Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are Japan’s beacon cities when it comes to attracting overseas tourists. Most travel between them on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line, commonly known as Japan’s Golden Route. But there’s a new game in town, courtesy of a joint effort between the JR West and JR East railway companies: the Hokuriku Arch Pass. This week-long pass offers unlimited travel between these top destinations using the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, taking travelers to parts of Japan few overseas tourists get to see. This New Golden Route is packed with gems hidden among Japan’s less traveled prefectures.

Starting our journey in Tokyo, let’s make our way westward toward Osaka on the Hokuriku Arch Pass and see what awaits!

🄫Kintsugi Souke

Kintsugi Joinery Craft at Showzi Workshop in Tokyo

©Don Kennedy

In Tokyo, we visit the workshop of Showzi, an award-winning artist practicing the art of kintsugi, repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver, and other metals using a traditional kintsugi technique called maki-e. While you admire his artwork, Showzi might entertain you with stories about his art or even perform an impromptu tea ceremony. He has been practicing kintsugi since 1972, and his pieces have been exhibited internationally in France, Belgium and other countries.