Take a walking "Shinetsu Railway Nostalgia Trip" – Enjoy both the Large and Small Kagami Bridges in one go!
▲Autumn scenery of the Kagami Bridge. (Photo provided by the Annaka City Tourism Division)
Reported by Yan Yuncen / Annaka City, Japan
If you have time to spare after visiting the Railway Culture Village, why not embark on a nostalgic walking tour? Although the Nagano Shinkansen has cut off the direct road between Yokokawa and Kumahira, it has also created a unique tourism opportunity. A walking trail built on an abandoned railway stretches all the way from Yokokawa to Kumahira, passing through the famous autumn foliage spot, the "Kagami Bridge," and the popular wedding photo location, Usui Lake. If you get tired from walking, you can take a break at Isobe Onsen to soothe your body and mind with its carbonated spring water rich in hydrogen sulfide.
Kagami Bridge
▲The Kagami Bridge lights up for two weeks every autumn. (Photo provided by the Annaka City Tourism Division)
The Kagami Bridge was built in Showa 25 (1950), located 4.8 kilometers from the Railway Culture Village. It is an arch bridge made of 2 million red bricks, standing 31 meters tall and stretching 91 meters in length. In autumn, the panoramic view of the mountains and valleys covered in red leaves from the bridge is breathtaking. Drivers can also enjoy a close-up view of the Kagami Bridge from the highway, where the red leaves complement the mountain scenery, offering a unique charm. To celebrate the autumn foliage season, the Kagami Bridge holds a two-week night illumination event every November. Those who wish to see its different beauty can plan their visit accordingly.
Usui Lake
▲The Small Kagami Bridge located at Usui Lake. (Photo provided by the Annaka City Tourism Division)
Usui Lake is an artificial lake formed by constructing a dam at the confluence of the Nakao River and the Usui River. It takes about 20 minutes to walk around the lake. Visiting in autumn also offers the chance to try kayaking on the lake, paddling through the Small Kagami Bridge and looking back at the colorful mix of red, yellow, and green foliage on the shore – a truly picturesque scene. The experience takes about 30 minutes, and since paddling may splash water on you, it's recommended not to bring a camera. Coaches will take photos for you at designated spots.
▲%Members?? experience activity. (Photo / Annaka City Tourism Division)
Isobe Onsen Sand Sauna
▲A sand sauna session at Kei-no-Yu lasts about an hour, accompanied by three cups of hot tea, warming you from head to toe. (Photo provided by the Annaka City Tourism Division)
When it comes to the Isobe area, the most famous attractions are its hot springs and senbei (rice crackers). In Isobe Park, Annaka City, there stands a hot spring monument – the earliest hot spring symbol in Japan, originating from a land dispute during the Edo period when the shogun was asked to rule on the ownership of the hot spring area. At the Isobe Onsen Kaikan, you can try the only sand sauna in Gunma Prefecture. Your whole body is buried under warm sand with only your head exposed, allowing the heat to envelop you. Within just five minutes, you’ll be sweating profusely. Afterward, drink three cups of hot tea, which will keep you warm throughout the cold winter day.
▲Japan’s oldest hot spring symbol, passed down from the Edo period.
Isobe Senbei
Isobe Senbei is made from hot spring water, flour, and salt, with 20 shops along the hot spring street each offering unique textures – some are crispy, while others are soft. One of the long-standing shops, Eigensendo, even has a master making the senbei on-site. If you visit during production hours, you might get to taste freshly made senbei straight from the master’s hands.
▲The original Isobe Senbei from Meigetsudo features the mascot of Gunma Prefecture. (Photo / by Reporter Yan Yuncen)
▲%If you time it right, you might even get to taste freshly baked senbei. (Photo / Reporter Yan Yuncen)
Suzume no Yado Isobe Garden Hotel
For those needing accommodation, Suzume no Yado Isobe Garden Hotel is a great choice. The hotel is themed around the local folktale "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow," which took place near Isobe Onsen. The hotel also regularly stages life-sized puppet shows that tell the story of the sparrow repaying kindness. Isobe Onsen is known for its iron-rich, hydrogen sulfide, and carbonated mineral water, which helps relieve neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain, making it the perfect choice for an evening soak.
%Some rooms may face roads with traffic noise. (Photo / Reporter Yan Yuncen)
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-18418
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines