Tsuruga travel guide and discussion

Japan by train can look intimidating before your first trip. JR. Private railways. Subways. Local trains. Limited Express. Shinkansen. IC cards. Reserved seats. Non-reserved seats. And then there are approximately 47 different signs telling you where to stand. 😂 But once you understand the basic system, travelling around Japan becomes surprisingly straightforward. Here’s the simple version I wish every first-time visitor had before arriving: 🚆 1. LOCAL TRAINS = GET AROUND THE CITY These are your everyday trains. Think Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other urban areas. They usually make more stops and are perfect for shorter journeys. You’ll encounter JR lines, subway systems and private railway companies depending on the city. 🚄 2. SHINKANSEN = TRAVEL BETWEEN MAJOR CITIES This is the famous bullet train. The major routes include: Tokaido: Tokyo → Nagoya → Kyoto → Shin-Osaka Sanyo: Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima → Hakata Tohoku: Tokyo → Sendai → Morioka → Shin-Aomori Hokkaido: Shin-Aomori → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Hokuriku: Tokyo → Nagano → Kanazawa → Tsuruga Joetsu: Tokyo → Niigata Kyushu: Hakata → Kagoshima-Chuo There are also the Akita, Yamagata and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen routes. So if your itinerary is: Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka you’re basically looking at the Tokaido Shinkansen. 🎫 3. IC CARD = YOUR EVERYDAY FRIEND Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and other compatible IC cards make short-distance travel much easier. Tap in. Ride. Tap out. They can also be used at many convenience stores, vending machines and lockers. But don’t assume an IC card works literally everywhere — some transport services and areas don’t accept them. Look for the IC symbol. 💺 4. SHINKANSEN SEATS You’ll generally see: NON-RESERVED Choose an available seat in the appropriate car. RESERVED You get an assigned seat. GREEN CAR More space and a more premium experience. Some Shinkansen services are reserved-seat only, so check the specific train before travelling. 🧳 5. BIG SUITCASE? PAY ATTENTION. This is one of the things tourists often discover too late. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, luggage with total dimensions over 160 cm requires a seat with oversized-baggage space to be reserved in advance. So if you’re travelling with a huge suitcase: CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE BEFORE BOOKING YOUR SEAT. It can save you a lot of hassle at the station. 🎟️ 6. DO YOU NEED A JAPAN RAIL PASS? Don’t automatically assume you do. This is one of the biggest Japan train myths. Compare: Point-to-point tickets vs. Regional rail passes vs. Nationwide Japan Rail Pass If you’re mainly travelling Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka, a nationwide pass isn’t automatically the obvious choice. The right option depends on your exact route and how much long-distance JR travel you’re doing. 🍱 7. YES, YOU CAN EAT ON THE SHINKANSEN Long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen are different from crowded city trains. Buying an ekiben at the station and eating during the journey is part of the experience. On local and subway trains, however, eating is generally best avoided. 📱 8. CHECK THE ROUTE BEFORE YOU LEAVE Japan has multiple railway companies operating in the same cities. So don’t just look at the train name. Check: Station → Line → Direction → Train type → Platform → Destination Apps such as Google Maps, Japan Travel by NAVITIME and Jorudan can help with routes, fares and schedules. 🇯🇵 THE EASY WAY TO THINK ABOUT JAPAN RAIL Around the city → JR / subway / private railway Between major cities → Shinkansen / Limited Express Short everyday journeys → IC card Long-distance route → Compare individual tickets + regional/national passes Once you understand those four things, Japan’s train system suddenly makes a lot more sense. And honestly? The train system is one of the reasons Japan is so rewarding to travel independently. You don’t need to understand every railway line in the country. You just need to understand the route you’re taking today. 📌 Save this before your Japan trip.

During my trip to Nagasaki, I visited Gunkanjima (Hashima), a place I've always wanted to go. Its official name is "Hashima," but it became known as "Gunkanjima" (Battleship Island) because its silhouette on the water resembles the Japanese battleship "Tosa." This island once thrived as an undersea coal mine, supporting Japan's modernization. At its peak, over 5,000 people lived on this tiny island of just about 6.3 hectares, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world at the time. Today, it is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, designated in 2015 as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" ✨ ⸻ Upon landing, our guide gave us detailed explanations about the daily life and buildings from that era. It was fascinating to walk around while learning about the history, rather than just staring at ruins. The brick building in the photos was a public bathhouse for the coal miners. Conservation work is currently underway to ensure these structures are carefully preserved for the future. Some of Japan's earliest reinforced concrete apartment buildings still remain on the island. The time spent walking around, imagining what life was like back then, was truly invaluable. ⸻ On the boat ride to Gunkanjima, we also passed near the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyards. You can really sense the background of Nagasaki's development as one of Japan's leading shipbuilding and heavy industry hubs. Seeing this in tandem with the history of Gunkanjima deepened my overall understanding. ⸻ The truth is, the buildings on Gunkanjima are gradually collapsing due to ongoing damage from typhoons and high waves. That's exactly why it's a place you should visit while you still can, rather than just saying, "I'll go someday." It was a deeply memorable World Heritage site and an experience you can only get in Nagasaki. ⸻ 📍 Gunkanjima (Hashima) ✅ World Cultural Heritage Site ✅ Landing via guided tours only ✅ Landing may be canceled depending on weather and wave conditions If you're thinking, "I want to visit someday!", I highly recommend saving this post so you don't forget 📌✨

Kanazawa in Hokuriku, I’ve been three times and still want to go back. This time I specifically chose mid-July to catch Kanazawa at its greenest and perfectly avoid the crowds of Golden Week and Obon. Honestly, Kanazawa is the kind of city where your first visit feels "okay," but by the second visit, you’re hooked and can’t leave. 🚅 How to get there The Hokuriku Shinkansen extended to Tsuruga in 2024, but it doesn’t affect routes to Kanazawa. It still takes 2 hours 28 minutes direct from Tokyo, with frequent departures. From Osaka, take the JR Thunderbird via Tsuruga and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, about 2 hours 40 minutes total. Driving from Nagoya via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway takes about 3 hours. Don’t rush out after arriving at Kanazawa Station! The "Tsuzumi Gate" at the east exit is one of the world’s largest wooden gate structures, 13.7 meters tall, made from over 3,000 Kaga cypress pieces. It’s even more stunning when lit up at night. It’s best to take photos here before heading out. 🏡 This guesthouse was a wonderful surprise ⛰️ The guesthouse is on a small street near Nagamachi samurai district, less than 100 meters down a stone-walled path from the samurai residences. A washi paper lantern hangs at the door, so understated you might almost miss it ⛰️ It’s a century-old machiya renovation, with exposed wooden beams preserving the original framework. The living room has a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing a dry landscape courtyard. The afternoon light streaming in creates an incredible atmosphere ⛰️ The second-floor bedroom has two large wooden lattice windows. The east-facing one looks toward Kanazawa Castle 🏯. Opening the window at dawn reveals the castle’s turret roof glowing pink in the morning light. You can watch the sunrise right from bed Day 1 tea house district + Asanogawa riverside stroll Kanazawa has three main tea house districts: Higashi Chaya, Nishi Chaya, and Kazue-machi. Most people only visit Higashi Chaya, but I found Kazue-machi to be the hidden gem 👑 Along the Asanogawa river path, wooden machiya sit right on the riverbank. In summer evenings, people cool off by the river, and as lanterns light up one by one, I almost cried standing on the bridge (a bit dramatic, but it really is beautiful). Nishi Chaya is even quieter. I recommend visiting the Nishi Chaya Museum, free admission, which recreates a corner of a tea house. Just outside Nishi Chaya is the Teramachi temple cluster, with seven or eight small temples side by side, each unique. The moss-covered stone steps in summer create a peaceful vibe perfect for zoning out. Day 2 cultural immersion In the morning, visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum 🧘 This world-renowned Zen philosopher was from Kanazawa. The museum is in a quiet residential area. The water mirror garden reflects the sky, and the building has won multiple design awards. Admission is 300 yen, closed Mondays. Sitting by the water listening to the wind with an empty mind is one of the most luxurious moments of travel. For lunch, head to Omicho Market. Known as "Kanazawa’s kitchen," seafood rice bowls are a must, but don’t just stick to the popular shops. Upstairs, some smaller places offer better value. Arrive right at 10 AM when it opens; after 11:30 AM, lines can be endless. In the afternoon, try a gold leaf workshop. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, and applying it yourself is easier than you’d think! I chose a long-established shop in a Higashi Chaya alley. The craftsman guided me step-by-step: first applying glue to the item, then carefully placing the gold leaf with bamboo tweezers. The whole process took about 45 minutes and cost around 2,500 yen. It felt very rewarding, and it makes a great gift to bring home ✨ Day 3 Kenrokuen + Kanazawa Castle deep dive Kenrokuen is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer, admission 320 yen. I purposely arrived right at 7 AM when it opened. The garden was almost empty, filled with cicada calls. Summer Kenrokuen is all about green—the moss, pine trees, and duckweed on the water, layered in shades of green. Kasumigaike Pond is the centerpiece; walking around it reveals different views of its beauty. Highly recommend the Shiguretei teahouse inside the garden. It’s the only Edo-period building left in Kenrokuen and requires a separate ticket (300 yen including matcha). Take off your shoes and sit on tatami mats facing a traditional Japanese garden. With a cup of matcha and a wagashi sweet, time seems to stand still. Cross the bridge to Kanazawa Castle Park, free entry! Enter through Hashizume Gate and walk to the Sanjikken Nagaya, a restored Edo-period wooden building that shows the wealth of the Kaga domain. There’s a café inside the castle grounds—rest your feet with a hand-drip coffee while looking out at the castle walls. It’s so relaxing you won’t want to leave. Spend the afternoon at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The round, all-glass building looks like a UFO landed in the city 🛸 The lobby is free to explore, and the outdoor lawn is dotted with art installations. Lying down watching clouds for two hours is no problem. Admission to the exhibition area is 450 yen. Be sure to book ahead to experience the famous "Swimming Pool" installation on the official website. Standing at the bottom of the pool looking up at the rippling water above is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The museum stays open until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a different vibe under the lights. 📝 Practical tips from the heart ① Kanazawa is humid in July, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature. Plan indoor activities (museum, tea house, café) between 12 PM and 3 PM ② Don’t buy a bus day pass. Kanazawa’s attractions are walkable, and you’ll only take the bus 2–3 times max per day ③ Some buses don’t accept IC cards, so prepare exact change! Take a boarding ticket when you get on and pay cash when you get off ④ Kenrokuen has four entrances. The least crowded and best for photos is the Mayumizaka entrance ⑤ Kanazawa Castle closes at 6 PM daily. To catch the castle walls in dusk light, arrive between 5 PM and 5:30 PM ⑥ The 21st Century Museum is closed Mondays. The swimming pool installation has lines starting at 60 minutes on weekends. Weekday mornings are the smoothest ⑦ Kanazawa Station has luggage lockers. Large lockers cost 500 yen. Travel light for a full day of exploring Kanazawa is truly a place you don’t want to leave once you arrive. It has Kyoto’s depth without the crowds, Tokyo’s refinement without the noise. In summer, sunlight filters through pine branches onto stone paths, cicadas sing, and sipping iced barley tea brings that feeling of "life is good" that you can only experience by standing there yourself 🌿

📍 Itinerary Overview Spend 2 days and 1 night exploring Tsuruga City on this relaxing and chill trip! 💃 🚩 Travel Route For Day 1, we highly recommend starting at Tsuruga Port 🔱 to enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Next, walk over to the Red Brick Warehouse area, which boasts a fantastic atmosphere and is incredibly photogenic 📸. Afterward, head to the Tsuruga Railway Museum. In the evening, take a stroll through the downtown area to experience the nightscape and local cuisine of this charming Japanese small city. On Day 2, focus on city sightseeing! Right in the city center, there’s a famous cafe called Nitta Coffee, where they roast their own beans. You can grab a coffee to go, and their resident baristas are award-winning! From there, take a walk to Kehi Jingu Shrine and the Tsuruga Castle Ruins. 🏖️ Must-Visit Spots · Tsuruga Port · Red Brick Warehouse · Tsuruga Railway Museum · Kehi Jingu Shrine · Tsuruga Castle Ruins 🚇 Getting Around Starting from JR Tsuruga Station is super convenient. Within the city, you can easily walk or take a bus that drops you off right at the attractions 🚌. If you plan to visit multiple spots in one day, consider getting a 1-day tourist bus pass, which basically covers all the destinations. 📷 Photo Ops The Red Brick Warehouse looks stunning from any angle, and the seaside pier and retro trams are super popular spots for taking pictures! Don't forget to wear a cute outfit for your photos ❤️! 🍜 Specialty Foods Tsuruga has a bustling fish market, so you absolutely cannot miss out on the fresh sashimi and seafood. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendation Natural Hot Spring Wakasa no Yu Dormy Inn Tsuruga · Address: 5-20 Shiroganecho, Tsuruga, Fukui · Highlights: The hotel features an open-air hot spring, which is super relaxing after a long day 👍. Plus, it's super close to the JR station, making it incredibly convenient! 💡 Travel Tips: Remember to bring an extra jacket, as the temperature drops at night. Some smaller shops only accept cash, so it’s handy to have Japanese Yen prepared~ This itinerary is packed with activities but never feels rushed, making it perfect for those who just want to unwind! Tsuruga City is definitely worth a visit, so be sure to bookmark this guide!

. Tsuruga doesn't have many attractions, and they are quite concentrated, mostly within walking distance. Many are near the seaside green park square (pictures 3️⃣4️⃣). 1. "Kibimatsubara" (picture 7️⃣), known as one of Japan's three great pine groves. About 1.5 kilometers of white sand and green pines, with approximately 1,700 majestic pine trees. 2. Kehi Shrine (pictures 8~12) 3. Old Tsuruga Port Station (picture 5️⃣) 4. Red Brick Warehouse 5. Kanagasaki Shrine

#TravelChat Today, we're inviting you to visit Tsuruga Castle (Crane Castle) in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. When it comes to the charms of Japan in winter, the sight of a snow-covered ancient Japanese castle is definitely on your list. 🏯✨ And one of the most stunning castles that will have you snapping photos is Tsuruga Castle, also known as the Crane Castle. The blanket of snow makes for a truly romantic atmosphere, like a scene from a period drama. The castle itself has been renovated, but it still retains its rich historical atmosphere. Inside, you can explore the history of samurai and ancient warfare, and there's even an observation deck on the top floor, offering a view of the entire city of Aizu covered in pure white snow. It's a beautiful and peaceful sight. ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (There is an admission fee to enter the castle.) 🚌 Getting there is easy. From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take the "Haikara-san" or "Akabe" bus and get off at the Tsurugajo Kita-guchi stop. It's only about a 20-minute ride to the castle. #traveljapan #fukushima

A local sushi restaurant that has been in Tsuruga for 70 years The warm wooden exterior of the store makes me feel nostalgic When I saw the seasonal dish being served over the counter, I couldn't help but smile, thinking, "Ah, I'm glad I came here." The best part of this restaurant is the conversation with the friendly chef. I'm glad that even solo diners can enjoy the atmosphere. Tasting it with local sake deepened my memories of the trip. The sake was delicious, so I bought some at a liquor store that the chef told me about before returning to Osaka. · ———————————— 📍"Sekitori Sushi" 1-11-18 Honmachi, Tsuruga City ⏰11:30-14:00 17:00-21:00 (closed on Wednesdays) 💰About 5,000-6,000 yen per person PayPay available · ——————————— #EnjoyJapan

📍 Mizushima, Fukui 　Mizushima is an uninhabited island floating in Tsuruga Bay, known as the Hawaii of the Hokuriku region. 　During the summer, ferries are available, so many people come to swim in the sea! ! Ferry operation period🛳️Saturday, July 13th, 2024 to Sunday, September 1st, 2024 Round trip fare from Irogahama to Mizushima, Urasoko to Mizushima (including environmental beautification contribution) Adult: 1,500 yen Children: 800 yen Since it is a small uninhabited island, no one lives there🏝️ (There are simple toilets. There are no showers on Mizushima, but on the land side when you return) 　When I went there for the first time, I was surprised that Fukui had such a beautiful sea😳😳✨! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! You can fish, fillet and eat freshly caught horse mackerel on the spot, grill freshly caught turban shells, and take a jet to a private beach or the blue cave. It's a spot where you can enjoy summer to the fullest 💙 Add some excitement to your daily life: 🌙 📍 Mizushima, Fukui 📮 Irogahama, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 🚃 Take the community bus "Jomiya Line" from JR Tsuruga Station, get off at "Irogahama", then walk for 3 minutes 🚗 About 40 minutes by car from Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway ⇒ Take a ferry to Mizushima #Sea diary #Fukui #Trip to Fukui #Tourism in Fukui #Summer trip #Summer vacation

🏝 The sea in Tsuruga is just like Okinawa! The water at Nyu Shirahama Beach is so clear that it's as beautiful as the sea in Okinawa🌞It's a beach with such good transparency that you might mistake it for Okinawa🌊 🪨 Rocky area with a sense of unexplored land If you walk a little from the beach to the rocky area, you will see a view that feels like a hidden place. The magnificent view created by the natural rocks will soothe your soul☺️ 🚢 Ships shining against the sea and blue sky The ships floating in the distance stand out against the blue sea and sky, making a very picturesque scene. Please enjoy the scenery unique to Nyu Shirahama Beach. 📍 Location Nyu, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 🗺 Access Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway Train: Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from JR Tsuruga Station 🕰 Business hours Available 24 hours, but lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 to 17:00 (summer only) Enjoy the beautiful sea and the feeling of a hidden place at Nyu Shirahama Beach and refresh yourself! #0 yen trip #domestic trip #sea #beach #Fukui trip #Fukui sightseeing #Tsuruga

At Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture, there are dinosaurs on the platform! ✨ Sit on a bench and take a photo with them ☺️ Dinosaur fossils have been found in Fukui Prefecture, and there is also a dinosaur museum ✨ It might be fun to look for dinosaurs all over Fukui Prefecture ☺️ #dinosaur #station building #museum #Fukui #photo spot #instaworthy #tripmemory2022

#Japan Attractions The more famous beaches in Japan, mostly in Okinawa... The water island located in Fukui Prefecture is a secret island and beach😍😍 ▶️ About 500 meters long, slender uninhabited island ▶️ "Hokuriku's Hawaii", the blue sea and white sandy beaches ❤️❤️ This secret place is only open for about a few months a year... the sea water is clear to see the bottom, and there is less pollution in the upper ocean. So many people bring diving goggles to see marine life🐟😍 ⏺️Access: From JR "Tunka" Station, take the COMMUNITY BUS "Tomiya Line" for about 32 minutes. Get off at "Sebina (Sekohama)" Station and walk for 3 minutes to the "Sebina (Sekohama)" pier and transfer to the ferry for about 10 minutes

I got on a train from Kyoto, passed Lake Biwa, and got off halfway. I strolled around Tsuruga, a town I visited for the first time. I walked along the well-maintained streets from the station to Tsuruga Port. This is a photo of the area around Kanagasaki Green Space. There are several historical and museums in the area, and Kanagasaki Green Space is a good place to take a break. I got a pamphlet from a nearby tourist facility. There's a line in a song that goes, "I want to walk through an unknown town. I want to go somewhere far away." By stopping off in a town you don't have a chance to visit, you can encounter unknown scenery. You can also find places you haven't seen on social media. I felt that this is the real joy of traveling, as I got off the train halfway. #FukuiTrip #Fukui #Tsuruga #Trip #TripWithStopsAlongTheWay #WalkingAroundTheWay #Trip #Trip #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #WalkingAroundTheWay #TsurugaPort

I got off at Tsuruga Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line. My destination was Shiosou's original tai sushi, which has been making ekiben since the Meiji era. Looking back at history, it seems that they have been in business here for generations since the early Edo period. Their pressed sushi made with lotus roe caught in the nearby seas is elegant, easy to eat, and filling, making it a great meal for your train trip or as a souvenir. I actually wanted to buy some sasa sushi, but it required a reservation in advance. Unfortunately, I didn't do enough research this time. . Thunderbird and Shirasagi express trains stop at Tsuruga Station. On this day, the connecting train was significantly delayed, so I was stuck. However, the multi-purpose facility (?) directly connected to the station, Olpark, has a variety of shops and facilities, including a waiting room, restrooms, a convenience store, and a standing soba restaurant, in addition to Shiosou, so the wait time was not a problem even in the middle of winter. When transferring between trains in rural areas, it is reassuring to use a terminal station in case something happens. Also, the Hokuriku Shinkansen will be extended to Tsuruga in 2024. #Fukui #Tsuruga #ekiben #Hokuriku Shinkansen

Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. I went to a local specialty restaurant in Tsuruga City 🍴 It's called Europaken. It's a traditional Western-style restaurant 😋 It's voluminous and filling! I recommend the sauce katsudon ♡ If you're in Tsuruga, be sure to stop by! # Photogenic spot

Kehi Shrine is located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. Locals affectionately call it "Keisan" 👀 It is said to be one of the three largest wooden torii gates in Japan ⛩ (The other two are Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and Kasuga Taisha in Nara) It was a spot that gave me power. #photogenicspot

Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. There is also a red brick warehouse here♡ A port with a retro townscape. There are so many photogenic spots I couldn't stop taking photos📸 I also took a break at a stylish cafe♡♡ #photogenicspot

We chose to take the ferry as a means of transportation from Fukui to Hokkaido 🚢 Because it was the off-season, there were very few people on the ferry and we felt like we were always being treated like VIPs 🥰 We were able to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant, and the quality was so high that it was hard to believe it was on board, so if you do board, please try the food in the restaurant 🍛 #StayingAtHome #Tsuruga #Tomakomai #AmazingView #GourmetTrip #TripToEnjoySpring #CoupleTrip #Gourmet

I went to the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, which is located in Fukui Prefecture closer to Kyoto❤️ Inside, there were miniatures of old stations and train lines, which were really cute☺️ If you go to Tsuruga, please stop by! #stayhome #greatviews #foodtrip #triptoenjoyspring #coupletrip #food

I boarded the Shin Nihonkai Ferry Suinsen [Tomakomai East Port → Tsuruga Port]. There are so many ship options for getting from Honshu to Hokkaido. 🛳 Taiheiyo Ferry connects Nagoya (Sendai) to Tomakomai, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ferry connects Oarai to Tomakomai, and now, the Shin Nihonkai Ferry that I'll be introducing today! Shin Nihonkai Ferry is the ferry with the most departure and arrival points, departing from Tsuruga Port in Fukui Prefecture, Maizuru Port in Kyoto Prefecture, and Niigata Port in Niigata Prefecture to Tomakomai. I was surprised by the luxurious cabins and facilities, which I didn't expect to find on board! The meals were full of local delicacies, which was interesting. ♪ In winter, rough seas can make it less comfortable, but during warmer months, a ferry is a relaxing way to travel to Hokkaido! #BreathtakingView #SeasideView

Matsubara Beach Resort There are also places where you can camp. The view is very nice❤️ 📍 33 Matsushimacho、Tsuruga、Fukui 914-0801 #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

This National Day, I found the most comfortable way to travel: Using a "Kansai & Hokuriku Area Pass (7-day)" to ride all the way from Osaka to the Sea of Japan. This pass costs ¥790 and is valid for 7 days. It covers unlimited rides on JR lines within the region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, and Wakayama, and north to Fukui, Kanazawa, and Toyama. It also includes non-reserved seats on Limited Express trains and the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and even the HARUKA train to and from Kansai Airport. It works out to be much cheaper than buying individual train tickets. 📌 Information referenced from the official [JR West Travel] mini-program. Actual prices may fluctuate based on exchange rates and booking channels. My 7-day itinerary: D1 Arrive in Osaka, take the HARUKA to the city center, and eat takoyaki in Dotonbori D2 Kyoto: Fushimi Inari at 7 AM, with only the foxes and the breeze D3 Travel along Lake Biwa toward Tsuruga; the entire train carriage is filled with sunset D4 A walk by the sea in Tsuruga, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen in the afternoon to head to Kanazawa D5 Morning mist at Kenrokuen Garden + gold leaf ice cream in Higashi Chaya District + seafood bowl at Omicho Market D6 Transfer to the small Himi Line train at Takaoka, Amaharashi Coast: The Tateyama Mountain Range floats across the sea. I stood on the platform for half an hour in silence D7 Return to Osaka from Kanazawa, stock up at Kuromon Market, and finish at the airport The Hokuriku region during the National Day holiday is early autumn, around 20°C. Kyoto and Osaka are packed with people, but here, even the popular Chaya District can be explored at a leisurely pace. Some honest thoughts: 🚃 Osaka to Kanazawa: Take the Thunderbird to Tsuruga and transfer to the Shinkansen. It takes just over 2.5 hours, and the view outside the window shifts from city to sea 🌅 The train to Amaharashi Coast is rarely crowded. Check the timetable in advance and time your trip for the sunset 🍁 The autumn leaves haven't arrived in early October, but the rice ears and sea breeze already carry the scent of autumn If I had to choose again next year, I would still take the train and slowly make my way to the sea. Tags:

🚂 Tsuruga "Galaxy Express 999" × "Space Battleship Yamato" In Tsuruga City, there is a special stretch known as "Symbol Road" that runs from JR Tsuruga Station all the way to Kehi Jingu Shrine. This street is lined with bronze statues featuring characters and scenes from Leiji Matsumoto's iconic works, Galaxy Express 999 and Space Battleship Yamato. 🌌 Why are there anime statues in Tsuruga? This is rooted in Tsuruga's history as a hub for both railways and maritime trade. Tsuruga once served as a vital link between Japan and mainland Europe. It was the terminus for the Eurasia International Liaison Train, which connected Tokyo to Tsuruga Port. In 1999, to celebrate the centennial of the port's opening, the city installed these statues of characters and scenes from Leiji Matsumoto’s works. There are currently 28 bronze statues along the route: · 🚂 Galaxy Express 999: 18 statues · 🚀 Space Battleship Yamato: 10 statues City officials treat them as part of Tsuruga’s identity as a "City of Science, Railways, and Ports." ⭐ What can you see? On the Galaxy Express 999 side, look for: Tetsuro Hoshino, Maetel, the Conductor, Queen Emeraldas, Claire, Count Mecha, and other legendary characters and scenes. On the Space Battleship Yamato side, you'll find: Yuki Mori, Susumu Kodai, Dr. Sado, and various scenes related to the Yamato. Moreover, these statues are not placed randomly; many follow the narrative flow of the stories, making it a perfect storytelling walk. 🚶 How to explore? The simplest route is: JR Tsuruga Station → Symbol Road → Kehi Jingu Shrine Walking this path is a great way to experience both the anime culture and the city itself. Tsuruga is truly a unique destination: On one hand, you have Kehi Jingu Shrine, the ancient port, and railway heritage; on the other, the futuristic interstellar dreams of 999 and Yamato.

Visit the Tsuruga Railway Museum in Fukui Prefecture 🚂 Tsuruga, or Tsuruga City, is an important port city located in central Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It features the Tsuruga Port area and the Red Brick Warehouses, old seaside warehouses that reflect the city's past history. It is also home to the Tsuruga Railway Museum.

I've already "teleported" to Tsuruga. ⛩️ Kehijin Shrine | Tsuruga Kehijin Shrine (氣比神宫・けひじんぐう) is located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. It's one of the most historically significant shrines in the Hokuriku region and is known as the "Head of the Hokuriku Road." The biggest attraction is the towering vermilion torii gate, a prominent landmark of Tsuruga. 🌿 Highlights · Great Torii Gate ⭐: Approximately 11 meters tall, it's one of the three largest wooden torii gates in Japan and a representative landmark of Tsuruga. · Main Hall and Shrine Gate: The shrine has a long history and enshrines seven deities, including Kehijin. · Chomeisui (Chōmeisui): Located within the shrine grounds, the Chomeisui is said to be related to Empress Jingū. · Autumn Colors 🍁: The ginkgo trees, autumn leaves, and vermilion torii gate create a beautiful contrast, giving the shrine a traditional Japanese shrine atmosphere in autumn. · The shrine is located within Tsuruga city, making it a great place to visit along with Kanesaki Shrine, the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, and the Sea of ​​Japan. 🌲 Kehimatsuhara | Tsuruga Kehimatsuhara (气比の松原・けひのまつばら) is located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, and is one of Tsuruga's most representative seaside landscapes. Black pines stretch for approximately 1.5 kilometers along the Japanese coast, creating a typical Sea of ​​Japan scene with pine forests, white sand beaches, and azure waters. 🌊 Key Features · One of Japan's three major pine forests, alongside Miho-no-Matsuhara and Niji-no-Matsuhara. · The pine forest covers approximately 34 hectares, making it quite large. · Pine trees accompany the Sea of ​​Japan, offering expansive coastline views on clear days. · Unlike Kyoto temples where autumn foliage is dominant, this place offers a different kind of refreshing autumn beauty: verdant pine forests, golden autumn sunshine, and the Sea of ​​Japan. · It is also one of Japan's 100 Views. It was a pity it was cloudy and a bit windy; otherwise, it would have been a spectacular sight. 🍱The place we had lunch today, Uogin, is supposedly the "king" of local seafood donburi. It was indeed quite exquisite, and the taste was good. The real highlight was the small bowl after the meal: fresh egg with fish roe and sea urchin—an explosion of umami flavor! I wonder how they came up with that.

The Shinkansen looks complicated when you first start planning Japan. Nozomi? Hikari? Kodama? Reserved seat or non-reserved? JR Pass or individual ticket? And what happens if you bring a giant suitcase? 😅 The good news: you don’t need to understand every train in Japan. You just need to understand the basics before you book. 🚄 1. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SHINKANSEN? The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail network connecting major cities across the country. For tourists, it’s especially useful for longer journeys such as: Tokyo → Kyoto Tokyo → Osaka Tokyo → Hiroshima Tokyo → Sendai There are multiple Shinkansen lines covering different parts of Japan, including Tokaido, Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Joetsu and Kyushu. 🚅 2. NOZOMI, HIKARI OR KODAMA? On the Tokaido-Sanyo route, you’ll commonly encounter: NOZOMI The fastest option, with fewer stops. HIKARI Slower than Nozomi, with more stops. KODAMA Stops at every station on the route and takes longer. For a typical Tokyo → Kyoto trip, Nozomi is generally the quickest choice. But here’s an important detail: If you’re using the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, Nozomi isn’t included automatically. JR Pass holders need an additional special Nozomi/Mizuho ticket to use those services. 💺 3. CHOOSE YOUR SEAT You’ll generally see: NON-RESERVED No assigned seat — sit in the appropriate non-reserved car. RESERVED Your seat is assigned when you book. GREEN CAR More space and a more premium experience. Some services are reserved-seat only, so don’t assume every Shinkansen has a non-reserved option. 🗻 4. WANT TO SEE MT. FUJI? If you’re travelling Tokyo → Kyoto/Osaka, a window seat on the right-hand side is traditionally recommended for views of Mt. Fuji when conditions and the route allow it. But don’t plan your entire trip around the view — clouds have their own itinerary. 😂 🧳 5. YOUR SUITCASE MATTERS This is one of the most useful things to know before boarding. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, luggage with total dimensions over 160 cm requires a seat reservation with oversized-baggage space. There is no separate fee for the luggage space itself; you pay the normal reserved-seat fare. So if you’re travelling with a huge suitcase: CHECK THE BAG SIZE BEFORE BOOKING. 🎟️ 6. DO YOU NEED THE JR PASS? Maybe. Maybe not. Don’t buy it simply because you’re travelling to Japan. Compare your actual itinerary first. For a trip focused around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, individual tickets or regional passes may make more sense depending on your route. If you’re covering a lot of distance across Japan, the nationwide JR Pass can become more useful. The important part is: ROUTE FIRST. PASS SECOND. 🍱 7. YES, YOU CAN EAT ON THE SHINKANSEN Unlike crowded city trains, eating and drinking are generally allowed on Shinkansen services. And this is your excuse to buy an ekiben — a station bento box — before boarding. Honestly, eating a bento while watching the Japanese countryside disappear outside the window is part of the experience. 📱 8. DON’T CONFUSE IC CARDS WITH SHINKANSEN TICKETS Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and other IC cards are extremely useful for everyday public transportation. But don’t assume that simply tapping your IC card means you’ve bought a Shinkansen journey. Long-distance Shinkansen travel has its own ticketing/reservation systems, although some services and setups allow IC-card-based boarding when properly linked or supported. Check the exact service before travelling. ⏰ 9. BOOK AHEAD WHEN IT MATTERS During busy travel periods, popular Shinkansen services can fill up quickly, and some services operate as reserved-seat only. Golden Week, summer holidays and the New Year period are particularly important times to plan ahead. If you know exactly when you want to travel, reserving in advance can make the journey much less stressful. 🇯🇵 THE SIMPLE SHINKANSEN CHEAT SHEET Tokyo → Kyoto/Osaka 🚄 Tokaido Shinkansen Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima/Hakata 🚄 Sanyo Shinkansen Tokyo → Sendai/Tohoku 🚄 Tohoku Shinkansen Tokyo → Kanazawa/Tsuruga 🚄 Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakata → Kagoshima 🚄 Kyushu Shinkansen And remember: Fast doesn’t mean instant. Japan is much larger than it looks on a tourist map, and even a Shinkansen journey can take several hours. That’s why I like planning Japan around regions, rather than trying to cross the entire country every other day. 📌 Save this before your first Shinkansen trip. Once you understand the routes, train types, seats, luggage rules and ticket options, the whole system becomes much less intimidating.

Traveling from Osaka to Toyama is quite convenient despite there being no direct Shinkansen service. Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka Station to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Toyama. The total journey takes about 2 hours 35–50 minutes with only one transfer. I recommend staying near Toyama Station for all three nights to make traveling easier and avoid moving your luggage. 📍 DAY 1: Exploring Toyama City Start your day with a signature white shrimp bowl at Shiroebi-tei. Next, take a tram to the Toyama Glass Art Museum, walk over to Toyama Castle Park, and spend your evening at Fugan Canal Kansui Park. Make sure to visit the famous Starbucks by the canal before heading back for sushi at Sushitama near the station. 🏔️ DAY 2: Tateyama–Murodo Depart from Dentetsu-Toyama early in the morning, taking a train, cable car, and Highland Bus up to Murodo. You can witness the towering snow walls in spring, or enjoy a walk around Mikurigaike from summer through autumn. It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance and check the weather forecast before you go. 🌊 DAY 3: Takaoka–Amaharashi Explore Zuiryu-ji Temple, the Takaoka Great Buddha, and the historic Yamachosuji district. Afterward, take the JR Himi Line to the Amaharashi Coast. The iconic view of the sea framed by the Tateyama Peaks is stunning when the weather is clear. Don't forget to check the return train schedule in advance. 🍜 DAY 4: Last-Minute Shopping Stop by the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art, try some local Toyama Black Ramen, and buy Masuzushi or white shrimp snacks at TOYAMARCHE. Finally, take the Shinkansen back to Tsuruga and transfer to the Thunderbird for your return to Osaka. Note: The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is seasonal. If you visit during the off-season, I suggest going to Gokayama or Unazuki Onsen instead.

When I went back home to Mie for the Obon holiday, I rented a car for what was supposed to be a short drive... but while trying to avoid traffic jams, I somehow ended up all the way in Fukui Prefecture! (lol) I stopped for a slightly early lunch at a drive-in style market called Nihonkai Sakana-machi. Nihonkai Sakana-machi After getting off the Hokuriku Expressway at the Tsuruga I.C. and driving toward the city, I saw a large sign. It was still a bit early for lunch, but I decided to wander around the market to kill some time. Nihonkai Sakana-machi The market was filled with Tsuruga's seafood bounty—famous mackerel, crab, dried fish, kelp, and more... Oysters! There were even huge rock oysters! Yotte-ya While I was wandering around, the restaurants started opening one by one, so I decided to try a place that looked popular called "Yotte-ya." Special Salmon Bowl While the squid, tuna, and crab all looked tempting, as a salmon lover, I couldn't resist this one: the Special Salmon Bowl (1,480 yen). It was a real treat, topped with 5 large slices of salmon sashimi, 3 slices of fatty salmon, 4 seared slices, plus flaked salmon and salmon roe ♪ The seared salmon was definitely my favorite. After enjoying a spontaneous, delicious meal in Hokuriku, I wonder where I should head next? Yotte-ya 1-1531 Wakaba-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture (Inside Nihonkai Sakana-machi) 0770-20-0357 Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed: Same as Sakana-machi

#slowtraveling Tsuruga is the port where the Trans-Siberian railway once docked — 1 hr 10 min from Kyoto on the JR Kosei/Obama Line (¥1,980, change at Maizuru or direct seasonal). From Tsuruga Station it’s a 20-minute walk north to the Kanazawa-dori waterfront, named for the old shipping lane to Kanazawa. The red brick path is a row of 1910s customs warehouses — one now a museum (¥300, 09:00–17:00), one a seafood market, one a cider hall. I walked it at 16:00 as the Russia-bound freighters sounded horn. The brick reflects orange; the Sea of Japan goes slate. Entry to the former Moji customs replica is free, the Tsuruga Port Museum is ¥300. Eat at “Kehi no Mochi” stall in the market (¥380, cash) or the brick-cider hall’s local IPA (¥600, card OK). The waterfront has zero chains — just fishing cooperatives and a statue of the 1920 Polish refugee landing. Carry ¥3,000 cash; the market stalls don’t do Suica. Mistake: doing Tsuruga as a 90-minute transfer to the Hokuriku Line. The brick path at dusk, with gulls and a ¥380 mochi, is the entire point. Would you sprint to Kanazawa, or give the port that fed Kanazawa one slow brick-lined hour? The freighter horn votes for the hour.