Condé Nast TravelerAug 17, 2026Pico Iyer on Seeking Quiet in Japan's Less-Visited Hokuriku RegionWith their forested peace and classic temples, Ishikawa and Fukui exude Japanese tradition.12 things in this storyKayoteiHotelTraditional ryokan with local crafts, tatami rooms, private onsen.Alla ContadinaRestaurantJapanese chef trained in Venice serves pasta.Enuma StationRestaurantFrench restaurant associated with Kayotei.Kakusenkei GorgeTrailGorge running lyrically along the back of the village.HanamurasakiHotelContemporary ryokan with art and views of Kakusenkei Gorge.BashōSightHaiku poet who stayed here for nine days in 1689.ElsewhereRyozo paper millPlaceFukui, JapanGuides visitors in making delicate, translucent washi paper.Heisenji Hakusan ShrineSightFukui, JapanSacred site that housed 6,000 buildings before burning.KippojiSightFukui, JapanTemple with historical ties to Eiheiji, serves monastic vegetarian meals.HakujukanHotelEiheiji, JapanSerene inn adjacent to Eiheiji temple offers modern comforts.Tassajara Zen Mountain CentreSightCarmel, United StatesOldest Zen monastery in the west, set up near Carmel.etoePlaceFukui, JapanRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
