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Only 2 Hours From Tokyo: A Perfect Destination for Spending Chinese New Year

East Japan Railway Company
2015-01-19 10:25 3639

TOKYO, Jan. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

GALA Yuzawa : Snow-covered countryside full of delicious food and hot springs

One of many things you can enjoy about Japanese winter is snow and beautiful snow-covered scenery. If you are planning to spend your winter holiday in Japan, you should try to see and experience the magical snowy world. However, it is hard to see it if you are only staying in Tokyo. So, here is to present a plan to enjoy the best of both world.

Chinese New Year Holiday Ideas! Enjoying Japanese Winter
Chinese New Year Holiday Ideas! Enjoying Japanese Winter

Even if you are staying in Tokyo, you can take a day trip to the snow country using Shinkansen (bullet train). The highly recommended destination is GALA Yuzawa in Echigo Yuzawa.

If planned well, GALA Yuzawa is only 77 minutes from Tokyo (the quickest way). It is the only ski resort in the world that is directly connected to the bullet train station. GALA Yuzawa has a wide range of ski and snowboard items available for renting as well as comfortable locker rooms. In other words, you can enjoy the beautiful snow country and winter sports without having to pack bulky clothes for cold weather.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are areas designated for playing with snow and sledding. For those without any experiences in winter sports, you can still enjoy activities like making a snowman and having a snow fight.

Having spent all day in the snow, stopping by SPA GALA-NO-YU may be the best way to end your active day before returning to Tokyo. Have a dip in a huge tub or enjoy the beautiful scenery will definitely relax your body and mind. The time spent there is so precious that you may not even want to go back to the city!

Also, Echigo Yuzawa, where GALA Yuzawa is located, is one of the most renowned rice farming areas in Japan. Although many brands of Japanese rice has been internationally recognized, Koshihikari, the brand cultivated in the part of Niigata that includes Echigo Yuzawa, is particularly known to be best rice available. You can try a rice ball made with 100% Koshihikari rice at a free space inside SPA GALA-NO-YU called IRORI Lounge. Rice balls are hand-made upon ordering and this is a great opportunity to taste Koshihikari's sticky texture and sweet flavor.

For those who are looking for some local gourmet food, you can stop by Gangi Dori, the alley directly connected to Echigo Yuzawa station, a neighboring station to GALA Yuzawa. You will be tempted to try every single item you see there. For example, some popular shops are Kopa doughnuts, doughnuts made from 100% rice flour and Ponshukan with a wide variety of Japanese sake made in Niigata. Moreover, Tabearuki Yokocho is a street full of restaurants. You must try Niigata pork katsu (breaded pork cutlet), hegi soba noodles (Niigata local soba noodles that use seaweed), and fresh sushi. Finally, you can find a number of sweets and other goods that are perfect for souvenirs at Chuo Ichiba.

You can have fun in the snow, you can eat, and you can shop: there is no other way to experience the magical snow country while staying in Tokyo.

Don't miss Gourmet-filled Sendai, Shopping heaven of Nagano

There are more places you can visit for a day from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Yet, Sendai and Nagano are two exciting destinations we would like to introduce.

Sendai is the central city in the Tohoku area. Sendai makes the perfect day trip destination because of the vast nature and fascinating history. However, what Sendai is loved for is its delicious food. Renowned local specialty restaurants are found at Gourmet streets on the third floor of Sendai station, Gyu tan Dori (Cow tongue street) and Sushi Dori. Sendai is noted for its local cow tongues. Indeed, the tender and juicy meat cooked on charcoal grill is out of this world. Also, sushi made with fresh local fish is exquisite. If you are visiting Sendai, you must try these!

Located in the center of Japan, Nagano is also a highly recommended place to visit. Zenkoji Temple, visited by 6 million people annually, is one of the most popular sites. MIDORI Nagano, which is scheduled to open in March, is a convenient shopping mall directly connected to JR Nagano station. You can find anything you can imagine from souvenirs, food, and latest fashion items.

Why don't you add one of these places for your holiday plan this winter?

JR East will participate in AEON THANKS DAY event at Central Ladpharao in Bangkok from January 22 to January 28, 2015. We look forward to seeing you there as Japanese winter holiday ideas will be presented. 

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150119/8521500296

Source: East Japan Railway Company
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