots to stay overnight in your car:You can stay overnight in a car along the coast at Roadside Station “Nono Senrihama”.
- Information on Onsen (Hot Springs) in the Neighborhood:Wakura Onsen is famous for its hot springs, and is a must-visit place during your trip.
- Local foods and specialties:Enjoy local delicacies such as Noto oysters and Noto Toji Japanese sake.
- Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by:Fresh seafood and local specialties can be purchased at “Roadside Station Noto Senrihama.
*Precautions when visiting the Noto Peninsula
Some roads and facilities may be closed due to the earthquake. It is important to check the latest traffic and tourist information before visiting. Also, do not forget to be considerate of the local people and try to take actions that contribute to the community as part of the reconstruction assistance.
4. Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri Village ,Toyama Prefecture
The Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can easily visit the historic landscape and traditional architecture with a campervan.
- Recommended time of day:Visiting in the morning is recommended. You can stroll through the quiet village at a time when there are few tourists.
- Spots to stay overnight in your car:You can stay overnight in your car surrounded by nature at “Tara” Roadside Station and “Kamidaira” Roadside Station.
- Nearby Hot Springs:At the Kamidaira Onsen hot springs in Gokayama, you can enjoy an open-air bath surrounded by mountains.
- Local foods and specialties:Gokayama is famous for its tofu and soba noodles, and you can enjoy a taste of the local food culture.
- Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by:At Michi no Eki Taira, Gokayama’s local specialties and handicrafts are on sale.
5. Ashihara onsen ,Fukui Prefecture
Ashihara Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Fukui Prefecture. It is a convenient base for hot-spring cures and sightseeing, and a great place to visit with a camper.
- Recommended time of day:Best to enjoy the atmosphere of the hot spring resort from evening to night.
- Car Accommodation Spot:Roadside Station “Mikuni” is convenient and has easy access to the hot spring resort.
- Neighboring Onsen Information:Of course, Ashihara Onsen is the main hot spring resort, but there are several other hot spring facilities in the area.
- Local foods and specialties:You can enjoy Echizen crabs, local vegetables, and seafood. Echizen crabs are especially excellent during the winter season.
- Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by:Local specialties and fresh seafood can be purchased at Michi-no-Eki Mikuni.
Conclusion
The Hokuriku region is rich in seasonal natural beauty, hot springs and culinary culture. We hope you will enjoy your trip to the fullest, which can only be enjoyed with a campervan. When visiting the Noto Peninsula, it is also important to check local information and visit with a sense of support for reconstruction.
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