kinugawaonsen - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T08:45:56Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/kinugawaonsenTobu Railway Launches Its Latest Model "Spacia X" Express Train with 40% Reduced CO2 Emissions Compared with the Previous Spacia Fleethttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tobu-railway-launches-its-latest-model-spacia-x-express-train-wit2023-09-20T15:41:03.000Z2023-09-20T15:41:03.000ZMarian Goldberghttps://tripatini.com/members/MarianGoldberg<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228531288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228531288,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228531288?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><em><strong>Spacia X Offers Superior Design Features, a Modern Café Car Serving Local Bites and Brews, and You can Ride with the Nikko All Area Pass.</strong></em></p><p>Tobu Railway's latest model flagship limited express "<a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/" target="_blank">Spacia X</a>" trains began their inaugural run July 5, 2023. The six-car series N100 EMU "Electric Multiple Unit" trains operate on the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa station in Tokyo to Nikko and Kinugawa-onsen in Tochigi Prefecture.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228533468,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228533468,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228533468?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>They are a spiffy, upgraded version of the original "Spacia Express" that launched in 2021. With six types of seating, to suit your travel style, they're a pleasurable ride. However, beyond their fashionable design, the new trains are impressively eco-friendly! They have reduced CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 40% compared with the previous Spacia fleet. The trains are effectively carbon net zero, with virtually all traction current sourced from renewables!<br /><br /><strong>More Details …</strong><br /><br /><strong><a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/fun/exterior/" target="_blank">Car Design</a></strong><br /><br />The Spacia X is a design-driven train, featuring windows inspired by the geometric patterns of Edo period <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fretwork" target="_blank">fretwork</a> carvings. The color is adopted from "noble white," resembling that of the <em>gofun</em> or whitewash on Nikko's famous <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3801.html" target="_blank">Toshogu Shrine</a>.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/fun/seat/" target="_blank">Seating</a></strong><br /><br />In addition to regular seating, there are also "compartments," sofas and lounge-type seats. Among these, the top-of-the-line "cockpit suite" is a spacious and luxurious "moving suite room" with a wide view vista from the forward window, reminiscent of a private jet.<br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228533687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228533687,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228533687?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Compartment Seating</em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228534286,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228534286,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228534286?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Box Seating</em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228535485,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228535485,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228535485?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Premium Traditional Style Seating</em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228535898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228535898,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228535898?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Cockpit Lounge</em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228536287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228536287,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228536287?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Cockpit Suite!</em></p><p><br /><strong>Eco-consciousness</strong><br /><br />The Spacia X reduced carbon emissions by improving motor performance and other features. As all operative electricity is converted to renewable energy, it helps contribute to the realization of "International Eco-Resort Nikko." With this concept, history, culture, traditions, and nature coexist in harmony.<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/cafe/" target="_blank">Café</a></strong><br /><br />The "GOEN" café, located in Car 1, sells Nikko beer, Nikko blend coffee, Nikko-brewed saké, desserts made from Nikko <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake_kasu" target="_blank">saké <em>kasu</em> or <em>lees</em></a>, and snacks produced in the Nikko area. The café also contributes to the local community by donating a portion of the craft coffee sales to the training of local Nikko tour guides.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228536696,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228536696,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228536696?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12228538071,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12228538071,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12228538071?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>On the SPACIA X Menu</em><br /><br /><strong>The Spacia X Can be Used with the Nikko-Pass</strong><br /><br />Tobu Railway's <a href="https://tobutoptours.com/en/nikko-all-area-pass.html" target="_blank">Nikko All Area Pass</a>, good for 1-4 days, includes round-trip transportation between Tokyo's Tobu Asakusa Station and Nikko as well as transportation within Nikko and numerous Nikko area attractions and experiences. When SPACIA X with the Nikko Pass, travelers need to purchase an additional express ticket on top of the regular ticket that is included with the pass. This is the case with all Tobu Limited Express trains. Spacia X fare information can be found here: <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/ticket/index.html#sale_ticket" target="_blank">https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/ticket/index.html#sale_ticket</a></p><p><img src="https://prod-rte-static.rakutentravelxchange.com/96f33ae8-86e4-42d8-865f-acad6e08d77b.jpeg?height=1000&format=webp" alt="Enjoy the Heritage of Nikko with 2 or 4-Day Pass in Tochigi" /><br /><br /><strong>About Nikko, Japan</strong><br /><br />Just two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is cultural epicenter surrounded by treelined mountains, Japan's highest altitude lake, and restorative hot springs. The shrines and temples of Nikko – 103 structures total – have been a registered UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999!<br /><br /><strong>About Tobu Railway</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">TOBU Railway Co., Ltd</a>. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 80 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.<strong><br /></strong></p></div>Kinugawa Onsen Celebrates its 330th Anniversary AND Kawagoe City Celebrates its 100th Anniversary - Both with Fireworks!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/kinugawa-onsen-celebrates-its-330th-anniversary-and-kawagoe-city-2022-08-06T15:49:29.000Z2022-08-06T15:49:29.000ZMarian Goldberghttps://tripatini.com/members/MarianGoldberg<div><div class="mrgn"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752458086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752458086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="10752458086?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><strong>Kinugawa Onsen's "Hyakka Ryouran Hanabi - Kinugawa Enka" Fireworks will be held Every Saturday from Now through December. Kawagoe City's 10,000 Fireworks Display will be held on August 20, 2002.</strong></div><p> </p><p>Fireworks are symbol of summer in Japan, but this year, two locations along the Tobu Railway, will be celebrating a bit more than usual.</p><p>Kinugawa Onsen, located approximately two hours north of Tokyo via Tobu Railway, will celebrate its 330th anniversary this year. As part of the commemorative events, fireworks will be set off, not only during the summer season, but every Saturday from July through December! The fireworks display, titled <a href="http://www.nikko-kankou.org/event/769/">Hyakka Ryouran Hanabi - Kinugawa Enka</a>," will begin at 9:00 pm.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752459261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752459261,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10752459261?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a> These brilliant night-sky light displays transition seasonally amid midsummer nights, long autumn nights, and clear winter air, so it’s even worth coming back for a second viewing later in the year. <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752458852,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752458852,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10752458852?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.kinugawa-onsen.com/lg_en/">Kinugawa Onsen</a> is a historic hot spring, where only Buddhist monks and feudal lords visiting <a href="https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/discover/history-and-culture/">Nikko</a> were allowed to enter during the Edo period (1603-1867). However, since opening to the public from the Meiji restoration (1868), it began attracting tourists. Today, it is one of the largest hot spring resorts in the Kanto region, with inns and hotels lining the Kinugawa River Valley. Its alkaline waters soothe neuralgia, stiff shoulders, fatigue, and in general promote good health. Other attractions in the area include the rich nature, manmade theme parks, such as <a href="http://edowonderland.net/en/">Edo Wonderland</a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752459494,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752459494,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10752459494?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a> and <a href="https://www.tobuws.co.jp/en/">Tobu World Square</a>,<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752460071,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752460071,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10752460071?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a> and the World Heritage Sites of <a href="https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/">Nikko</a> (30-minutes by car). <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752467292,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752467292,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10752467292?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>Tobu Railway offers the “<a href="https://tobutoptours.com/en/nikko-all-area-pass.html">NIKKO PASS all area</a>,” which includes the Tobu Railway lines between Asakusa and Shimo-Imaichi, Tobu-Nikko and Shin-Fujiwara stations, the Tobu bus line in Nikko, and a Lake Chuzenji pleasure boat cruise, along with other experiences and benefits. </p><p><strong>Fireworks in Kawagoe</strong></p><p>In the charming little Edo town of <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/saitama/kawagoe-area/">Kawagoe</a>, 30 minutes north of Tokyo’s <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/service/station/7105.html">Ikebukuro Station</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dbu_T%C5%8Dj%C5%8D_Line">Tobu Tojo Line</a>, the Koedo <a href="https://insaitama.com/kawagoe-fireworks/">Kawagoe Fireworks Festival</a> will be held for the first time in three years. (It had previously been canceled for Covid.) This year, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Kawagoe City's incorporation as a city, the fireworks display will be grander than usual, with 10,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752462300,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752462300,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="10752462300?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. for about 90 minutes. (In case of inclement weather, the festival will be postponed to August 21st.)</p><p><strong>Place</strong>: Kawagoe City, The Iruma River area in Aina Shinsui Park<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10752464499,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10752464499,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="10752464499?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>Tobu offers the “<a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/kawagoe/premium.html">KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS Premium</a>,” which includes discounted train fares on the <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/service/route.html">Tobu Tojo Line</a> (Round-trip train travel between Ikebukuro Station and Kawagoe or Kawagoe-shi Station), unlimited rides on the Koedo Loop “Hop-on Hop-off” buses, and benefits at co-operating stores in Kawagoe City.</p><p><strong>For More Information on Tobu Railways visit</strong>: <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/">https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/</a> <br /> <br /> TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 80 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.</p></div>Two Japan Evening "Light-up" Events in Autumn 2021https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/two-japan-evening-light-up-events-in-autumn-2021-22021-09-28T19:58:01.000Z2021-09-28T19:58:01.000ZMarian Goldberghttps://tripatini.com/members/MarianGoldberg<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622963100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622963100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622963100?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><b>In Japan's Nikko and Kinugawa-onsen areas, 2 Hours North of Tokyo along the Tobu Railway Nikko and Kinugawa Lines, Special Moon-Viewing Festivities with Autumn Light-ups will be held from September to November.</b></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p>There is a Japanese expression <i>Aki no Yonaga,</i> which literally means "long autumn night." This year, despite Covid-19, two popular, annual, celebratory light-up events, illuminating the autumn night, will be held in the Nikko-Kinugawa area, along Tobu Railway's Nikko and Kinugawa Lines.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622962895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622962895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622962895?profile=original" /></a><br /><strong>The Tsukiakari Hanakairo "<a href="https://tsukiakari.kinugawa-onsen.info/english/" target="_blank">Moonlight Flower Gallery</a>," September 25 – November 30, 2021, 6-9 pm at Kinugawa Onsen.</strong><br /><br />This illumination event, originated and hosted by the local community, is now registered as one of the best moon-viewing experiences by <a href="http://japan100moons.com/" target="_blank"><i>Nihon Hyaku Meigetsu</i></a> "Japan's 100 Best Moon Viewing Places Project." This year's event will be smaller in scale than previous years, due to Covid-19. It will be held in town under the title <i>Machinaka Tsukiakari</i>, meaning "Moonlight in the Town." <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964277,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964277,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622964277?profile=original" /></a> In addition to viewing the actual moon in the night sky, the event offers dreamlike illuminations of washi umbrellas, lanterns using children's art, a moon-lit fountain decorated with floral arrangements, lucky owls, and more.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622964061?profile=original" /></a></p><p>In addition to the light-up, a food event, <i>Machinaka Shiawase</i> Gourmet, meaning "Happy in Town Gourmet Event," will be held from October 1 – November 30, 2021, at select Kinugawa restaurants. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwywAwNROE8" target="_blank">video</a> shows the 2020 event (in Japanese).</p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>*The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a COVID-19 state of emergency. See the <a href="https://tsukiakari.kinugawa-onsen.info/english/" target="_blank">website</a> for more details.</em></span></p><p></p><p><b>"</b><a href="https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/spots/light-up-nikko/" target="_blank"><b>Light-up Nikko</b></a><b>," November 5 – November 7, 2021, 7-9 pm at the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nikko:</b><span> </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3801.html" target="_blank"><b>Toshogu Shrine</b></a><b>,</b><span> </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3804.html" target="_blank"><b>Futarasan Shrine</b></a><b>, and</b><span> </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3803.html" target="_blank"><b>Rinnoji Temple</b></a> <span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622964086?profile=original" /></a></span><br /><span>Nikko has attracted both pilgrims and tourists since bygone days. This is another magical event for enjoying </span><i>Aki no Yonaga</i><span>. In addition to illuminations of torii gates, temple buildings, art and grounds, usually there will be Free guided tours, music concerts and a food court. Photos of the 2019 event are displayed on the </span><a href="http://lightup-nikko.com/" target="_blank">homepage</a><span> (in Japanese). This </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjB1qX8QCYc" target="_blank">video</a><span> shows the 2018 event (in Japanese).</span></p><p><span><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>*The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a Covid-19 state of emergency.</em></span></span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964496,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964496,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622964496?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span><b>Make a trip more convenient and fun with Tobu Railway's NIKKO PASS ALL AREA!</b></span></p><p><span>The <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/nikko/all.html" target="_blank">NIKKO PASS All Area</a> includes free rides on trains and buses in the Nikko-Kinugawa region, as well as discounts on Limited Express fares and compartment room fares between Tokyo and Nikko. There are additional discounts for theme parks, souvenirs, restaurants and more. <b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9622964895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" class="align-full" alt="9622964895?profile=original" /></a></b><b>*Event schedules and contents may be changed or cancelled without notice.<br /><br />*Explore other Tobu Railway destinations at Tobu Railway's official Site:</b> <a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/</a><br /></span></p><p><span><br /><b>About Tobu Railways</b><br />TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.</span></p></div>