The route starts from Tokyo and covers major stops in Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, and Kyoto, before ending in Osaka. Here we\u2019ll be focussing on some great spots for outdoor activities in Tokyo, as well as Gunma, Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, Gifu, Ishikawa, Fukui, Shiga, and Kyoto prefectures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tokyo: Explore the City’s Famous Spots With the Tokyo Great Cycling Tour<\/a><\/li>
- Gunma Prefecture: Get Wet and Wild with Canyons Minakami<\/a><\/li>
- Niigata Prefecture: Learn about Satoyama Life and See Terraced Rice Paddies<\/a><\/li>
- Toyama Prefecture: Continue your Canyoning Obsession at Kurobe River<\/a><\/li>
- Toyama Prefecture: Explore the Mountains Without Any Hiking<\/a><\/li>
- Gifu Prefecture: Ride the Rail on a Bike<\/a><\/li>
- Nagano Prefecture: Cycle in the Crisp Cool Air of Azumino<\/a><\/li>
- Ishikawa Prefecture: Learn to Cook Like a Local at In Kanazawa House<\/a><\/li>
- Fukui Prefecture: Explore Castles, History, and Culture on Two Wheels<\/a><\/li>
- Shiga Prefecture: Cycling around Biwako, Japan\u2019s Largest Lake<\/a><\/li>
- Kyoto Prefecture: Oeyama Oni Trail<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Around<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Tokyo: Explore the City’s Famous Spots With the Tokyo Great Cycling Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you head off to explore the lands of Hokuriku, you\u2019ll probably want to spend a day or two in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo. But there are so many places to explore in Tokyo that it can be quite overwhelming even knowing where to start. On the Tokyo Great Cycling Tour<\/a>, you can tick off the major spots on your Tokyo checklist, while also getting a glimpse of daily life in Japan’s capital city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cycling](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20162140\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_01-1-1024x680.jpg\")
Cycle along the Sumida river and explore areas of Tokyo you wouldn’t have found otherwise! Photo: Tokyo Great Tours<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Cycling tours are a particularly interesting way to see the city \u2013 instead of hopping from place to place on crowded trains, you can learn about spots you might never have found in your tourist guidebook. Tokyo Great Cycling Tours range in theme, offering historic, modern, and cultural-based routes. They also range in length and level, from shorter trips for families and beginner cyclists to full-day tours for a bit of a workout alongside your sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Cycling](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20162211\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_02-1024x680.jpg\")
Photo: Tokyo Great Tours<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n The friendly guides cycle along with you, pointing out different spots as you go along. While the Imperial Palace might be your main target before you start out, you might find that by the end of it, it\u2019s the old streets of Ningyocho that stick with you the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gunma Prefecture: Get Wet and Wild with Canyons Minakami<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Moving out of the city, it\u2019s time to get your heart pumping by canyoning in Gunma. Canyoning is an adrenaline-rush activity that has you floating down canyon rivers, sliding down waterfalls, and jumping into sparkling blue waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canyons Minakami<\/a> started in 1998 when CEO and founder Michael Harris, who had studied canyoning all over the world, brought those techniques to Japan\u2019s Gunma Prefecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"CEO](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20162334\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_03-1024x682.jpg\")
Canyons CEO Michael Harris is an easy-going, experienced and helpful guide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Canyons offers six levels of difficulty, with levels one to three being half-days for beginners, while levels four and up require hiking to the start point and steadily increase in physical intensity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, their Fox Canyon tour at level two gives you the chance to slide down a waterfall, abseil, jump from several feet into the water, and learn a few techniques to enter the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Glamping](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20162731\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_04-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20163015\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_05-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Glamping](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20163203\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_06-1024x577.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20163310\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_07-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nTake your adrenaline and fear levels as far as they’ll go! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Afterwards, you can return back to the facility for what’s known as \u201capr\u00e8s-canyon\u201d \u2013 a few drinks at the on-site bar with fellow travellers. Then you can stay overnight in their guesthouse or glampsite, because trust us, you\u2019ll be tired out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Niigata Prefecture: Learn about Satoyama Life and See Terraced Rice Paddies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While Japan\u2019s terraced rice paddies are often on tourists\u2019 bucket lists for their impressive beauty, the Tokamachi Tanada Trek gives you more than just the opportunity for a pretty picture. The aim of this trek is to show people the importance of satoyama<\/em> and how people live (or once lived) with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Satoyama<\/em> are the natural areas between the mountains and the village, which were once maintained by farmers and foresters. But maintenance has since declined, negatively impacting local biodiversity and wildlife in these sensitive areas. The Tokamachi Tanada Trek hopes to reignite interest in satoyama<\/em> through education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20163639\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_08-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20163703\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_09-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nA wild \u201chardy kiwi\u201d fruit foraged on the trek in October. It was a little under-ripe, but had the taste and texture of a sour green apple!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n On the trek you might learn about how the tunnels were made, what fruit and nuts can be foraged, and how people would make a living during the harsh winters. Depending on the season, you may even be able to forage for yourself \u2013 with the help of expert guides, of course! The trek takes around four hours, including a break for a seasonal snack and tea with a stunning view. During our October trek, we enjoyed caramelized local wild nuts, and a light tea boiled on the spot using Lindera leaf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Tour](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164304\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_10-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Foraged](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164329\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_11-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Rice](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164410\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_12-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Autumn](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164438\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_13-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Scenic](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164500\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_14-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some things to keep in mind before going on the tour:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bring sun cream<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear long-sleeved, light clothing to avoid bug bites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear appropriate trekking or hiking shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bring water or a big bottle to fill with spring water at the start of the trek<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Toyama Prefecture: Continue your Canyoning Obsession at Kurobe River<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether or not Gunma gave you a taste for canyoning, Toyama is another great spot to let off some steam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, the canyoning tours are run by J-Wet Adventures<\/a>, with varying degrees of difficulty and excitement throughout the Kurobe River area. While many travellers know the Kurobe River for its scenic landmarks, you will find that it\u2019s infinitely more rewarding to get actively involved with the landscape rather than simply photographing it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Canyoning](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164851\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_15-764x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Canyoning](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20164931\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_16-1024x663.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe entire time, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery while bobbing through clear waters and sliding down waterfalls. Just make sure to go between the middle of May and October, because canyoning can\u2019t run in the snow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toyama Prefecture: Explore the Mountains Without Any Hiking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is part of a beautiful mountain range known as the Japanese Alps. It\u2019s known for dramatic natural sights, such as Mikurigaike Pond and its intense snowfall. Ordinarily, sights like these would be almost impossible to see without serious hiking skills and days of travel. But years of careful development have resulted in the range being entirely traversable by various modes of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jigokudani](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20165248\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_17-1024x682.jpg\")
“Jigokudani” means “Hell Valley”.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Starting from Tateyama Station, you can take a short cable car ride, followed by a 50-minute ride on the Highland Bus to reach Murodo. Just a short walk from the bus terminal is the stunning Mikurigaike Pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the pond appears to be far from any kind of civilisation, it is actually surrounded by a well-maintained cobblestone path. The path branches off in different directions if you feel like exploring. One direction leads you to the jigokudani <\/em>(\u201cHell Valley\u201d) hot springs, another to the historic Murodo Hut. You can do as much or as little walking as you like. You may even spot the area\u2019s wildlife celebrities: the rare grouse-like Raicho<\/em> (rock ptarmigan) or the furry, weasel-like Japanese stoat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Pathway](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20165635\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_18-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20165706\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_19-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Pathway](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20165747\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_20-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20165812\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_21-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIt’s hard to stop yourself from taking tons of photos when the blue sky reflects in Mikurigaike!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n From there, you can explore the rest of the Alpine Route using the trolley bus, ropeway, and other connecting modes of transportation. They go all the way to Kurobe Dam, and even further to make your way across the Alps to Nagano. The rest of the spots along the way involve observation decks, beautiful views, and optional stair-climbing, but no hiking required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gifu Prefecture: Ride the Rail on a Bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Kamioka Railway opened in 1984, but eventually closed down in 2006. During that time, it had become such a beloved symbol of the area, that residents brainstormed ideas to save it. That\u2019s when the idea to cycle along its tracks was devised, leading to Gattan Go!!<\/a> opening the rails to visitors once again in 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bikes](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20170238\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_22-1024x576.jpg\")
The bikes are set on the old Kamioka Railway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n To explore the railway, there are two courses: the Town Course and the Canyon Course. The shorter Town Course is geared towards beginners and families, while the longer Canyon Course is more suited to adults used to cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can choose from different cycling options depending on your group, with the simplest being two bikes side by side, and the bigger group option being a motorbike-drawn cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20170305\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_23-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Town Course is a beautiful mix of street scenes and mountain views, with a few spooky tunnels along the way. It feels as though you\u2019re in an adventure movie heading along the old tracks to a secret location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nagano Prefecture: Cycle in the Crisp Cool Air of Azumino<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Azumino is a small mountainside town known for its local wasabi and beautiful scenery. There are also plenty of interesting shrines, temples, and small museums and shops to keep you busy. The tourist information centre and the bicycle rental shop are just a few steps from Hotata Station. The friendly staff will help you pick your route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rental](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20170947\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_24-1024x771.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are three different recommended cycling routes<\/a>. Or, you can choose the spots you find most interesting to customize your own route. Some of our suggestions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Hotaka Shrine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tokoji Temple<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotaka River<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Daio Wasabi Farm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Seseragi Path<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Azumino no Sato<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Visit the Elderly Couple statue at Hotaka Shrine to pray for long life and happy marriages, and spot giant red geta sandals at Tokoji Temple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Hotaka](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20171256\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_25-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Azumino](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20171327\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_26-1024x771.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Wasabi](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20171401\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_27-1024x771.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Mountains](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20171431\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_28-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nEach stop is a great insight into the Azumino lifestyle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Another must-visit in the area is Daio Wasabi Farm<\/a>. The 15-hectare farm, the largest in Japan, is free to enter, and has raised walkways, bridges, and scenic rest spots. This makes it a beautiful location for a peaceful walk to learn a bit about wasabi in action. While you will see various wasabi-flavoured items around Azumino, this is a great place to taste wasabi ice cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ishikawa Prefecture: Learn to Cook Like a Local at In Kanazawa House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Located right on the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture is known for its amazing seafood and fish markets. By participating in one of the food experiences offered by In Kanazawa House, you can gain a deeper understanding of the local food and its cultural context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Kanazawa, one of the best options is their Omicho Market & Cooking Class experience<\/a>. Tour guide Naoko Taniguchi, born and raised in Kanazawa, works with an English interpreter to help you get the most out of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Omicho](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20172450\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_31-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20172522\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_30-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20172558\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_29-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPhotos: In kanazawa House<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The tour takes you through the famous Omicho Market, where chefs and restauranteurs buy their fish and produce. Taniguchi\u2019s expertise means she knows the best places to show you how to pick the perfect ingredients for the cooking class afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After picking up all the ingredients, you and your group learn to make a variety of seasonal dishes. You’ll also learn about their history and culture along the way. Once you\u2019re done, there\u2019s nothing left to do but taste your creations! To complete the experience, Taniguchi also provides extra dishes to show you some more Kanazawa classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fukui Prefecture: Explore Castles, History, and Culture on Two Wheels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make no mistake, this cycling route is not for the faint of heart. The Heisenji, Eiheiji, Ichijodani Cycling Route<\/a> is an ambitious route spanning 67 kilometers and 12 spots. Of course, you could just visit a few of the spots and stop there. But if you\u2019re an avid cycler, there\u2019s a certain thrill in taking on the challenge to spice up your sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bicycle](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20172813\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_32-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: Japan Eco Truck Promotion Council<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The entire route takes at least 5 hours and 40 minutes. But with sightseeing stops and breaks along the way, it\u2019s a good idea to allow for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the area was once home to samurai, a reconstructed castle, as well as various castle ruins remain to explore along the route. You\u2019ll also find quaint castle towns, museums, temples, and even dinosaur bones at the prefectural museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bicycle](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20172855\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_33-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: Japan Eco Truck Promotion Council<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Sightseeing along the route gives you a great excuse to take plenty of breaks in between your cycling. But there are also a variety of restaurants, onsen baths, and accommodations, too. Be sure to get a taste of local flavours such as oroshi soba <\/em>noodles, goma dofu <\/em>(sesame tofu), and soy katsudon<\/em> (deep-fried cutlet)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shiga Prefecture: Cycling around Biwako, Japan\u2019s Largest Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lake Biwa is Japan\u2019s largest lake, and surrounding that lake is the Biwaichi cycling route<\/a>. The entire route is about 200km in length. Although advanced cyclists may be able to finish it in a day, it is best to do the route over multiple days to properly explore. Otherwise, you can try out just one part of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20173050\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_34-1024x682.jpg\")
Cycle along Japan’s largest lake. Photo: WANOKUNI Lake Biwa Cycling Promotion Council<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n In addition to the “Biwaichi” route around the lake, there are plenty of side routes leading to other tourist attractions and scenic spots. This handy map<\/a> shows a few of the options, broken down into degrees of experience. From the Shigaraki Kiln Walk to the Kannonji Temple, there are plenty of cultural and historical places to visit. There is also a wide variety of places to eat local cuisine or take a rest to enjoy the view. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20173152\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_35-1024x682.jpg\")
Photo: WANOKUNI Lake Biwa Cycling Promotion Council<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n The best time to visit the route is during spring or autumn, when the temperatures and weather are the least extreme. You should also aim to start your journey as early in the day as possible, to avoid poor visibility and the risk of getting lost when night falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kyoto Prefecture: Oeyama Oni Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oni<\/em> in Japanese means \u201cdemon\u201d or \u201cogre\u201d. So it makes sense that the Oeyama Oni <\/strong>Trail follows ancient oni <\/em>legends on its 100-kilometer-long route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its name, however, the trail is far from monstrous, especially on a sunny autumn day. This course includes historical roads, such as the 1,300-year-old former Motofukodo, and the Miyazu Kaido, which was developed in the Edo period for everyday use until the mid-Showa period. Along the way, you can also visit spots related to the legend of the ogre of Mt. Oeyama. If you\u2019re visiting on an autumn morning, you may even be lucky enough to catch the natural phenomenon of unkai<\/em> (“sea of clouds”) near Onitake Inari Shrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20173502\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_36-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Oni](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/20173526\/Hokuriku-Arch-Pass_New-Golden-Route_37-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you are looking more for the oni<\/em> side of things, though, there\u2019s plenty of that, too! You may have even noticed that the word is a part of Onitake Inari Shrine. This is because it is said to have been built by the son of a demon-spider-slayer. Elsewhere along the routes you might find other oni<\/em> references. One of these is the giant rock called Raiko no Koshikake Iwa, with its oni <\/em>footprints. Off the course, the Japan Oni Cultural Museum will expand your understanding of the world of oni<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to check out our other articles about adventurous travel destinations with the Hokuriku Arch Pass:
Japan’s “New Golden Route” Transforms to “Rainbow Route” with a New Addition in Spring 2024<\/a>
Adventure Travel Destinations Await Using the Discount Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n*As of January 2024, route maintenance on the Oni trail is still not completed, but guided tours<\/a> are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Get Around<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
All locations listed in this article can be reached by JR trains covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass with an occasional transfer to other trains or bus lines. All are easily accessible from major bullet train stations. The Hokuriku Arch Pass covers travel from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport and Kansai International Airport to most of the areas listed above and more for a period of seven consecutive days.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Gunma Prefecture: Get Wet and Wild with Canyons Minakami<\/a><\/li>