After meeting your tour conductor at Tokyo Station, you’ll board the luxurious Hokuriku Shinkansen Green Car, where spacious seats and quiet comfort set the tone for a relaxing journey. The train will depart from Tokyo station between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, and will glide through the countryside, to Toyama Station you’ll leave behind the city’s bustle and begin your adventure into the scenic and culinary treasures of northern Japan. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train/accommodation details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.

Upon arrival in Toyama, you’ll transfer to a comfortable coach and travel for approximately 75 minutes to Himi, a coastal town famous for its winter delicacy: buri (yellowtail). Here, you’ll enjoy a full-course lunch featuring freshly caught seasonal buri, prepared in a variety of traditional styles—buri sashimi, buri shabu-shabu, and rare local specialties that are only available during the cold months. The fish is exceptionally fresh, with a rich flavor and delicate texture that reflects the icy waters of the Sea of Japan. This is a gourmet experience that showcases the best of Toyama’s winter cuisine.

Continue for approx. 140 min to Yamashiro Onsen, one of the most historic and atmospheric hot spring towns in the Kaga region. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation for the next 2 nights—either Ruriko or Hatori, both officially recognized as “5 Star Ryokan” by Kanko Keizai Shimbun. These properties are known for their refined hospitality, elegant design, and exceptional service. Your room will be either a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and futon bedding, a Western-style twin room with beds, or a Japanese-Western hybrid room that combines the charm of tatami with the convenience of Western bedding. Room type cannot be selected in advance and will be assigned at the discretion of the hotel. The ryokan features spacious indoor and open-air hot spring baths, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature. After bath, you’ll enjoy a beautifully presented seasonal set meal dinner, crafted with local ingredients and served in a tranquil dining setting.

After breakfast, you’ll travel for approximately 10 minutes. Your first stop is Kutani Mangetsu, a gallery and workshop dedicated to Kutani-yaki, a traditional style of Japanese porcelain known for its vivid colors and intricate designs. Here, you may observe master artisans at work, shaping and painting delicate ceramics with centuries-old techniques and will view a collection that includes pieces created by Living National Treasures. The gallery showcases both classic and modern pieces, and the quiet atmosphere allows you to appreciate the elegance and precision of Japanese craftsmanship. Please note that explanations during the visit will be given in Japanese only. For November departures only, before visiting Kutani Mangetsu, the group will make a brief stop at Natadera Temple, a famous autumn foliage destination. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the temple's scenic grounds and seasonal colors. *Best viewing period for autumn leaves: early November to late November.

Next, you’ll head for approximately 50 minutes to Tojinbo, a dramatic stretch of rugged cliffs carved by the Sea of Japan. The towering rock formations, shaped by centuries of waves and wind, create a powerful and awe-inspiring coastal scene. On clear days, the horizon stretches endlessly, and in winter, the crashing waves add a dramatic flair to the experience. It’s a perfect spot for photography and reflection.

You will travel for around 30 minutes and then comes the highlight of the day: a luxurious crab lunch at Shirahamaso, a well-known local restaurant specializing in Echizen crab, one of Japan’s most prized winter delicacies. Each guest is served one whole tagged Echizen crab, a mark of authenticity and quality, along with additional dishes made from 2 snow crabs—including grilled crab, crab sashimi, and other seasonal specialties. The staff will assist with shelling the boiled crab, making it easier to enjoy every bite. In January and February departures, you’ll also be treated to local sake and kora-zake, a warming drink made by pouring sake into a grilled crab shell, enhancing the rich flavor of the meal. The restaurant’s warm hospitality and cozy atmosphere make this a truly indulgent experience.

After lunch, you’ll return to the same ryokan in Yamashiro Onsen for a second night. Travel time is approximately 70 minutes. The evening is yours to relax—whether you choose to soak in the open-air hot springs first, enjoy another seasonal set meal dinner featuring salt-grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), or simply unwind in your room surrounded by the quiet charm of the mountains.

After breakfast, you’ll travel for approximately 80 minutes to visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens and a masterpiece of landscape design. Even in winter, Kenrokuen holds a quiet beauty. The iconic yukitsuri ropes, which protect the pine trees from heavy snow, create a uniquely Japanese winter scene. The garden’s ponds, bridges, and carefully arranged trees offer a tranquil space for walking and reflection. Kenrokuen’s name refers to the “six attributes” of a perfect garden—spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, artificiality, water features, and scenic views—all of which are beautifully balanced here.

In Kanazawa city, you’ll enjoy a sushi lunch prepared with fresh seafood sourced that morning from the local market. Each piece is crafted by skilled chefs who balance flavor, texture, and presentation with precision. The rice is seasoned just right, and the fish is sliced to highlight its natural taste. This is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of Kanazawa’s rich culinary heritage, served in a refined and welcoming setting.

After lunch, you’ll head to Kanazawa Station, where your journey through Hokuriku comes to a close. You’ll board the Shinkansen "Hakutaka" Green Car, offering a quiet and comfortable ride back to Tokyo or Ueno. As the train glides through the snowy countryside, you’ll have time to reflect on the flavors, sights, and serenity of your three-day journey—a tour filled with elegance, nature, and unforgettable experiences. The return Shinkansen may operate as a special service terminating at Ueno Station instead of Tokyo Station. Final details will be confirmed 1 week prior departure.