Tour Suggestion
Niigata Prefecture's Tsubame-Sanjo City has long been renowned as a town of artisans. Gyokusendo, famous for its hammered copperware, performs a miraculous feat by shaping curves from a single hammer and a sheet of copper, resulting in exquisite utensils and teapots. Yamazaki Metal's tableware, blending design and practicality, gained recognition for being used at the Nobel Prize banquet. Other notable craftsmanship includes Suwada Seisakusho's nail clippers and Marunao, known for its hexadecagonal chopsticks.
While Tsubame-Sanjo stands out as the highlight of this tour, relaxation awaits at Yahiko Onsen, nestled next to the beloved Yahiko Shrine, known affectionately as "Oyahiko-sama." Though a bit distant from Tokyo, the journey is well worth it, promising not to disappoint. The outbound route departs from Tokyo, passing through Karuizawa, Nagano, Tsubame-Sanjo, Yahiko Onsen, and the return journey includes stops at Takasaki, Tomioka Silk Mill, Koedo Kawagoe, before concluding back in Tokyo. This tour encompasses history, culture, artisanal skills, National Treasure, UNESCO World Heritage site, and the joy of hot springs.
1. Arrival at Haneda Airport, ETA 04:25 by JL078, HND - Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza - Zenkoji Temple - Nakamise Shopping Street - Nagano
2. Nagano - Tsubame Sanjo Open Factory (Gyokusendo - Suawda - Marunao - Tsubame Sanjo Local Products Promotion Center) - Yahiko Onsen
3. Yahiko Onsen - Yahiko Shrine - Saifukuji Temple - Tomioka Silk Mill - Takasaki
4. Takasaki - Byakue Daikan’non - Darumaji Temple - Koedo Kawagoe - Tokyo
5. Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree - Ueno Ameyoko - Asakusa - Shibuya Crossing) - Haneda Airport
6. Departure for Manila, ETD 01:50 by JL077
Point of Interest
Day 1
Karuizawsa Prince Shopping Plaza 軽井沢ショッピングプラザ
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a resort-style shopping mall located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. It features approximately 240 stores divided into 10 shopping zones, including brand outlet shops and interior stores. The plaza offers amenities for families with children, such as stroller rentals, nursing rooms, and a kids' park, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place for visitors with children.
Zenkoji Temple 善光寺
Zenkoji Temple, known for housing what is believed to be Japan's oldest Buddhist statue, venerates the "Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai 一光三尊阿弥陀如来" as its primary deity. Renowned for its numerous virtues, it captivates approximately six million visitors annually. The saying "Even from afar, make a pilgrimage to Zenkoji" has been faithfully passed down since the Edo period. A single visit to Zenkoji is believed to secure one's passage to the Pure Land of Paradise, fostering deep-seated faith within the local community. The main hall, designated as a national treasure, is an absolute marvel not to be missed.
写真提供：善光寺 複製・再転載禁止
Photo: Nagano Convention & Visitor Bureau
Day 2
Tsubame Sanjo 燕三条
The Tsubame-Sanjo area is located approximately in the center of Niigata Prefecture and is well-known for its thriving production of cutlery, hardware, and Western tableware. While there is no specific city named Tsubame-Sanjo, the term is a combined reference to Tsubame City and Sanjo City. Originally, Tsubame was known as a town of craftsmen, while Sanjo was a commercial hub.
The transformation of the Tsubame-Sanjo area into a city of craftsmanship is largely attributed to geographical factors. Surrounded by the Shinano River, which has the highest annual water flow in Japan, and its tributary, the Nakano River, the area experienced frequent flooding. This hindered agricultural development, leading to the recruitment of craftsmen specializing in "wakugi" (Japanese nails) from other regions in the early Edo period. Metal industry flourished as a secondary occupation for farmers, and until the early Meiji period, 80% of the region's industry was dominated by the production of "wakugi."
Shiki no Yado MINOYA (The Four Seasons Japanese Inn MINOYA) 四季の宿みのや
Shiki no Yado MINOYA, situated at the gateway of Yahiko Shrine affectionately known as ‘Oyahikosama,’ traces its founding back to the year 1701. This historical hot spring Japanese inn has been widely cherished and holds a significant place in the rich history of Yahiko Shrine.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer unveils vibrant greenery, autumn displays colorful foliage, and winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, offering the distinct beauty of each season.
Day 3
Yahiko Shrine 弥彦神社
As the ancient Niigata Ichinomiya (chief shrine of Echigo), Yahiko Shrine has been a center of faith for a long time. It is affectionately known as "Oyahiko-sama," and it attracts over 200,000 visitors every year for their first shrine visit (hatsumode). Yahiko Shrine boasts a magnificent sacred forest, and the precincts, enveloped by trees, exude a sacred atmosphere. While it's particularly famous for its autumn foliage, you can enjoy the beautiful nature and forest bathing throughout the year.
Yahiko Park 弥彦公園
In the 5th year of Taisho (1916), Yahiko Park was established by the Echigo Railway Company in the 7th year of Taisho (1918) following the opening of the Sangu Line (now the JR Yahiko Line) between Yahiko and Iwamuro. It has since become Yahiko Shrine's outer garden and boasts an expansive area of approximately 40,000 square meters. Among them, the "Maple Valley" is renowned as a spot for autumn foliage. The view of the vermilion-painted Tsukimi Bridge combined with the autumn leaves creates a soothing atmosphere for visitors. In the evenings, the autumn leaves are illuminated, transforming the park into a fantastical world.
It is also well-known as a cherry blossom spot, with a long blooming period starting with Somei Yoshino in April and extending to the double-flowered cherry blossoms in early May. Visitors can also enjoy rare local cherry blossom varieties. As the season progresses from fresh greenery to azalea blossoms, you can also enjoy firefly-watching in Yahiko Park. Fireflies gathering near the clear waters enchant not only visitors to Yahiko Park but also those who come to observe them along the surrounding
Saifukuji Temple 西福寺
Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Ishikawa Uncho’s Artistic Marvels
The Saifuku-ji Temple in Mount Akagisan was founded in the late Muromachi period in 1534. What draws many visitors to Saifuku-ji is the intricate carvings, paintings, and decorative plasterwork created by Ishikawa Uncho inside and outside the Kaisan Hall, which is located next to the main hall. These works, produced by the master craftsman of the late Edo period, often referred to as "Japan's Michelangelo," Ishikawa Uncho, have been designated as cultural assets of Niigata Prefecture. These sculptures are so magnificent that Saifuku-ji is sometimes called the "Echigo Nikko Kaisan-do," rivaling Nikko Toshogu Shrine. While all of Uncho's works are worth seeing, the "Dogen Zenji Moko Chofuku no Zu" (Picture of Zen Master Dogen Subduing a Ferocious Tiger) is particularly impressive. Be sure to witness these masterpieces with your own eyes.
写真提供：魚沼市観光協会 複製・再転載禁止
写真提供：魚沼市観光協会 複製・再転載禁止
Byakue Daikan’non 白衣大観音
Inoue Yasusaburo’s Legacy, The Magnificent Showa-era Statue on Mount Kannon
At the summit of Mount Kannon, at an elevation of 190 meters, there is a concrete statue of Kannon, a Buddhist deity, which stands at a height of 41.8 meters and weighs 5,985 tons. The statue's thumb has a diameter of 0.4 meters. It was erected in the 11th year of the Showa era (1936) by the entrepreneur Inoue Yasusaburo.
The interior of the statue has nine stories, and visitors can climb up to the shoulder using a staircase. Inside, you'll find 20 Buddhist statues, and from the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of not only Takasaki city but also distant mountains like the Nikko Range, Chichibu Range, and the Yatsugatake Mountains, in addition to the Kanto Three Mountains.
観光群馬写真館提供
Shorinzan Darumaji Temple 少林山達磨寺
Birthplace of Takasaki Daruma Dolls
Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, located on the edge of the Kannon Hill Range, is a Zen temple of the Obaku sect. It is famous as the temple where the tradition of Daruma dolls, inheriting the teachings of Daruma Daishi, originated. Additionally, it is renowned as a spot for viewing autumn leaves. Within the temple grounds, which cover an area of approximately 56,000 square meters, various trees such as Japanese maple, ginkgo, and zelkova change color from early November to early December, allowing visitors to leisurely stroll while enjoying the autumn foliage.
When you mention Takasaki, it's so famous for daruma dolls that daruma dolls produced in Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture are called "Takasaki Daruma." About 1.3 million of these daruma dolls are produced annually, rivaling 80% of the nationwide production.
Takasaki Pasta 高崎パスタ
Gunma Prefecture is one of the leading wheat-producing regions in Japan. Dishes made with wheat flour, known as "konamono" cuisine, have been deeply intertwined with the lives of Takasaki city residents for a long time. Pasta, as one of the "konamono" dishes, is widely loved by Takasaki citizens of all ages and genders, and in recent years, it has been featured in newspapers and television as "the city of pasta." Around November each year, an event called "King of Pasta" is held in the city, where Italian restaurants and others compete to showcase the flavors and charm of pasta. Each participating restaurant offers their proudest menu using locally-sourced ingredients, and the "King" is determined through votes from the visitors.
Day 4
Tomioka Silk Mill 富岡製糸場
The Tomioka Silk Mill, established in the 5th year of the Meiji era (1872), stands as Japan's first industrial facility, created and operated by the government, symbolizing the foundation of the modern Japanese state. It is a historic structure, representing the concerted efforts of the Meiji government towards industrialization.
The most distinctive feature of the Tomioka Silk Mill is that the buildings, constructed over 140 years ago, have been preserved in excellent condition, retaining their original appearance from the time of establishment. This is a rare phenomenon globally, with no comparable modern silk mill existing outside of World Heritage sites.
During its time, the high-quality silk and sericulture techniques produced at the Tomioka Silk Mill spread internationally, contributing to the global development of the silk industry. The inscription as a World Heritage site is attributed to its significant role in advancing worldwide silk industry and popularizing silk.
Koedo Kawagoe 小江戸川越
"Koedo" means a town that flourished like Edo or a town that evokes the Edo period. Even today, the charming streets lined with storehouses in Koedo Kawagoe continue to attract popularity, bustling with many people on weekends. Depending on the location, such as the "Ichibangai" street lined with storehouses or places with historical significance like "Kitain Temple" associated with the Tokugawa family and "Senba Toshogu Shrine," Koedo Kawagoe presents different expressions.
The symbol of Koedo Kawagoe, the Time Bell Tower, is said to have been initially built by the lord of Kawagoe Castle, Sakai Tadakatsu, between the years Kan'ei 4 (1627) and Kan'ei 11 (1634) in the current location of Tagamachi (present-day Saiwaicho). Since its creation in the early Edo period, the Time Bell has been informing the residents about the essential aspect of "time" in their daily lives. The current bell tower was reconstructed in the year Meiji 26 (1893), following the Kawagoe Great Fire that occurred the previous year.
写真提供：（一社）埼玉県物産観光協会 複製・再転載禁止
Day 5
Tokyo 東京
As Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore. Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. Shinjuku is the thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores. Tokyo is a foodie paradise with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops.
Do you know the "Four Shiten’no Kings of Edo Cuisine"?
They are "eel, sushi, tempura, and soba." These four foods are now the most popular delicacies for the Japanese people. They are dishes that almost every Japanese person has tried at least once, and they are often enjoyed at restaurants more than at home.
These four foods have been consumed in Japan since before the Edo period. For example, eel. Eel bones have been found at Jomon period archaeological sites, suggesting that they were consumed as early as 4,000 years ago. However, they are referred to as the "Four Shiten’no Kings of Edo Cuisine" because they took on their current forms during the Edo period. Eel became "蒲焼 kabayaki," sushi adopted the "にぎりnigiri" style of preparation, soba became "そば切りsobakiri," the slender noodles eaten by slurping, and tempura evolved into the battered and fried "つけ揚げtsukeage" style, each achieving remarkable transformations during that time.
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