Important Notice
Thank you to everyone who submitted wonderful posts for the Summer 2026 issue of Douraku Post, featuring "#Memories of Hokuriku that you would like to visit again in autumn/winter or recommend"!
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 Summer 2026 issue
#Memories of the Hokuriku region that you would like to visit again in autumn and winter and would recommend
Fukui Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Kinki region, male
Eight of us went cycling in Fukui Prefecture (autumn two years ago)
First, we went to the dinosaur museum. After visiting, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant, eating Echizen soba noodles and a katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl). It was the best lunch.
Next, we headed to the Echizen Great Buddha, which was incredibly impressive. As time was running out, we made our final stop at Eiheiji Temple.
I need to get back to the Zen village quickly, before it gets dark, even though I'm getting tired. Distance traveled: approximately 75km.
Afterwards, we had a debriefing session at an izakaya in front of Fukui Station. The next day, we headed south from Tojinbo along Kono Beach to Tsuruga Fish Market. We enjoyed seafood bowls and then parted ways.
First, we went to the dinosaur museum. After visiting, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant, eating Echizen soba noodles and a katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl). It was the best lunch.
Next, we headed to the Echizen Great Buddha, which was incredibly impressive. As time was running out, we made our final stop at Eiheiji Temple.
I need to get back to the Zen village quickly, before it gets dark, even though I'm getting tired. Distance traveled: approximately 75km.
Afterwards, we had a debriefing session at an izakaya in front of Fukui Station. The next day, we headed south from Tojinbo along Kono Beach to Tsuruga Fish Market. We enjoyed seafood bowls and then parted ways.
Comment from the editorial departmentIt sounds like you had a jam-packed day enjoying Fukui's famous sights and local cuisine by bicycle! I'm sure the "reflection session" after completing the 75km ride was especially wonderful.
Women from the Hokuriku region
Speaking of the Echizen-Mino Road, I always stop by Ono City to see Ono Castle and enjoy the local dango (rice dumplings). The Echizen Ono Arashima no Sato roadside station is also lovely and popular. Fukui has roadside stations with areas where children can play, making it a great place to visit with family or grandparents.
My recommendation for autumn is the Takefu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival. I went for the first time last year, and it was on such a grand scale that I couldn't believe it was free. I'd love to come back every year. There's also a cat temple nearby.
My recommendation for autumn is the Takefu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival. I went for the first time last year, and it was on such a grand scale that I couldn't believe it was free. I'd love to come back every year. There's also a cat temple nearby.
Comment from Editorial Department NThe dolls, made with vibrant chrysanthemums, were very gorgeous, and I was amazed by the meticulous attention to detail in their creation.
Toyama Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Women from the Hokuriku region
This summer, I rode the Kurobe Gorge Torokko train for the first time in Unazuki. The lush green mountains and the emerald green stream were incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. I can only imagine how beautiful the autumn foliage must be, and I definitely want to come back in the fall. I expect that the cool autumn breeze combined with the unique experience of riding the Torokko train will make for a wonderful autumn experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy nature. (Congratulations on the full line reopening this fall!)
Editor U's commentThe Kurobe Gorge, a stark contrast to its lush green summer appearance, is also something to look forward to when it's ablaze with autumn colors. With the full line now operational again, expectations are high for the spectacular autumn scenery viewed from the trolley train!
Women in the Tokai region
Murodo in autumn.
We'll be going via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The scenery is breathtaking no matter when you go—spring, summer, autumn, or winter—but it's especially moving in autumn.
Since my spouse and I enjoy mountain climbing, we camped at Raichozawa Campsite and climbed Mount Tateyama, spending long periods of time simply admiring the scenery.
Even just strolling around Murodo is a place where you can feel the essence of Japan's landscape.
We'll be going via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The scenery is breathtaking no matter when you go—spring, summer, autumn, or winter—but it's especially moving in autumn.
Since my spouse and I enjoy mountain climbing, we camped at Raichozawa Campsite and climbed Mount Tateyama, spending long periods of time simply admiring the scenery.
Even just strolling around Murodo is a place where you can feel the essence of Japan's landscape.
Editorial department K commentIt would be wonderful to spend some time slowly admiring the scenery at Murodo, which is bathed in autumn colors. The story conveys the grandeur of Tateyama, and it makes me want to visit Murodo in autumn.
Ishikawa Prefecture Story (Magazine Publication Award)
Kanto region, male
Before the Noto earthquake, I went to the "Aze no Kirameki" event at the Shirayone Senmaida rice terraces, which was held every year from autumn to winter.
I remember being captivated by its breathtaking beauty. I was able to enter the rice terraces and walk around the illuminated area, feeling as if I had become a part of it.
It seems like it hasn't been held since the earthquake until last year, but I definitely want to go again! I'll be waiting!
I remember being captivated by its breathtaking beauty. I was able to enter the rice terraces and walk around the illuminated area, feeling as if I had become a part of it.
It seems like it hasn't been held since the earthquake until last year, but I definitely want to go again! I'll be waiting!
Comment from the editorial departmentThe countless lights illuminating the terraced rice fields created a truly magical scene, and it was a picture that I couldn't help but gaze at. The entire editorial team is eagerly awaiting the day when we can see this beautiful sight again.
Episodes from Fukui Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
In the summer, I tour by motorcycle, so I can't really take my time and just pass through, but in the winter, I love to drive slowly along the Echizen coast. The fish served at the restaurants I stumble upon is delicious. It's not an exaggeration to say that everything I eat is delicious. It's also crab season, but my personal favorite is Spanish mackerel. Eating Spanish mackerel, soaking in a hot spring while looking at the Sea of Japan, and watching the sunset would be perfect. It's a shame I can't drink because I'm driving, but I'm thinking of staying overnight this year.
Episodes from Fukui Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
A spot I'd recommend for autumn is "Miyanoshita Cosmos Garden" in Fukui City. A vast field is covered in blooming pink and white cosmos flowers, and on a sunny day, the contrast between the blue sky and the colorful cosmos is incredibly beautiful, making you feel the arrival of autumn. Taking a leisurely stroll through the spacious cosmos field and admiring the flowers is very pleasant and helps you forget the stresses of everyday life.
This cosmos field is apparently carefully maintained by local volunteers. I find it fascinating that this beautiful scenery is preserved through the efforts of so many people.
Due to work, I currently live in the Chugoku region, but if I have the opportunity to visit Fukui in the fall, I would like to visit Miyanoshita Cosmos Garden again and enjoy the cosmos flowers in full bloom.
This cosmos field is apparently carefully maintained by local volunteers. I find it fascinating that this beautiful scenery is preserved through the efforts of so many people.
Due to work, I currently live in the Chugoku region, but if I have the opportunity to visit Fukui in the fall, I would like to visit Miyanoshita Cosmos Garden again and enjoy the cosmos flowers in full bloom.
Episodes from Fukui Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
In autumn and winter, I find it very pleasant to stay at Kyukamura in Mikuni City, Fukui Prefecture, and enjoy walks along the beach, sightseeing, leisurely meals, hot springs, and conversations with the locals. I am very worried after seeing the images on TV of the recent heavy rains and the special warnings. I hope that the recovery will proceed quickly.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
I went to Kurobe Dam in the fall a few years ago.
I went on a whim, but from Kurobe Dam, I was able to see snow and autumn leaves on the Tateyama mountain range, as well as the dam's water release!
I felt the sunlight was strong, but I was deeply moved to be able to experience the feeling of two seasons at the same time: snow and autumn leaves.
I went on a whim, but from Kurobe Dam, I was able to see snow and autumn leaves on the Tateyama mountain range, as well as the dam's water release!
I felt the sunlight was strong, but I was deeply moved to be able to experience the feeling of two seasons at the same time: snow and autumn leaves.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
It's enjoyable to visit in any season, but a cruise on a sightseeing boat in Shinminato from early to late autumn is particularly fun.
That's because feeding the seagulls and kites from the boat is fun, and they become more eager to eat as winter approaches.
Once they get used to you, they'll come to the roof of the boat and beg for food.
Of course, it goes without saying that we choose food that is kind to the environment and the seagulls.
Here's a hidden way to enjoy sightseeing boats.
That's because feeding the seagulls and kites from the boat is fun, and they become more eager to eat as winter approaches.
Once they get used to you, they'll come to the roof of the boat and beg for food.
Of course, it goes without saying that we choose food that is kind to the environment and the seagulls.
Here's a hidden way to enjoy sightseeing boats.
Episodes from Toyama Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
Gokayama settlement, Toyama Prefecture
The early autumn foliage paints the mountains of Gokayama in vibrant colors, and the view of the colorful scenery and the gassho-zukuri houses from the tranquil Suganuma settlement is beyond description.
In winter, the area is covered in heavy snow, and the Gassho-zukuri houses, with their large snow caps, present a fantastical sight. Furthermore, when illuminated at night, they stand out against the silvery landscape, resembling a scene from a fairy tale.
The early autumn foliage paints the mountains of Gokayama in vibrant colors, and the view of the colorful scenery and the gassho-zukuri houses from the tranquil Suganuma settlement is beyond description.
In winter, the area is covered in heavy snow, and the Gassho-zukuri houses, with their large snow caps, present a fantastical sight. Furthermore, when illuminated at night, they stand out against the silvery landscape, resembling a scene from a fairy tale.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
Yunokuni no Mori, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
We were able to enjoy a stroll and buy souvenirs amidst the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves beginning to change color in the autumn rain!
I'm really curious about the scenery in the snowy winter landscape, so I'd love to go again!
The tomato curry udon at the roadside station Komatsu Kibagata, where we stopped along the way, was very warming and delicious.
We were able to enjoy a stroll and buy souvenirs amidst the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves beginning to change color in the autumn rain!
I'm really curious about the scenery in the snowy winter landscape, so I'd love to go again!
The tomato curry udon at the roadside station Komatsu Kibagata, where we stopped along the way, was very warming and delicious.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
I recommend the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture. While the sea is strongly associated with summer, the sea bathed in the autumn sunset is also magnificent. When I lost my job due to the effects of COVID-19 and was feeling down, I went to the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and watched the sea bathed in the sunset. My worries suddenly seemed insignificant, and I gained courage and energy, realizing that as long as I was alive, I could just start over. If you're ever feeling down or troubled, why not visit the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway during the autumn sunset? I'm sure your worries will just disappear! (laughs)
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
I still vividly remember the beautiful autumn foliage I saw on the Hakusan Super Forest Road (now White Road) during a visit in the fall years ago. Even while driving slowly, the scenery was breathtaking. As a child, I watched it from the back seat while my parents drove. As a young adult, I enjoyed it with friends, and now, as an adult with a family, I savored the view. Each stage of my life holds wonderful memories.
Episodes from Ishikawa Prefecture (Web Publication Award)
My recommendation is "Tochi Mochi" (horse chestnut rice cake).
When I was a university student living in Kanazawa, a friend from Fukui enthusiastically recommended it to me, saying, "It's a little bitter, but it's delicious!" Without even knowing what a horse chestnut was, I went all the way to Hakusan City with him to buy one.
In front of the shop, baskets full of horse chestnuts were drying, and after reflecting on the fact that "these plump, chestnut-like things are horse chestnuts," I ate some horse chestnut mochi, and just as my friend had said, it had a pleasant bitterness and wasn't too sweet, and I liked it too.
I live in Shizuoka now so I can't go very often, but every autumn I remember my friend who was so passionate about Tochi Mochi (lol). Maybe I'll go buy some this year!
When I was a university student living in Kanazawa, a friend from Fukui enthusiastically recommended it to me, saying, "It's a little bitter, but it's delicious!" Without even knowing what a horse chestnut was, I went all the way to Hakusan City with him to buy one.
In front of the shop, baskets full of horse chestnuts were drying, and after reflecting on the fact that "these plump, chestnut-like things are horse chestnuts," I ate some horse chestnut mochi, and just as my friend had said, it had a pleasant bitterness and wasn't too sweet, and I liked it too.
I live in Shizuoka now so I can't go very often, but every autumn I remember my friend who was so passionate about Tochi Mochi (lol). Maybe I'll go buy some this year!
The theme for submissions in the Spring 2027 issue is
"#Scenery and episodes that come to mind when you think of spring in the Hokuriku region"
Thank you for always watching Hokuriku Expressway.
The next issue (Spring 2027) will be themed around "Spring in the Hokuriku Region."
After enduring a long winter, the Hokuriku region is blessed with beautiful scenery unique to this season, including rows of cherry trees, various flowers, and mountains covered in fresh green leaves.
Furthermore, there are many exciting attractions, such as spring festivals and events, and seasonal delicacies.
So this time, we're asking you to share the scenery and episodes that come to mind when you think of spring in the Hokuriku region.
Please share your travel memories with family and friends, recommended spots unique to springtime, and any memorable scenery or experiences.
We look forward to receiving many applications.
We are accepting only answers to the questionnaire!
Please see "Doraku Post" for the details of the questionnaire.
