這次和 Ｕ-ACG 的朋友去北陸，做了一個有點任性的決定：捨棄新幹線和特急列車，刻意選擇了在地感十足的第三方鐵路（Third-sector railway）。搖搖晃晃的車廂，緩慢的節奏，徹底拋開了既定時刻表帶來的壓迫感。這不是一場旅行，而是一場走到哪、看到哪的沿線散步。
慢車駛入福井，這裡是不折不扣的「恐龍王國」。沒有趕行程的壓力，我隨意在車站周邊與街頭巷尾漫步，看著那些充滿童趣又逼真的恐龍地標。在地方鐵道的接駁下，小鎮的寧靜與遠古的神秘奇妙地交織在一起，讓人忍不住會心一笑。不用急著打卡，只需享受當下的奇遇。
接著晃到了石川縣的金澤。這座城市的美，最適合用雙腳慢慢丈量。其實來過很多次了。作為日本海側的小京都，再次穿梭造訪兼六園和香林坊，感受四季流轉的匠心，又踏入了二十一世紀美術館。最後停留在富山。搭乘第三方鐵路最大的魅力，就是將沿途的風景都變成了未知的盲盒。你永遠不知道下一站會遇見什麼樣的日常光景。
For this trip to the Hokuriku region, I made a somewhat willful decision: I skipped the roaring Shinkansen and bypassed the comfortable Limited Express. Instead, I opted for the deeply local third-sector railways. The gently swaying carriages and the slow rhythm stripped away the pressure of a rigid itinerary. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a spontaneous stroll where I simply go wherever the tracks and my feet take me.
As the slow train rolled into Fukui, I found myself in an absolute “Dinosaur Kingdom.” Without the stress of rushing to the next spot, I wandered casually around the stations and alleys, admiring the playful yet realistic dinosaur landmarks. Connected by local rail lines, the tranquility of the small towns intertwines magically with ancient mysteries, bringing an effortless smile to my face. No need to rush for photos; just enjoy the serendipity of the moment.
The journey then swayed its way to Kanazawa, Ishikawa. The beauty of this city is best experienced slowly by foot. I wandered through the lush greenery and serenity of Kenrokuen Garden, feeling the craftsmanship of the changing seasons. Just a turn away, I stepped into the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, exploring the playfulness of space amid light and modern art. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle stands quietly, as if whispering tales of a centuries-old past. Because there was no express train rushing me, I could simply space out in my favorite corners for as long as I pleased—watching the clouds, the trees, and the slow passage of time.
The journey eventually paused in Toyama. Strolling along the riverside with a gentle breeze, the magnificent Toyama Castle came into view, its moat rippling with the reflections of the sky and clouds. The greatest charm of riding the third-sector railways is that it turns the scenery along the way into a blind box of the unknown. You never know what kind of everyday beauty awaits at the next stop.
