[Noto Peninsula Earthquake] Summary of closure/reopening status of tourist spots (Ishikawa Prefecture, Fukui Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture)

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The earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on January 1, 2024 affected many surrounding areas. We will inform you about the closure and reopening of nearby tourist spots such as Wakura Onsen, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and Kenrokuen.

Written by

MATCHA MCM Editorial Department

We are a leading inbound tourism company that operates MATCHA, Japan's largest media outlet for foreign visitors visitors and residents of Japan. Japan is full of charm, and we want to share it all with the world. What is already known can be explored in new and deeper perspectives. Things that are not yet known are looked at with kindness and care. As I traveled all over the country and spoke with local people, I began to see something. The future potential of Japan lies in every region. Through the existence of a company called MATCHA, we want to create a world where the charm of Japan can reach the world, and where it can change and remain as it is through people's actions. With this sentiment in mind, we will continue to convey the charms of Japan to the world.

What is the impact of the earthquake on tourist spots around Noto?

At around 16:10 on January 1, 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred with its epicenter in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture. This "Noto Peninsula Earthquake" caused major damage mainly in the Noto area in northern Ishikawa Prefecture.

On the other hand, many tourist spots around the area have already resumed operations.

For those planning a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture and the Hokuriku region , we will inform you about the closure and reopening status of major tourist destinations.

Please see the MATCHA article below for multilingual information sources that can help you obtain local information.

[Noto Peninsula Earthquake] Summary of disaster information for travelers visiting Japan and foreign visitors in Japan

*Depending on the specifications of the site, there may be descriptions regarding promotions, but this article does not include affiliate links or other links that generate revenue for our company.

Hokuriku area traffic information

The Nanao Line will resume operation between Nanao Station and Wakura Onsen Station from February 15th, with the exception of some trains. Additionally, due to reduced speeds in some sections between Nanao Station and Wakura Onsen Station, operating times will be changed.

For the time being, the limited express Hanayome Noren will be suspended all day.

“Hokuriku Support Free Ticket” that allows you to go to Hokuriku at a discount until March 11th

In order to support the reconstruction of the Hokuriku region, JR East will be selling the "Hokuriku Support Free Ticket" from February 15th to March 11th, 2024 (use until March 15th).

This ticket allows you to travel from Tokyo to the Hokuriku Free Area (Himi, Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama Station, etc.) using the Shinkansen etc. for 20,000 yen.

For details, please see the official website of JR East .

Closure/reopening status of major tourist spots (as of February 28, 2024)

We will inform you about the business status of major tourist destinations, with a focus on the Noto Peninsula, which suffered the most damage.

Please note that the official website may not be updated due to earthquake damage. In such cases, information obtained from media such as NHK is also included.

Shirome Senmaida/Roadside Station Senmaida Pocket Park (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : Rice terraces in Shiroyone-cho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The highlight is the spectacular view of small rice fields that overlap all the way to the coast, and in 2011 it was recognized as Japan's first Global Agricultural Heritage Site.

Business status : Roadside Station Senmaida Pocket Park will be closed until further notice. Due to this, our online shop is also suspended.

Official website : https://wajima-senmaida.jp/
https://senmaida-monogatari.com/

Wakura Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : One of Japan's leading hot spring resorts with a history of 1200 years. There are many sightseeing spots in the surrounding area, including Notojima Ohashi Bridge, where you can enjoy spectacular views.

Business status : All facilities are closed. According to the official website, the earthquake caused damage in many places in Nanao City, where Wakura Onsen is located, including road collapses, cracks, and water outages. Due to the water outage, the business hours of nearby restaurants may also change. Please check the official website for details.

Official website : https://www.wakura.or.jp/

Wajima Morning Market (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : One of Japan's three major morning markets. Fresh seafood and souvenirs are lined up from the morning, and it's a place where you can enjoy breakfast and the lively atmosphere with the locals.

Business status : According to the official website, due to the earthquake, Asaichi Dori, where Wajima Morning Market stalls were set up, was almost completely burnt down.

Official website: https://asaichi.info/

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

From "Contemporary art that will captivate both children and adults! The appeal of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, which is responsible for the creation of new culture (https://matcha-jp.com/jp/5541)"

Overview : A contemporary art museum located in the center of Kanazawa City, with the concept of ``a park-like museum open to the city.''

Business status : Only the exchange zone (free of charge) is available. The cafe restaurant and museum shop are open with reduced business hours. The exhibition (paid) zone will continue to be closed for the time being due to maintenance and repairs. Please see the official website for postponed programs.

Official website : https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8509

⚠️Due to the earthquake, part of the exchange (free) zone, cafe restaurant, and museum shop will reopen from February 6th (Tuesday). A contemporary art museum that aims to be a place for various encounters. There are many works that you can actually see, touch, and feel, such as Leandro Erlich's ``Swimming Pool'' (commonly known as Leandro's Pool), so you can enjoy it as if you were visiting a ``park.''

Kenrokuen (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : A Japanese garden located in the center of Kanazawa city. It is counted as one of the ``Three Great Gardens of Japan,'' and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.

Business status : Normally open (some areas are off-limits). Please see the official website for information on restricted areas. The adjacent Kanazawa Castle Park is also normally open. (Some areas are prohibited from entering)

Official website :https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html

Kenrokuen

1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0936

Historical cultural heritage reflecting the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku Kenrokuen is one of Japan's three most famous gardens, along with Mito Kairakuen and Okayama Korakuen. Kenrokuen has been built over a long period of time by the successive feudal lords of Kaga as a representative daimyo garden of the Edo period. Located in the center of Kanazawa City, it is popular with many residents of the prefecture and tourists from all over the world as a garden where you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons.

Kaga Onsen Gorge (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Scenery around Katayamazu Onsen Photo by Pixta

Overview : A hot spring resort with a history of 1300 years. There are three hot springs: Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen.

Business status : All hot springs are open. However, there may be changes to the operating status of some buses.

Official website : https://www.tabimati.net/

Tojinbo (Fukui Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : A scenic spot in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. It is popular for its scenery of huge columnar rocks (columnar joints) stretching out for about 1km along the coastline.

Business status : Business as usual

Official website : https://kanko-sakai.com/tojinbo/

Tojinbo

913-0064 64-1 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Tojinbo is a nationally designated scenic spot known for its view of the rough waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against the cliffs. The magnificent cliffs spread out for about 1km. It is said that there are only three places in the world where the extensive columnar joints of dacite (volcanic stone) that form this kind of scenery are extremely valuable geologically. The dazzling blue sky and the Sea of Japan in early summer, the evening view of the sun setting over the Sea of Japan in autumn, and the rough waves and cold wind blowing against the rock surface when snow falls. All of them are wonderful seasonal scenery that shows Tojinbo and the great nature of the Sea of Japan. Along with Ojima, which floats at the tip of Tojinbo, it has been designated as a natural monument of Japan. There are also many traditional souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Fukui Prefecture)

Photo by Pixta

Overview : This is a geological and paleontological museum centered on dinosaurs, built in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, which is a production area for dinosaur fossils.

Business status : Business as usual

Official website : https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

911-8601 51-11 Terao, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is known nationwide as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums. The vast, immersive space is filled with exhibits of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, specimens, dioramas, reconstructed models, and more, allowing you to see impressive dinosaurs up close. The area surrounding the museum is also full of experiences such as fossil excavations and play equipment, making it an area that the whole family can enjoy. The Dinosaur Tower, which reopened in July 2023 and appeared in the new small egg hall, is a must-see. In the atrium of the new building, there is a 13m-tall monument called the Dinosaur Tower, which features five species of dinosaurs and one species of bird discovered in Fukui. In addition, the facility has been upgraded to be a facility that can be enjoyed in all seasons, including the impressive ``3-sided Dino Theater'' and the ``Fossil Research Experience'' .

Situation in Toyama and Niigata prefectures (as of February 21, 2024)

In the neighboring prefectures of Toyama and Niigata, many facilities appear to be operating as usual.

However, tourist spots such as the Old Sasagawa Residence in Niigata City have been temporarily closed, and traffic has been affected by road closures and bus route changes.

If you are planning to go to one of these areas, it is a good idea to contact the facility in advance or check the official website of each local government.

Information on each region

In addition, please refer to the MATCHA account below for the current situation in each region (*Please note that information may not be updated due to disaster response.)

Main Image by Pixta

Written by

MATCHA MCM Editorial Department

Tokyo

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