HOKURIKU
SPIRITS OF THE EARTH
Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui
October 2026 | 9 Days, 8 Nights | From $12,900 USD
The Japanese landscape is a rugged elegance. Mountains cover most of the country, dominating not only the terrain but the cultural imagination, as nature itself is the principal source of reverence and awe in the Japanese tradition. On this journey, we travel across Hokuriku, a coastal region facing the Sea of Japan, to discover the meaning of dotoku, the virtue of the land. We will witness how locals live humbly and deeply, sustained by the blessings of the soil and sea. Our quest takes us through sacred groves, lush valleys, shared tables, artisan ateliers, and into spiritual spaces suspended in time. We will discover a side of Japan hidden in plain sight, revealed only to those who know how to see. We will find Hokuriku.
Why Hokuriku?
We choose Hokuriku because the region abounds in richness and has perfected a distinct rhythm: slow and deliberate. This is a culture that does not seek to conquer nature, but to collaborate with it. From the woodcarvers of Inami to the lacquer masters of Yamanaka, and from the nutrient-rich currents of the Sea of Japan to the life-giving water supplied by sacred Mount Hakusan, in Hokuriku, we find a sophisticated engagement with the land in every domain of life.
Trip Overview
Starting with our rendezvous in Toyama, we will acquaint ourselves with one of the most exciting local gastronomic revival scenes in Japan. Following the bay city, we will venture over the mountains to Ishikawa for a deeper dive into Japan’s connection with nature. Through hot springs, sake, sacred sites, and the finest woodcrafts in the country, we will make our way to Hokuriku’s southern tip in Fukui Prefecture. Here, where the natural beauty blends with ancient traditions, we will gain an appreciation for the slow, deep life in the Japanese countryside.
Highlights
- The Master Works: We enter the studios of Japan’s greatest artisans. From Inami woodcarving and Yamanaka lacquer to Echizen knives and handmade washi, we witness a respect for source material that transcends generations.
- Nature and Culture: We embrace the spirit of Hokuriku through dawn prayers at Eiheiji, stillness at the D.T. Suzuki Museum, and the mossy grounds of Natadera. Here, spirituality is indistinguishable from nature.
- Hokuriku Gastronomy: We traverse the holy land of sake and the bounty of Toyama Bay. From market breakfasts to kaiseki dinners, we savor a cuisine where seasonality and the day’s catch determine the menu.
Your Trip, Day by Day
9 Days, 8 Nights
Day 1 : Toyama
Your introduction to Hokuriku begins in the city of Toyama and the centrally located Toyama Glass Art Museum, an architectural landmark designed by Kengo Kuma. Here, we'll walk through the stunning modern glass art collection. We will then transfer to a historic port town undergoing a revolution in gastronomy for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to an exclusive sake primer and tasting session and exploring the port town, followed by a private transfer to our beautiful riverside accommodations to unwind and settle in before our welcome dinner.
Artisan Spotlight: Legendary Toyama Sake Brewery
Tucked away in a historic shipping port is one of the great sake breweries of Japan, let alone Toyama itself. For generations, the brewers here have transformed Toyama’s two great blessings—pristine mountain water and exceptional local rice—into some of Japan’s most sought-after sake. In an exclusive visit, we will go beyond a simple sampling of sake to understand the nuance and artistry behind each bottle, for an appreciation of craft that is inextricably linked to the Hokuriku landscape. It is, indeed, a liquid expression of dotoku.
Stay: River Retreat Garaku
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 : Toyama
Today we explore the living traditions of Toyama by venturing into the outlying lands beyond the city. We begin in a town dedicated to the art of wood carving (Inami Chokoku), stepping into a master's workshop to understand this intricate craft firsthand. This experience will give us a new lens of appreciation, after which no temple visit will be the same. We then visit the magnificent Zuisenji Temple to see complete masterpieces as intended. After lunch, our focus shifts to mingei, the folk craft movement, exploring a unique temple that champions the profound, humble beauty of everyday objects. It was here in this region that the movement's founder, Soetsu Yanagi (who introduced mingei to the Japanese lexicon), coined the term dotoku to describe the spiritual strength and inherent beauty that arises from a harmonious coexistence between nature and human life.
Artisan Spotlight: Inami Wood Carving
Inami Chokoku is a powerful style of wood carving born from the construction of the nearby Zuisen-ji Temple. We will step into the private studio of a master carver to see how intricate landscapes and mythical creatures are given form and shape from a single block of wood. It is a rigorous process that provides a new language for seeing Japan's innumerable temples.
Stay: River Retreat Garaku
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3 : Kanazawa
Today, we depart Toyama for Kanazawa, one of Japan's most powerful former castle towns and now one of its best-preserved cities. We begin at the singular Kenrokuen, a celebrated landscape garden considered one of the nation's finest. For lunch, we’ll dive into the charming Omicho Market for the freshest local seafood. The afternoon is dedicated to art and contemplation, with visits to the acclaimed 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the zen D.T. Suzuki Museum. We’ll conclude our day with a stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya geisha and samurai district before transferring to our 18th-generation ryokan in Kaga.
Local Highlight: D.T. Suzuki Museum
More a space for contemplation than a traditional museum, this architectural gem by Yoshio Taniguchi invites quiet reflection on the Zen philosophies of Kanazawa native D.T. Suzuki. Through its minimalist design and "Water Mirror Garden," the museum encourages all who visit to pause and think, a welcome change of pace to the background buzz of everyday life. It is an experience designed not just to be seen and observed, but equally felt.
Stay: Araya Totoan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 : Kaga
Our morning in Kaga begins with a walk along the river path of the beautiful Kakusenkei Gorge, followed by an exploration of the rustic town of Yamanaka Onsen. Yamanaka is a historic center for Yamanaka Shikki, or lacquerware, and we will visit ateliers and a private studio to get closer to this meticulous craft with a master artisan. That afternoon, we dedicate ourselves to therapeutic relaxation in the town's famed hot springs. Before dinner, we’ll stop at a local gem for a modern taste of Kaga culture with a true sake artist.
Artisan Spotlight: Yamanaka Lacquerware (Shikki)
Unlike other forms of Japanese lacquerware, Yamanaka Shikki begins with the wood itself, showcasing the natural grain in its designs. This dedication to the source material requires incredible precision and skills honed over centuries in this small town. We will step into the quiet workshop of a master artisan to learn about this painstaking process.
Stay: Araya Totoan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 : Kaga
Today, we delve deeper into the world of artisans for a glimpse into the life of a supremely dedicated master: Noguchi Naohiko. We visit the sake institute bearing his name—a pilgrimage site for connoisseurs—to understand the philosophy of a living legend who has revolutionized sake brewing. After a guided tasting, we will enjoy a sushi lunch, prepared by a visiting Kanazawa chef to perfectly complement our sake. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the region’s greatest treasures, Natadera Temple.
A Living Legend: Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
In the world of sake, Noguchi Naohiko is a living legend. With over 70 years of brewing experience, he is a master who has single-handedly shaped the course of modern artisan sake. This institute is not merely a brewery but a testament to his philosophy: a place for research, education, and endless refinement. Our visit is a chance to savor some of the best sake in Japan.
Stay: Araya Totoan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 : Fukui
This morning, we travel by bullet train to the verdant, mountain-cradled lands of Fukui. Our introduction to this prefecture begins with a visit to the immense Echizen Daibutsu temple, which houses the largest indoor statue of Buddha in Japan and features the country's tallest five-story pagoda. After stirring our sense of wonder in this magnificent space, we will check into our villas at Kanshukuen Eshikoto. Here, beside grassy knolls and the mighty Kuzuryu River, we'll relax and acquaint ourselves with the impeccable design and hospitality of our luxurious hamlet.
Local Highlight: Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
A gorgeous retreat set across the grassy knolls of Eiheiji, Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO is a tribute to the local land and Japan’s sacred libation: sake. The philosophy here is a modern interpretation of dotoku, emphasizing the idea of “merging with the original landscape.” Each building utilizes traditional Fukui materials, such as local shakudani stone, to harmonize with the topography. Anchored by the Kuzuryu River (the source of the region's water and seasonal ayu sweetfish), this stay is an exemplar of modern architecture in harmonious dialogue with its environment.
Stay: Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 : Echizen
After a panoramic breakfast, we journey to nearby Echizen, whose importance in the world of traditional crafts is hard to overstate. We will enter two distinct worlds today, one of water (washi paper), the other of fire (Takefu knives). After meeting these artisans and witnessing exceedingly rare mastery, we conclude with a visit to the “Goddess of Washi,” nestled in a forested shrine whose complex roof design exists nowhere else in Japan. Today we dive into a universe of craftsmanship and the richness of the slow, steady life.
Artisan Spotlight: Echizen Craftsmanship
The soul of Echizen lies in the hands of its artisans. In this small area, we find a study in contrasts: the hard, sharp metal of Takefu knives and the soft, pliable warmth of Echizen washi. Yet these two worlds share a single philosophy: supreme elegance born from a devotion to the material. Seeing them side-by-side is a testament to the great breadth of Japanese artisanry.
Stay: Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 : Fukui
Today, we rise before dawn as a private vehicle escorts us through the darkness to the venerable Eiheiji Temple, a Zen monastery founded over 700 years ago. Here, we receive an orientation before being led through the elaborate temple's silent halls to the central prayer room to observe the monks' morning sutra chants and make an incense offering. After our spiritual practice, we return to Eshikoto to refresh before breakfast. The remainder of our final day is reserved for reflection and relaxation, and a special visit to the mesmerizing wood-and-stone on-site sake cellar of the renowned Kokuryu Brewery.
Local Spotlight: Eiheiji Temple
Eiheiji Temple was founded in 1244 by the scholar-monk Dogen Zenji and is one of the head temples of Soto Zen. It stands deep within a forest of ancient Japanese cedars, a setting chosen to foster the rigorous discipline of the practicing monks. The precinct itself is a quite large, with seven major structures connected by open corridors that inspire mindfulness with every step. Experiencing the morning service immerses us into a rhythm of faith that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Stay: Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9 : Departure
As our Hokuriku journey through country, culture, crafts, and cuisine comes to a close, we'll take a moment to reflect on the meaningful moments shared along the way. A pre-arranged private transfer will ensure your smooth and comfortable journey to the airport or your next destination. We hope this journey has inspired you to continue exploring Japan, especially those places just beyond the beaten path. Until we meet again, we wish you safe travels and offer our heartfelt thanks for joining us.
Meals: Breakfast
Where We Stay
Our accommodations reflect a preference for the small and specialized—places that do not impose on the land, but are part of it, complementing the surrounds and reflecting local specialties.
River Retreat GARAKU
Set on the beautiful banks of the Jinzu River, River Retreat Garaku is a haven of modern luxury and contemporary art. The property feels like a private museum, with curated artworks enhancing its quiet, minimalist design. Each suite is its own sanctuary, many offering private open-air hot spring baths with stunning river views. From its therapeutic spa to its exquisite regional cuisine, Garaku is a fusion of natural beauty and artistic inspiration; a restorative hideaway just outside the city.
Araya Totoan
A legendary ryokan with over 380 years of history, Araya Totoan is a paragon of Japanese hospitality in the heart of Yamashiro Onsen. This is a place of grace, where every detail is considered, from mossy gardens to the therapeutic waters of its famed hot springs. Meals are an art form, with exquisite kaiseki cuisine served on historic Kutani porcelain and Yamanaka lacquerware. To stay at Araya Totoan, currently in its 18th generation, is to experience the pinnacle of the ryokan tradition.
Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
Equal parts hotel and philosophy, Eshikoto is a unique “village” created by the legendary Kokuryu Sake Brewery as a deep expression of Fukui’s terroir. Its collection of stunning modern buildings is designed to merge with the surrounding landscape, forming a dialogue between architecture and nature. It is also a sophisticated culinary destination where sake, food, and craft converge.
Departure Details
SPIRITS OF THE EARTH
HOKURIKU
Toyama | Ishikawa | Fukui
May 20 – May 28, 2026 (FULL)
October 19 – October 27, 2026
8 Nights 9 Days
Price: $12,950 USD
Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Price: $12,900 USD
Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Minimum Age
Because this itinerary features extensive sake tasting and brewery visits, all guests must be 20 years of age or older.
Activity level
Moderate. Expect 2–4 miles of walking per day, sometimes on uneven cobblestones or steep stone steps at temple sites.
Start / End time
Start: Day 1 in Toyama (Arrival by 10:00 AM). End: Day 9 in Fukui (Departures after 11:00 AM).
Guaranteed Departure
We confirm the departure status 125 days prior to the start date based on a minimum group size.
Inclusions
Dates and Price
Dates:
-April 20 – April 28, 2026—WAITING LIST
-October 19 – october 27
Price:
-From $12,900 USD
Per person based on double occupancy
English Speaking UJ Tour Operator and Local Guide
All Transportations During the Tour*
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities
24/7 UJ On-Call Support
Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Reserve Your Spot
*Your request does not guarantee your booking
Prefer to travel on your own terms?
We understand that set dates or group dynamics don’t fit every traveler. If you prefer the privacy of your own circle, we can adapt this itinerary into a fully bespoke private journey, customized to your preferred dates and pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the questions we hear most often. For anything specific to your needs, please reach us directly at travel@unpluggedjapan.com.
Our cancellation policy is based on the departure date:
-120+ days prior: You will receive a full refund, less a $1,500 per-person service fee. $500 of this fee can be applied as a credit toward a future trip within one year.
-119-60 days prior: 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
-59 days or fewer prior: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
Please see our complete Terms & Conditions for full details.
While not required, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance. This protects your investment in case of unforeseen cancellations and can provide essential coverage for medical emergencies, transport, or loss of personal items. For the most complete coverage, including “Cancel For Any Reason” benefits, you should insure the full cost of your trip within two weeks of paying your initial deposit.
Your group will consist of a maximum of 12 like-minded travelers. Our guests are typically a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and life experiences—from solo adventurers and couples to friends traveling together. Our journeys are designed to be inclusive and are open to all travelers aged 18 and over. However, given that this trip in particular involves some consumption of alcohol (and the drinking age in Japan is 20 and over), it is open to travelers aged 20 and over.
An Unplugged Japan Trip Leader will be with you from start to finish. They are a seasoned travel professional responsible for ensuring a seamless experience and are your primary point of contact for any needs that arise. Throughout the journey, you’ll also be joined by a team of passionate local experts—from area guides to artisan masters—who will provide deep insight into their culture and craft.
Absolutely. As a bespoke travel company, we specialize in custom itineraries. If you wish to arrive early to acclimate or stay later to explore more of Japan, we can seamlessly integrate those arrangements into your journey.
Our small groups are curated for the curious. You will be traveling with a handful of like-minded individuals who value depth over breadth—people who are eager to engage with the culture, the food, and the history of Japan with an open mind.
-Accommodations & Transport: 8 nights in distinctive 4- and 5-star hotels and ryokans. All ground transportation during the trip, including private vehicles for excursions.
-Dining & Experiences: Daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners at a curated selection of restaurants. Local beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages are included with group meals.
-Guidance & Access: All entrance fees for sites on the itinerary. The expertise of your full-time Unplugged Japan Trip Leader, plus specialized local guides and cultural experts for private tours, hands-on workshops, and exclusive tastings.
-Gratuities for your Trip Leader and local guides.
-International airfare to and from Japan.
-Transportation to the trip’s designated starting point in Toyama, and your airport transfer upon departure (however, this can be arranged in advance).
-Travel insurance (which we strongly recommend).
-Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, room service, or hotel bar tabs.
-Activities, meals, or drinks pursued independently of the group itinerary.
We welcome solo travelers. Because we guarantee a private room for every guest throughout the journey, a single supplement applies. Please note that solo spots are limited on each departure and are secured on a first-come, first-served basis.
A passport valid for the entire duration of your stay is required. Currently, citizens of the US, Canada, EU, and Australia do not need a visa for tourist stays in Japan. As requirements can change, we will provide all confirmed guests with the most up-to-date travel information.
The adventure begins in Toyama. Please plan to arrive at our starting point, Toyama Station, on the first day of the itinerary. The two most convenient international airports are Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and Tokyo-Haneda (HND), with an easy bullet train connection to Toyama.
The trip concludes in the city of Fukui. If your departure airport is Kansai International (KIX) near Osaka. We advise booking a flight that departs after 6:00 PM on the final day to allow for a seamless transfer.
Because our Small Group Journeys are intimate by design, we require a minimum number of guests to operate. We will confirm your departure no later than 125 days prior to the start date.
If we do not reach this minimum, we will work with you to find the best solution—whether that is a full refund, moving your booking to a future date, or converting the itinerary into a private journey for your party.
Travel Tip: We recommend waiting to book international flights until you have received our official trip confirmation, or ensuring that any airfare purchased is fully refundable.
Important: We strongly advise booking refundable flights and pre-trip accommodations, or waiting until you receive your trip confirmation.