The Dream Sky Train

The Hokuhoku Line runs from Muikamachi, via Tokamachi out towards the Sea of Japan Coast. On the way through the mountains it has to pass through about 35 kms of tunnel. Tunnels are pretty dull at the best of times (unless you like that sort of thing) but on these trains they have found a very good use for them. While the train is in the tunnel they project animation and light shows on the roof of the carriage accompanied by uplifting music.

It is a great use of down-time and makes for a very interesting journey. It is always a great hit with the kids and is worth making the trip for even if you have no reason to head out to Naoetsu.

There is almost 20 minutes altogether of showtime as the train travels through 5 separate tunnels. There are several different shows, each with different themes, from fireworks, under the ocean, constellations, and outer space.

For a taste of the action there are some sample videos on the Hokuhoku Line Japanese webiste or some basic information on the English website.

And Kagura closes for the winter...

Kagura finished its long season today. It's been a long, snowy winter for Kagura Resort, kicking off as it does in November and going until almost June.

Spring always draws decent number although the snow is past its powdery best. It's always amusing strolling through Yuzawa on a warm spring day, temperatures almost in the 30s and warm in a T-shirt, to walk past someone togged up for a day in the snow carrying their skis or snowboards. It is great to get up there in spring and see crowds basking in the sun on the deck at the top of Kagura Gondola.

It's a 6 month wait for the snow to come back again but Kagura is beautiful in the summer with some great hiking and the higher altitudes make a great escape when the weather gets hot and humid. There is even lodgings open up high if you are looking for some mountain accommodation - Wadagoya.

Cross10 Tokamachi

Cross 10 is a road station just off the main street of Tokamachi. It has just had a refit and is now a great place to have a break or do a bit of shopping. It is right next to Kinare so there is plenty in the area to do if you have a bit of extra time.

There are a few different shops but they all celebrate the best of the area with local sakes, foods, materials and crafts. There are some really interesting souvenirs and you can be safe in the knowledge that they are all made by local craftsmen. The kimono heritage of the area is also prominent with material, accessories and kimonos for sale at a couple of specialist boutiques. Business card cases made out of kimono material are an example of one of the unusual items on sale.

 There is also a record-breaking display of hand-made decorations hanging from the ceiling as well as photographs and information about local events and attractions.

It is worth planning to eat there as there is a fantastic restaurant that specialises in local produce - seasonal and freshly harvested, prepared simply to showcase the fantastic flavors. It is also great value and is a modern take at Japanese fast food where organic local ingredients are the star of the show. Manma and cafe Yukimatsuri is the name of the establishment and it is highly recommended if you would like to savor the taste of Snow Country.

Minakami in Tokyo Weekender

Green season is well underway in Snow Country with most activities operational again after the winter hiatus. For outdoor enthusiasts Minakami is something of a mecca with heaps of different activities and plenty of great onsen in which to lounge around in the downtime. The town is currently featured in Tokyo Weekender.

Check out the full article here.

Hiking in Snow Country

It's been a very wet Golden Week in Snow Country this year. It is a bit of a shame as it is a great time of year for people to get out and about to enjoy the natural surrounding. The new spring greenery, along with the changing colors of autumn, is one of the best times to feel the changing of the seasons. At least all the rain of Golden Week should be good for the flora and we will soon be surrounded by lush greenery everywhere.

[From the Tanigawadake Ropeway Blog]

As the snow melts more and more of the great hiking routes become accessible. Early in the season it is best to stay on some of the lower courses. Many hikers carry bells with them at this time of year just to let the local wildlife know that they are coming and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Hiking is a very popular hobby and people come from far and wide to enjoy the treks and views in Snow Country. If you are after Japan's 100 Famous Peaks you will be able to bag a few while in the area, and some of the lower peaks offer fantastic climbs and great days out. 

No matter where you are in the region there is likely to be some amazing hiking around no matter what your experience or fitness level, and there is no better way to forget about the troubles of daily life than to immerse yourself in the beauty and silence of nature. Arrive prepared, respect the environment and enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese mountains.

Kiyotsu Gorge

Snow Country is awash with places of breathtaking natural beauty which is one of the reasons so many people visit the region. The dramatic changes between the four seasons also mean that the scenery is constantly changing, offering up different colors and atmospheres throughout the year.

Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the most famous of these. Situated in the Joshinetsu Highlands National Park it has been designated a natural monument. The river runs between huge cliff faces which have very distinctive rock formations and covered in local flora that show off the colors of the season.

It is one of the three best gorges in the whole of Japan and is particularly well set up as a tourist attraction. There is plenty of parking nearby and a tunnel has been cut into the cliff to enable visitors to fully enjoy the views on offer with several panoramic viewing stations allowing close ups of the surrounding beauty.

Inside the tunnel there are also displays, information, videos and photos that let you get a real feel for the area.

You truely feel as if you are out in the wilds but it is not far from either Tokamachi or Yuzawa so is very accessible, and with plenty of other attractions close by it makes for part of a fantastic day out.