A Trip to Shoryudo - Travel Sharing in Chubu Region of Japan
Photos and Article by Club Canon Member Eddie Kwong
Shoryudo refers to the areas in Chubu and Hokuriku regions at the center of Japan. This travel route goes from Toyama prefecture in Hokuriku region to Nagoya in Tokai region. The shape of these regions resembles a rising dragon with the Noto Peninsula as its head, giving this sightseeing destination its nickname of “Shoryudo”.
Shoryudo refers to the areas in Chubu and Hokuriku regions at the center of Japan. This travel route goes from Toyama prefecture in Hokuriku region to Nagoya in Tokai region. The shape of these regions resembles a rising dragon with the Noto Peninsula as its head, giving this sightseeing destination its nickname of “Shoryudo”.
Source: The SHORYUDO Project Promotion Association
Choosing the Starting Point for Your Shoryudo Trip
Most travelers visiting Shoryudo would choose to start at Nagoya in order to save time when going from attractions to attractions. This time, however, I chose to start at Osaka so that I could go see the sakura blossom in Yoshinoyama in Nara prefecture which was in full bloom during my travel dates. The view of blooming sakura all over the mountains was something I longed to see.
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/320s • f/11 • ISO 400
This view from Naka-Senbon Park on Yoshinoyama was surrounded by sakura trees
This view from Naka-Senbon Park on Yoshinoyama was surrounded by sakura trees
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x III • 1/400s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
A shot of houses on the opposite mountain amidst the sea of sakura trees taken with a telephoto lens
A shot of houses on the opposite mountain amidst the sea of sakura trees taken with a telephoto lens
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x III • 1/1250s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
Yoshinoyama was covered by sakura trees. This dreamy shot made use of sakura in close range to create a blurry foreground
Yoshinoyama was covered by sakura trees. This dreamy shot made use of sakura in close range to create a blurry foreground
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x III • 1/500s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
Yoshinoyama
Recommended transportation: To get to Yoshinoyama from Osaka, you can take either the private railways or JR to Tennoji Station. Then walk over to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station next to Tennoji Station and take a direct train on the Yoshino Line to Yoshino Station (you can pay more to take a direct limited express train to save time). Upon arrival at Yoshino Station, take the shuttle bus to Naka-Senbon Park which will be our shooting destination.
Recommended transportation: To get to Yoshinoyama from Osaka, you can take either the private railways or JR to Tennoji Station. Then walk over to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station next to Tennoji Station and take a direct train on the Yoshino Line to Yoshino Station (you can pay more to take a direct limited express train to save time). Upon arrival at Yoshino Station, take the shuttle bus to Naka-Senbon Park which will be our shooting destination.
Shoryudo • First Stop • KANAZAWA
After taking photos of the magnificent sakura mountain, I said goodbye to Osaka in the Kinki region and started my trip to Shoryudo officially. After about 3 hours’ train ride from Osaka, I arrived at the quaint Kanazawa. Located in the central part of Honshu, Kanazawa is the prefectural capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa has maintained various traditions from generations to generations, including traditional handicrafts such as gold leaf and Kaga Yuzen, cultural arts such as tea ceremony and Noh Performance, and cuisine such as Kaga Cuisine and Japanese confectionery.
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM • 15s • f/8 • ISO 50
A modernly designed Torii outside Kanazawa Station
A modernly designed Torii outside Kanazawa Station
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/4000s • f/4 • ISO 800
The splendid view of sakura trees lining along the traffic road outside Kanazawa Castle has attracted locals and tourists to come and take photos
The splendid view of sakura trees lining along the traffic road outside Kanazawa Castle has attracted locals and tourists to come and take photos
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/640s • f/4 • ISO 200
Kanazawa Castle is not as big as other castles like Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle
Kanazawa Castle is not as big as other castles like Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/4000s • f/4 • ISO 800
Kanazawa Castle
Address: 1-1, Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take bus at Kanazawa Station and get off at Kenrokuen Garden．Kanazawa Castle Park
Reminder: You can buy a One Day Pass at Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center
Address: 1-1, Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take bus at Kanazawa Station and get off at Kenrokuen Garden．Kanazawa Castle Park
Reminder: You can buy a One Day Pass at Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM +2x III • 1/160s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
Kenrokuen Garden is another landmark of Kanazawa. The thoughtfully designed garden shows visitors glorious and distinctive landscape of the four seasons
Kenrokuen Garden is another landmark of Kanazawa. The thoughtfully designed garden shows visitors glorious and distinctive landscape of the four seasons
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/640s • f/4 • ISO 200
The sakura trees were blooming splendidly at the time I visited. By controlling the depth of field to create a blurry foreground and background, you can easily add a dreamy touch to your sakura photos
The sakura trees were blooming splendidly at the time I visited. By controlling the depth of field to create a blurry foreground and background, you can easily add a dreamy touch to your sakura photos
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/400s • f/11 • ISO 200
Kenrokuen Garden
Address: 1-4, Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take bus at Kanazawa Station and get off at Kenrokuen Garden．Kanazawa Castle Park
Address: 1-4, Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take bus at Kanazawa Station and get off at Kenrokuen Garden．Kanazawa Castle Park
Shoryudo • Second Stop • TOYAMA
There are two must-visit spots in Toyama Prefecture. First is the declared UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawago, another is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. These two sightseeing spots have long been my dream photography destinations. There are direct transportations to both places from Toyama Station.
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/250s • f/22 • ISO 200
Toyama Station right before sunset. The sun reflection on the glass wall was captured in addition to the real one
Toyama Station right before sunset. The sun reflection on the glass wall was captured in addition to the real one
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/400s • f/8 • ISO 400
Shirakawago is situated at the foot of Mt. Haku-san in northwestern Gifu Prefecture. It is a quiet mountain village surrounded by sea with rice fields and a river running through it
Shirakawago is situated at the foot of Mt. Haku-san in northwestern Gifu Prefecture. It is a quiet mountain village surrounded by sea with rice fields and a river running through it
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM +2x III • 1/640s • f/8 • ISO 400
The 114 gassho-zukuri style (thatched roofs that slope steeply to the ground resembling a pair of praying hands) houses standing together in the village were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995
The 114 gassho-zukuri style (thatched roofs that slope steeply to the ground resembling a pair of praying hands) houses standing together in the village were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/250s • f/8 • ISO 400
Shirakawago
Transportation: 1 hour 20 minutes’ bus ride by Nohi Bus from Toyama Station; 1 hour 25 minutes’ bus ride by Nohi Bus from Kanazawa Station.
After visiting Shirakawago, I departed early the next morning from Toyama Station to Tateyama Kurobe. Next to Toyama Station, visitors can take Dentetsu Railways from Toyama Station to Tateyama Station. You can drop off your baggage at the Baggage Forwarding Counter (a charged service) before boarding the train and your baggage will arrive at the last stop Shinano Omachi Station for your pick-up. This is a very convenient service especially for one-way travelers.
Transportation: 1 hour 20 minutes’ bus ride by Nohi Bus from Toyama Station; 1 hour 25 minutes’ bus ride by Nohi Bus from Kanazawa Station.
After visiting Shirakawago, I departed early the next morning from Toyama Station to Tateyama Kurobe. Next to Toyama Station, visitors can take Dentetsu Railways from Toyama Station to Tateyama Station. You can drop off your baggage at the Baggage Forwarding Counter (a charged service) before boarding the train and your baggage will arrive at the last stop Shinano Omachi Station for your pick-up. This is a very convenient service especially for one-way travelers.
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/1250s • f/8 • ISO 200
The snow walls have accumulated to a height higher than a single-decker bus
The snow walls have accumulated to a height higher than a single-decker bus
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/3200s • f/8 • ISO 400
Kurobe Dam, constructed at a height of 1500m above sea level, is Japan’s tallest arch dam
Kurobe Dam, constructed at a height of 1500m above sea level, is Japan’s tallest arch dam
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye • 1/5000s • f/8 • ISO 400
Enjoy picturesque vistas by taking a stroll along the Kurobe Dam
Enjoy picturesque vistas by taking a stroll along the Kurobe Dam
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/4000s • f/8 • ISO 200
A panoramic view of Mt. Daikanbo composed of 12 photos
A panoramic view of Mt. Daikanbo composed of 12 photos
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM • 1/6400s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
The interweaving mountain ranges are important elements to capture in mountain photography
The interweaving mountain ranges are important elements to capture in mountain photography
EOS 6D • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/1000s • f/8 • ISO 200
The white snow, trunks and mountain ranges interweaving one another create varying patterns, depths and textures to be photographed
The white snow, trunks and mountain ranges interweaving one another create varying patterns, depths and textures to be photographed
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 640
Shinano Omachi Station, the last stop of the Alpine Route. Saying goodbye to the breathtaking scenery, and the rains seemed like a perfect reflection of my unwillingness to leave
Shinano Omachi Station, the last stop of the Alpine Route. Saying goodbye to the breathtaking scenery, and the rains seemed like a perfect reflection of my unwillingness to leave
Travel Information
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is not open all year round. It is open for public visit depending on the weather condition. According to last year’s schedule, the route is open from around mid-April till late November. In particular, the snow corridor is open to pedestrians from April to June. Visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery during different seasons of the year. Please visit the official website (https://www.alpen-route.com/tw/) for details.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is not open all year round. It is open for public visit depending on the weather condition. According to last year’s schedule, the route is open from around mid-April till late November. In particular, the snow corridor is open to pedestrians from April to June. Visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery during different seasons of the year. Please visit the official website (https://www.alpen-route.com/tw/) for details.
Shoryudo • Third Stop • MATSUMOTO
After the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, I embarked onto the final and important destination of my trip – Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture which is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Among the 12 original castle keeps left in Japan, only Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle have five tiered keep. Matsumoto Castle is the oldest five-tier 6-storey wooden castle.
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/2000s • f/5.6 • ISO 400
Listed as a National Treasure and different from other castle keeps, Matsumoto Castle features a distinctive black wainscoting which gives off an air of grandeur
Listed as a National Treasure and different from other castle keeps, Matsumoto Castle features a distinctive black wainscoting which gives off an air of grandeur
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/800s • f/8 • ISO 400
There are about 300 Somei-yoshino and Yae sakura trees planted within the area of Matsumoto Castle
There are about 300 Somei-yoshino and Yae sakura trees planted within the area of Matsumoto Castle
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/320s • f/11 • ISO 400
Matsumoto Castle during the sakura season looks easier to approach than usual
Matsumoto Castle during the sakura season looks easier to approach than usual
EOS 6D • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/1600s • f/2.8 • ISO 400
The romantic sakura snow at Matsumoto Castle
The romantic sakura snow at Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
Address: 4-1, Marunouchi, Matsumoto
Transportation: Approximately 17 minutes’ walk from Matsumoto Station. Travelers can purchase a “Alphine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass” outside of Japan which is very good value for money when traveling to and within the Alpine Route and nearby attractions
Official Website: http://touristpass.jp/zh-tw/alpine/
Address: 4-1, Marunouchi, Matsumoto
Transportation: Approximately 17 minutes’ walk from Matsumoto Station. Travelers can purchase a “Alphine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass” outside of Japan which is very good value for money when traveling to and within the Alpine Route and nearby attractions
Official Website: http://touristpass.jp/zh-tw/alpine/
An Afterword
Different from cities like Tokyo and Osaka, traveling around the Hokuriku region is a feast to the eyes. I was deeply moved by the sight of sakura blossom in Yoshinoyama; enjoyed the different visual and sensual stimulation when going from the warmer area to the windy and snowy Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route; and felt so blessed that I finally had the chance to soak in the distinctive and magnificent architecture of Japan’s National Treasure Matsumoto Castle under warm and nice sunshine. These images were so impactful to my eyes and brain, and I am lucky that I could capture them with my lens and share the photos with you all.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine
Facebook Page: 艾迪影像 - Eddie's Image
Instagram: eddiekky
Facebook Page: 艾迪影像 - Eddie's Image
Instagram: eddiekky
