イベント
Event Info
Address
Badge Claim
The THU Welcome Desk opens on September 17. Before heading to our Welcome Desk to pick up your badge, be sure to download the THU app for a faster check-in. You'll need to show your digital ticket to collect your badge.
You can find the THU welcome desk at the main entrance of Hotel Arrowle.
Accommodation
We strongly recommend staying at Hotel Arrowle, which will exclusively serve our Tribe. Take full advantage of the entire facility (which includes a healing natural hot spring, pool, tennis court and a karaoke room) to make the best of your retreat. Free wifi and free parking are available for guests staying at the hotel.
The hotel offers a peaceful view of Shibayama Lagoon and a breathtaking, scenic view of Mount Hakusan, both of which are Kaga’s landmarks.
Assigning tickets
If you purchased multiple tickets to THU Storytelling, make sure you have transferred ownership to all attendees before the event starts. Multiple tickets always need to be assigned before attendees can register themselves at the welcome desk. Assign the purchased tickets through your THU Storytelling Space and have everyone’s THU account emails ready.
Extending your Stay
If you’re considering a stay in Kaga before or after the event, explore these must-visit spots that promise to reinvigorate both body and mind: Yamanaka Onsen, a hot spring town with enchanting landscapes shaped by mountains and rivers; the Institute for Yamanaka Lacquerware, Japan's only woodturning and lacquerware training center; the Washubar Engawa, a specialty sake bar; Yamashiro Onsen Soyu, which spectacularly recreates the architecture and bathhouse culture of the Meiji era; the confectionery shop Roppoyaki Sohachi for some delightful treats; the Yamanoshita Temple area, offering a glimpse of the town’s feudal past; and the small harbor of Hashitate with its renowned fish shop-restaurant, Kassen Shintoku, a beloved local institution.
How to Get there
We do recommend everyone to arrive on September 17, to reunite the tribe, get used to the hotel facilities and enjoy our evening welcome activity.
airplane
The nearest airport is the Komatsu Airport (Ishikawa Prefecture), which is a 15-minute drive to Hotel Arrowle. Direct flights from the Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to the Komatsu Airport take 1 hour. Other domestic airports with direct flights to Komatsu airport are located in Fukuoka, Okinawa and Sapporo. As an alternative, you may also consider landing in Osaka, which is in close proximity to Kaga.
We will provide bus shuttles between Komatsu Airport, Kaga Onsen Station, and the Hotel Arrowle, on the 17th and 21st of September.
train
Kaga Onsen is the nearest train station, located on the JR-West rail and 15 minutes away by car from the hotel.
If you’re planning to come by train,
From Tokyo:
Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen Station. (approx. 3-hour journey).
From Osaka or Kyoto:
Take the Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga Station and transfer to the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen Station. (approx. 2-hour journey).
From Nagoya:
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, transfer at Maibara Station, take a limited express train to Tsuruga Station and take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen Station. (1 hour and 40 minutes journey)
You can buy a Japan Rail Pass and check train connections here.
bus
If you prefer a more economical option for traveling to Kaga Onsen (Kaga City) or Kanazawa (approximately 50 minutes away by local train), from various locations like Tokyo or Osaka, you can take an overnight bus, which will help you save on accommodation.
Book your bus in advance to secure your seat on one of these websites, which we think are the best options (option 1, option 2, and option 3). Remember that our official pickup points are Kaga Onsen Station and Komatsu Airport.
知っておくと便利なこと
A few practical things to consider as you prepare your trip
Currency
The Japanese yen is the official currency in Japan. Cash rules in remote areas such as Kaga City, so make sure you always carry money with you and contact your bank to learn if your debit or credit card works in Japan (and about foreign transaction fees before traveling). You can withdraw Japanese yen in Kaga from the nearest 7-Eleven store or at the Komatsu Airport (ATM or Foreign Exchange machines).
The money exchange machine is located in the Komatsu Airport Terminal Building 1F and the ATMS are located on the airport's first floor by the central stairs. There are Hokkoku Bank, Seven Bank and Aeon Bank ATMs.
Electricity
Although 200 V is used for some appliances, Japan operates on a 100V and 50/60Hz. Japan uses type A/B plug. Pack a travel adaptor to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances at the venue.
Pack light!
If you're coming from abroad, packing light is always wise as there is a lot of traveling to Kaga and we want you to enjoy a comfortable journey.
Pack comfortable walking shoes. Ideally, pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you might be asked to remove them before entering certain places. Also, pack all your good socks. You know… the Greg ones.
At the Airport
Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to fill in your personal information on a form (which includes the duration of the visit and destination address). Use this digital Web Platform , for this purpose, before you travel.
There’s free WiFi at Komatsu Airport, but if you prefer to always stay connected, you may want to consider getting a prepaid eSIM card at the airport, as these are the most popular solutions nowadays (e.g. Nomad eSIM 1G for 7days costs $6). As an alternative (and usually more expensive), you can rent a pocket WiFi.
Emergency assistance
There’s a tourist hotline working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 050-3816-2787.
Check more information on how to act in case of an emergency.
Medical expenses can get extremely high for foreign visitors, so we highly advise you to get a travel insurance that covers medical treatment in case of illness or accident.
日本流
The Japan way
The Dos and Don’ts to perfectly fit in Japan!
Dos
Indoor Etiquette
You should always remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional establishments like ryokans (traditional inns), and some restaurants. Look for shoe racks or lockers designated for that purpose.
At the Onsen
Check tattoos permit before entering Onsen. Most onsen do not allow entry if you have visible tattoos, as they are traditionally associated with the yakuza (organized crime). However, some onsens have started to relax these rules, so checking the protocol in advance is a good idea.
Embrace bowing
Bowing is a standard greeting, and it's polite to reciprocate when someone bows to you.
Table manners
Practice good table manners: When dining, saying ""itadakimasu"" with palms joining before starting a meal and ""gochisousama"" after finishing is customary.
It's ok to slurp
Slurping noodles is acceptable and even considered part of enjoying its taste.
Queue culture
There's an unspoken agreement to line up properly. Form orderly lines and wait for your turn in public spaces like train stations, shops, and ticket counters.
Don'ts
Peaceful environments
Don't talk loudly on public transportation or in public places. Japanese culture values harmony and maintaining a peaceful environment.
Those tattos again
Avoid displaying tattoos in public, particularly in traditional settings or when visiting temples and shrines, as they can still carry negative connotations.
Using chopsticks
Don't stick chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice. This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered disrespectful. Instead, rest them on a chopstick holder or across the bowl.
Avoid tipping
In Japan, tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude. Exceptional service is expected as part of the standard experience.
Got a cold?
Avoid blowing your nose in public. It's considered impolite. Instead, sniff discreetly or excuse yourself to a private area if necessary.
When resting outside
It is generally discouraged to sit on the street or stairs.
言語
Introduction to the Japanese language
Words in Japanese that will come in handy!
translation
Thanks
Thank you (very much)
Please
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Goodbye
Super / Great! / Amazing / Brilliant!
Cheers! Literally "let´s dry up our glasses!"
Thumbs up!
Domo
Arigato (Gozaimasu)
Dozo
Ohayo
Konnichiwa
Konbanwa
Sayonara
Saikoo
Kanpai!
Iine
質問
Questions about THU Japan?
Here are some topics that may help
Who is THU Storytelling for?
Why is the event held in Kaga?
What is the official language of the event?
Where should I book my stay?
What does the ticket include?
What’s the schedule like?
Are refunds available?
Can you help with the visa letter?
Covid related questions
