{"id":97388,"date":"2023-02-02T17:48:56","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T08:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=97388"},"modified":"2023-03-17T15:51:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T06:51:27","slug":"tokyo-saitama-gunma-hokuriku-arch-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tokyo-saitama-gunma-hokuriku-arch-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"The New Golden Route: Discover Tokyo, Saitama, and Gunma with the Hokuriku Arch Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain high on the list of many visitors embarking on their travel to Japan, few realize the world of fascinating traditional and cultural experiences that awaits beyond the well-trekked paths of Japan\u2019s popular destination. To make travel to these off-the-beaten-path destinations even easier, the&nbsp;<strong>Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/strong>&nbsp;is quickly becoming a Japan traveler\u2019s best friend to discover the fascinating, lesser-visited areas like Toyama, Gunma, and Fukui, while also giving you access to the classic spots of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Here we\u2019ll look at some of the exciting experiences you can do along the&nbsp;<strong>New Golden Route <\/strong>via the&nbsp;Hokuriku Shinkansen train line in&nbsp;<strong>Tokyo, Saitama, and Gunma&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2014 three neighboring prefectures easy to travel between with the Hokuriku Arch Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-what-is-the-hokuriku-arch-pass\">What is the Hokuriku Arch Pass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-tokyo\">Explore Tokyo Through Craft and Biking<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-kintsugi-souke-tsukamoto\">The Art of Ceramic Repair with Kintsugi<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-tokyo-great-cycling-tour\">Discover Tokyo&#8217;s Backstreets and Parks on a Great Cycling Tour<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-saitama\">Nature and Culture in Saitama Prefecture<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-omiya-bonsai-village\">Learn about Miniature Trees at Omiya Bonsai Village<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-musashi-winery\">Wine Tasting at Musashi Winery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-gunma\">Explore the Mountains of Gunma Prefecture<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-canyon-minakami\">Biodiversity and Pristine Nature of Minakami<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-oze-national-park\">Hiking in Oze National Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-getting-around\">How to Get Around<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-what-is-the-hokuriku-arch-pass\">What is the Hokuriku Arch Pass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hokuriku Arch Pass is a train pass that allows unlimited week-long travel on Hokuriku Shinkansen trains operated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/multi\/en\/pass\/hokurikuarch.html?src=gnavi\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">JR East<\/a> and <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/hokuriku-arch-pass\/select.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">JR West<\/a>. The prefectures covered along the route include<strong> Tokyo, Saitama, Gunma, Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka<\/strong>. An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/hokuriku-arch-pass\/select.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">online map on the JR West website<\/a> details the stations covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass. There is also a JNTO catalog of the highlights of the New Golden Route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pass is available to visitors to Japan with a temporary visitor entry status and can be used for seven consecutive days. The cost is 24,500 yen for passengers over 12 years old and 12,250 yen for children aged 6-11 (when purchased outside of Japan). The pass can be purchased at ticket offices in Japan or bought online (JR East website or JR West website).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group cta\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p id=\"htoc-this-is-part-3-of-a-series-of-4-articles-about-japan-s-new-golden-route-serviced-by-the-hokuriku-arch-pass-offered-by-jr-west-and-jr-east-railways-in-this-article-we-will-explore-three-of-these-prefectures-gifu-fukui-and-shiga\">This is part 1 of a series of 4 articles about Japan\u2019s New Golden Route, serviced by the Hokuriku Arch Pass offered by JR West and JR East railways. This article will explore three prefectures: Tokyo, Saitama, and Gunma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part 2: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/niigata-nagano-toyama-ishikawa-hokuriku-arch-pass\" class=\"ek-link\">The New Golden Route: Discover Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Part 3: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/new-golden-route-gifu-fukui-shiga-hokuriku-arch-pass\" class=\"ek-link\">The New Golden Route: Discover Gifu, Fukui, and Shiga with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Part 4: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/kyoto-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass\" class=\"ek-link\">The New Golden Route: Discover Kyoto and Osaka with the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-tokyo\">Explore Tokyo Through Craft and Biking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tokyo is the first stop for many travelers, so there\u2019s plenty of information on what to do in Japan\u2019s energic metropolis. Instead of covering the basics, let\u2019s look at lesser-known experiences to immerse yourself in Tokyo culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-kintsugi-souke-tsukamoto\">The Art of Ceramic Repair with Kintsugi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kintsugi is not simply a process of restoring something to mint condition, but the art of breathing new life into pottery by treating wear and tear as a record of its history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kintsugi method of decoration involves glueing damaged pieces of pottery back together with kokuso glue and layering black urushi (Japanese lacquer) on top. After drying well, the lacquered surface is polished flat, coated with e-urushi, and finished by sprinkling pure gold powder on top.It was created using Maki-e techniques, a traditional Japanese craft, and reflects wabi-sabi aesthetics, in which beauty is found in simplicity and imperfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Person adding black lacquer to a white ceramic cup, performing the Japanese art of kintsugi\" class=\"wp-image-97393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163430\/Kintsugi-00018.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Black urushi lacquer is applied to where the Maki-e design is.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just looking at these masterfully crafted pieces is inspiring, but at <a href=\"https:\/\/kintsugitsukamoto.wixsite.com\/kintsugi\" class=\"ek-link\">Kintsugi Souke Tsukamoto<\/a>, you can take the experience one step further. You can learn about the basic techniques used in Kintsugi and its philosophy from Showzi Tsukamoto, whose career spans 50 years and whose expertise is recognized around the world. You can choose from a 1 day Kintsugi workshop&nbsp;experience, or a 6 or 12 days Kintsugi master course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130216\/Kintsugi-00243.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating Maki-e. Pure gold powder is sprinkled on top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At end of the workshop, Tsukamoto will treat you with Japanese tea ceremony(chanoyu), you can spend time chatting with Tsukamoto over a&nbsp;bowl of green tea&nbsp;to learn about his journey. In a world filled with plastic and fast fashion that feels like you never have time to stop, Showzi Tsukamoto\u2019s workshop provides a refreshing reprieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-tokyo-great-cycling-tour\">Discover Tokyo&#8217;s Backstreets and Parks on a Great Cycling Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite Tokyo\u2019s urban atmosphere being dominated by cars and trains, cycling is still a very popular way to get around, especially for Tokyo\u2018s hidden areas and backstreets. So, a great way to get a taste of real Tokyo life is to hop on a bike and go exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-98320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-2048x1360.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/26130313\/kyunakagawa7-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Explore areas you didn&#8217;t know existed in Tokyo via bike!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While cycling in Tokyo might seem fun, navigating the complex city streets can also be pretty confusing, especially for a first-time visitor. To make it easier for visitors to explore the city by bike, the <a aria-label=\"Tokyo Great Cycling Tour (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tokyocycling.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tokyo Great Cycling Tour<\/a> offers <strong>eight bicycle courses<\/strong> to get acquainted with the nooks and crannies of the metropolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Two people cycling in a Tokyo park in autumn\" class=\"wp-image-97392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163248\/TGCT-09803.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Even central Tokyo has some beautiful park areas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The cycling courses range from their short and easy evening rides to their longer and more challenging \u201ctime travel\u201d route around Tokyo\u2019s northwest, with some of their longer courses including a lunch stop. <strong>The tours are led by expert local guides<\/strong>, taking you along scenic photo spots, bike lanes, and back streets, mostly avoiding those busy main roads and city traffic. The routes are very well planned and much easier and more efficient than trying to go alone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-saitama\">Nature and Culture in Saitama Prefecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite Saitama\u2019s proximity to Tokyo, it feels almost like another world. Surrounded by nature and steeped in local culture, these are just two spots to get to know Tokyo\u2019s next-door neighbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-omiya-bonsai-village\">Learn about Miniature Trees at Omiya Bonsai Village<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These days, the word \u201cbonsai\u201d has become almost commonplace among English speakers, referring to <strong>the art of growing and training miniature trees in pots<\/strong>. In fact, the \u201cbon\u201d (\u76c6) part of bonsai means \u201cpot\u201d or \u201ctray,\u201d so if you come across a miniature tree outside of a pot, it\u2019s not technically a bonsai, no matter how small and pretty it looks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Staff tending to the bonsai by watering it at the Omiya Bonsai Museum\" class=\"wp-image-97395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163906\/Bonsai-02215.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bonsai need attentive daily care because of their small pots.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the word has become commonplace, the craft certainly isn\u2019t, as it requires careful practice and a keen eye to look after bonsai successfully. But the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/omiyabonsai.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Omiya Bonsai Village<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;is one of the few places where bonsai artisans have gathered, and you can see multiple bonsai all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The village was set up in 1925 as an area dedicated to bonsai. At the time, residents were required to have a minimum of 10 bonsai on display and to keep their gates open for visitors to view the collection. Now, those rules are long gone, but six gardens remain in the village where you can explore the beauty of bonsai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The large central bonsai garden at the Omiya Bonsai Museum, with several evergreen bonsai and a few red and brown autumnal ones\" class=\"wp-image-97396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15163937\/Bonsai-02201.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum has a beautiful central garden filled with miniature trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the best way to fully appreciate the Bonsai Village is first to visit the&nbsp;<strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bonsai-art-museum.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Omiya Bonsai Art Museum<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong>There, you can learn about bonsai, from the different styles and how they are grown to the proper way to view the miniature trees. After taking a deep dive into bonsai culture, you\u2019ll better understand the 60 bonsai on display in the museum and the various bonsai in the village just five minutes away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-musashi-winery\">Wine Tasting at Musashi Winery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may not have come across Japanese wine abroad, where better to try it for the first time than in Japan itself? Japan is starting to make a name for itself on the wine scene, with new wineries popping up in various regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese red Musashi Wine being poured into a glass against a beautiful natural backdrop \" class=\"wp-image-97401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15165236\/Musashi-02435-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the noteworthy new additions to that growing list is the&nbsp;<strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/musashiwinery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Musashi Winery<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;in Saitama. Due to the category\u2019s unwavering rules, less than 1% of Japan\u2019s wineries have taken on the challenge of becoming an organic wine producer that doesn&#8217;t even use Bordeaux mixture&nbsp;as a fungicide, but Musashi Winery is one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every step of Musashi Winery\u2019s process is as natural and organic as possible, with&nbsp;<strong>no pesticides or fertilizers in their grape growing<\/strong>&nbsp;and a natural fermentation process with no additives. This organic wine concept fits in perfectly in the town of Ogawamachi, known as an \u201corganic town\u201d because of its high population of organic vegetable growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The Musashi Winery shop selling organic wine in Saitama, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-97399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/15164208\/Musashi-02398-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Even the shop has a decidedly organic quality to it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While some wines in Japan can be rather sweet, the wine made here is deliciously full-bodied and stands out from the crowd. In addition, the wooden barrels used to age the wines are also made with Japanese wood, giving character to each bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-gunma\">Explore the Mountains of Gunma Prefecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Heading further from Tokyo\u2019s bustling metropolis, Gunma is a beautiful mountainous area known for its excellent hiking trails and skiing opportunities. Here are two great ways to make the most of Gunma\u2019s nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-canyon-minakami\">Biodiversity and Pristine Nature of Minakami<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The beautiful, mountainous area of Minakami is home to a great variety of Japanese flora and fauna, in no small part thanks to the relationship of the locals with the nature that surrounds them. Here you can find a gorgeous beech forest, eagles, owls, otters, and even the rare kamoshika deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large caption-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop-1024x431.jpg\" alt=\"snowy mountains with people backcountry skiing in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-97470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop-1024x431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop-500x211.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop-150x63.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174043\/Canyons-Minakami-snowshoe-mnt-backdrop.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Head to Gunma prefecture&#8217;s beautiful mountainous area for its excellent hiking trails and skiing opportunities. Photo: Canyons Minakami<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the incredible biodiversity and luscious nature provide&nbsp;<strong>great outdoor activities<\/strong>, from relaxing walks by the mountains and rivers to adrenaline-pumping canyoning and rafting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"97472\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174132\/Canyons-Minakami%E3%80%80rafting_minakami1.jpg\" alt=\"people in raft in a river with japanese alps in the background\" class=\"wp-image-97472\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"97473\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174132\/Canyons-Minakami%E3%80%80rafting_minakami2.jpg\" alt=\"people in wetsuits white water rafting in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-97473\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Try the rafting and canyoning tours offered by Canyons Minakami for a guided tour of the various Minakami canyons. Photos: Canyons Minakami<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For those adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventures, trying out an activity with <strong><a aria-label=\"Canyons Minakami  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/canyons.jp\/en\/areas\/minakami\/minakami-canyoning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Canyons Minakami<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best options for guided tours in the area. Their passionate team of outdoor experts will guide you on their rafting and canyoning tours of the various Minakami canyons. Who needs a theme park when you have this natural roller coaster!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-oze-national-park\">Hiking in Oze National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you simply want to appreciate Japan\u2019s nature in a more laid-back manner, then <strong>Oze National Park<\/strong> might be more for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-id=\"97476\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-2.jpg\" alt=\"man in Jacket facing a Misty Mountain view in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-97476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" data-id=\"97477\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-3.jpg\" alt=\"A wooden board walk through a marsh landscape in autumn with mountain background in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-97477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-3-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174550\/Oze-Katashina-3-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">To appreciate Japan\u2019s nature in a more laid-back manner, Oze National Park has breathtaking mountain scenery. Photos: Ministry&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Government of Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This beautiful national park is home to many rare plants and animals endemic to Japan, like the wonderfully fluffy cotton grass or the funky Japanese fire belly newt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking through Oze National Park, you\u2019ll be&nbsp;<strong>surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery<\/strong>. You can stop to admire one of Japan\u2019s majestic&nbsp;<em>hyakumeisan<\/em>&nbsp;(100 famous mountains), Mt. Shibutsu, as its reflection shimmers across the marshland of Ozegahara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full caption-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174639\/Oze-Katashina-1.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden walkway across marsh with pond reflecting blue sky in Japan while hiking\" class=\"wp-image-97479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174639\/Oze-Katashina-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174639\/Oze-Katashina-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174639\/Oze-Katashina-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/19174639\/Oze-Katashina-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">On clear days, the reflection of Mt. Shibutsu is one of the most beautiful views you may stumble across at Oze National Park, while hiking through the Ozegahara marshland. Photo: Ministry&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Government of Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The wetland area is a zero-carbon park known to be most beautiful in spring and early autumn and is a great place to feel close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-getting-around\">How to Get Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All sites listed in this article can mostly be reached by JR trains covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass with occasional transfer to other train\/bus lines. The Hokuriku Arch Pass covers travel from Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport to all of the areas listed above and more for a period of seven consecutive days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/3\/embed?mid=1O4bN6pH9_00ZMRoC4UrcxuJ5KVwrQ_Y&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"850\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>These spots are just a glimpse of the lesser-known interesting spots you can visit on Japan\u2019s New Golden Route, so get exploring and find out what other adventures await!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Sponsored by Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture,Nigata Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture,Gifu Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, Fukui Prefecture,Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto, Osaka, JR EAST, JR WEST<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain high on the list of many visitors embarking on their travel to Japan, few&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":97397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,26,1408,23,1],"tags":[1713,1247,1338,1711,1252,2058,1374],"class_list":{"0":"post-97388","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-activities","8":"category-culture","9":"category-kanto","10":"category-sightseeing","11":"category-sponsored","12":"tag-local-crafts","13":"tag-gunma","14":"tag-nature","15":"tag-near-tokyo","16":"tag-saitama","17":"tag-tokyo-city","18":"tag-train"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Travel Tokyo, Saitama, &amp; Gunma via the Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hokuriku Arch Pass allows unlimited week-long travel on Hokuriku Shinkansen trains. 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