This is Part 1 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan conveniently accessed by the Hokuriku Arch Pass. To read the other 2 articles in the series, follow these links:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Route is a popular sightseeing route for foreign visitors to Japan that includes Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. But do you know that there is another route connecting Tokyo and Osaka? It is called the New Golden Route<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This route, which connects Tokyo to Osaka via the Hokuriku region, allows you to stop in less-traveled areas of Japan, generally rural and sparsely populated areas, and experience a more serene place filled with historical sites, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking scenic spots. One of the most comfortable ways to take this fascinating journey is the Hokuriku Arch Pass, which allows unlimited travel<\/strong> on dedicated lines for seven consecutive days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Information related to this pass<\/a> is presented at the end of this article. First, I would like to share some interesting spots and hidden gems in the Kanto region that you can visit using the Hokuriku Arch Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Kanto region<\/strong> (\u95a2\u6771\u5730\u65b9) <\/a>is located on Honshu (\u672c\u5dde – the largest island in Japan) and is the most urban and densely populated region in the country<\/strong>. There are seven prefectures in this region: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. The Kanto region is the main political and economic center of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tokyo (\u6771\u4eac) is Japan\u2019s capital and the world\u2019s most populous metropolis<\/a>. It consists of 23 city wards and many cities, towns, and villages outside the city center. Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, unlimited opportunities to eat and shop, and a vast choice of entertainment and culture. But also, and surprisingly, Tokyo is full of large parks, delightful gardens, and green spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Koishikawa Korakuen<\/strong> (\u5c0f\u77f3\u5ddd\u5f8c\u697d\u5712), located in the heart of Bunkyo Ward, is one of Tokyo\u2019s oldest and most stunning Japanese gardens<\/strong>. Its name comes from a poem that encourages a ruler to enjoy pleasure after achieving happiness for his people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was built in the early Edo Period (1603-1868) and incorporates elements of Chinese and Japanese garden landscaping. Koishikawa Korakuen was originally the residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa clan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous Japanese and Chinese sceneries through the garden, represented by ponds, stones, trees, and humanmade hills<\/strong>. As typical for Japanese gardens, there is a pond and a path that leads around it. In the middle of the pond, there is a shrine dedicated to Benten, one of the Seven Deities of Good Luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Koishikawa Korakuen maintains an exquisite appeal throughout the seasons but is especially attractive during the fall season, in late November and early December<\/strong>. Vibrant shades of orange and red maples contrast with the green pines and are mirrored in the garden\u2019s ponds. The garden is also beautiful during the plum and cherry blossom season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Koishikawa Korakuen is a 5 minute walk from Iidabashi Station <\/strong>(\u98ef\u7530\u6a4b\u99c5) on the Toei Oedo Line (\u90fd\u55b6\u5730\u4e0b\u9244\u5927\u6c5f\u6238\u7dda), JR Chuo Line (\u4e2d\u592e\u7dda), Tozai Line (\u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u6771\u897f\u7dda), Yurakucho Line (\u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u6709\u697d\u753a\u7dda) and Namboku Line (\u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u5357\u5317\u7dda). Or a 10 minute walk from Korakuen Station<\/strong> (\u5f8c\u697d\u5712\u99c5) on the Marunouchi Line (\u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u4e38\u30ce\u5185\u7dda) or Namboku Line (\u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u5357\u5317\u7dda)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you like Japanese gardens,<\/a> you also might enjoy visiting Yokokan Garden (\u990a\u6d69\u9928\u5ead\u5712) in Fukui Prefecture and Kenrokuen (\u517c\u516d\u5712) in Kanazawa<\/a>, both accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ryogoku Kokugikan<\/strong> (\u4e21\u56fd\u56fd\u6280\u9928), known as the spiritual home of sumo<\/em><\/strong>, is an essential visit for those wanting to learn more about one of the most popular Japanese national sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is located in the district of Ryogoku, considered the centre of sumo<\/em> culture. In this area, there are many sumo stables, the places where sumo<\/em> wrestlers live and train, and other sumo related attractions. Until the beginning of the 20th century, Sumo<\/em> Tournaments were held at temples and shrines. In 1909, the first permanent sumo hall was built in the Ryogoku area due to the growing popularity of sumo<\/em>. The current Ryogoku Kokugikan was built in 1985, and seats over 10,000 spectators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It hosts three of the six largest sumo<\/em> events of the year<\/strong>. The Hatsu (New Year), Natsu (summer) and Aki (autumn) sumo<\/em> wrestling tournaments are held in Ryogoku Kokugikan each year. The arena also hosts other sports and entertainment events, and when there are no events, visitors can enter for free. There is a Sumo Museum<\/a> on the first floor <\/strong>(free entry) that showcases temporary exhibitions related to the story of sumo <\/em>wrestling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ryogoku Kokugikan is one minute walk from Ryogoku Station<\/strong> ((\u4e21\u56fd\u99c5) on the JR Sobu Line (\u7dcf\u6b66\u7de9\u884c\u7dda) or five minutes walk from Ryogoku Station on the Oedo Line (\u6c5f\u6238\u7dda)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
teamLab<\/strong> (\u30c1\u30fc\u30e0\u30e9\u30dc) is a project created by Toshiyuki Inoko<\/a> in 2001 with a mission: free the art from its physical realm and transcend borders thanks to digital technology<\/strong>. Spanning two decades, teamLab has created many exhibitions and artistic venues in several countries. But it wasn\u2019t until June 2018 that the doors of the world\u2019s first digital art museum<\/strong> were permanently opened in Tokyo: teamLab Borderless. A few weeks later, teamLab Planets was also established in Tokyo, on a temporary basis, until the end of 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each of these two museums has its own concept. teamLab Planets offers a \u201cbody immersion\u201d experience<\/a><\/strong>, where boundaries between art and body disappear, and both concepts become blended. It\u2019s a multi-sensory experience that stimulates touch, sight, hearing, smell, and imagination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless are unique places where visitors can wander and explore a new relationship between humans and nature<\/strong>, and between oneself and the world through art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
teamLab Planets<\/strong>: The closest train station to teamLab Planets is Shin-Toyosu<\/strong> \u65b0\u8c4a\u6d32\u99c5 (Yurikamome Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line \u3086\u308a\u304b\u3082\u3081\u6771\u4eac\u81e8\u6d77\u65b0\u4ea4\u901a\u81e8\u6d77\u7dda). Additionally, Toyosu<\/strong> (\u8c4a\u6d32\u99c5) station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line \u6771\u4eac\u30e1\u30c8\u30ed\u6709\u697d\u753a\u7dda) is a 10-minute walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
teamLab Borderless<\/strong>: The closest train station to teamLab Borderless is Aomi<\/strong> \u9752\u6d77\u99c5 (Yurikamome Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line \u3086\u308a\u304b\u3082\u3081\u6771\u4eac\u81e8\u6d77\u65b0\u4ea4\u901a\u81e8\u6d77\u7dda). Additionally, Tokyo Teleport<\/strong> (\u6771\u4eac\u30c6\u30ec\u30dd\u30fc\u30c8) station (Rinkai Line \u308a\u3093\u304b\u3044\u7dda) is a 5-minute walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mount Takao<\/strong> (\u9ad8\u5c3e\u5c71) is one of Tokyo’s most popular day trips due to<\/strong> its perfect location, stunning views, delicious food, and historical temple. Also known as Takao-san, it’s located in the Tama region of east Tokyo and is an easily hike-able 599-metre mountain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are six climbing and hiking routes<\/a> and plenty of sights along the way to the summit. Most people choose route 1, the Omotesando Trail<\/strong>, which is easy, mostly paved and passes all the major sightseeing spots<\/strong>. This hike takes around 90 minutes from the base to the summit. But the time can be cut in half with a cable car or chair lift that runs from halfway up the mountain, dropping you off near the Kasumidai observation deck and the monkey park. From this point, it is around 40 minutes to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Takao-san has been sacred since the Edo period <\/strong>(1603-1868), and Yamabushi monks (mountain ascetics hermits) practice their training in the mountain, including zen meditation, sutra reading and waterfall asceticism. According to some legends, Mount Takao is home to a Tengu, a type of yokai<\/em> that lives on sacred mountains protecting them and acting as the messengers of the deities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A must-visited place situated along the trail 1, near Takao’s summit, is Yakuoin temple, known as one of the main temples of the Shingon Buddhist sect<\/strong>. Yakuoin is notable for its images and statues of tengu<\/em>, that can be found throughout the temple complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mount Takao’s summit offers views of the magnificent Mount Fuji<\/strong> (\u5bcc\u58eb\u5c71) on clear days, especially during the winter season. Also, some restaurants in the summit offer Takao\u2019s food speciality: Tororo soba<\/em><\/strong>. It is a simple dish of soba<\/em> noodles topped with tororo<\/em> (grated yarn), which is said to have nutritional fortification effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nearest train station to Mount Takao is Takaosanguchi<\/strong> (\u9ad8\u5c3e\u5c71\u53e3\u99c5) on the Keio Line (\u4eac\u738b\u7dda), easily accessed from Shinjuku in around 50 minutes. Direct semi-limited express trains leave Shinjuku Station every 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you like hiking mountains while discovering Japanese history and culture, you also might enjoy hiking Mount Tennozan in Kyoto Prefecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saitama Prefecture (\u57fc\u7389\u770c) is located just north of Tokyo and is often called \u201cGreater Tokyo\u201d because of its proximity to the Japanese capital. This prefecture is blessed with plenty of rivers and mountains<\/a> and a region where many local traditions and history are preserved. Full of traditional townscapes and abundant nature, Saitama Prefecture has many opportunities to experience Japanese culture, spiritualism, and history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonsai<\/strong><\/em> (\u76c6\u683d) is the Japanese traditional art of growing miniature trees that mimic the shape and size of natural trees<\/strong>. They said that a bonsai<\/em> work is never finished and each one is a living art piece that is forever in transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, Tokyo\u2019s bonsai<\/em> artisans moved to Omiya (\u5927\u5bae) in Saitama Prefecture, looking for a location with quality soil, plenty of clean water, and rich nature. In 1925, the Omiya Bonsai Village<\/strong> (\u5927\u5bae\u76c6\u683d\u6751) was established as an autonomous community of bonsai <\/em>gardeners and has become one of the leading bonsai <\/em>areas in Japan.<\/strong>\u3000Bonsai <\/em>enthusiasts from abroad and bonsai <\/em>professionals from all over the world visit there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six bonsai gardens<\/a> across<\/strong> the village have on sale various kinds of bonsai<\/em> and gardening tools<\/strong>. Each garden has a different atmosphere and layout, and all of them are open to the public but do not allow photograph taking. Nursery owners can often be seen hard at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/strong> (\u5927\u5bae\u76c6\u683d\u7f8e\u8853\u9928) opened to the public in 2010 and is the world\u2019s first public museum devoted solely to bonsai<\/em><\/strong>. The museum provides a great introduction to bonsai<\/em>\u2019s history and traditions. This bonsai<\/em> museum is home to more than 120 bonsai<\/em> masterpieces (some of them are nearly 1,000 years old) and bonsai<\/em>-related artefacts such as miniature landscape stones, bonsai<\/em> tray-wares, and Art Materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/a> displays over 70 bonsais<\/em> that are selected according to the season<\/strong>, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the bonsai<\/em> during the four seasons of the year. This is a great chance for those who cannot travel across the country, to see the beauties and wonders of Japanese nature as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms or the autumn leaves in a miniature tree.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is around five minutes walk from East Exit of JR Toro Station<\/strong> (\u571f\u5442\u99c5), and the Omiya Bonsai Village is located between JR Toro Station<\/strong> and Omiya Koen Station<\/strong> (\u5927\u5bae\u516c\u5712\u99c5), a few minutes walk from the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you like traditional themed villages, you also might enjoy Shigaraki Tougei Mura (\u4fe1\u697d\u9676\u82b8\u6751) in Shiga Prefecture<\/a>, accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chichibu<\/strong> (\u79e9\u7236)<\/a>, a region located in Saitama Prefecture, is one of the Kanto\u2019s hidden gems and full of history, culture and tradition<\/strong>. This region is home to the Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit<\/strong> (\u79e9\u7236\u672d\u624034\u304b\u6240), which consists of 34 temples dedicated to Kannon deity<\/strong><\/a> and located in Chichibu and its surrounding mountains, that has been considered sacred for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is thought that this Chichibu pilgrimage dates back to the early 13th century, and it became very popular among common people in the Edo period. Pilgrims visited these 34 temples to offer their prayers to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and infinite compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilgrims can visit the temples in any order. Most of the temples of this circular route are located in urban areas. Another part of the route involves hiking, temples nestled in caves, or discovering temples hidden beside waterfalls. This pilgrimage tradition in Chichibu is a unique opportunity to learn about Buddhism through direct experience at a local temple.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This depends on which temple you want to visit. Seibu Chichibu Station<\/strong> (\u897f\u6b66\u79e9\u7236\u99c5) is approximately 80 minutes by limited express train from Ikebukuro Station (\u6c60\u888b\u99c5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park<\/strong> (\u56fd\u55b6\u6b66\u8535\u4e18\u9675\u68ee\u6797\u516c\u5712), commonly known as Shinri Koen and opened in 1974, was the first National Government Park in Japan<\/strong>. It is set on an extensive 304-hectares hilly area where visitors can find an abundant blend of nature, ponds and grasslands. Shinrin Koen is also home to animals and plants and provides various outdoor activities for children and adults<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This park is also full of play equipment<\/strong> as the largest air trampoline in Japan, a forest athletic field and places to play in the water, where families can have fun and exercise their bodies together. Click here to see the park’s map<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nearest train station is Shinrin Koen Station<\/strong> (\u68ee\u6797\u516c\u5712\u99c5), approximately one hour from Ikebukuro Station (\u6c60\u888b\u99c5) on the Tobu Tojo Line (\u6771\u6b66\u6771\u4e0a\u7dda). From Shinrin Koen\u2019s North exit, take a bus bound for Kumagaya station (\u718a\u8c37\u99c5) or Rissho University<\/strong> \u7acb\u6b63\u5927\u5b66<\/strong> (around a 5-minute ride).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gunma<\/a> (\u7fa4\u99ac\u770c), is a lesser-known prefecture located in the northwest of Kanto Region and is surrounded by volcanoes and mountains where it is possible to enjoy winter sports, hiking and contemplate stunning natural sceneries. It is also the perfect environment to discover onsen<\/em> culture<\/a> (Japanese hot springs). Onsen<\/em> in Gunma are top quality<\/strong> with many health benefits and are a must-visit for the area. In addition, Gunma Prefecture has a thriving craft industry. Let’s experience the traditional crafts in Gunma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probably you have ever heard about kokeshi<\/em> dolls (\u3053\u3051\u3057), one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs as well as traditional handicrafts. These dolls date back to the middle Edo period (1603-1868) and come in various designs and sizes. Kokeshi<\/em> made in Gunma are called Sosaku Kokeshi, and are different from the traditional dolls because they use original shapes and designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Usaburo Kokeshi<\/strong> (\u536f\u4e09\u90ce\u3053\u3051\u3057) studio is located in a peaceful region, surrounded by mountains and rich in forest resources. It was founded by Usaburo Okamoto, who started to make kokeshi<\/em> in 1950 and invented new styles using different materials and special techniques. Nowadays, Usaburo\u2019s studio<\/a> acts as both a retail store, kokeshi <\/em>factory and workshop, and their dolls can be bought online <\/strong>and are exported to 18 countries. A unique feature about Usaburo is that they also design kokeshi<\/em> inspired by popular characters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the workshop, <\/strong>the visitors can paint their own kokeshi <\/em>doll, where the only limit is the imagination. There are three different course options<\/strong> available: a 880 yen option for a strap size, a 1,320 yen option for a small size kokeshi<\/em> and a 1,980 yen option for a regular size kokeshi<\/em> (all the materials are provided). This will be, no doubt, a special memento of your time in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The closest station is Yagihara Station<\/strong> (\u516b\u6728\u539f\u99c5) on the JR Joetsu Line (\u4e0a\u8d8a\u7dda). From the station, it is approximately a ten-minute taxi ride<\/strong> away. Please take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (\u6771\u4eac\u99c5) to Takasaki Station (\u9ad8\u5d0e\u99c5, 50 minutes), then take the JR Joetsu or Agatsuma Line at Takasaki Station to Yagihara Station (\u516b\u6728\u539f\u99c5, 20 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a Gunma’s popular folk song that says \u201cKusatsu yoi toko, ichido wa oide<\/em>\u201d and means \u201cKusatsu is a good place, come here at least once.\u201d And it is, indeed, one of Japan\u2019s most famous hot springs resorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kusatsu Onsen<\/strong> (\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9) is a small hot spring town nestled in Gunma\u2019s mountains, <\/strong>and the high quality of its hot spring water was even loved back in the Edo period, and particularly appreciated by the Shoguns (military dictators) during the Edo Shogunate (1603 \u2013 1868). The volume of flowing natural hot spring water at Kusatsu is the most in Japan, and it is said to cure every illness but lovesickness<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yubatake, located in the town centre, is a symbol of Kusatsu and one of the main sources of hot springs water. Many ryokan, shops and restaurants are clustered around Yubatake, and it\u2019s common to see visitors wearing their traditional yukata<\/em> in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small ski resort above the onsen town is especially convenient for beginners and low intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It takes less than 10 minutes to get there by free shuttle bus from the hot spring resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/strong> (\u5317\u9678\u65b0\u5e79\u7dda) from Tokyo Station (\u6771\u4eac\u99c5) to Karuizawa Station<\/strong> (\u8efd\u4e95\u6ca2\u99c5, 75 minites), and then a bus from Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen<\/strong> (85 minutes). The Hokuriku Arch Pass is not valid on the buses between Karuizawa and Kusatsu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are an onsen<\/em> enthusiast, you might enjoy visiting Okuhida Onsen (\u5965\u98db\u9a28\u6e29\u6cc9) in Gifu Prefecture<\/a>, accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n