Key Takeaways:
- Hokuriku Shinkansen extension opens 16 March
The Shinkansen extension from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, in Fukui prefecture is now open for passengers. The ride between Kansai and Kanazawa is now a bit faster, and we are working to increase the activities available in Kanazawa, a city that we suggest spending at least two nights in.
- EXO Japan supporting local communities
To help support the local economy of Noto Peninsula, EXO Japan has selected Wajima chopsticks as a gift to include in welcome packs for some of our clients (as per agreement). Wajima-nuri lacquerware is a traditional technique of Wajima, in Noto Peninsula, where many artisans and communities suffered heavy damage from the 1 January earthquake.
- Seasonal Opening Announcements:
– Tateyama Kurobe: This route through the Northern Japanese Alps will be open from 15 April to 31 May and again from 1 to 25 June.
– Kamikochi: The Kamikochi region of the Japanese Alps will be open from 27 April to 15 November.
– Mount Fuji: The exact dates for the climbing season of Mount Fuji have not been announced yet, but some new policies are in place. This includes a limited number of hikers from the Yoshida Trail (4,000) as well as an entrance fee of 2,000 yen and a closing time for access between 4 PM and 3AM.
- Geisha streets closure in Kyoto:
Despite foreign media news about possible closures of the streets in the Kyoto geisha district of Gion, we want to clarify that the closing will presumably apply to the narrow private alleys and not to the main streets like Hanamikoji. Our tours will not be affected.
