One of Japan’s most compelling features as a travel destination is the unique mixture of modern and traditional, and the new Golden Route traveling from Tokyo through the Hokuriku region to Kansai is the perfect way to experience both! Japan is famous for its bullet trains which take travelers around the country with comfort and ease that rivals airlines. Using the new Golden Route, also known as the Rainbow Route for its diverse attractions, travelers can use this modern marvel to explore Japan’s rich history and enjoy traditional gourmet along the way. Ready to go on a journey? Here are some of great destinations along the Hokuriku route.
Destination 1: Edo Faceting in Tokyo
Even in the modern metropolis of Tokyo, there are windows to the past! What we now know as Tokyo was known as Edo until 1868, and the history and culture of Japan’s Edo period can still be found throughout the city. Edo Kiriko is a perfect example. Kiriko is a type of high-level artistic glass cutting that dates back to the 1830s in Edo. The Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan (aka Edo Kiriko Glass Museum) offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the craft, as well as the opportunity to experience the craft for themselves in workshops with skilled artisans.
Destination 2: Kiryu Weaving in Gunma
Takasaki Station lies just one hour outside of Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and offers easy access to Kiryu City. Kiryu is famous for its specialty silk weaving, rivaling even that from Kyoto. Kiryu silk has a history dating back some 1300 years, based on records from the Shoku Nihongi (an important source of history from Japan’s Nara period). At the Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall, you can learn the long history of this traditional craft, buy high-quality handmade silk goods, or participate in simple workshops where you experience the hand-weaving process for yourself.
Destination 3: Nagano Wine
Wine lovers may first think of places like France or the Napa Valley, but vineyards in Nagano Prefecture have been turning heads in recent years. For example, Ueda City’s Chateau Mercian Mariko Winery was ranked in the top 40 vineyards in the world in 2023, and a number of other wineries have won international awards. With a variety of grapes grown in the region and multiple stops in Nagano Prefecture, the Hokuriku Shinkansen offers a numerous options for those looking to try local wines.
Destination 4: Kiwami Sushi in Niigata
If you’re coming to Japan in search of fresh sushi, Niigata has you covered! In 2007, a group of local sushi chefs created a special sushi platter called Kiwami Sushi. The platter must include sea urchin, fatty tuna, salmon roe, along with other local fish. The specific ingredients change based on the time of year, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of local seasonal flavors. Due to the fresh water of the Shinano and Agano rivers flowing into the sea along Niigata’s coast, as well as the mixture of warm and cold waters in the region, the fish here have unique textures and flavors. Combined with the region’s famous rice, this is a sushi gourmet experience any sushi-lover will enjoy!
Destination 5: Metalware in Toyama
For over 400 years, Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture has been producing high-quality cast metalware. In fact, of the domestically produced copperware in Japan, it is said that over ninety percent originates in Takaoka City. Traditionally, much of the creations from Takaoka were used for Buddhist religious practice or other ceremonial use. In modern times the creations are much more diverse, with local artisans using their traditional skills to create items for modern daily life such as tableware. Locations like Otera Kohachiro Shoten and the Takaoka Regional Industrial Promotion Center (both easily accessible from Shin-Takaoka Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen) provide travelers with the opportunity to both learn the history and make their own metallic creations.
Destination 6: Kaga Cuisine in Ishikawa
In the Edo Period, modern day Ishikawa Prefecture was part of the Kaga domain under the rule of the Maeda family. The region experienced incredible prosperity during this time, and this prosperity left a lasting influence on the cuisine and dining culture of Ishikawa Prefecture. Much of the rich tradition and culinary culture from that era can still be experienced today in Kaga Cuisine. Kaga Cuisine combines local ingredients ranging from fresh seafood to wild mountain vegetables with finely crafted local dining ware, creating a harmony that delights both the palate and the eyes. Several types of Kaga Cuisine can be enjoyed near Kanazawa Station, or near Kaga Onsen Station and Komatsu Station for those looking to explore further into Ishikawa Prefecture.
Destination 7: Echizen Washi in Fukui
Legend has it that some 1500 years ago a mysterious woman appeared in the Echizen area of modern day Fukui Prefecture and kindly taught people of the region how to make paper from the natural resources around them. Whether the legend is true or not, the region certainly has been known for its high-quality Japanese washi paper since at the least the Nara period. Washi paper produced in Fukui has been used in everything from official Japanese documents to beautiful works of art. At the Echizen Washi Village, near Echizen-Takefu Station, visitors can learn more about the history of this traditional paper and enjoy a hands-on experience where they learn to make Echizen washi paper for themselves.
Destination 8: Hida Beef in Gifu
The Hida region of Gifu Prefecture is famous for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, but many visitors may not realize the region is also famous for its delicious beef. While Kobe beef has received much notoriety through the years, Hida beef is just as famous in Japan. Since the early 1980s, cattle farmers in Hida have worked hard to cultivate the highest grade of beef. The region is now famous across the country for producing quality beef with an incredible texture, appearance, and flavor. Numerous restaurants in the region offer this delicious beef on the menu. Visitors can find the perfect stop for the itinerary at the official Hida-Gyu (Hida beef) English website.
Destination 9: Shigaraki Pottery in Shiga Prefecture
Just east of Kyoto in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, lies one of Japan’s oldest pottery producing locations - Shigaraki. In the past, this area was a major thoroughfare for traffic to and from both Kyoto and Nara, which made it an ideal location for such an industry. Through the years, Shigaraki potteries specialized in everything from utensils for tea ceremonies and charcoal heaters used in homes both for heating and cooking. In modern times, they continue to create everything from tableware to flower vases to decorative tanuki/racoon statues which are popular throughout the country. You can learn more about the history of Shigaraki pottery and experience Shigaraki ceramic classes at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
Destination 10: Tango Chirimen in Kyoto
Kyoto is probably one of the most famous cities in Japan, but while it is well-known worldwide, the most of tourists are unaware of the attractions outside of Kyoto City itself. If you would like to explore areas that other tourists might miss, consider visiting Kyotango City, located by the Sea of Japan. Kyotango is the birthplace of the unique silk fabric "Tango Chirimen," which originated 300 years ago during Japan's Edo period. This silk fabric is known for its softness and distinctive bumpy texture, which is praised for its pleasant feel when touched. Visit Kyotango provides detailed information about Tango Chirimen (including tourist spots and Chirimen-making experiences), so be sure to check it out.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out the official New Golden Route website to start building your itinerary!
