Things To Do
in Nanto

Tiny translucent shrimp served raw as sashimi, atop rice, or in tempura; best at seafood markets and coastal restaurants during spring–early summer.

Must-Try!

Regional wheat and buckwheat noodle preparations—simple, comforting and often paired with seasonal mountain vegetables or local tempura.

Traditional preparations using local mountain produce and miso, sometimes grilled on magnolia leaves or served as side dishes in ryokan meals.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; excellent service is included in the price—if you want to show gratitude, a small gift or a polite thank-you is appropriate.

Cash is king in rural Nanto—carry yen for small shops, markets and some ryokan. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less so in small establishments; convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven) usually accept international cards.

IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.) are useful in cities but may be less widely accepted in remote areas—check ahead for bus compatibility or buy single tickets.

Gentle to moderate walks connecting Ainokura and Suganuma villages, passing rice terraces, forests and valley viewpoints—great for day hikes and cultural exploration.

Short ridge hikes near the villages offer panoramic views of the valley and are accessible from village trailheads; be prepared for some steep sections.

Longer and more challenging hikes can be accessed from the broader region toward Mount Hakusan; suitable for experienced hikers and multi-day excursions with proper planning.

Closest regional airport (about 45–70 km depending on destination) with domestic flights and some connections; reachable by bus or car and a convenient entry point for Toyama Prefecture.

Located in neighboring Ishikawa Prefecture (~70–100 km), offers domestic and select international flights; access by car or highway bus and a reasonable alternative for some itineraries.

Major international gateway near Nagoya (~2–3 hours by car/train), useful if flying from distant international destinations—connect by train or rental car.

Long-established families engaged in agriculture, forestry and traditional crafts form the backbone of Nanto’s population.

Like many rural Japanese areas, Nanto has an aging population with a higher median age and smaller youth demographic in villages.

Tourists increase in peak seasons and local artisans/craft workers preserve traditional skills and run workshops for visitors.

Like much of Japan, amateur and school baseball and soccer are popular community sports with active local clubs and school teams.

Winter skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are popular in nearby mountain areas when snowfall is heavy.

With abundant mountains and valleys, hiking and trail running attract outdoor enthusiasts during spring to autumn.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in rural areas; communicate dietary needs clearly (use a translated note if possible) and ask for vegetable-based teishoku, tofu dishes or soba without fish broth.

Soy sauce and wheat are common—gluten-free options are not guaranteed. Bringing snacks or a translation card explaining dietary needs helps in small restaurants.

Carry an allergy card in Japanese and inform hosts in advance when booking ryokan or restaurants; many small places may have limited alternatives.