Hello everybody!

Have you heard about the exciting "Visit Japan Campaign" by FUN! JAPAN?

The Visit Japan Campaign is one of FUN! JAPAN’s most popular events, where members from across Asia get to explore Japan together! What is more, it’s not just the members - FUN! JAPAN staff join the adventure too! Simply register as a member and use your FUN! JAPAN POINTS to easily apply.

In the 2024 Visit Japan Campaign, participants from Indonesia (K-san), Thailand (N-san), Malaysia (P-san), Taiwan (M-san), Hong Kong (V-san), Vietnam (V-san), and FUN! JAPAN staff traveled across the three Hokuriku prefectures: Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui.

We've put together a special report on the trip! If you're planning to visit Japan’s Hokuriku region, make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting introduction!

Day 1: Hokuriku Shinkansen → Fukui's Famous "Grilled Mackerel" → Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum → Eiheiji Temple → Awara Onsen

On the first day, we hopped on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and headed to Fukui. With the new Kanazawa to Tsuruga line opening in March 2024, traveling from Tokyo to Fukui will become even easier, with a direct 3-hour ride and no transfers required! For lunch, we tried Fukui’s famous "grilled mackerel," which was perfectly sweet and juicy, with no fishy aftertaste. And of course, we couldn’t miss out on the iconic "sauce katsu don" - a local favorite that's a must-try when in Fukui!

Fukui Prefecture is known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" - and for good reason! As soon as you step out of the station, you’re instantly immersed in a world of amazing dinosaur displays! After a delicious lunch, we headed to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the top three dinosaur museums in the world. It felt like stepping right into Jurassic Park - an awe-inspiring experience! Following that, we visited the majestic Eiheiji Temple, with over 700 years of history. Surrounded by peaceful nature, the temple radiates an incredible atmosphere, making it an absolute must-visit in Fukui!

That evening, we stayed at a hotel in Awara Onsen, and the fun kicked off right after dinner! We quickly bonded over ping pong and karaoke, and when the intro to an anime song played, we all jumped in and sang together! It was amazing how music and our shared love for Japanese culture brought us closer, turning strangers into friends from all over. This is the true magic of the "Visit Japan Campaign"!

Day 2: Tojinbo → Omicho Market → Gold Leaf Craft Experience in Higashi Chaya District → Kenrokuen Garden → Kanazawa Oden Izakaya

The next morning, we headed to Tojinbo. This stunning natural wonder was formed 12 to 13 million years ago by volcanic eruptions, where massive rocks cooled as they hit the sea. Over time, the waves eroded them, creating the incredible columnar formations we see today. The highest cliffs rise up to 25 meters! These massive natural rock pillars are incredibly rare. If the weather’s nice, taking a cruise to enjoy this breathtaking scenery from the sea is highly recommended!

For an unforgettable food experience in Kanazawa, we made our way to Omicho Market, a lively hub with over 300 years of history, known as the "kitchen of Kanazawa." With around 170 vibrant stalls, visitors here can dive into a feast of sushi, sashimi, seafood bowls, and sizzling grilled treats. Be sure to try local favorites like roasted Noto beef rice balls, crispy croquettes, and flavorful ramen. And when you need a pick-me-up, relax with a cup of coffee or indulge in an irresistible Kanazawa pudding!

After indulging in delicious food and drinks, we took a leisurely stroll through the Higashi Chaya District. The historic townhouses here are recognized as an Important Traditional Building Preservation Area. When it comes to Kanazawa crafts, nothing beats the famous "gold leaf." After selecting the plate’s color and design, the staff guided us as we created our own one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Plus of course, we couldn't miss the famous gold leaf ice cream! Next, we headed to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens, where we soaked in the timeless beauty and elegance of the Kaga lords’ magnificent feudal garden.

For dinner, we savored the mouthwatering Kanazawa Oden, a true local treasure. Packed with unique Kaga ingredients and simmered in a deliciously rich, umami-filled broth, it’s a dish that locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of. By the second day, the atmosphere was electric - everyone was bonding, snapping photos, exchanging Instagram and Facebook contacts, and creating lasting friendships that went beyond language barriers!

Day 3: Nousaku Chopstick Rest-Making Experience → Takaoka Otogi-no-mori Park → Himi Banya-gai → Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village → Tokyo

On the morning of Day 3, we visited the incredible Nousaku workshop, a brand with over 100 years of rich history, established in 1916. Renowned for their beautiful tin and brass craftsmanship, Nousaku offers everything from elegant tableware and sake cups to unique home items like wind chimes and vases - perfect for gifts or a special treat for yourself. We had the amazing opportunity to create our own cherry blossom chopstick rests made from pure tin! The process was fascinating: we shaped sand to form a mold, poured in the molten tin, and watched as our creations came to life once they cooled. Upstairs, we were blown away by a dazzling display of tin and brass crafts, deepening our appreciation for the meticulous artistry of Japanese artisans.

Afterwards, we made our way to Takaoka Otogi-no-mori Park. With statues of Doraemon characters scattered throughout, this is the perfect spot for any Doraemon fan to explore!

After a delightful lunch at Himi Banya-gai, we made our way to the charming Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village. Located in the scenic southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture, the Gokayama region is home to around 40 picturesque villages. Among them, the Ainokura and Suganuma Gassho-zukuri villages were proudly designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995, alongside the iconic Shirakawa-go village in Gifu. At the entrance, we found a spectacular observation deck offering panoramic views of the entire village, with its charming gassho-zukuri houses. Though a small village, it’s full of character - traditional gassho-zukuri inns, cozy hot spring ryokan, and local restaurants serving up delicious regional dishes like mountain vegetables, soba, and Iwana fish. It’s the perfect place to relax, savor the moment, and lose yourself in the beauty of this historic village!

To wrap up the trip, we hopped on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and cruised back to Tokyo, where we shared a fantastic dinner with FUN! JAPAN President Yamauchi and the team. The atmosphere was buzzing with a mix of Japanese, English, and Chinese as we swapped stories from the trip and laughed about our favorite moments. It wasn’t just fun - it was also an opportunity to exchange valuable feedback to make our future events even more amazing! The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless, and the whole FUN! JAPAN team was thrilled by the experience. We’re already looking forward to hosting even more unforgettable events like this one in the future!


How to Participate in the Visit Japan Campaign

The 2024 Visit Japan Campaign has officially wrapped up, but the memories from the three days of incredible connections will stay with us forever. A huge thank you to all the members who signed up and to those who traveled from far and wide to join in!

If you’re eager to take part in the next Visit Japan Campaign, start collecting FUN! JAPAN POINTS now and stay tuned for the latest updates from FUN! JAPAN.

To find out how to earn points and learn more about FUN! JAPAN POINTS, just click on the image below!!

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