Hokuriku region
The Hokuriku region is a subregion of central Japan along the Sea of Japan coast, centered on Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures.
Toyama Prefecture: A prefecture in central Japan, facing the Sea of Japan and centered on Toyama City. Its bay, plains, and mountain scenery form Hokuriku’s eastern core.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: A high-speed railway linking Tokyo with cities along Japan’s central Sea of Japan coast. It has strengthened Hokuriku’s rail connection to Tokyo and neighboring regions.
Kanazawa: The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its preserved historic districts and Kenrokuen garden. It is Hokuriku’s best-known historic city and a center of regional culture.
Kōshin'etsu region: A regional grouping in central Japan comprising Yamanashi, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures. Its inclusion of Niigata overlaps with some definitions of Hokuriku.
Ishikawa Prefecture: A prefecture on central Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, centered on Kanazawa. Its Noto Peninsula and historic Kanazawa anchor Hokuriku’s middle.
Hokuriku Expressway: An expressway running along the Sea of Japan side of central Honshu. It connects Hokuriku’s prefectures and carries road traffic along the coastal corridor.
Toyama City: The capital of Toyama Prefecture, located near Toyama Bay in central Japan. It exemplifies Hokuriku’s mix of coastal urban life and nearby mountain scenery.
Tōkai region: A region of central Japan along the Pacific coast, commonly associated with Shizuoka, Aichi, and Mie. Tōkai faces the Pacific and has a milder winter climate than Hokuriku.
Fukui Prefecture: A prefecture in central Japan, bordering the Sea of Japan and centered on Fukui City. It marks Hokuriku’s southwestern edge and links the region toward Kansai.
Koshihikari: A widely cultivated Japanese rice cultivar known for its flavor and texture. Hokuriku’s snowy winters and water-rich plains support major rice production.