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This central Japanese region has some of the country\u2019s most spectacular landscapes, from towering mountains to beautiful bays. This natural abundance translates into rich and varied local cuisine, as well as generations-old crafts like wood carving. Hokuriku is also well-connected, with a Shinkansen line to Tokyo<\/a> and rapid trains down to Kyoto<\/a> and Osaka<\/a>.<\/p>\n Spring<\/b>: The season brings delicate pink cherry blossoms in bloom across the region. Marvel at the 65-foot walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route\u2019s snow corridor. Savor fresh sushi on the\u00a0Belle Montagnes et Mer<\/a> train while enjoying views of the snow-capped Tateyama mountain range over the waters of Toyama Bay.<\/p>\n Summer<\/b>: Avoid the humidity by hiking in the cool heights of mountainous\u00a0Hakusan<\/a>,\u00a0Myoko-Togakushi Renzan<\/a>, and\u00a0Chubu-Sangaku<\/a>\u00a0National Parks. Sunbathe and swim at sandy beaches like Uchinada and Tanihama. Join the fun at traditional summer festivals\u2014like the lively and varied\u00a0Wajima Taisai<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Kanazawa Hyakumangoku<\/a>\u2014and move to the drumbeats of\u00a0Sadogashima\u2019s Earth Celebration<\/a>. View world-class art in the\u00a0Echigo-Tsumari Triennale<\/a>, which sees contemporary art pieces displayed throughout the countryside for weeks.<\/p>\n Fall<\/b>: Indulge in harvest-season chestnuts, persimmons, and\u00a0akiagari<\/i>, the first of the year\u2019s sake. Ride the Kurobe Gorge Railway or take the cable car up Mount Tanigawa to admire the fiery-colored leaves. Use the bright, clear days to explore Hokuriku\u2019s craft districts and historic quarters, such as Toyama\u2019s Iwase neighborhood and the wood-carving town of Inami.<\/p>\n Winter<\/b>: Seek out pristine powder snow for winter sports, whether at ski resorts like\u00a0Mt. Naeba Ski Resort<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Tateyama Sanroku Ski Resort<\/a>\u00a0or in the backcountry of the Japan Alps. Sink into a steaming hot spring bath as the snow falls around you. Warm yourself with a cup of sweet\u00a0amazake<\/i>\u00a0at a winter festival, perhaps the Echizen Ono Winter Story Festival with its charming snow lanterns and fireworks, or the snow sculptures and fiery torchlit ski display of Unazuki Onsen Snow Carnival. Admire steep thatched\u00a0gassho-zukuri<\/i>\u00a0houses covered in snow in Gokayama.<\/p>\nThe best time to visit Hokuriku<\/h2>\n