Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations and are commonly
traveled between via the Tokaido Shinkansen along what has become known as Japan's 'Golden Route',
stretching along the main island's relatively urbanized Pacific Coast.
For this trip we thought we'd do things a little differently, instead taking advantage
of the recent extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Kyoto from Tokyo via the Sea of Japan
coast along this ‘New Golden Route'.
The aim of our journey is to experience a different, more tranquil side of Japan full
of natural beauty and rich culture, and to partake in some memorable experiences along
the way that are different those found along the more populated southern route.
The entire trip will take seven days in which we'll cover 11 prefectures in total, presenting
our journey over three episodes.
A great way to travel along the New Golden Route is by using the Hokuriku Arch Pass,
a 7-day pass exclusively available to oversea tourists that allows for unlimited use of
all the JR lines shown on the map including the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Episode one of this series will document our journey from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo
into Japan’s interior.
So join me, Sam Evans, as we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto along Japan's New Golden Route.
Day 1
We’ll begin our journey by checking out a couple of Tokyo’s popular sites before
heading on to Saitama Prefecture and the Omiya Bonsai Village as well as the Railway Museum.
Come late afternoon, we will head up to Gunma Prefecture, to end our day in Ikaho Onsen,
a historic hot spring town.
It’s the first day of our seven day tour from Tokyo to Kyoto, and what better place
to start it than at the magnificent SkyTree.
Its 634 meters tall and its the world’s tallest communications tower.
I cannot wait to go and check it out.
Let’s go!
At 350 meters above street level, the Tembo Observation deck allows visitors stunning,
panoramic views of Tokyo, with Mount Fuji even visible on clear days.
The lower levels of the huge complex house a variety of shops and restaurants giving
the Skytree something for everyone.
From the Skytree we take a bus to Tokyo Station and walk to the Imperial Palace.
Before we head on with our trip we’ve got a little bit of time so we made the short
walk from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace, the home of the japanese imperial family.
Not only is it a great place to stroll in the midst of royalty, there’s also some
pretty good photo opportunities too.
From Tokyo we take the Shinkansen to Omiya, where we’ll transfer to the JR Utsunomiya
Line to Toro Station and head to the Bonsai Village.
We are at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum which opened in 2010 and is a beautiful addition
to the Bonsai Village.
Inside there is a permanent exhibition which educates on the History and other aspects
of Bonsai, whilst outside in the garden, where we are now, visitors can admire a variety
of different trees and its generally a very pleasant place to be.
Not far from the bonsai village stands another of Saitama’s popular attractions: the Railway
Museum.
We're at the railway museum in Saitama one of the largest railway museums in all of Japan
Among its other impressive features this place boasts an abundance of retired trains and
is a must for train lovers.
It’s now time to take Hokuriku Shinkansen to eastern Japan’s hot spring mecca Gunma Prefecture,
where we’ll be staying at Ikaho Onsen, an old hot spring town known for its iconic stone
staircase that bisects the town as it climbs hillside.
After an amazing first day here we are at Ikaho onsen in this beautiful ryokan.
Where among other things we are going to enjoy a delicious looking traditional japanese meal,
a relaxing outdoor bath as well as an exploration to see what this town has to offer.
Day 2
After a traditional ryokan breakfast it’s time to head on to Nagano Prefecture where
we’ll first pay a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park.
Following this we’ll make our way to the nearby town of Shibu Onsen where we’ll explore
and stay the night.
From Nagano Station we take an express bus to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop from where
the monkeys are about a 30 minute hike along a gentle forest trail.
We’re here in the Jigokudani Monkey park where visitors can see the Japanese macaque
in its natural environment.
Now the park comes into its own in winter when snow typically covers the ground and
monkeys can be seen bathing in the park’s hot spring.
But as you can see any time of the year is a good time to come and see the monkeys.
It’s seems like it’s a bit of a hard life being a monkey.
After our fun at the monkey park this afternoon, we have arrived in the nearby Shibu Onsen, an attractive
and historical onsen town known among other things for its nine bath houses like this one.
Now, the ryokan in which we will be spending the night has given us this!
Which is a master key to all of nine of them.
So right now, I cant wait to get exploring because this place just seems great.
Nothing like a foot bath after a day of exploration.
Another evening, another delicious looking ryokan meal.
Now tomorrow we are going to move over to Niigata prefecture where we will start the
day with a bike ride along the coast, but for now let’s eat because I’m starving.
So in true Japanese style: kanpai!
And with that, the first part of this incredible journey has come to an end.
Be sure to join us in episode 2 as we continue towards Kyoto and enjoy more amazing experiences,
trying delicious local foods and taking in breathtaking views.
If you are looking for more information about this itinerary, click the links on the screen
now, or head over to japan-guide.com, your comprehensive, up-to-date travel guide, first-hand
from Japan.
Thanks for watching, and be sure to subscribe for more videos about Japan.
Happy travels.