A Relaxed Three-Day, Two-Night Journey Through Iwase and Higashiyama | Tokyo to Hokuriku
GO FOR KOGEI 2025 (GFK) unfolds across two distinct venues: Iwase and Higashiyama. This leisurely route invites you to explore the GFK exhibitions as you let the gentle rhythm of trams and buses guide you through the city. Along the way, savor the rich flavors of Hokuriku cuisine, stay in one-of-a-kind accommodations, and visit special exhibitions at local art museums—a journey which allows you to witness how craft is woven into the everyday life of the Hokuriku region.
*For details of the works and venues, please refer to the guide map available at the Information Center.
DAY1
8:41
Depart from Tokyo Station
11:20
Arrive at Toyama Station
11:30
Savor local seafood at Mino Zushi
13:00
Stroll through the Fugan Canal and Kansui Park
13:20
Enjoy a leisurely cruise through Toyama on the Fugan Suijo Line, as you make your way to Iwase, one of the GFK exhibition areas
14:30
Pick up your ticket for the GFK exhibitions at the Iwase Information Center (Masuda Shuzo Ten, Masuizumi)
14:35
Take in the charming streets of Iwase and the artworks as you reflect on the “Attributes of Kogei"
16:30
Check in at Tsuriya Higashi Iwase
17:00
Recharge at KOBO Brew Pub
18:00
Indulge in the flavors of the Hokuriku region at Oryouri Fujii
21:00
Head back to your accommodation
DAY2
10:00
Exploring the Iwase area
11:00
Browse craftworks at Taizo Glass Gallery
12:15
Visit the exhibition POP ART: THE FAB4! & 4 SPECIAL GUESTS at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design
13:00
Lunch at BiBiBi & JURULi
14:30
Explore the 10th Anniversary Exhibition: Lives–Masterpieces from the Toyama Glass Art Museum Collection
16:56
Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka 567 from Toyama Station bound for Tsuruga.
17:18
Arrive at Kanazawa Station
17:40
Check in at KUMU Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS
18:00
Dinner at MAKINONCÎ, a restaurant specializing in innovative takes on French cuisine
21:00
Return to your accommodation
DAY3
9:30
Depart from your accommodation
10:00
Start your exhibition visit at the Higashiyama Information Center (HATCHi Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS)
10:10
Catch a glimpse into everyday life in Kanazawa through the Higashiyama area exhibitions
13:00
Stop by for lunch and a gallery visit at Si Zhi Tang Kanazaw
14:20
Visit the exhibition Lucie RIE: Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West—In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation at the National Crafts Museum
15:30
Explore the special and collection exhibitions at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
16:50
Arrive at Kanazawa Station East Exit
17:10
Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 536 bound for Tokyo
19:44
Arrive at Tokyo Station
DAY 1
8:41
Depart from Tokyo Station
Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 507 bound for Kanazawa.
11:20
Arrive at Toyama Station
Take a five-minute tram ride on the Centram (city loop line) from Toyama Station to Marunouchi, then walk one minute.
11:30
Savor local seafood at Mino Zushi
Upon arriving in Toyama, begin your trip by indulging in the region’s culinary treasure—sushi.
Located near Toyama Castle, this sushi restaurant stands out with its sleek, modern design. Originally established in Meguro, Tokyo, it brings the refined craftsmanship of Edo-style sushi to Toyama, artfully expressed in every piece. The Toyama Bay Sushi set, available at lunch, features locally sourced fish from the Bay. Paired with local sake, it offers a dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Toyama's coastal waters.
Sushi is a must for a trip to Toyama. See here for sushi restaurants near the station.
Take a 12-minute tram ride (bound for Minamitoyamaeki-mae) from Marunouchi to Toyama Station, then walk 18 minutes.
13:00
Stroll through the Fugan Canal and Kansui Park
© Toyama Tourism Promotion Organization
(Public Corporation)
Fugan Canal and Kansui Park create a lush oasis in the heart of the city—a cherished spot where locals gather to unwind amid tranquil waterside views.
13:20
Enjoy a leisurely cruise through Toyama on the Fugan Suijo Line, as you make your way to Iwase, one of the GFK exhibition areas
Head to the boarding point and purchase a ticket for Route A (Kansui Park - Iwase Canal Hall). Catch the 13:20 cruise and soak up the scenic views of Toyama from the water against the backdrop of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Nakajima Lock—a striking 2.5-meter water elevator and one of the highlights of the journey.
Reserve tickets for the Fugan Suijo Line here.
From Canal Hall, the terminal of the Fugan Suijo Line, walk 10 minutes.
14:30
Pick up your ticket for the GFK exhibitions at the Iwase Information Center (Masuda Shuzo Ten, Masuizumi)
Arrive at Iwase Information Center. Purchase your tickets for the GFK exhibitions here—either an Event Passport or a Single Area One-Day Ticket. Discounted advance tickets (¥500 off) are available online.
Purchase tickets online here
(Advance tickets are available until Friday, September 12th)
14:35
Take in the charming streets of Iwase and the artworks as you reflect on the “Attributes of Kogei"
Photo by Watanabe Osamu
In addition to Hayama Yuki's Ssangyong, a continuing exhibit from GFK2023, you can also see Descending Painting "Unryu-zu" by Tatehana Noritaka on display again for the second year. The combination of contemporary art and craft set against the town's historic backdrop is truly a sight to behold.
View details of the Iwase area exhibits here
16:30
Check in at Tsuriya Higashi Iwase
Limited to one group of guests per night, this exclusive inn is housed in a renovated clinic built over 80 years ago, lending its historic architecture a unique character. The first floor houses a retail shop and café space, stocked with carefully curated Toyama souvenirs, making it the perfect base for immersing yourself in the full Iwase experience.
17:00
Recharge at KOBO Brew Pub
At this craft beer pub, housed in a renovated rice storehouse, enjoy a glass of craft beer—brewed by a Czech brewmaster—as you take a moment to enjoy Tatehana Noritaka's Descending Painting "Unryu-zu", continuing on view from last year.
18:00
Indulge in the flavors of the Hokuriku region at Oryouri Fujii
Oryouri Fujiii was opened in 2019 by a chef trained at acclaimed restaurants, including Zeniya in Kanazawa and Mashita in Kyoto’s Gion district. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition, this restaurant elevates Toyama’s seasonal bounty from land and sea into refined Japanese cuisine, beautifully paired with local sake. Reservations are required.
21:00
DAY 2
10:00
Exploring the Iwase area
Circle back to the exhibits in the Iwase area that you may have missed on Day 1.
11:00
Browse craftworks at Taizo Glass Gallery
This studio & gallery, located in the heart of Iwase, belongs to glass artist Yasuda Taizo, an exhibiting artist from GFK 2024. You can browse and purchase his works, including glasses, sake cups, and plates.
From Higashiiwase Station, take a 21-minute tram ride on the Centram (city loop line bound for Grand Plaza-mae) to INTEC Honsha-mae Station, then walk 14 minutes.
12:15
Visit the exhibition POP ART: THE FAB4! & 4 SPECIAL GUESTS at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design
Photo:Kosugi Photo Office
On view from September 6 (Sat) to October 26 (Sun), POP ART: THE FAB4! & 4 SPECIAL GUESTS spotlights four artists, led by Andy Warhol, who reshaped the American art scene of the 1960s by incorporating everyday life and pop culture into fine art. Featuring approximately 120 rare works, including prints, posters, and clothing items, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the allure of pop art.
13:00
Lunch at BiBiBi & JURULi
Enjoy a delightful lunch experience using local ingredients at this restaurant located on the third floor of the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, with sweeping views of the Tateyama Mountain Range.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Toyama Glass Art Museum.
14:30
Explore the 10th Anniversary Exhibition: Lives–Masterpieces from the Toyama Glass Art Museum Collection
SASAKI Rui, Subtle Intimacy, 2019,
Photo: OKAMURA Kichiro
From July 18 (Fri) to October 13 (Mon), the 10th Anniversary Exhibition: Lives–Masterpieces from the Toyama Glass Art Museum Collection is on view, featuring approximately 50 glass works carefully selected from the museum's collection of around 600 pieces. The exhibition also includes works by former GFK participants, Sasaki Rui and Kosogawa Runa. Centered around the theme of "Lives," visitors are invited to explore diverse expressions of "life", conveyed through glass—the signature craft of Toyama.
Walk two minutes to Nishicho Station, then take a seven-minute tram ride on the Centram (city loop line) to Toyama Station.
16:56
Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka 567 from Toyama Station bound for Tsuruga.
17:18
Arrive at Kanazawa Station
© Ishikawa Tourism Association
Take a seven-minute taxi ride to your accommodation.
17:40
Check in at KUMU Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS
This lifestyle hotel connects Kanazawa’s traditions—such as Zen and tea ceremony culture—to the future. It also features the tea salon Kissa & Co., and showcases works by Hashimoto Masaya, an exhibiting artist from GFK 2022.
Take an eight-minute taxi ride to your dinner venue.
18:00
Dinner at MAKINONCÎ, a restaurant specializing in innovative takes on French cuisine
Savor the inventive cuisine of Chef Kamino Hirokazu in an intimate setting around a U-shaped counter. Beyond the exquisite flavors, the element of live performance, carefully curated artisanal tableware, and a relaxed, home-like atmosphere make this stand-alone restaurant a unique and memorable dining experience.
DAY 3
9:30
Depart from your accommodation
From the Minamicho/Oyama Jinja Shrine bus stop, take the Hokuriku Tetsudo Bus bound for Kigoshi Jyutaku/Yanagibashi. Ride for six minutes and get off at Higashiyama, then walk three minutes.
10:00
Start your exhibition visit at the Higashiyama Information Center (HATCHi Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS)
If you’ve already checked in at the Iwase venue, there’s no need to check in again here—but feel free to ask the staff for tips on how to best explore the area.
10:10
Catch a glimpse into everyday life in Kanazawa through the Higashiyama area exhibitions
Several exhibitions are held in venues that have previously been closed to the public. Venturing into the hidden depths of the area behind Kanzawa's iconic Higashi Chaya District may just help you uncover new insights into how craft and everyday life are deeply connected.
View details of the Higashiyama area exhibits here
13:00
Stop by for lunch and a gallery visit at Si Zhi Tang Kanazawa
This Taiwanese restaurant is housed in a renovated, time-honored oil wholesaler's shop built over 100 years ago. For lunch, set meals are available with choices such as fragrant minced pork rice (lu rou fan), beef noodle soup, and Taiwanese savory rice porridge. Take a break and explore the exhibition at the adjoining gallery SKLo, where you can discover a wide-ranging world of craft.
From the Owaricho bus stop, take the Hokuriku Tetsudo Bus bound for Ishikawa Prefectural Library. Ride for six minutes and get off at Dewamachi, then walk five minutes.
14:20
Visit the exhibition Lucie RIE: Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West—In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation at the National Crafts Museum
Phoyo by Takumi Ota
Lucie RIE, Blue glazed bowl, 1978,
housed at the National Crafts Museum
Photography by Arrow Art Works
From September 9 (Tue) to November 24 (Mon), the National Crafts Museum presents Lucie RIE: Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West—In commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation. The works of Lucie RIE, a leading twentieth-century ceramic artist who was active in the UK, continue to captivate audiences with their graceful shapes and colors. This exhibition unravels the source of her artistic appeal through examining the people, objects, and places she encountered, as well as the historical background of her times. Visitors are invited to step into a world of formative art that transcends East and West.
Walk nine minutes.
15:30
Explore the special and collection exhibitions at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Photo: Kanazawa City
KAKINUMA Koji, ONE – BOSE Ver., 2011
Collection: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art,
Kanazawa
© KAKINUMA Koji,
photo: SUEMASA Mareo
Complete your journey at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, one of the city's most iconic destinations for contemporary art. During the GFK period, both special and collection exhibitions will be presented in two phases. Until late September, the special exhibition Layers of Accumulated Time: Depicting the world we live in will be on view, along with Collection Exhibition 1: Material Fever, which runs through mid-September. Later in the season, Collection Exhibition 2: The Possibilities of the Written Word opens on September 27 (Sat), followed by the special exhibition SIDE CORE from October 18 (Sat). Notably, Possibilities of the Written Word will feature works by Kakinuma Koji, a former GFK participant, making it a highlight not to be missed.
From the Hirosaka·21st Century Museum bus stop, take the Hokuriku Tetsudo Bus bound for Kanazawa Station. Ride for 10 minutes, get off at Kanazawa Station, then walk one minute.
16:50
Arrive at Kanazawa Station East Exit
© Ishikawa Tourism Association
17:10
Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki 536 bound for Tokyo
19:44