Must-Try Delicacies in the Northern Alps of Japan
From miso soup to sukiyaki, Japanese ramen to curry udon, tamagoyaki to takoyaki, sashimi to Wagyu beef, white rice to unagi don, almost every Japanese dish holds a special place in my heart. Japanese cuisine is, without a doubt, one of the most refined on Earth. In Japan, cooking is not just about preparing a meal; it’s a dedication of time and energy, a lifelong pursuit of culinary perfection. With the country boasting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants globally, Japan is truly a haven for food lovers.
Fueled by the popularity of shows like “Midnight Diner” and “Solitary Gourmet” in recent years, every visit to Japan for a foodie like me is a pilgrimage. Especially considering that each region in Japan has its own exclusive delicacies, it’s a culinary adventure that cannot be missed. Kobe beef in Kobe, tofu in Kyoto, black pork in Okinawa, sea urchin over rice in Hakodate, eel in Nagoya, udon in Kagawa, and apples in Aomori—the memories still make my mouth water. My Japanese travel map has gradually expanded from Kansai and Kanto to Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Shikoku.
This time, my fellow food enthusiasts and I ventured into the Northern Alps of Japan, exploring the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go. Unexpectedly, we were greeted by the first snowfall, adding a magical touch to our journey. The Hokuriku region, comprising Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures, is relatively off the beaten path. Despite its lesser-known status, it holds hidden treasures, boasting historical landmarks, expansive natural beauty, and, of course, delectable cuisine.
Hokuriku is often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” with one of Japan’s three major crab varieties found in Fukui, Kanazawa backed by the Sea of Japan offering a plethora of seafood, including sweet shrimp, yellowtail, and king crab. A visit to Kanazawa is incomplete without trying edible gold in various forms—gold leaf ice cream, gold leaf taiyaki, gold leaf coffee—making you feel like royalty. The Hida beef left me wanting more, and kaiseki dining allowed me to savor exquisite flavors. Not to forget the intoxicating aroma of sake in the old streets of Takayama.
Now, let me share the highlights of our journey through Japan’s Northern Alps.
Itinerary & Transportation: Itinerary:
- Day 1: Osaka to Fukui (Ashibumi Onsen), overnight in Fukui
- Day 2: Fukui to Kanazawa (Higashi Chaya District, Fukui Dinosaur Museum, Higashi Tea House Street), overnight in Kanazawa
- Day 3: Kanazawa to Toyama (Kenrokuen Garden, 21st Century Museum, Omicho Market, historic streets of Furumachi), overnight in Toyama
- Day 4: Toyama to Shirakawa-go to Takayama (Shirakawa-go, Hida Furukawa, Takayama Old Town), overnight in Takayama
- Day 5: Takayama to Nagoya (Oasis 21, Nagoya Castle), return journey
For this trip, we started from Osaka’s Kansai Airport, purchasing the Hokuriku Area Pass upon arrival. This pass covers the JR lines for a seamless journey through Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, and Takayama, with the final leg returning from Nagoya. I highly recommend investing in the Hokuriku Area Pass—it not only saves money but also streamlines your travel experience.