{"id":75979,"date":"2021-02-12T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=75979"},"modified":"2021-03-08T10:18:48","modified_gmt":"2021-03-08T01:18:48","slug":"kanto-hokuriku-arch-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/kanto-hokuriku-arch-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Japan anew with the Hokuriku Arch Pass, Part 1: Sightseeing in Kanto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>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<ul class=\"is-style-default wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-chubu-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Part 2: Sightseeing in Chubu with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-kansai-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Part 3: Sightseeing in Kansai with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>New Golden Route<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>Hokuriku Arch Pass, which allows unlimited travel<\/strong> on dedicated lines for <strong>seven consecutive days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#HokurikuArchPass\" class=\"ek-link\">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<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/destinations\/kanto\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/destinations\/kanto\/\" class=\"ek-link\">The <strong>Kanto region<\/strong> (\u95a2\u6771\u5730\u65b9) <\/a>is located on Honshu (\u672c\u5dde &#8211; the largest island in Japan) and <strong>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<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#Tokyo\" class=\"ek-link\">Tokyo Metropolis<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Korakuen\" class=\"ek-link\">Koshikawa Korakuen<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ryogoku\" class=\"ek-link\">Ryogoku Kokugikan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#teamLab\" class=\"ek-link\">teamLab<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Takao\" class=\"ek-link\">Mount Takao<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Saitama\" class=\"ek-link\">Saitama Prefecture<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Bonsai\" class=\"ek-link\">Omiya Bonsai Village<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chichibu\" class=\"ek-link\">Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ShinriKoen\" class=\"ek-link\">Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Gunma\" class=\"ek-link\">Gunma Prefecture<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Usaburo\" class=\"ek-link\">Usaburo Kokeshi Dolls<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kusatsu\" class=\"ek-link\">Kusatsu Onsen<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#HokurikuArchPass\" class=\"ek-link\">Introducing the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Tokyo\"><strong>Tokyo Metropolis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tokyo (\u6771\u4eac) is Japan\u2019s capital and the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tag\/tokyo\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Korakuen\">Koishikawa Korakuen, An Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Koishikawa Korakuen<\/strong> (\u5c0f\u77f3\u5ddd\u5f8c\u697d\u5712), located in the heart of Bunkyo Ward, <strong>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180527\/Korakuen_Lucia_03-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese garden Koshikawa Korakuen entrance in Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-76074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180527\/Korakuen_Lucia_03-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180527\/Korakuen_Lucia_03-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180527\/Korakuen_Lucia_03-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180527\/Korakuen_Lucia_03.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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<p>Like most traditional Japanese gardens, <strong>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180535\/Korakuen_Lucia_10-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Koshikawa korakuen Japanese gardens with autumn colors \" class=\"wp-image-76075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180535\/Korakuen_Lucia_10-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180535\/Korakuen_Lucia_10-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180535\/Korakuen_Lucia_10-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180535\/Korakuen_Lucia_10.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Koishikawa Korakuen is especially stunning in autumn<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Koishikawa Korakuen maintains an exquisite appeal throughout the seasons <strong>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<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"koishikawa korakuen pond view\" data-id=\"76077\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76077\" class=\"wp-image-76077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180551\/Korakuen_Lucia_24.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"koishikawa korakuen in autumn\" data-id=\"76076\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76076\" class=\"wp-image-76076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21180543\/Korakuen_Lucia_15.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Koishikawa Korakuen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Koishikawa Korakuen is a 5 minute walk from <strong>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 <strong>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<p>If you like <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/beautiful-japanese-gardens\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Japanese gardens,<\/a> you also might enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-chubu-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ryogoku\">Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Home of Sumo Wrestlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ryogoku Kokugikan<\/strong> (\u4e21\u56fd\u56fd\u6280\u9928), known as the <strong>spiritual home of <em>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<p>It is located in the district of Ryogoku, considered the centre of <em>sumo<\/em> culture. In this area, there are many sumo stables, the places where <em>sumo<\/em> wrestlers live and train, and other sumo related attractions. Until the beginning of the 20th century, <em>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 <em>sumo<\/em>. The current Ryogoku Kokugikan was built in 1985, and seats over 10,000 spectators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Ryogoku Kokugikan during sumo event in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-2048x1364.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181047\/Ryogoku-Kokugikan-scaled.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Three Sumo Tournaments are held every year in Ryogoku Kokugikan | Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It hosts three of the six largest <em>sumo<\/em> events of the year<\/strong>. The Hatsu (New Year), Natsu (summer) and Aki (autumn) <em>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. <strong>There is a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sumo.or.jp\/EnSumoMuseum\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Sumo Museum<\/a> on the first floor <\/strong>(free entry) that showcases temporary exhibitions related to the story of <em>sumo <\/em>wrestling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Ryogoku Kokugikan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Ryogoku Kokugikan is one minute walk from <strong>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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"teamLab\">teamLab, Digital Museums Without Boundaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>teamLab<\/strong> (\u30c1\u30fc\u30e0\u30e9\u30dc) is a <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamlab.art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">project created by Toshiyuki Inoko<\/a> in 2001 with a mission: <strong>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<strong> 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<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181507\/teamlabborderless_02-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"person in teamlab borderless\" data-id=\"76083\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181507\/teamlabborderless_02-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76083\" class=\"wp-image-76083\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181507\/teamlabborderless_02-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181507\/teamlabborderless_02-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181507\/teamlabborderless_02-1.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181514\/teamlabborderless_01-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"artwork at teamlab borderless\" data-id=\"76085\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181514\/teamlabborderless_01-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76085\" class=\"wp-image-76085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181514\/teamlabborderless_01-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181514\/teamlabborderless_01-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181514\/teamlabborderless_01-1.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">teamLab Borderless <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these two museums has its own concept<strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/teamlab-planets-tokyo\/\" class=\"ek-link\">teamLab Planets offers&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, <strong>teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries or barriers<\/strong>. The artworks move out to the rooms, communicating and influencing each other. Some of them don\u2019t have fixed locations, and there\u2019s no telling where they will go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181637\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_20-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"spheres of light at teamlab planets\" data-id=\"76086\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76086\" class=\"wp-image-76086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181637\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_20-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181637\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_20-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21181637\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_20.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"76127\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76127\" class=\"wp-image-76127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21195531\/Tokyo__teamlabplanets_52-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">teamLab Planets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless are unique places where<strong> 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<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to teamLab Planets and Borderless<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>teamLab Planets<\/strong>: The closest train station to teamLab Planets is&nbsp;<strong>Shin-Toyosu<\/strong>&nbsp;\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). &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;<strong>Toyosu<\/strong>&nbsp;(\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<p><strong>teamLab Borderless<\/strong>: The closest train station to teamLab Borderless is&nbsp;<strong>Aomi<\/strong>&nbsp;\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). &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;<strong>Tokyo Teleport<\/strong>&nbsp;(\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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Takao\">Mount Takao, the Sacred Mountain of Tokyo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mount Takao<\/strong> (\u9ad8\u5c3e\u5c71) is one of Tokyo&#8217;s <strong>most popular day trips due to<\/strong> its perfect location, stunning views, delicious food, and historical temple. Also known as Takao-san, it&#8217;s located in the Tama region of east Tokyo and is an <strong>easily hike-able 599-metre mountain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takaotozan.co.jp\/course\/img\/course_map_english.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">six climbing and hiking routes<\/a> and plenty of sights along the way to the summit. Most people choose route 1, the <strong>Omotesando Trail<\/strong>, which is easy, mostly paved and <strong>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182313\/Takaosan_Lucia_07-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Omotesando trail at Mount Takao near Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-76089\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182313\/Takaosan_Lucia_07-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182313\/Takaosan_Lucia_07-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182313\/Takaosan_Lucia_07-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182313\/Takaosan_Lucia_07.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Omotesando Trail is the most popular and easiest trail<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>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 <em>yokai<\/em> that lives on sacred mountains protecting them and acting as the messengers of the deities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A must-visited place situated along the trail 1, near Takao&#8217;s summit, is <strong>Yakuoin temple, known as one of the main temples of the Shingon Buddhist sect<\/strong>. Yakuoin is notable for its images and statues of <em>tengu<\/em>, that can be found throughout the temple complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182329\/Takaosan_Lucia_17-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Yukoin Temple at Mount Takao near Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-76090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182329\/Takaosan_Lucia_17-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182329\/Takaosan_Lucia_17-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182329\/Takaosan_Lucia_17-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182329\/Takaosan_Lucia_17.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Mount Takao&#8217;s summit offers <strong>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 <strong>Takao\u2019s food speciality: <em>Tororo soba<\/em><\/strong>. It is a simple dish of<em> soba<\/em> noodles topped with <em>tororo<\/em> (grated yarn), which is said to have nutritional fortification effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182346\/Takaosan_Lucia_23-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"View of Mount Fuji from Mount Takao\" data-id=\"76091\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76091\" class=\"wp-image-76091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182346\/Takaosan_Lucia_23-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182346\/Takaosan_Lucia_23-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182346\/Takaosan_Lucia_23.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Mount Fuji <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182351\/Takaosan_Lucia_27-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Tororo soba at Mount Takao\" data-id=\"76092\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76092\" class=\"wp-image-76092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182351\/Takaosan_Lucia_27-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182351\/Takaosan_Lucia_27-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182351\/Takaosan_Lucia_27.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Hot tororo soba<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Mount Takao<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearest train station to Mount Takao is&nbsp;<strong>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<p>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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Saitama\"><span style=\"background-color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-background\">Saitama Prefecture<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tag\/saitama\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Bonsai\">Omiya Bonsai Village, Discovering Bonsai Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bonsai<\/strong><\/em> (\u76c6\u683d) <strong>is the Japanese traditional art of growing miniature trees that mimic the shape and size of natural trees<\/strong>. They said that a <em>bonsai<\/em> work is never finished and each one is a living art piece that is forever in transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182910\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_20-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"One of the bonsai gardens of Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182910\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_20-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182910\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_20-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182910\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_20-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182910\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_20.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Japanese maple bonsai<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, Tokyo\u2019s <em>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 <strong>Omiya Bonsai Village<\/strong> <strong>(\u5927\u5bae\u76c6\u683d\u6751) was established as an autonomous community of <em>bonsai <\/em>gardeners and has become one of the leading <em>bonsai <\/em>areas in Japan.<\/strong>\u3000<em>Bonsai <\/em>enthusiasts from abroad and <em>bonsai <\/em>professionals from all over the world visit there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a aria-label=\"Six bonsai gardens (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/omiyabonsai.jp\/gardens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Six bonsai gardens<\/a> across<\/strong> the village have<strong> on sale various kinds of <em>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182925\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_17-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A Bonsai garden's entrance at Omiya Bonsai Village\" class=\"wp-image-76096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182925\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_17-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182925\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_17-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182925\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_17-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182925\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_17.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/strong> (\u5927\u5bae\u76c6\u683d\u7f8e\u8853\u9928) opened to the public in 2010 and <strong>is the world\u2019s first public museum devoted solely to <em>bonsai<\/em><\/strong>. The museum provides a great introduction to <em>bonsai<\/em>\u2019s history and traditions. This <em>bonsai<\/em> museum is home to more than 120 <em>bonsai<\/em> masterpieces (some of them are nearly 1,000 years old) and <em>bonsai<\/em>-related artefacts such as miniature landscape stones, <em>bonsai<\/em> tray-wares, and Art Materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182949\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_06-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Bonsai at Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182949\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_06-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182949\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_06-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182949\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_06-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21182949\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_06.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonsai-art-museum.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/a> displays over 70 <em>bonsais<\/em> that are selected according to the season<\/strong>, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the<em> 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 <strong>plum blossoms, cherry blossoms or the autumn leaves in a miniature tree.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183000\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_14-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"General view of Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183000\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_14-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183000\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_14-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183000\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_14-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183000\/OmiyaBonsai_Lucia_14.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The&nbsp;Bonsai Garden exhibits&nbsp;around 60&nbsp;bonsai&nbsp;works <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Omiya Bonsai Village<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is around five minutes walk from East Exit of <strong>JR Toro Station<\/strong> (\u571f\u5442\u99c5), and the Omiya Bonsai Village is located between JR <strong>Toro Station<\/strong> and <strong>Omiya Koen Station<\/strong> (\u5927\u5bae\u516c\u5712\u99c5), a few minutes walk from the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like traditional themed villages, you also might enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-kansai-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Shigaraki Tougei Mura (\u4fe1\u697d\u9676\u82b8\u6751) in Shiga Prefecture<\/a>, accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Chichibu\">Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit: Learn About Japanese Temples and Shrines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/chichibu-mitsumine-shrine\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Chichibu<\/strong> (\u79e9\u7236)<\/a>, a region located in Saitama Prefecture,<strong> is one of the Kanto\u2019s hidden gems and full of history, culture and tradition<\/strong>. This region is home to the <strong>Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit<\/strong> (\u79e9\u7236\u672d\u624034\u304b\u6240), which consists of<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chichibu_34_Kannon_Sanctuary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\"> <strong>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<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210442\/chichibupilgrimage_02-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Temple in summer season\" data-id=\"76131\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210442\/chichibupilgrimage_02-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76131\" class=\"wp-image-76131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210442\/chichibupilgrimage_02-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210442\/chichibupilgrimage_02-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210442\/chichibupilgrimage_02-1.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"temple in sakura season\" data-id=\"76133\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76133\" class=\"wp-image-76133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1-684x1024.jpg 684w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1-334x500.jpg 334w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210450\/chichibupilgrimage_01-1.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Photo by Todd Fong<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Two temples of the Chichibu pilgrimage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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<p>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. <strong>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210536\/chichibupilgrimage_03-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"temple gate\" class=\"wp-image-76134\" width=\"580\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210536\/chichibupilgrimage_03-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210536\/chichibupilgrimage_03-500x331.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21210536\/chichibupilgrimage_03.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to the Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This depends on which temple you want to visit. <strong>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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ShinriKoen\">Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, A Natural Escape from the Crowds&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183952\/MusashiPark_Lucia_27-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn in Shinri Koen\" class=\"wp-image-76099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183952\/MusashiPark_Lucia_27-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183952\/MusashiPark_Lucia_27-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183952\/MusashiPark_Lucia_27-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21183952\/MusashiPark_Lucia_27.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The autumn illumination is available from mid October to early December.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>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, <strong>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 <strong>outdoor activities for children and adults<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"One path in Shinri Koen\" data-id=\"76100\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76100\" class=\"wp-image-76100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184006\/MusashiPark_Lucia_03.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"People playing in Shinri Koen\" data-id=\"76101\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76101\" class=\"wp-image-76101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184014\/MusashiPark_Lucia_04.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This park is also <strong>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. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shinrinkoen.jp\/media\/shinrinkoen_guidemap-en2006.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Click here to see the park&#8217;s map<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shinrin Koen is <strong>popular as a natural getaway from the metropolitan area for many Tokyoites<\/strong> who want to enjoy a day without the crowds before returning to the city. The park also features <strong>17-kilometre cycling dedicated course<\/strong> in total length with no pedestrian system that allows the visitors to safely cycle at a good speed, even for inexperienced cyclists or those riding with children. <strong>You can either bring your own bike or rent a bike inside the park<\/strong>.<strong> It costs 420 yen to rent an adult bike for 3 hours and 270 yen for children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184017\/MusashiPark_Lucia_31-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Bike trail in Shinri Koen\" class=\"wp-image-76102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184017\/MusashiPark_Lucia_31-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184017\/MusashiPark_Lucia_31-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184017\/MusashiPark_Lucia_31-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184017\/MusashiPark_Lucia_31.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Crowd-free cycling course<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearest train station is <strong>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, <strong>take a bus bound for Kumagaya station (\u718a\u8c37\u99c5) or Rissho University<\/strong> <strong>\u7acb\u6b63\u5927\u5b66<\/strong> (around a 5-minute ride).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Gunma\">Gunma Prefecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tag\/gunma\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tag\/onsen\" class=\"ek-link\"><em>onsen<\/em> culture<\/a> (Japanese hot springs). <strong><em>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&#8217;s experience the traditional crafts in Gunma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Usaburo\">Usaburo Kokeshi Dolls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably you have ever heard about <em>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. <em>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184757\/usaburo-kokeshi-3-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Artisan from Usaburo Kokeshi making a kokeshi doll \" class=\"wp-image-76104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184757\/usaburo-kokeshi-3-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184757\/usaburo-kokeshi-3-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184757\/usaburo-kokeshi-3-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184757\/usaburo-kokeshi-3-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>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 <em>kokeshi<\/em> in 1950 and invented new styles using different materials and special techniques. Nowadays, <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.usaburo.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Usaburo\u2019s studio<\/a> <strong>acts as both a retail store, <em>kokeshi <\/em>factory and workshop, and their dolls<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/wm-tabi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> can be bought online<\/a> <\/strong>and are exported to 18 countries. <strong>A unique feature about Usaburo is that they also design <em>kokeshi<\/em> inspired by popular characters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"popular characters kokeshi in Usaburo Kokeshi\" data-id=\"76106\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76106\" class=\"wp-image-76106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2-684x1024.jpg 684w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2-334x500.jpg 334w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184827\/usaburo-kokeshi-2.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Photo by Todd Fong<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184822\/usaburo-kokeshi-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"wedding kokeshi dolls\" data-id=\"76105\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184822\/usaburo-kokeshi-4.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=76105\" class=\"wp-image-76105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184822\/usaburo-kokeshi-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184822\/usaburo-kokeshi-4-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184822\/usaburo-kokeshi-4.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In the workshop, <\/strong>the visitors can paint their own <em>kokeshi <\/em>doll, where the only limit is the imagination. <strong>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 <em>kokeshi<\/em> and a 1,980 yen option for a regular size <em>kokeshi<\/em> (all the materials are provided). This will be, no doubt, a <strong>special memento of your time in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of star wars kokeshi\" class=\"wp-image-76109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21184912\/usaburo-kokeshi-1-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Star Wars Kokeshi | Photo by Todd Fong<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Usaburo Kokeshi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest station is <strong>Yagihara Station<\/strong> (\u516b\u6728\u539f\u99c5) on the JR Joetsu Line (\u4e0a\u8d8a\u7dda). From the station, it is approximately a <strong>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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Kusatsu\">Kusatsu Onsen, One of Japan\u2019s Best Hot Spring Towns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a Gunma&#8217;s popular folk song that says \u201c<em>Kusatsu 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185448\/KusatsuOnsen_01-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Outdoor view of Kusatsu Onsen in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185448\/KusatsuOnsen_01-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185448\/KusatsuOnsen_01-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185448\/KusatsuOnsen_01-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185448\/KusatsuOnsen_01.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kusatsu Onsen<\/strong> (\u8349\u6d25\u6e29\u6cc9) i<strong>s 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). <strong>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>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02211519\/%E2%91%A1%E5%A5%B3%E6%80%A7%E5%90%88%E3%82%8F%E3%81%9B%E6%B9%AF-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78128\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02211519\/%E2%91%A1%E5%A5%B3%E6%80%A7%E5%90%88%E3%82%8F%E3%81%9B%E6%B9%AF-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=78128\" class=\"wp-image-78128\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02211902\/%E2%91%A2%E6%B9%AF%E7%95%91-min-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78130\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02211902\/%E2%91%A2%E6%B9%AF%E7%95%91-min-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=78130\" class=\"wp-image-78130\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02212127\/%E2%91%A3%E6%B5%B4%E8%A1%A3-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78131\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02212127\/%E2%91%A3%E6%B5%B4%E8%A1%A3-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=78131\" class=\"wp-image-78131\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02212213\/%E2%91%A4%E6%B9%AF%E3%82%82%E3%81%BF%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%BC-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78132\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/02212213\/%E2%91%A4%E6%B9%AF%E3%82%82%E3%81%BF%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%BC-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?attachment_id=78132\" class=\"wp-image-78132\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Kusatsu Onsen, Yumomi (water stirring)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Kusatsu Onsen | Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <em>yukata<\/em> in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185523\/KusatsuOnsen_06-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"woman taking a bath in onsen hot springs in kusatsu, Gunma, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-76115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185523\/KusatsuOnsen_06-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185523\/KusatsuOnsen_06-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185523\/KusatsuOnsen_06-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21185523\/KusatsuOnsen_06.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Kusatsu Onsen| Photo provided by the sponsor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the&nbsp;<strong>Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/strong> (\u5317\u9678\u65b0\u5e79\u7dda)&nbsp;from Tokyo Station (\u6771\u4eac\u99c5) to&nbsp;<strong>Karuizawa Station<\/strong> (\u8efd\u4e95\u6ca2\u99c5, 75 minites),  and then a <strong>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<p>If you are an <em>onsen<\/em> enthusiast, you might enjoy visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-chubu-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Okuhida Onsen (\u5965\u98db\u9a28\u6e29\u6cc9) in Gifu Prefecture<\/a>, accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1B-yc6jcuGuLlS0F-6NF9ev7Qj2-XWRBN&amp;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/issuu.com\/new_golden_route_japan\/docs\/new_golden_route\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">New Golden Route, download the brochure<\/a> and learn about this treasure trove of Japan&#8217;s hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"HokurikuArchPass\">Introducing the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/strong> is a regional rail pass for exclusive use by foreign visitors that <strong>allows unlimited travel for seven consecutive days on some Japan Rail (JR) and private train lines between Tokyo and Osaka via the Hokuriku region<\/strong>. You can make stops along less-explored parts of Japan, generally more rural and less populated, to experience a more tranquil side of the country, full of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking scenic spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"528\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2-1024x528.png\" alt=\"Hokuriku arch pass information\" class=\"wp-image-76069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2-1024x528.png 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2-500x258.png 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2-1536x793.png 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2-2048x1057.png 2048w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174830\/hokurikumap_2.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Buy the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hokuriku Arch Pass can be purchased online, through the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.westjapanrail.com\/?lang=en#\/pass\/hokuriku_arch_pass\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Japan Rail website<\/a>, or selected travel agents outside Japan. It&#8217;s also sold at major railway stations or airports in Japan, within the covered area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/th><th>Adult<\/th><th>Child<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Purchased online or outside of Japan<\/td><td>24,440 yen<\/td><td>12,220 yen<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Purchased in Japan<\/td><td>25,460 yen<\/td><td>12,730 yen<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>(Until March 31, 2021)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/th><th>Adult<\/th><th>Child<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Purchased online or outside of Japan<\/td><td>24,500 yen<\/td><td>12,250 yen<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Purchased in Japan<\/td><td>25,500 yen<\/td><td>12,750 yen<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>(From April 1, 2021)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hokuriku Arch Pass Service Zones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hokuriku Arch Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains between Tokyo and Osaka, reserved seats on <strong>Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kanazawa), limited express, local trains, and Tokyo Monorail lines<\/strong> within the usage area for seven consecutive days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a map of train lines that can be used with the Hokuriku Arch Pass:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"548\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174438\/hokurikumap.png\" alt=\"Hokuriku arch pass map\" class=\"wp-image-76068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174438\/hokurikumap.png 970w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/21174438\/hokurikumap-500x282.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Information about the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find all the <strong>information<\/strong> related to this pass, including its validity and other details, on the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Hokuriku Arch Pass website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/hokuriku-arch-pass.com\/Explore_Japan\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> Explore Japan site<\/a> offers <strong>useful tips about how to make the most out of your Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/strong>. There are also some model itineraries for all types of travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ve introduced some interesting spots and hidden gems located in the Kanto region that you will be able to visit using your Hokuriku Arch Pass. To discover the rest of this New Golden Route from Tokyo to Osaka, read our two other articles: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-chubu-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Part 2: Sightseeing in Chubu with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/sightseeing-kansai-hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Part 3: Sightseeing in Kansai with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/21174833\/japan-endless-discovery-logo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77658\" width=\"472\" height=\"104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/21174833\/japan-endless-discovery-logo.jpg 944w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/21174833\/japan-endless-discovery-logo-500x110.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes Japan so amazing is its variety. Every city or village is unique, and locals strongly identify with their home prefecture and its culture and traditions. If you are a traveller enticed by the amazing sights that Japan has to offer, or if you are thinking of venturing outside the obvious, maybe you should consider getting the Hokuriku Arch Pass. Whether you are a first-time visitor in Japan or a seasoned traveller, this route will give you not only a well-balanced understanding of Japanese history and culture but also will open your eyes to the real Japanese way of living and travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Sponsored by Hokuriku-Shin&#8217;etsu District Transport Bureau, JR West and JR East<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is Part 1 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":155,"featured_media":76110,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":15,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[1408,23,1,2050],"tags":[1334,1247,1337,1320,1712,1343,1711,1391,1252,1306,1307,1250,1362],"class_list":{"0":"post-75979","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kanto","8":"category-sightseeing","9":"category-sponsored","10":"category-things-to-know","11":"tag-cycling","12":"tag-gunma","13":"tag-hiking","14":"tag-garden","15":"tag-local-specialities","16":"tag-mountain","17":"tag-near-tokyo","18":"tag-park","19":"tag-saitama","20":"tag-shrine","21":"tag-temple","22":"tag-tokyo","23":"tag-tradition"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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