This is a practical guide for the trip itself. We travel from 15 to 22 November 2026 and stay three nights in Toyama, on 18, 19, and 20 November. Opening hours, prices, and events are taken from official pages as of mid-October 2026 and need checking again before departure. For historical background, see the notes from prehistory to Reiwa.

Places in this guide, in layers for children, nature, culture, screen locations, and mountain transport. Markers open in Google Maps. Map labels are in Traditional Chinese. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO. ⚠ Please confirm with official sources before visiting.

1. Conditions for 15–22 November

  • Daylight: The National Astronomical Observatory’s table for Toyama City gives sunrise at 6:31 and sunset at 16:41 on 18 November, 6:33 and 16:40 on the 19th, and 6:34 and 16:39 on the 20th1.
  • Tateyama Kurobe: From 11 November, web tickets are sold only for sections starting at Ōgizawa on the Nagano side; starting from Tateyama Station on the Toyama side means buying a same-day ticket2. Murodō is often below freezing in November3. The Alpine Route’s luggage delivery service runs until 8 November (planned)4, and the timetable for the sightseeing bus from Tateyama Station to Shōmyō Falls is valid until 10 November5.
  • Kurobe Gorge Railway: Full service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira resumed on 1 October 2026, but at Keyakidaira only the station and visitor centre are open6.
  • Kanazawa: Yukitsuri rope supports go up in Kenrokuen from 1 November, starting with the Karasaki pine, and are finished by about mid-December7. On 15, 21, and 22 November, Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Gyokusen’inmaru Garden are lit from 18:00 to 20:45, with free entry to Kenrokuen8. The straw covers for the earthen walls in Nagamachi go up on the first weekend of December, after the trip9.
  • Crab: The season for female snow crab (kōbako-gani) in Ishikawa runs from 6 November to 29 December9.
  • Toyama seafood: Toyama City gives the season for white shrimp as April to November and for firefly squid as April to May10.
  • Closures: The permanent galleries of the Toyama Glass Art Museum close on the first and third Wednesdays, so they are closed on Wednesday 18 November11. The Kanazawa Bungeikan is closed on 17 November12.
  • Limited-time exhibitions: The Ima Ichiko exhibition at the Kōshi no Kuni Literature Museum runs until 23 November13, and the Kanazawa Museum of Local Life’s special exhibition on the old Second Middle School runs until 22 November14.
  • Works and suspensions: Takaoka Otogi no Mori Park has water-play works from 5 October to 14 December (planned), with some areas closed15; the Ninja Hattori-kun mechanical clock in Himi is out of service because of a fault (as of 7 October)16; the keep of Maruoka Castle has been under major repair, including seismic work, since December 202517.
  • Boats at Kansui Park: The Fugan Water Line runs until 23 November in 202618.

2. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Mikurigaike at Murodō in early winter (5 November 2025)

Photo: lumoplank, licence: CC0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Route and timings

The operator’s model course is: Tateyama Station → (Tateyama Cable Car, 7 min) Bijodaira → (Tateyama Highland Bus, 50 min) Murodō, about an hour there with a 20-minute walk each way to the Mikurigaike viewpoint; Murodō → (Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus, 10 min) Daikanbō → (Tateyama Ropeway, 7 min) Kurobedaira → (Kurobe Cable Car, 5 min) Kurobeko, then about 15 minutes on foot to Kurobe Dam and about an hour there; Kurobe Dam → (Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus, about 16 min) Ōgizawa19.

The official FAQ estimates, including an hour for lunch, are 5–6 hours for Tateyama Station to Murodō and back, 8–9 hours for Tateyama Station to Kurobe Dam and back, and 6–7 hours one way from Tateyama Station to Ōgizawa; during Golden Week and the autumn-colour holidays it suggests allowing another 1–2 hours20.

Tickets in mid-November

The operator’s notice on November web tickets, posted on 31 August 2026, says that from 4 November snow on the highland bus road makes disruption more likely, so web tickets are limited by departure time and section. From 11 to 30 November only sections from Ōgizawa, less affected by snow, are sold online: the early-booking web ticket covers Ōgizawa⇔Murodō only, while the standard web ticket also covers returns from Ōgizawa to Daikanbō, Kurobedaira, and Kurobe Dam and a single from Ōgizawa to Kurobe Dam. Other departure times and all sections from Tateyama Station need same-day tickets2. The early-booking web ticket for 11 November onwards is 11,300 yen return for adults between Ōgizawa and Murodō (normally 12,300 yen), must be bought by 23:59 five days before use, and covers departures from Ōgizawa from the first service until 13:002.

Clothing and luggage

The operator’s clothing advice says that November is often below freezing; vehicles are heated, but it is very cold outside. Even without plans to walk, you may walk on snow on the dam crest, so waterproof, non-slip shoes are best; skiing is possible in late November3. The luggage delivery service runs from 15 April to 8 November 2026 (planned), costs 4,000 yen per item in cash only, and is not available at Tateyama or Ōgizawa stations4.

3. The Kurobe Gorge Railway

A Kurobe Gorge Railway train crossing the Shin-Yamabiko Bridge in autumn colour (8 November 2025)

Photo: Totti, licence: CC BY-SA 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Kurobe Gorge Railway (the “torokko” train) starts at Unazuki in Kurobe and is a separate route from the Alpine Route. As described in the Reiwa note, it resumed full service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira on 1 October 2026 after earthquake repair work6.

  • Limits at Keyakidaira: With the retaining wall and slope below Keyakidaira station under repair, visitors can for now enter only the station building (including the roof) and the Keyakidaira visitor centre; the Sarutobi Gorge path is closed621. The number of passengers getting off at Keyakidaira is limited. Unazuki–Keyakidaira bookings were by phone only from 1 October; from 19:00 on 7 October return tickets to Keyakidaira can also be booked online. The operator recommends staying about an hour at Keyakidaira621.
  • Times: The English timetable for 1 October – 30 November includes departures from Unazuki at 8:17 (arriving Keyakidaira 9:33) and 9:00 (arriving 10:18)22.
  • Fares: Unazuki⇔Keyakidaira one way is 2,480 yen for adults and 1,240 yen for children; the windowed “relax” carriage costs 600 yen extra per person22.
  • Connections: Allow at least 20 minutes when changing from the Toyama Chihō Railway22.

4. Places for Children

Kanazawa

PlaceWhatHours / fees
21st Century Museum of Contemporary ArtThe “Hands-on Marubi!” playroom is open on weekends and holidays 13:00–16:00, free, with under-school-age children accompanied; the lower level of The Swimming Pool needs a same-day queue reservation from 9:00, including for children of about two and up who can stand to look, and after reserving you buy an exhibition ticket for your entry slot23Public zone 9:00–22:00; exhibitions 10:00–18:00 (Fri–Sat to 20:00), closed Mondays24
Kanazawa Port Ōno Karakuri MuseumMechanical doll demonstrations four times a day, and a hands-on building for children259:00–17:00, closed Wednesdays; adults 800 yen, school students 500 yen25
Kanazawa Station “Kodomo Land”Free children’s area in the station’s Anto mall, also for feeding and changing2610:00–16:00, closed Mondays26
Tamagawa Children’s LibraryKanazawa’s municipal children’s library2710:00–17:00, closed Mondays (closed 16 November)27
Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal”Manabi” hands-on room28Room 9:00–17:00, free28
Ishikawa Life Craft MuseumNext to Kenrokuen; 36 traditional crafts of Ishikawa29Second floor: adults 260 yen, high school and under 100 yen; closed the third Thursday of each month from April to November (closed 19 November)29
Okuutatsuyama Kenmin ParkLarge lawn and play equipment30Free30

Komatsu

PlaceWhatHours / fees
Ishikawa Prefectural Aviation PlazaIn front of Komatsu Airport; 17 real aircraft and a YS-11A cockpit319:00–17:00, free (some simulators charge)31
Komatsu no MoriKomatsu’s founding site, with a 930E giant dump truck and a PC4000 giant excavator32Check the official site for boarding times32
Science Hills KomatsuHands-on science exhibits339:30–18:00, closed Mondays; exhibits free, 3D studio 500 yen adults, 250 yen children33
Kibagata Park EastPlay equipment and a footbath34Free34

Toyama

Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design seen from Fugan Canal Kansui Park (2018)

Photo: 掬茶, licence: CC BY-SA 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons
PlaceWhatHours / fees
Toyama Municipal Family ParkZoo3515 Mar – 30 Nov 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00), closed first and third Tuesdays; adults 500 yen, junior high and under free35
Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, “Onomatopoeia Rooftop”Rooftop play equipment; the “fuwa fuwa” dome is for ages 3–1236Equipment 8:00 to sunset36
Toyama Science MuseumNatural science exhibits and planetarium379:00–17:00; adults 530 yen (one planetarium show included), high school and under free37
Fugan Canal Kansui Park and Fugan Water LineWater-level lift at the Nakajima lock; about 60 minutes to Iwase182026 season 20 Mar – 23 Nov; 20-minute loop on weekends and holidays 700 yen, half price for primary pupils, free for younger children18

Takaoka and Himi

PlaceWhatHours / fees
Takaoka Otogi no Mori ParkLawns and large play equipment38Water-play works 5 Oct – 14 Dec (planned), some areas closed15
Ninja Hattori-kun mechanical clock, HimiHimimachi 416Out of service because of a fault (as of 7 October)16

Fukui

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum after its extension (2023)

Photo: Totti, licence: CC BY-SA 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons
PlaceWhatHours / fees
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur MuseumKatsuyama39Reservations required; adults 1,000 yen, school students 500 yen39
Fukui Children’s Science Museum (Angel Land Fukui)Science exhibits, one of Hokuriku’s largest dome planetariums, indoor and outdoor play equipment40Check the official site
Fukui Prefectural Children’s History and Culture MuseumPeople and culture of Fukui41Free; closed Mondays and the day after holidays41

5. Nature

Onna-iwa and the Tateyama range from the Amaharashi coast (March 2019)

Photo: shiro524, licence: CC BY-SA 3.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Amaharashi coast (Takaoka): The 3,000 m Tateyama range across Toyama Bay; the name comes from the “Yoshitsune rock” where Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have waited for a shower to pass42.
  • Kurobe Dam: Seeing the dam is free; transport to it is extra43.
  • Ainokura, Gokayama (Nanto): Listed as World Heritage with Shirakawa-gō in 1995; 20 thatched gasshō houses remain in Ainokura, still lived in44.
  • Tōjinbō (Sakai): About 1 km of large-scale columnar jointing, a national natural monument45.
  • Rainbow Line summit park (Wakasa): A chairlift or cable car from the first car park to a summit with a 360-degree view of the Mikata Five Lakes and Wakasa Bay46.
  • Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Hakui): You can drive along the water’s edge on the beach; the prefecture closes it when waves are high, so check the Ishikawa road information site before going47.
  • Shiroyone Senmaida (Wajima): A national place of scenic beauty48.

Tōjinbō Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Tōjinbō (left, 2008) and the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (right, 2020). Photos: Motokoka (left), SONIC BLOOMING (right); licence: CC BY-SA 4.0; resized and converted to WebP. Sources: Wikimedia Commons (left), Wikimedia Commons (right)

6. Culture and History

Yukitsuri in Kenrokuen (January 2015)

Photo: そらみみ, licence: CC BY-SA 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Kanazawa:

  • Kenrokuen: A Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a leading Edo-period strolling garden49. See section 1 for the November yukitsuri and lighting.
  • Nagamachi samurai district: Earthen walls and stone-paved lanes; the Nomura residence, the former Takada residence, and the Ashigaru museum50.
  • Higashi Chaya district: A preservation district for traditional buildings where eating while walking is not allowed51.
  • Ōmichō Market: About 170 shops, most open until around 16:00; relatively many close on Wednesdays52.
  • Myōryūji (the “Ninja Temple”): Trapdoors, hidden stairs, and other devices; visits are by booked guided tour only53.
  • Oyama Shrine: Dedicated to Maeda Toshiie and his wife Matsu; its gate combines Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles and is an Important Cultural Property54.
  • Yuwaku hot spring: The public bath Shirasagi-no-yu, Gyokusen Lake, the Kanazawa Yuwaku Yumeji-kan Museum, and Kanazawa Yuwaku Edo Village55. Takehisa Yumeji stayed here, as the Taishō note describes.

Toyama and Takaoka:

  • Zuiryūji: The family temple of Maeda Toshinaga; its gate, Buddha hall, and Dharma hall are National Treasures56.
  • Yamachō-suji and Kanayamachi: Streets of storehouse-style merchant houses and the birthplace of Takaoka metal casting56.
  • Takaoka Great Buddha: One of Japan’s three great Buddhas57.
  • Toyama Glass Art Museum: Inside the TOYAMA Kirari building designed by Kuma Kengo and others, clad in glass, aluminium, and stone; permanent galleries 9:30–18:00, closed first and third Wednesdays5811.

Fukui:

  • Ichijōdani Asakura Family Ruins: The remains of the castle town of the Asakura, who ruled for about a century59.
  • Maruoka Castle: One of the twelve surviving original keeps, under major repair since December 202517.
  • Eiheiji: The Zen training monastery founded by Dōgen60.
  • Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum: Polish orphans in the 1920s and Jewish refugees carrying Sugihara Chiune’s “visas for life” in the 1940s landed at Tsuruga; the museum reopened in an enlarged form in 202061.
  • Kehi Shrine: The first shrine of Echizen; its great torii is an Important Cultural Property; open 6:00–17:00 from October to March62.
  • Ashiyu footbath, Awara hot spring: Two minutes on foot from Awara-Yunomachi station on the Echizen Railway63.

7. Screen Locations

  • Wolf Children “Hana’s house” (Asō, Kamiichi): The Yamazaki house was the model for the family’s house, and its main house and storehouse became registered cultural properties in 2024; about 20 minutes on foot from Ōiwasan Nisseki-ji or 20 minutes by taxi from Kamiichi station64.
  • Hanasaku Iroha: Yuwaku hot spring was the model for “Yunosagi”; the tourist information centre has the “Iroha-kan” display, and the anime’s fictional festival became the real Yuwaku Bonbori Festival65.
  • Insomniacs After School: Nanao City publishes a fan map for the anime66.
  • I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (anime film): Toyama Prefecture produced a pilgrimage map for the Takaoka and Imizu area67.
  • Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle: Scenes include the Galleria Motomachi arcade in Fukui, the Asuwa and Ara riverbanks in episode 1, and Higashi Park in episode 368.
  • Mare: The salt fields next to the Suzu Ensoden roadside station were a filming location for the NHK morning drama69.
  • Chiritotechin: Jōkōji temple in Obama was a filming location70.
  • Yuki no Hana and Samurai Hustle: Fukui’s location map lists the Kehi pine grove in Tsuruga, the cutting on the Yoshizaki road in Awara, and a 44 m long, 12 m high suspension bridge over the Asuwa gorge in Ikeda71.
  • Izakaya Shinkansen 2, episode 8 “Toyama”: The hero takes the tram from Toyama Station to Iwase, buys junmai daiginjō at a liquor shop, and looks out from the Toyama Port Observatory (called the ‘Toyama Bay observatory’ in the episode); the episode’s menu lists Hikiyama Black, white shrimp tempura, Masuizumi junmai daiginjō, firefly squid in sake lees, swordfish cured in kelp, and special trout sushi (small round)72. Episode 1 is Kanazawa, 2 Tsuruga, 5 Fukui, and 7 Komatsu72.

For Fujiko F. Fujio’s Takaoka and Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ‘s Himi, see the late Shōwa and Heisei notes.

8. What to Eat

Restaurants and takeaway shops in this guide. Markers open in Google Maps. Map labels are in Traditional Chinese. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO. ⚠ Please confirm with official sources before visiting.

Toyama

ShopWhatHours
Mawaru Toyamawan Sushi Tama, Toyama StationConveyor-belt sushi in the station’s Toyamarché, 31 seats7311:00–21:00 (last order 20:30)73
Shiroebi-tei, Toyama Station main shopIn Toyamarché; white shrimp tempura bowls and more; no table reservations7411:00–21:00 (last order 20:00), closed 1 January74
Toyama HakobuneLocal dishes and sake in Toyamarché7511:00–14:30, 16:00–21:3075
Toyama Sushi Umi ToyamaFourth floor of MAROOT by the station, 65 seats7611:00–14:30, 17:00–22:0076
Itoshō main shopUdon simmered with offal, since 197277Closed Tuesdays77
Taiki, Nishichō main shopFounding site of Taiki, the original “Toyama black” ramen; 27 counter seats7811:00–20:00, closed Wednesdays (open on holidays); 18 November is a Wednesday78
Shinminato Kittokito MarketNear Kaiwo Maru Park; sashimi and seafood bowls at Kittokito-tei, plus Minato-zushi, Umiya, and others79Check the official site

Takeaway and sweets:

ShopWhatHours
hazeru coffee BAKE STANDTakeaway coffee and scones near Toyama Station80Weekdays 8:00–16:00, closed Tuesdays80
NanakoshiNanakoshi-yaki with red bean, white bean, or custard, sold singly; shops in Toyamarché and Sōgawa Ferio81Varies by shop
Jibamon-ya”Cowfee” soft serve on Sōgawa-dōri, flavoured with Toyama’s coffee milk82Check the official site
ChikurindōAmazake manjū made since the Edo period8310:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays83
Kanmidokoro Wakaba, ToyamaTaiyaki, dango, anmitsu849:30–18:00, closed Thursdays and some Wednesdays; 19 November is a Thursday84

Souvenirs: Minamoto stopped making its “special trout sushi, small round” and “trout sushi, small round” on 31 August 202585.

Kanazawa

Ōmichō Market (2007)

Photo: Jpatokal (Wikivoyage), licence: CC BY-SA 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons
ShopWhatHours
Morimori Sushi, Kanazawa StationConveyor-belt sushi on the sixth floor of Kanazawa Forus86Check the official site
Mawaru Ōmichō Ichiba Sushi main shopInside Ōmichō Market878:30–20:00 (last order 19:30)87
Akadama main shopKanazawa oden since 1927; may close early when sold out88Weekdays and Saturdays 12:00–15:00, 16:00–23:00; Sundays and holidays evenings to 22:00; closed Mondays88
Hakuichi, HigashiyamaGold-leaf soft serve in Higashiyama (until 17:00)89Varies
Kintsuba Nakataya, Higashi ChayaKintsuba sweets; the Wami tea room upstairs90Shop 9:00–17:0090
Maruhachi Seichajō, Kanazawa HyakubangaiIn the station’s Anto mall; Kenjō Kaga Bōcha tea drinks 432 yen91Varies
Taiyaki Kōbō TsuchikuTaiyaki in Anto West at the station92Varies
Ōmichō Croquette, Anto WestOpened in Anto West at Kanazawa Station on 3 April 20269310:00–18:0093

Fukui

Sauce katsudon at Fukui Station (2025)

Photo: ノボホショコロトソ, licence: CC BY 4.0, resized and converted to WebP. Source: Wikimedia Commons
ShopWhatHours
Europe-ken main shopSauce katsudon in Junka, Fukui; no reservations9411:00–19:50 (last order), closed Mondays (open on holidays) and Tuesdays94
Kenzō Soba100 percent buckwheat soba in Eiheiji town: grated-radish soba and “Kenzō soba” with spicy radish95Tue–Fri 11:00–14:00, weekends and holidays 11:00–15:00, until sold out; closed Mondays95
Tōjinbō shopping streetOctopus skewers at Kominami-tei, small seafood bowls at Shōtarō, squid-ink soft serve at Oshokujidokoro Yuki96Varies
Kinkadō Hayakawa “Habutae Kurumi”A Katsuyama sweet: habutae mochi with candied walnuts in choux pastry; sold at CURU-F at Fukui Station97Varies

References

Footnotes

  1. National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, “Sunrise and sunset, Toyama, November 2026” (18th 6:31/16:41; 19th 6:33/16:40; 20th 6:34/16:39): https://eco.mtk.nao.ac.jp/koyomi/dni/2026/s1711.html.en ↩

  2. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “November web tickets” (posted 31 August 2026; snow on the highland bus road from 4 November; 11–30 November limited to sections from Ōgizawa — early-booking Ōgizawa⇔Murodō, standard also Daikanbō, Kurobedaira, Kurobe Dam; other departure times and sections from Tateyama Station same-day tickets; early-booking adult 12,300 → 11,300 yen, by 23:59 five days before; Ōgizawa departures first service to 13:00): https://www.alpen-route.com/_wp/information/148125 ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  3. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “What to wear” (often below freezing in November; waterproof, non-slip shoes; skiing in late November): https://www.alpen-route.com/information/advice_clothes.html ↩ ↩2

  4. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “Luggage delivery service” (15 April – 8 November 2026, planned; 4,000 yen per item; cash only; not at Tateyama or Ōgizawa stations): https://www.alpen-route.com/information/forwarding.html ↩ ↩2

  5. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “Timetables” (Shōmyō Falls bus valid 11 May – 10 November 2026; 4–30 November timetable): https://www.alpen-route.com/timetable/ ↩

  6. Kurobe Gorge Railway, “Resumption of full service and progress on repairs to the Kanetsuri Bridge and elsewhere” (full service from 1 October 2026; only the Keyakidaira station building and visitor centre accessible; limited numbers getting off; phone booking): https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/news-detail/?post=616 ; “Web booking site maintenance completed” (return tickets to Keyakidaira bookable online from 19:00 on 7 October 2026): https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/news-detail/?post=646 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  7. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Yukitsuri at Kenrokuen” (from 1 November starting with the Karasaki pine, until about mid-December): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50425.html ↩

  8. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Kenrokuen free night opening and lighting” (2026: 7, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 November; 18:00–20:45, closing 21:00; free entry): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html ↩

  9. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Autumn in Kanazawa, September–December 2026” (straw covers on the earthen walls on the first weekend of December; kōbako-gani 6 November – 29 December): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_71.html ↩ ↩2

  10. Toyama City, FAQ on Toyama seafood (firefly squid in season April–May; white shrimp April–November): https://www.city.toyama.lg.jp/faq/1008445/1009949/1009329.html ↩

  11. Toyama Glass Art Museum, “Visitor information” (permanent galleries 9:30–18:00, closed first and third Wednesdays): https://toyama-glass-art-museum.jp/visitor/ ↩ ↩2

  12. Kanazawa Bungeikan, official site (closed 4, 10, 17, and 24 November): https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/bungei/ ↩

  13. Toyama Prefecture, “The World of Manga Artist Ima Ichiko” exhibition (12 September – 23 November 2026, 9:30–18:00, closed Tuesdays): https://www.pref.toyama.jp/1740/kensei/kouhou/houdou/2026/8gatsu/imaitiko_maeuri.html ↩

  14. Kanazawa Museum of Local Life, special exhibition “Shōsei” (29 August – 22 November 2026): https://www.kanazawa-museum.jp/minzoku/exhibit/index.html ↩

  15. Takaoka Otogi no Mori Park, “Partial closure for water-play works” (5 October – 14 December 2026, planned): https://terfel.net/%E3%80%90%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B%E3%80%91%E8%A6%AA%E6%B0%B4%E9%81%8A%E5%85%B7%E6%95%B4%E5%82%99%E5%B7%A5%E4%BA%8B%E3%81%AB%E4%BC%B4%E3%81%86%E4%B8%80%E9%83%A8%E3%82%A8%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2.html ↩ ↩2

  16. Himi Tourism Association, “Ninja Hattori-kun mechanical clock” (out of service because of a fault as of 7 October 2026; Himimachi 4): https://www.kitokitohimi.com/site/tourism-guide/276.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  17. Fukui tourism site, “Maruoka Castle” (one of twelve surviving keeps; major repair including seismic work from December 2025): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1018.html ↩ ↩2

  18. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Fugan Water Line” (20 March – 23 November 2026; Nakajima lock; about 60 minutes to Iwase; 700-yen loop on weekends and holidays; half price for primary pupils, free for younger children): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/spot/fugansuijoline/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  19. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “Model course” (cable car 7 min; highland bus 50 min; an hour at Murodō; about 20 min to the Mikurigaike viewpoint; trolley bus 10 min; ropeway 7 min; Kurobe cable car 5 min; about 15 min on foot; an hour at the dam; Kanden tunnel bus about 16 min): https://www.alpen-route.com/model_course/course02/ ↩

  20. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, “FAQ” (Murodō return 5–6 h; Kurobe Dam return 8–9 h; to Ōgizawa 6–7 h; lunch included; allow 1–2 h more in Golden Week and autumn-colour holidays): https://www.alpen-route.com/information/faq.html ↩

  21. Kurobe Gorge Railway, “Keyakidaira” (only the station and visitor centre accessible; Sarutobi Gorge closed; a stay of about one hour recommended): https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/spot_keyakidaira/ ↩ ↩2

  22. Kurobe Gorge Railway, “Timetable” (Unazuki 8:17 → Keyakidaira 9:33, 9:00 → 10:18; 1 October – 30 November one-way adult 2,480 yen, child 1,240 yen; relax carriage +600 yen; allow 20 minutes from the Toyama Chihō Railway): https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/timetable/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  23. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, “Kids Studio” (“Hands-on Marubi!” weekends and holidays 13:00–16:00, free, young children accompanied): https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?d=10&g=10 ; “The Swimming Pool” (same-day reservation from 9:00, including children of about two and up; then buy an exhibition ticket for the slot): https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?d=1&g=120 ↩

  24. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art” (public zone 9:00–22:00; exhibitions 10:00–18:00, Fri–Sat to 20:00; closed Mondays): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/everyone/spot/detail_10066.html ↩

  25. Kanazawa Port Ōno Karakuri Museum, “Visitor information” (9:00–17:00; closed Wednesdays; adults 800 yen, school students 500 yen; four demonstrations a day): https://www.ohno-karakuri.jp/guide.php ; “About” (children’s hands-on building): https://www.ohno-karakuri.jp/about.php ↩ ↩2

  26. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Kanazawa sights to enjoy with children” (Kanazawa Station Kodomo Land 10:00–16:00, closed Mondays, feeding and changing; Ōmichō children’s corner): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_65.html ↩ ↩2

  27. Kanazawa City Library, “Tamagawa Children’s Library” (2-2 Tamagawa-machi, 10:00–17:00; closed Mondays, open when a Monday is a holiday): https://www.lib.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/tamagawa-kodomo/outline ↩ ↩2

  28. Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal, “Visitor information” (9:00–21:00; hands-on room 9:00–17:00; free; closed 29 December – 3 January): https://www.kanazawa-cruise.jp/guide/ ↩ ↩2

  29. Ishikawa Life Craft Museum, official site (36 traditional crafts; 260 yen and 100 yen; closed the third Thursday of the month April–November): https://www.ishikawa-densankan.jp/ ↩ ↩2

  30. Ishikawa Prefecture, “Okuutatsuyama Kenmin Park” (lawn, large play equipment, free): https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kouen/map/park/okuutatsu/ ↩ ↩2

  31. Komatsu Airport, “Ishikawa Prefectural Aviation Plaza” (17 aircraft, YS-11A cockpit, 9:00–17:00, free except some simulators, closed 29 December – 3 January): https://www.komatsuairport.jp/enjoy/spend-aviation.html ↩ ↩2

  32. Komatsu no Mori, “Boarding” (930E, PC4000): https://www.komatsunomori.jp/kenki/about.php ↩ ↩2

  33. Science Hills Komatsu, “Fees and information” (9:30–18:00; closed Mondays; exhibits free; 3D studio 500 and 250 yen): https://science-hills-komatsu.jp/rate_guidance/ ↩ ↩2

  34. Kibagata Park East, official site (free; footbath): https://kibagata-eastpark.com/ ↩ ↩2

  35. Toyama Municipal Family Park, “Facilities” (local animal hall, animal encounters): https://www.toyama-familypark.jp/info/facility ; “Opening information” (15 March – 30 November 9:00–16:30, last entry 16:00; closed first and third Tuesdays; adults 500 yen, junior high and under free): https://www.toyama-familypark.jp/info/eigyo ↩ ↩2

  36. Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, “Onomatopoeia Rooftop” (equipment 8:00 to sunset; fuwa fuwa for ages 3–12): https://tad-toyama.jp/facility/rooftop ↩ ↩2

  37. Toyama City, “Science Museum” (9:00–17:00; adults 530 yen including one planetarium show; high school and under free): https://www.city.toyama.lg.jp/bunka/bunka/1010547/1010551/1012142/index.html ↩ ↩2

  38. Takaoka Otogi no Mori Park, “About the park” (lawns, large play equipment): https://terfel.net/about/ ↩

  39. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, “Admission” (reservations; adults 1,000 yen, school students 500 yen): https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/guide/fee.html ↩ ↩2

  40. Fukui Prefecture, “Fukui Children’s Science Museum” (Angel Land Fukui; one of Hokuriku’s largest dome planetariums; large play equipment): https://www.pref.fukui.lg.jp/doc/kodomo/zidoukagaku.html ↩

  41. Fukui Prefectural Children’s History and Culture Museum, “Visitor guide” (free; closed Mondays and the day after holidays): https://info.pref.fukui.lg.jp/koreki/guide/index.html ↩ ↩2

  42. Toyama tourism site, “Amaharashi coast, Kurobe Gorge, and Shōmyō Falls” (3,000 m Tateyama range; Yoshitsune rock): https://www.info-toyama.com/itineraries/80106 ↩

  43. Toyama tourism site, “Kurobe Dam” (viewing free; transport extra): https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/31038 ↩

  44. Toyama tourism site, “Gokayama” (World Heritage 1995; 20 houses in Ainokura; still inhabited): https://www.info-toyama.com/stories/gokayama ↩

  45. Fukui tourism site, “Tōjinbō” (about 1 km of columnar jointing; national natural monument): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1476.html ↩

  46. Fukui tourism site, “Rainbow Line summit park” (chairlift or cable car from the first car park; Mikata Five Lakes and Wakasa Bay): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1330.html ↩

  47. Ishikawa tourism site, “Chirihama Nagisa Driveway” (driving along the water’s edge; closures shown on the Ishikawa road information site): https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/burarinoto/spot/detail_5818.html ↩

  48. Ishikawa tourism site, “Shiroyone Senmaida” (national place of scenic beauty): https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/detail_5573.html ↩

  49. Kenrokuen Tourism Association, “About Kenrokuen” (Special Place of Scenic Beauty; strolling garden): https://kenrokuen.or.jp/outline/ ↩

  50. Ishikawa tourism site, “Nagamachi samurai district” (earthen walls, stone paving, Nomura, Takada, Ashigaru museum): https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/detail_5962.html ↩

  51. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Higashi Chaya district” (preservation district; no eating while walking): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/higashi ↩

  52. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Ōmichō Market” (about 170 shops; around 9:00–16:00; many closed Wednesdays): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/gourmet/detail_10030.html ↩

  53. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Myōryūji” (trapdoors and hidden stairs; booked tours only): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/everyone/spot/detail_50022.html ↩

  54. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Recommended Kanazawa sights”: Oyama Shrine (Maeda Toshiie and Matsu; gate in Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles; Important Cultural Property): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_537.html ↩

  55. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Yuwaku hot spring” (Shirasagi-no-yu, Gyokusen Lake, Yumeji-kan, Edo Village): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/everyone/spot/detail_10255.html ↩

  56. Toyama tourism site, “Takaoka” (Zuiryūji’s Buddha hall, Dharma hall, and gate are National Treasures; Maeda Toshinaga; Yamachō-suji; Kanayamachi): https://www.info-toyama.com/stories/02-takaoka ↩ ↩2

  57. Toyama tourism site, “Takaoka Great Buddha” (one of Japan’s three great Buddhas): https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/21108 ↩

  58. Toyama Glass Art Museum, “TOYAMA Kirari architecture” (design and supervision by RIA, Kuma Kengo, and Sanshigo joint venture; glass, aluminium, and stone): https://toyama-glass-art-museum.jp/about/architecture/ ↩

  59. Fukui tourism site, “Ichijōdani Asakura Family Ruins” (castle town of the Asakura’s century of rule): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1002.html ↩

  60. Fukui tourism site, “Eiheiji” (Zen training monastery founded by Dōgen): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1089.html ↩

  61. Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum, “Outline” (Polish orphans in the 1920s; Jewish refugees with Sugihara’s visas in the 1940s; renewal in November 2020): https://tsuruga-museum.jp/modules/info/index.php?action=PageView&page_id=7 ↩

  62. Fukui tourism site, “Kehi Shrine” (first shrine of Echizen; great torii an Important Cultural Property; 6:00–17:00 October–March): https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1062.html ↩

  63. Fukui tourism site, “Ashiyu, Awara hot spring” (two minutes from Awara-Yunomachi station): https://www.fuku-e.com/experience/detail_1589.html ↩

  64. Toyama tourism site, “Wolf Children Hana’s house” (18 Asō, Kamiichi; registered cultural property 3 December 2024; 20 minutes by taxi from Kamiichi station; about 20 minutes on foot from Ōiwasan Nisseki-ji): https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/102876 ↩

  65. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Hanasaku Iroha” (model for Yunosagi; Iroha-kan; Yuwaku Bonbori Festival): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_132.html ↩

  66. Nanao City, “Insomniacs After School fan map”: https://www.city.nanao.lg.jp/koryu-s/kimisomu_map.html ↩

  67. Toyama Location Office, “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas pilgrimage map”: https://www.info-toyama.com/location_office/news/310 ↩

  68. Fukui film commission, production record (Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle: Galleria Motomachi; Asuwa and Ara riverbanks in episode 1; Higashi Park in episode 3): https://www.fuku-e.com/filmcommission/jisseki ↩

  69. Ishikawa tourism site, Noto model course (Suzu Ensoden roadside station; salt fields; filming location of Mare): https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/feature/detail_592.html ↩

  70. Fukui tourism site, Wakasa storyteller course (Jōkōji, filming location of Chiritotechin): https://www.fuku-e.com/lsc/upfile/spot/0000/4950/4950_d004_file.pdf ↩

  71. Fukui location map 2026 (Yuki no Hana: Kehi pine grove and Yoshizaki road cutting; Samurai Hustle: 44 m long, 12 m high suspension bridge over the Asuwa gorge): https://www.fuku-e.com/lsc/upfile/info/0000/3829/3829_1_file.pdf ↩

  72. MBS, Izakaya Shinkansen 2 episodes (#8 Toyama: tram to Iwase, liquor shop, observation tower; menu Hikiyama Black, white shrimp tempura, Masuizumi junmai daiginjō, firefly squid in sake lees, swordfish in kelp, special trout sushi small round; #1 Kanazawa, #2 Tsuruga, #5 Fukui, #7 Komatsu): https://www.mbs.jp/izakayashinkansen2/episode.shtml ↩ ↩2

  73. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Mawaru Toyamawan Sushi Tama, Toyama Station” (Toyamarché; 11:00–21:00, last order 20:30; 31 seats): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/mawaru-toyamawan-sushitama-toyama-station-branch/ ↩ ↩2

  74. Shiroebi-tei, “Toyama Station main shop” (11:00–21:00, last order 20:00; closed 1 January; no table reservations): https://shiroebiya.co.jp/tei/ ↩ ↩2

  75. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Toyama Hakobune” (local dishes and sake; 11:00–14:30, 16:00–21:30): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/toyama-hakobune/ ↩ ↩2

  76. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Toyama Sushi Umi Toyama” (MAROOT fourth floor; 11:00–14:30, 17:00–22:00; 65 seats): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/toyama-sushi-umi-toyama/ ↩ ↩2

  77. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Itoshō main shop” (founded 1972; offal udon; 1-7-6 Tarōmaru-honmachi; closed Tuesdays): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/itosho-honten/ ↩ ↩2

  78. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Taiki, Nishichō main shop” (Toyama black; founding site; 1-1-7 Ōtaguchi-dōri; 11:00–20:00; 27 counter seats; closed Wednesdays except holidays): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/taiki-nishicho-honten/ ↩ ↩2

  79. Toyama tourism site, “Shinminato Kittokito Market” (Kittokito-tei, Minato-zushi, Umiya, Seaside Dining Kō): https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/80032 ↩

  80. Toyama City Tourism Association, “hazeru coffee BAKE STAND” (takeaway only; scones; weekdays 8:00–16:00; closed Tuesdays): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/hazeru-coffee-bake-stand/ ↩ ↩2

  81. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Nanakoshi-yaki” (red bean, white bean, custard; sold singly; Toyamarché and Sōgawa Ferio shops): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/souvenir/nanakoshiyaki/ ↩

  82. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Cowfee soft serve / Jibamon-ya” (on Sōgawa-dōri): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/cowffee-jibamonya/ ↩

  83. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Amazake manjū / Chikurindō” (since the Edo period; 10:00–18:00; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/souvenir/chikurindo/ ↩ ↩2

  84. Toyama City Tourism Association, “Kanmidokoro Wakaba, Toyama” (taiyaki, dango, anmitsu; 9:30–18:00; closed Thursdays and some Wednesdays): https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/gourmet/wakaba/ ↩ ↩2

  85. Masunosushi Honpo Minamoto, “End of sales” (special and regular trout sushi small round; production ended 31 August 2025): https://www.minamoto.co.jp/14907 ↩

  86. Kanazawa Forus, “Morimori Sushi” (6F): https://www.forus.co.jp/kanazawa/shop/1220 ↩

  87. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Mawaru Ōmichō Ichiba Sushi main shop” (28-1 Shimo-Ōmichō; 8:30–20:00, last order 19:30): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/gourmet/detail_50246.html ↩ ↩2

  88. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Akadama main shop” (Kanazawa oden since 1927; 2-21-2 Katamachi; weekdays and Saturdays 12:00–15:00, 16:00–23:00; Sundays and holidays 16:00–22:00; closed Mondays; closes early when sold out): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/gourmet/detail_50237.html ↩ ↩2

  89. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Hakuichi Higashiyama” (gold-leaf soft serve until 17:00): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_20039.html ↩

  90. Kanazawa City Tourism Association, “Kintsuba Nakataya, Higashi Chaya (Wami tea room)” (shop 9:00–17:00): https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/gourmet/detail_50521.html ↩ ↩2

  91. Maruhachi Seichajō, Kanazawa Hyakubangai shop (Kenjō Kaga Bōcha hot/cold 432 yen): https://hyaku.kagaboucha.com/ ↩

  92. Kanazawa Hyakubangai, “Anto West floor guide” (Taiyaki Kōbō Tsuchiku): https://www.100bangai.co.jp/floor/anto-west.php ↩

  93. Kanazawa Hyakubangai, “New shops” (Ōmichō Croquette, 10:00–18:00, opened in Anto West 3 April 2026): https://www.100bangai.co.jp/newshop/ ↩ ↩2

  94. Europe-ken main shop, official site (1-7-4 Junka, Fukui; 11:00–19:50 last order; no reservations; closed Mondays except holidays and Tuesdays): https://yo-roppaken.gourmet.coocan.jp/ ↩ ↩2

  95. Fukui tourism site, “Kenzō Soba” (100 percent buckwheat; oroshi soba and Kenzō soba; Tue–Fri 11:00–14:00, weekends and holidays 11:00–15:00; closed Mondays, or the next day after a holiday): https://www.fuku-e.com/gourmet/detail_7906.html ↩ ↩2

  96. Fukui tourism site, “Tōjinbō street food” (Kominami-tei octopus skewers, Shōtarō seafood bowls, Yuki squid-ink soft serve): https://www.fuku-e.com/fukutabi/detail_887.html ↩

  97. Fukui tourism site, “Fukui souvenirs” (Hayakawa Habutae Kurumi from Kinkadō Hayakawa in Katsuyama; CURU-F Fukui Station): https://www.fuku-e.com/feature/detail_832.html ↩