27 November 2023
On the water and out in nature: Discovering Japan’s New Golden Route
Get to know Japan’s natural elements and spectacular scenery with these experiences along the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
Get to know Japan’s natural elements and spectacular scenery with these experiences along the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
Between the hectic high-rise life of modern Tokyo and the gilded ancient capital of Kanazawa, the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line speeds through some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery. You can hike through river valleys, kayak along canals and go canyoning in dramatic gorges – all linked by Japan’s efficient, comfortable trains.
The railway network is so extensive that you can easily visit off-the-beaten-track destinations with just one Hokuriku Arch Pass from Japan Rail, giving you the chance to delve deeper into Japanese culture, cuisine, history and nature. With the 2024 extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, the bullet train can whisk you from Tokyo to Tsuruga in just 3 hours and 8 minutes. Here are ten adventurous stops along the New Golden Route, also known as the Rainbow Route for its diverse attractions, taking you from Tokyo to Osaka via the Japan Alps and the Japan Sea coast.
Learn about Tokyo's history while kayaking on its canals
Get a completely new view of the capital on the Tokyo Great Kayaking Tour. As you paddle along the city’s historic canals, your guide will explain the history of Tokyo. Once a small fishing village, it was expanded by draining huge tracts of land, and the resulting network of canals was known as the ‘water city’ in the Edo era (1603–1868). You can view famous landmarks like Nihombashi bridge, the wide Sumida River and the elegant spire of Tokyo Skytree as you go, or just slow down and enjoy the experience.
Experience Gunma Prefecture's wild nature on a canyoning adventure
Gunma prefecture is known for its wild nature – steaming onsen, deep snowdrifts, and powerful rivers. It’s the perfect place to try canyoning, an adventurous activity in which you use various methods to make your way down a river valley, so it’s no wonder Japan’s first company dedicated to it was established here. Try the Rafting and Canyoning Experience to immerse yourself in the natural splendour of Minakami town. You’ll go cliff diving into a waterfall basin, slide down a natural waterslide on a rocky slope, and raft on the Tone, one of Japan’s three most rapid rivers.
Trek through the forested expanses of Chūbusangaku National Park (©Adobestock｜#542573593)
Norikura Kōgen is a huge plain at the eastern foot of Mt. Norikura, deep in the forested expanses of Chūbusangaku National Park. It’s criss-crossed with hiking trails, which you can explore on the Norikura Plateau Trekking tour. Your guide will point out seasonal flowers along the way – alpine flowers, as the altitude is over 1200 metres – and introduce you to the region’s four different types of onsen (hot springs). Visit the area’s different hot spring inns during the day or overnight, to enjoy their signature delicacies and ease your muscles in the restorative hot water.
Marvel at primeval cedar forests (© Sado Island Tourism Exchange Organization)
Once a remote place where political exiles were sent, today Sado Island draws in very willing visitors with its thriving arts scene, delicious fresh seafood and excellent hiking. On the Sado Eco Tour, you can trek through the primeval cedar forests in the island’s northeast. Some of the trees are well over 500 years old, despite their harsh environment – strong winds from the Sea of Japan, and snow in winter. Guides will lead you to the huge Kongo sugi tree, pausing to admire the dappled foliage and the cedars’ broad, red-brown trunks.
Get adventurous in the Kurobe River's refreshing waters
Kurobe Gorge is famous for its open-sided sightseeing train, which rattles along beside the river giving spectacular views. For a different perspective, though, you could try canyoning down a tributary of the Kurobe River, paddling through forests and past boulders. You’ll be able to gaze up at waterfalls from their basins, and even further up at the 3000-metre-high mountains which tower over the river on each side.
Pedal along a disused railway to take in Gifu's idyllic scenery
Enjoy a nostalgic trip through the idyllic, mountainous landscapes of Gifu prefecture with Gattan Go!! This new activity repurposes a post-disused railway line by fixing bikes onto the rails, meaning you can just sit down, pedal and enjoy the scenery without worrying about making a wrong turn. It’s a unique and fun way to get out into nature near the historic town of Takayama, known for its dark-wood houses and morning markets, and is especially good for couples (one bike for each rail) and families.
Take a riverside stroll by Kakusenkei Gorge
Immerse yourself in the restorative nature of Ishikawa prefecture’s Yamanaka onsen ryokans and valleys. Haiku master Matsuo Bashō was apparently inspired by Kakusenkei Gorge when he wrote “Here / The joy of a good / Outdoor walk.” Follow the trail alongside the Daishōji River to see more spots linked to the poet as you stroll from Kōrogi Bridge, made from Japanese cypress, to the stern stone arch of Kurotani Bridge downstream. Stop on the way at the seasonal kawadoko (riverside deck) to enjoy traditional Japanese sweets as you listen to the clear murmur of the water.
Enjoy a Wakasaji Kayak Tour to see Fukui from a different perspective
Fukui may be little visited by overseas tourists for now, but its peaceful atmosphere and serene natural experiences are sure to draw more people in with its new link to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Get ahead of the curve by going there yourself, to enjoy uncrowded temples, deep forests and crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking. There are two different Wakasaji Kayak Tours you could join: in summer, you can navigate the indented ria coastline of Wakasa Bay; and during the rest of the year, you can explore the Ramsar-registered wetland of the Mikata Five Lakes region.
Take to the waters of Japan's largest freshwater lake
Located between Fukui and Kyōto, Biwa-ko is not only the largest lake in Japan, but also one of the oldest in the world. The best way to appreciate its scale is from the water, and though there are sightseeing boats, heading out on a stand-up paddleboard lets you connect more closely with the lake’s vast expanse and its small details. Join a Biwako SUP tour to learn the basics before taking to the water – then just enjoy the feeling of wellbeing as you make your way out onto the glittering lake.
E-biking is a carefree way to see more of Kyoto's surrounding towns
Umi-no-Kyōto is a cluster of seven towns and cities in the north of the prefecture: Miyazu, Kyōtango, Maizuru, Fukuchiyama, Ayabe, Yosano and Ine. The Kyōto by the Sea E-Bike Tour (Escorted) links them all, taking you on an invigorating but not too strenuous cycling trip through the region’s atmospheric waterside towns and idyllic nature. Along the way, you can try local specialities like squid rice bowls, Tango barazushi (layered sushi with mackerel) and fruit sweets, and stop off at one-day hot springs.
For more information on planning your Japanese rail adventure, head to the official New Golden Route website.
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