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| Japan gears up for tourism promotion of Hokuriku and Central Honshu in 2014  Japan's train network extends to yet another corner of the country by the end of March 2015, this time connecting Tokyo to one of the most culturally rich regions of Hokuriku and Japan's adventure destination in central Honshu. Although this region has long been attracting culture- and culinary-savvy travelers, the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train's new train service from Tokyo, where the majority of foreign travelers arrive, certainly boast the area's appeal due to quicker and more convenient access.Some aspects of these areas have been already made claim to fame. Lonely Planet, for example, has listed Hokuriku as one of its top destinations for 2014. The new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train will reduce travel time between Tokyo and Kanazawa, the most popular destination in Hokuriku, by half to only about 2.5 hours. It will also provide faster access from Tokyo to other destinations like Takayama City, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui and Nagano from Tokyo. Train operator Japan Railway Group has created exquisite designs and details both inside and out the new bullet train. With the futuristic and sleek design, the train is specifically designed to reduce noise and air pressure, minimize vibration and operate with a superior brake system. Its colors, blue and copper, are chosen to reflect the clear blue sky and the hue of the region's many crafts. Inside, train cars demonstrate Japan's Zen-like simplicity, compact but with a high level of functionality. In upper class cars, Hokuriku crafts' colors and materials have been selected to create a sense of place and enhance the traveling experience. Together with the launch of Hokuriku Shinkansen, there are several new developments in the region's growing tourism industry to complement the many historic ryokan (Japanese inn) located at the region's many natural hot springs. Tokyu Hotels Co., Ltd., for example, one of Japan's major hotel chains, is putting the final touches on a renovation of their Kanazawa property, which will reopen in October 2014 under a new name, Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel. For more traditional experience, the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago/Gokayama welcomes general public to some centuries-old farmhouses for accommodation, offering the chance to experience daily life and hospitality in an authentic traditional Japanese village. write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Construction News :: home page |