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