After exploring the rich culture and traditions of central Kanazawa, it’s time to enjoy beautiful scenery, from vibrant autumn foliage to snow-covered landscapes in winter. Several destinations around Kanazawa showcase nature’s seasonal treasures. In Ishikawa Prefecture, stroll through Yamanaka Onsen, a serene hot spring town, framed by colourful autumn leaves. Natadera Temple in Komatsu offers one of the region’s most stunning foliage displays, while Hakusan Ichirino is perfect for skiing in winter months. In Toyama Prefecture, the Kurobe Gorge around Kurobe and Unazuki is famous for its spectacular autumn colours, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route provides breathtaking 360-degree views of red and orange mountains. In Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a must-see, with its traditional rural village covered in a blanket of pristine snow. All these destinations are easily accessible by Shinkansen and other public transportation, making them ideal for a short trip from Kanazawa or a stopover on the way to other major cities.
Looking for a perfect day trip from Kanazawa? Discover the charming mountain towns of Kurobe and Unazuki in Toyama Prefecture. Just hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa, and in a little over an hour, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. These towns are famous for their relaxing onsen (hot springs), Japan’s deepest V-shaped Kurobe gorge, the scenic ‘torocco’ (trolley) train ride along its cliffs—and of course, stunning autumn foliage.
A Must-Try Torocco (Trolley) Adventure to Fully Enjoy the Autumn Leaves
Unazuki is an onsen town nestled among mountains and rivers. Isolated from cities and bigger towns, it has the charm of a hidden gem that you might wish to keep secret. However, it’s a well-loved destination where Japanese visitors soak in the hot springs, enjoy a leisurely stroll while sampling local treats, and ride the iconic torocco train. Operating until the end of November, the torocco train is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking scenery of Kurobe Gorge, especially during the vibrant autumn season.
A Beloved Japanese Paring: Onsen and Local Delicacies
If you’re planning to enjoy the onsen, then you can do so while strolling through the town. Soaking in a large onsen tub is a memorable experience, but Unazuki also offers relaxing foot and hand baths that are dotted along the streets. Before or after soaking in the onsen, many Japanese people like to wander through the onsen town while sampling delicious local treats.
Unazuki’s charming streets are perfect for this purpose, as they are lined with inviting shops offering melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes, tofu desserts, sake tastings, and more.
The experience of exploring small towns in Japan is often full of delightful surprises. We highly recommend discovering Unazuki and other hidden gems that are still largely unknown to international visitors.
Viewing Japan’s autumn foliage is unforgettable, and when paired with a relaxing onsen soak, and a scenic torocco train ride, the experience becomes truly magical.
Feel the Magnificent
Nature of Kurobe
Gorge Through Art
While in town, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Kurobe Gorge, its surrounding natural treasures, and Japan’s tallest towering Kurobe Dam, all captured in paintings by seven renowned Japanese artists.
Just a short walk from Unazuki Station, the Selene Museum of Art invites you to admire these remarkable works. What makes the museum truly unique is its origin story. When it opened in 1993, it had no artworks to display.
Curator Nakamura
To capture the spirit of Kurobe’s nature, the museum invited artists who had been captivated by the area to visit its various locations and depict them on canvas.
