Highway Bus: Shikoku to Tokyo, Hokuriku, Nagoya ＆ Hakata

This is an overnight highway bus service connecting Shikoku (Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi) with the Hokuriku region (Fukui, Ishikawa/Kanazawa, and Toyama).
Key boarding and alighting points in the Hokuriku region include Fukui Station East Exit Stop 4 (in front of "Aossa" along Kidabashi-dori), JR Kanazawa Station West Exit Rotary Stop 2, and JR Toyama Station North Exit Rotary Stop 3. These locations are convenient for business trips, sightseeing, visits home, and travel for concerts or sporting events.

◆ Fukui Station East Exit, Bus Stop 4 (in front of "Aossa," along Kidabashi-dori Avenue)

The overnight highway bus connecting Shikoku and Fukui arrives at and departs from Bus Stop No. 4 at the Fukui Station East Exit (located in front of "AOSSA" along Kidabashi-dori Avenue). The area around JR Fukui Station offers great convenience, featuring nearby commercial complexes such as Happiring, Fukui Station Food Hall MINIE, Curu-f Fukui Station, AOSSA, FUKUMACHI BLOCK, and Seibu Fukui—perfect for souvenirs, dining, and shopping. Additionally, Bus Stop No. 4 is just a five-minute walk from the station, making it an ideal location for quickly heading out to sightseeing or business engagements upon arrival.
(Note) Please note that this is not the bus stop located within the rotary in front of Fukui Station.

◆ Fukui

Fukui Prefecture is a treasure trove of gourmet delights, boasting a food culture nurtured by its rich natural environment and history. A local favorite is *Echizen Oroshi Soba* (grated daikon radish soba), cherished by residents for the refreshing, piquant flavor of the radish. Other iconic Fukui specialties include *Sauce Katsudon*—featuring a crispy cutlet finished with a special sauce—and *Volga Rice*, a unique dish consisting of an omelet-topped rice bowl served with a cutlet. In winter, the nationally renowned *Echizen* crab comes into season, captivating visitors with its rich, savory flavor. The region also offers a wealth of unique souvenirs, such as *Habutae Mochi* (a rice cake that melts like silk in the mouth), aromatic grilled mackerel sushi, and winter-exclusive *Mizu Yokan* (soft, chilled sweet bean jelly). Be sure to savor these local specialties and enjoy a memorable culinary experience during your visit to Fukui.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spots around JR Fukui Station

The area around Fukui Station is a convenient district that has been developed in conjunction with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. With a concentration of restaurants, shops selling local specialties, and craft stores, visitors can experience the unique character of Fukui without having to travel far. The station vicinity alone offers a blend of history, nature, and gourmet cuisine, making it an ideal destination for both tourism and business. Taking an overnight bus allows you to make efficient use of your travel time while discovering the diverse appeal of Fukui.

〇 Scenic Yokokan Garden (15-minute walk from JR Fukui Station)

This Japanese garden, centered around a large pond and a *shoin* (reception hall), offers an atmosphere that shifts with the changing seasons. Originally established as a villa for the Matsudaira family—lords of the Fukui Domain—it is an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, peaceful time.

〇 Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (approx. 60 minutes by bus—advance reservation required—from JR Fukui Station)

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is a popular landmark that represents Fukui Prefecture. This museum is highly acclaimed around the world, with a complete dinosaur skeleton and fossil exhibits. The surrounding area is close to the Ono Castle Town area, so you can enjoy sightseeing along with walking around the castle town and visiting famous water spots. A direct round-trip bus that requires advance reservations also runs every day (“Departing from JR Fukui Station, going directly to the Dinosaur Museum [New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go]”
※We do not operate this direct round-trip bus service. Please contact the operating company.

〇 Awara Onsen (approx. 40 minutes by train from JR Fukui Station)

Awara Onsen, a renowned hot spring destination in the Hokuriku region, is an area full of atmosphere, lined with tranquil inns. With plenty of options for hot spring hopping and dining, visitors can enjoy a truly authentic hot spring resort experience. It is also conveniently paired with a visit to nearby Tojinbo on the coast, where you can admire dramatic cliffs—designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument—and enjoy sunsets over the Sea of Japan.

〇 Eiheiji Temple (approx. 30 minutes by bus from JR Fukui Station)

Eiheiji is a tranquil temple where Zen training continues daily, offering a solemn atmosphere steeped in history. Its impressive long corridors and temple complex make it an ideal destination for those seeking peace of mind. It is also convenient to combine a visit to Eiheiji with a stop at the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, where you can walk through the remains of a Sengoku-period castle town and experience the atmosphere of that era.

◆ JR Kanazawa Station West Exit Rotary

Overnight highway buses connecting Shikoku and Kanazawa arrive at and depart from the rotary at the West Exit (Kanazawa Port Exit) of JR Kanazawa Station. JR Kanazawa Station features the "Kanazawa Hyakubangai" shopping complex (comprising Anto, Anto Nishi, and Rinto), making it a highly convenient location for souvenirs, dining, and shopping.
The rotary at the JR Kanazawa Station West Exit (also known as the Kanazawa Port Exit) is located about a three-minute walk from the station. It serves as a convenient hub not only for tourists but also for business travelers and those heading toward Kanazawa Port. Upon exiting the Shinkansen or conventional line ticket gates and turning left, you arrive at a spacious rotary featuring well-organized bus and taxi stands.
In contrast to the splendor of the "Tsuzumi-mon Gate and Motenashi Dome" at the East Exit, the West Exit is characterized by a calm atmosphere. It is a space deeply integrated into the daily lives of local residents, featuring a monument from the Ishikawa Prefecture Western Green Park—"Yūyō" (meaning "soaring gracefully") by Shugoro Hasuda—which quietly commands a presence. With a unique form that catches the eye of visitors, the sculpture also resembles the characters for "Kanazawa" written in the *katakana* script.
※Please note that this is not the bus rotary at the East Exit (Kenrokuen-guchi), where the famous "Tsuzumi-mon Gate" and "Motenashi Dome" are located.

◆ Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city where cuisine and traditional culture blend exquisitely. Its famous Kanazawa curry—popular among tourists—is known for its rich, thick roux and distinctive style of being served on a stainless-steel plate. Seasonal delicacies such as Kano-gani (snow crab) and the smaller, sweeter Kobako-gani are absolute must-tries when in season. Kanazawa’s culinary scene is diverse, featuring dishes like "Hanton Rice" (omelet rice topped with fried white fish), "Jibu-ni" (a local specialty of duck and vegetables simmered in a thickened broth), and "Kanazawa Oden," which warms the body during the cold season. The fatty, premium *nodoguro* (blackthroat seaperch) and the savory, rich Noto beef also offer unforgettable flavors. 。
Beyond its culinary delights, Kanazawa is also renowned as a city of traditional crafts. World-famous gold leaf is used in everything from handicrafts to sweets, lending them a brilliant, radiant glow. Exquisite items such as colorful Kutani-yaki ceramics and elegant Kaga Yuzen dyed textiles embody the unique aesthetic beauty of Kanazawa. The city also boasts a rich culture of Japanese confections, offering a variety of famous treats perfect for souvenirs—such as *castella* sponge cake made with Silkie chicken eggs, *kintsuba* with its refined sweetness, and the charmingly shaped *Fuku-usagi* (Lucky Rabbit) cakes.
As you can see, Kanazawa is both a "capital of cuisine" and a city of traditional culture. Be sure to savor Kanazawa's famous specialties and fully enjoy the memorable gourmet experiences and souvenirs the city has to offer.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spots around JR Kanazawa Station

〇 Kanazawa Station (Tsuzumi-mon Gate & Motenashi Dome) (Right next to JR Kanazawa Station)

This is an iconic landmark serving as the gateway to Kanazawa. Standing in front of the station is the "Tsuzumi-mon" (Drum Gate)—a large wooden structure designed to resemble the hand drums used in the traditional performing art of Noh—while the glass-enclosed "Motenashi Dome" (Hospitality Dome) extends behind it. The area is illuminated at night, creating a photogenic scene that attracts many travelers.

〇 Omicho Market (approx. 15-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

“Kanazawa's Kitchen”Lined with approximately 170 shops—including specialty stores for fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit, as well as various eateries—this arcade is a popular destination. A key attraction is the abundance of shops offering items like seafood bowls, fried foods, and sweets that you can enjoy while strolling through the market. With many vendors dealing in seasonal seafood, the area is frequently visited by locals, who affectionately call it "Omicho."

〇 Higashi Chaya District (approx. 25-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, approximately two-thirds of the 140 structures here are traditional buildings. Its elegant atmosphere makes it a quintessential strolling spot in Kanazawa. Historic teahouse-style buildings stand beautifully side by side, accompanied by shops offering gold-leaf-adorned sweets and Japanese-style goods. With numerous kimono rental shops available, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the area while fully immersing themselves in the atmospheric setting.

〇 Oyama Shrine (approx. 25-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

This historic shrine is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain, and his lawful wife, Omatsu-no-kata. It features a distinctive design blending Japanese and Western styles, with its "Shinmon" (sacred gate)—adorned with striking stained glass—serving as a prominent landmark. This gate is a rare example of such architecture and is recognized as one of Kanazawa's iconic historic structures. Additionally, the lightning rod atop the third-story roof is said to be the oldest surviving one in Japan.

〇 Kanazawa Castle Park (approx. 31-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

This major tourist attraction, opened as Kanazawa Castle Park in 2001, features the successively restored residences of the Maeda clan—lords of the Kaga Domain, renowned for its "Million-Koku" wealth. Key highlights include the reconstructed Hishi-yagura (Diamond-shaped Turret), Gojukken Nagaya (Long Warehouse), Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki-yagura (Turret Connected to Hashizume Gate), and the Hashizume Gate itself; the site is also distinguished by an impressive variety of stone walls, earning it the nickname "Museum of Stone Walls." Seasonal illuminations are held, making it an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

〇 Kenrokuen Garden (approx. 32-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

*Kenrokuen Garden, adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park. *Known as one of Japan's three great gardens, this is a vast *daimyo* (feudal lord) garden that was created by successive lords of the Kaga Domain over a long period. Designed as a strolling garden featuring ponds and artificial hills, it offers unique seasonal charms—such as the *yukitsuri* (snow-protection ropes) in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage.

〇 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (approx. 36-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

Located in the heart of Kanazawa, this contemporary art museum is designed with the concept of being a "park-like museum open to the city." It is a popular destination featuring numerous recommended photo spots, such as the famous "Swimming Pool" installation and the Rabbit Chair. With many artworks—both indoors and outdoors—that can be enjoyed for free, it offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere even for those new to contemporary art. The facility also houses a museum shop and a restaurant, making it a great place to drop by.

〇 The Nagamachi Samurai District area (approx. 26-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station)

This area is characterized by a tranquil atmosphere, featuring surviving residences of mid-ranking Kaga Domain samurai and streets lined with earthen walls and cobblestones. Designated as a Traditional Environment Preservation Area and a Landscape District, the neighborhood offers public access to samurai residences that showcase the lifestyle of that era. In winter, the earthen walls are covered with straw mats (*komogake*) to protect them from snow and freezing temperatures—a seasonal tradition that draws many tourists to Kanazawa. It is a wonderful area for a stroll while soaking in the history of the city.

〇 Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple) (approx. 25 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station)

Commonly known as "Ninja-dera" (Ninja Temple), this fascinating site is a popular tourist destination renowned for its numerous hidden mechanisms. Although the exterior appears to be a two-story building, the structure actually comprises seven levels, featuring 23 rooms and 29 staircases. Inside, one finds features reminiscent of a ninja residence at every turn—such as an offering box that doubles as a trapdoor, hidden stairs revealed by removing floorboards, and a well containing a secret passage leading to Kanazawa Castle. It is a captivating place that offers a unique blend of the thrill of exploration and a deep appreciation for history (reservations required).

◆ JR Toyama Station North Exit Rotary, Stand 3

Overnight highway buses connecting the Shikoku region with Toyama use Bus Stop No. 3 at the JR Toyama Station North Exit rotary as their boarding and alighting point. Served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Toyama Station acts as a major transportation hub facilitating travel both within and outside the prefecture. It is located close to the Ainokaze Toyama Railway and Toyama Chihou Railway (Dentetsu-Toyama Station), ensuring smooth transfers to destinations within the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, the station is adjacent to several commercial complexes—such as MAROOT, Kitokito Ichiba Toyamarche, and Malier Toyama—offering great convenience for souvenirs, dining, and shopping.
Toyama Station features a unique layout—rare in Japan—where a streetcar line runs directly through the station complex. This allows passengers to move around without stepping outside, making it highly convenient for sightseeing regardless of rain or snow. With frequent streetcar service, visitors can easily travel not only to attractions near the station but also to areas further afield.

◆ Toyama

Facing Toyama Bay—often referred to as a "natural fish tank"—Toyama Prefecture is a culinary destination where visitors can enjoy fresh, seasonal local seafood. "Toyama Bay Sushi," crafted from seasonal catches and locally grown rice, is a luxurious delicacy unique to the region. Another local favorite is "Toyama Black Ramen," famous for its striking jet-black broth and bold kick of coarsely ground black pepper. For a souvenir, the traditional *Masu-no-sushi*—pressed trout sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves—is a popular choice; its distinctive aroma and flavor make for a perfect edible memento of your trip. The region also captivates visitors with a wealth of dishes featuring unique local seafood specialties like white shrimp and firefly squid. We invite you to savor these famous local delicacies and enjoy a truly memorable culinary experience in Toyama.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spots around the North Exit of JR Toyama Station

〇 Fugan Canal Kansui Park (approximately a 12-minute walk from JR Toyama Station)

Set amidst greenery and waterside scenery, this open park offers an observation tower with views of the Tateyama Mountain Range and seasonal sightseeing boat cruises. The park is also home to a Starbucks—often hailed as the "most beautiful Starbucks in the world"—which takes on a different atmosphere depending on the time of day. The evening illuminations are particularly striking, making it a wonderful spot for a stroll or a date.

〇 Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art & Design (approx. 15-minute walk from JR Toyama Station)

Located right next to Fugan Canal Kansui Park, this art museum was designed to make the most of the surrounding terrain and the magnificent views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. It was designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. The east side features a wall of glass, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery from within the building. The interior makes extensive use of "Himi Satoyama Cedar" from Toyama Prefecture, creating a serene atmosphere enveloped in the warmth of natural materials. The museum’s concept is "connecting art and design," and it conveys the depth of art and the appeal of design to its visitors.

〇 Toyama Castle (approx. 15-minute walk from JR Toyama Station)

Built in 1954. Toyama Castle is loved as a symbol of the city and has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 castles. Surrounded by the rich greenery of the castle ruins park, it is a place where you can feel the flow of history.The interior of the castle serves as a local history museum, where visitors can easily learn about the more than 400-year history of Toyama Castle—from its initial construction during the Warring States period to the evolution of the site from the Meiji era onwards—through the use of models and video presentations. The view overlooking the city from the castle tower observation deck on the top floor is also attractive.

〇 Toyama City Hall Observation Tower (approx. 13-minute walk from JR Toyama Station)

Located within the Toyama City Hall complex, this free observation deck offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from a height of approximately 70 meters. Visitors can look out over the Toyama city center spread out below, as well as Toyama Castle to the south, the Kureha Hills to the west, and Toyama Bay to the north. It is a popular spot designated by the city as a "Prime Seat for Gazing at the Tateyama Mountain Range."

〇 Toyama City Glass Art Museum (approx. 12 minutes by city tram from JR Toyama Station)

This facility represents the culmination of Toyama City’s roughly 30-year urban development initiative to establish itself as a "City of Glass." Located within the "TOYAMA Kirari" complex, the building houses the Toyama City Glass Art Museum, the Toyama City Library Main Branch, and a museum shop. Designed by Kengo Kuma, the facility showcases glass art from both Japan and abroad. It features a permanent exhibition of works by the world-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly and has garnered attention as a destination featured in The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025."

〇 Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten (about 15 minutes from Toyama Station by city tram)

A shop where you can experience and purchase products related to the "Toyama Medicine Peddler" culture—a tradition cherished across Japan since the Edo period.*This is a long-established pharmacy dedicated to preserving the traditional gastrointestinal medicine "Hankontan." Inside the shop, visitors can purchase herbal teas and enjoy a free, hands-on experience making traditional-style pills. It is a popular destination where visitors can experience both history and hands-on activities.

〇 Toyama Prefectural Museum of Sumi-e Art (approximately a 28-minute walk from Toyama Station)

A unique art museum dedicated to ink-wash painting. The permanent exhibition features works by leading Japanese artists such as Yokoyama Taikan and Takeuchi Seiho; with its tranquil garden and tea room, the museum offers a serene atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a relaxing time in a space that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

〇 Iwase Area (approx. 40 minutes by city tram from Toyama Station)

The Iwase area retains a nostalgic townscape, having flourished since the early Edo period as a port town for *Kitamae-bune* (merchant ships that sailed the Sea of Japan). Its historic streets, lined with traditional storehouses and former shipping agent residences, are a major draw. In recent years, the area has gained attention as a popular spot for strolling, thanks to the opening of new establishments—including galleries housed in renovated shipping agent storehouses, sake breweries, beer pubs, and cafes. Iwase is also the premier hub for white shrimp fishing; be sure to sample the local specialty dishes featuring fresh white shrimp at the various restaurants scattered throughout the area.