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Secret Scenery in Popular Spots (Pt 2)
23 February 2008
     
 
   
 
This week on Japan Hour, continue on your journey in discovering the undiscovered. Your first stop is in Oku-Matsushima Island. It is located at the gateway of Miyatoshima and faces the Pacific Ocean. Drop off at Nobiru train station and head to Akemeso Inn.

Akemeso Inn is famous for it's local seafood dishes. Roasted japanese sea bass, amberjack and scallops are a few of the many dishes served during dinner. The next morning, go on a sight-seeing tour and visit Matsushima Bay and Nobiru Coast. From there, you can see the 3km coast line.

Another place not to be missed is Sagakei. Rent a sightseeing boat and take a 2km ride on it to get there. On the left of Sagakei is the Byoubu rock which acts like a screen blocking the wind. Me-Jima (Female island) is on the left of the rock, whereas on the opposite side stands O-Jima (Male island).

Next, head to Kamikochi. It is is located 1500m above sea level and is a popular Japanese tourist attraction. Hike to Karasawa and enjoy the fabulous views of the northern Alps up there. Start off on the Kappa Bridge and enjoy the beautiful sight of the water from the top of Mt. Hotaka floating under the bridge.

After walking for an hour, arrive at Myoujin. Mt. Myoujin will take your breath away. Cross the Myoujin Bridge after that to get to Okumiya shrine. Continue to walk further into the forest and reach the Myoujin pond. This pond is like a mirror, reflecting the image of Mt. Myoujin. Definitely must not be missed while on a visit to Kamikochi.

Arrive at Kamoji house. It was established in 1880 and built in the Taishou period. Watch fish being roasted and don't forget to try their famous roast Char.

After Myoujin, enter Okukamikochi and continue walking down. One hour after leaving Myoujin, reach Tokusawa - a farm right now full of cows and horses. Take a break in the garden and enjoy ice-cream with milk that's straight from the farm. After that, hit the road again and reach Yoko - a cross road between Karasawa and Yarisawa. Although there is only 6km left before reaching Karasawa, it's uphill from here.

After climbing for 40 minutes, the 700m high Byoubu rock appears. Cross the very last bridge for today - Hontani Bridge and reach a rocky slope. It takes 1 hour to cross Hontani Bridge. In between the mountains, you can see a valley. In the middle of the valley is your destination, Karasawa peak.

Karasawa kaaru is located 3000m above sea level and Karasawa peak is right in the centre. Get some rest in the bedroom before going for dinner.

The next morning, enjoy the sunrise of Karasawa at the terrace before exploring more of Karasawa. Walk on snow and climb up the Hotake mountain range. Wild flowers can be found during the short summer of the mountain. At 2000m above sea level, the mountain is a tough place for any flower to survive.

Next, head to Kanazawa where you will be able to experience several Japanese traditions. Hop on Kanazawa's circular route bus, a bus very convenient for locals and tourists. Arrive at Ishikawa Gate, the castle of Kanazawa. Kenrokuen was built in the Meiji period and it is located in there.

Before proceeding to your next destination, try out some traditional dessert in Yoshihashi dessert shop near the Kenrokuen. The dessert costs 1200 (S$15.90) per person and it includes a cup of green tea. Try out Hakuro - a dessert that that represents autumn leaves to mark the start of autumn.

Explore Higashi tea house street next which is located at the foot of the mountain. On the way, enjoy the pretty sights of the castle down. Before heading down, explore the small alley nearby to find the old Japan in Kanazawa. Pass by places such as Mida liquor store - a house built in the Taisho period and a shrine in Heart Road.

Climb up a little further and visit a little tea house called Utatsu. It is a locally famous restaurant and very popular with families. One thing about this place that attracts so many people here is the fact that every room has a view. Order the local special and try it out.

After filling your bellies, head to your inn for the night. Go deep into the mountains of Kanazawa and arrive at Yamashita Inn in Yuwaku Onsen. Yamashita Inn has 1300 years of history and is a popular place for relaxation amongst tourists and locals alike. Have a dip in the hot spring before dinner.

Enjoy dishes such as Wild Udo and Brackens from the mountains, fresh sashimi from the sea of Japan, Kiji shrimp and duck stew. After a well deserved rest, gead to Kanazawa's 21st century art museum in the morning. It is a new hot spot in Kanazawa and is open to the public. Most of the art there are from artists overseas, and one of the rooms has a window on the ceiling for you to observe the sky.

Next, head into a shop which specialises in making gold leaf. The gold leaf thickness ranges from 10mm down to 2mm and the gold has to be beaten many times to achieve this thickness. End off your wonderful trip in Umeno Bridge.

 
Episodes
Trips Without Any Fixed Itinerary In Early Summer (Pt 1)
Train Journey To Find Flowers (Pt 2)
Train Journey To Find Flowers (Pt 1)
Inns With Nature ~ Healing You ~ (Pt 2)
Inns With Nature ~ Healing You ~ (Pt 1)
View Full Listing

 

 
 
- Scallops are a specialty in Okumatsushima.
       
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Together, O-Jima and Me-Jima are called the Married Islands.

 
       
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Kamoji House is famous for its salt roast Char.

 
       
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A better view of Jyounen mountain can be seen from Atsumino.

 
       
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The trail to Karasawa is about 16km and it takes a 7 hour trek to get there.

 
       
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Be sure to put on comfortable footwear and clothing before starting your trek up to Karasawa peak.

 
       
  - Aleutian Avens and many other types of wild flowers can be found at the Hotake mountain range.  
       
  - Kanazawa is also known as a "Castle Town".  
       
  - Jibuni (Jubu Stew) got the name from the clan of Kagahan's servant - Okabe Jibuemon who came up with that dish.