Thank you to everyone who submitted wonderful posts for the Spring 2026 issue of Douraku Post, featuring "#Your Memorable Festivals and Summer Moments in the Hokuriku Region"!
We would like to share some of your wonderful stories.
Douraku Post is looking for memories and episodes of your travels!
Submission themes for the Spring 2026 issue
#Memorable festivals and summer vibes in the Hokuriku region
Fukui Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Women in the Tokai region
The Mikuni Festival in Mikuni City, Fukui Prefecture. The floats, topped with large warrior figures,
They are all incredibly impressive and powerful. Parading through the narrow alleys is a little scary, but that's what makes them so spectacular. The Sakai City Ryusho Museum was also great, as you can see the floats up close.
They are all incredibly impressive and powerful. Parading through the narrow alleys is a little scary, but that's what makes them so spectacular. The Sakai City Ryusho Museum was also great, as you can see the floats up close.
Comment from Editorial Department NThe Mikuni Festival is one of the three major festivals in the Hokuriku region, and its magnificent warrior figures are said to be 6.5 meters tall. At night, they are lit up and look even more impressive! Did you find a warrior figure you liked?
Women from the Hokuriku region
I went to see the projection mapping at Maruoka Castle during my Golden Week holiday!
Since large-scale construction work on Maruoka Castle's keep will begin after the long weekend, I drove there around 9 PM, thinking this would be my last chance to see it. Seeing the beautiful spring flowers and the spectacular summer fireworks reflected on the castle, I couldn't help but think, "It's sad that this will be the last time..."
I'm so glad I was able to imprint that image in my memory at that time.
Since large-scale construction work on Maruoka Castle's keep will begin after the long weekend, I drove there around 9 PM, thinking this would be my last chance to see it. Seeing the beautiful spring flowers and the spectacular summer fireworks reflected on the castle, I couldn't help but think, "It's sad that this will be the last time..."
I'm so glad I was able to imprint that image in my memory at that time.
Editorial department K commentIt's great that you managed to see the projection mapping just in time. Let's look forward to seeing Maruoka Castle after its renovations and upgrades!
Toyama Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Women in the Kanto region
On April 30th, while traveling in Takaoka City, I happened to experience the eve of the Takayama Mikurumayama Festival firsthand. The following day, May 1st, despite concerns about rain, the magnificent floats and the passionate feelings of the local people miraculously cleared the sky just for the duration of the festival. The pride of the locals in upholding tradition and prestige, and the weight of 400 years of history, breathed life into the entire town. In the solemn atmosphere, everyone's feelings intertwined, and I was deeply moved by the fact that this festival was happening here, almost miraculously. It was a day that made me realize that history doesn't just remain; it lives on through the power of people.
Comment from the editorial departmentThank you for the dynamic photos! In addition to Noto, which was featured in this issue, there are many other historical festivals in the Hokuriku region. I also love festivals, but knowing the background of a festival makes it so much more enjoyable, doesn't it?
Ishikawa Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Women from the Hokuriku region
The Gojinjo Taiko drums of Noto (Wajima). When you see the performance live, the vibrations of the drums reach deep into your stomach, and it's easy to understand why even the army of Uesugi Kenshin, which boasted of being unparalleled in the land, retreated in shock.
Comment from Editorial Department YExperiencing festivals firsthand is definitely the best way to appreciate them! I'd love to see one myself! You should definitely try participating in other festivals in Noto as well.
Kinki region, male
The Kiriko Festival I saw in Suzu the year before the earthquake still remains in my memory.
The large lanterns of the Kiriko floats glowed in the darkness of the night, and the voices and footsteps of the bearers, along with the enthusiasm of the people watching along the route, combined to create the feeling that the entire town had become one.
The children, who had hardly ever seen a festival before, were initially overwhelmed, but on the way home, they kept saying, "That was amazing!"
It was an experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the local summer atmosphere, something you can't get just by visiting tourist spots.
Every time I remember those lights, I want to visit Suzu again with my family once things have settled down.
The large lanterns of the Kiriko floats glowed in the darkness of the night, and the voices and footsteps of the bearers, along with the enthusiasm of the people watching along the route, combined to create the feeling that the entire town had become one.
The children, who had hardly ever seen a festival before, were initially overwhelmed, but on the way home, they kept saying, "That was amazing!"
It was an experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the local summer atmosphere, something you can't get just by visiting tourist spots.
Every time I remember those lights, I want to visit Suzu again with my family once things have settled down.
Editorial department S commentFollowing the earthquake, many tourist attractions have reopened, and numerous festivals are scheduled to be held this year. Please come and visit Noto, a place you can visit now!
Episodes from Fukui Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
When my eldest son was little, he participated in a children's procession in Fukui.
She was dressed in a very beautiful outfit, and her in-laws were delighted, but she had no idea what was going on and had a sullen expression all day.
She was dressed in a very beautiful outfit, and her in-laws were delighted, but she had no idea what was going on and had a sullen expression all day.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
When I think of summer, I think of the illuminated Shinminato Bridge and the Kaiwo Maru ship.
Whenever I'm in the area for work, this is always my go-to spot for an evening stroll.
The illuminated Shinminato Bridge and the Kaiwo Maru, viewed while being caressed by the sea breeze that makes you forget the daytime heat, help you forget the fatigue of work.
The contrast between the white and the seven-colored lights is captivating and never gets old.
This is what I associate with Toyama in the summer.
Whenever I'm in the area for work, this is always my go-to spot for an evening stroll.
The illuminated Shinminato Bridge and the Kaiwo Maru, viewed while being caressed by the sea breeze that makes you forget the daytime heat, help you forget the fatigue of work.
The contrast between the white and the seven-colored lights is captivating and never gets old.
This is what I associate with Toyama in the summer.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
About 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to try some sweet shrimp at a market in Toyama Prefecture.
This is really sticky, sweet and delicious.
Living in Kyushu, it's rare to come across sweet shrimp that tastes this sweet, so this was definitely the sweetest shrimp I've ever had in my life.
It's an unforgettable memory that has lasted for 20 years and is still talked about by my family.
This is really sticky, sweet and delicious.
Living in Kyushu, it's rare to come across sweet shrimp that tastes this sweet, so this was definitely the sweetest shrimp I've ever had in my life.
It's an unforgettable memory that has lasted for 20 years and is still talked about by my family.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
I was deeply moved by the "Owara Kaze no Bon" festival, which is held annually from September 1st to 3rd in the Yao district of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.
To the poignant melody of the kokyu (Japanese stringed instrument) of the Etchu Owara folk song, silent dancers perform a refined dance.
The dance exuded a mysterious aura, and I felt it possessed not a worldly quality, but even a sense of elegance.
To the poignant melody of the kokyu (Japanese stringed instrument) of the Etchu Owara folk song, silent dancers perform a refined dance.
The dance exuded a mysterious aura, and I felt it possessed not a worldly quality, but even a sense of elegance.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
The most striking thing was the mirage. My husband and I saw it early in the morning in Namerikawa, Toyama Prefecture.
While I was fishing, an industrial area resembling a petrochemical complex appeared in the distance on the Noto Peninsula side of the sea. At first, I was skeptical, but it disappeared after about five minutes, so I was certain. "Ah, it's a mirage," I thought, and I remember being quite excited because it's not something you experience very often.
While I was fishing, an industrial area resembling a petrochemical complex appeared in the distance on the Noto Peninsula side of the sea. At first, I was skeptical, but it disappeared after about five minutes, so I was certain. "Ah, it's a mirage," I thought, and I remember being quite excited because it's not something you experience very often.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
The most striking thing was the mirage. My husband and I saw it early in the morning in Namerikawa, Toyama Prefecture.
While I was fishing, an industrial area resembling a petrochemical complex appeared in the distance on the Noto Peninsula side of the sea. At first, I was skeptical, but it disappeared after about five minutes, so I was certain. "Ah, it's a mirage," I thought, and I remember being quite excited because it's not something you experience very often.
While I was fishing, an industrial area resembling a petrochemical complex appeared in the distance on the Noto Peninsula side of the sea. At first, I was skeptical, but it disappeared after about five minutes, so I was certain. "Ah, it's a mirage," I thought, and I remember being quite excited because it's not something you experience very often.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
My late mother often said she wanted to see the Etchu Owara Kaze no Bon festival.
I regret not taking him there while he was still healthy.
When I visited Toyama, it wasn't festival season, but I was surprised by the high quality of the conveyor belt sushi restaurant I stopped at.
Next time, I'd like to go see the festival with a photo of my mother.
I regret not taking him there while he was still healthy.
When I visited Toyama, it wasn't festival season, but I was surprised by the high quality of the conveyor belt sushi restaurant I stopped at.
Next time, I'd like to go see the festival with a photo of my mother.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
During my first Golden Week after entering university and moving to Ishikawa Prefecture, I went on a motorcycle trip to the Tulip Festival held in Tonami City. I was deeply moved by the magnificent sight of the tulips.
Since then, I've grown to love the Hokuriku region.
Although I have since left Ishikawa Prefecture, I married someone from Tsubata Town, so my connection to the area continues.
When I go back to my hometown, Tokai-Hokuriku Expwy is very convenient and helpful.
Since then, I've grown to love the Hokuriku region.
Although I have since left Ishikawa Prefecture, I married someone from Tsubata Town, so my connection to the area continues.
When I go back to my hometown, Tokai-Hokuriku Expwy is very convenient and helpful.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
I have fond memories of my salt-making experience in Noto before the earthquake. Through that experience, I learned about the process and hardships involved in salt production. The mineral-rich salt had a distinctly different, deeper, and more delicious flavor than ordinary salt. Noto is currently in the process of reconstruction and I know it's still very difficult, but once it's recovered, I would love to experience salt making again while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the ocean.
Please do your best to rebuild your local area.
Please do your best to rebuild your local area.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
The start of early summer in the Hokuriku region is marked by the Kodomo Kabuki festival in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. From Komatsu Station onwards, the entire city is immersed in the festival atmosphere. I remember that my school in my hometown of Komatsu was half-day off, and I was so excited from the morning that I couldn't concentrate on my lessons. It's been a long time since I left my hometown, but for some reason, this season always brings back memories.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
When I traveled to Kanazawa the week before the Kaga Hyakumangoku Festival, lanterns were already set up all over the city, and even though I wasn't directly participating in the festival, I felt like I was there. And after sunset, the lit lanterns created a wonderful atmosphere. I knew the festival day would be crowded, so I was able to enjoy a more tranquil festival atmosphere.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
A few years ago, on a weekday in September, I went for a drive to Suzu and came across the Takoshima festival along the way. Nowadays, festivals are often moved to weekends to secure enough participants, but seeing so many people participating in the festival on a weekday, without shifting the date, I felt the strong passion the people of Takoshima have for their festival! The costumes and makeup were also very colorful and lively! It was wonderful.
The theme for submissions in the Summer 2026 issue is
"#Memories of Hokuriku that you would like to visit again or recommend in autumn/winter"
Thank you for always watching Hokuriku Expressway.
This issue features a special section on the Noto Highway. We hope you were able to experience the lively atmosphere and traditions unique to Noto, the land of festivals.
Now, the feature article for the next issue (Autumn/Winter No. 47) will be on the Echizen-Mino Road, a place that was once bustling with people and goods. Its history continues to thrive, intertwined with local food, hot springs, and events, and it shows a particularly charming side from autumn to winter.
This time, we're looking for your memorable "Hokuriku memories that you'd like to revisit or recommend during autumn and winter." Do you have any memorable episodes—nostalgic scenery, food, or the charm of the region—that you'd like to recommend to someone?
We look forward to receiving many wonderful submissions!!
We are accepting only answers to the questionnaire!
Please see "Doraku Post" for the details of the questionnaire.
