How many people have used sightseeing taxis at their travel destinations? They are more expensive than other methods of travel, so most people probably feel that there are some hurdles to using them. Using a sightseeing taxi during travel, however, can enrich a trip more than expected. In this article, I will introduce a trip I took to Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, on which I used a sightseeing taxi. The sightseeing taxi I used was provided by Shirakawa Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd. of Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Sightseeing taxis are a service in which drivers who are familiar with the sightseeing spots and traffic information of the region guide travelers to their desired destinations. Travelers can also consult with the drivers about spot recommendations and route plans to each of the destinations. Additionally, the drivers will act as guides both on the road and at the sightseeing spots. #### One and a Half Hours by Bullet Train from Tokyo to Shirakawa City Shirakawa City is located in the southern part of Fukushima Prefecture in an area that borders Tochigi Prefecture. In the Tohoku region, it is also called the "entrance to Kanto." It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Shin-Shirakawa Station from Tokyo by bullet train, so if you relax or take time to look up some destinations, you'll have arrived before you know it.  ##### There are some panels on sightseeing spots and a small art space inside Shin-Shirakawa Station.  ##### The taxi drop-off point is located down the stairs that are in front of the ticket gates. My trip started at the taxi stand in front of Shin-Shirakawa Station. When I headed toward the designated meeting place, I saw the suited driver waiting in front of the taxi. I was a little nervous, but we exchanged greetings and got in the taxi. There are three plans in Taxi Sightseeing: 2 hours, 3 hours, and 6 hours, and travelers can choose their plan based on the amount of time they have and the places they want to visit. When I asked Mr. Saitou, the driver for my tour, he said that most people choose the 3-hour plan. #### An Ancient Battlefield of the Boshin War: Scenery That Changes With Its Story  ##### A stone monument on a small hill. The first place we drove to was an ancient battlefield of the Boshin War, the site of the Battle of Shirakawaguchi. It's said that this was a fierce battle, and that while Saigo Tanomo and Yokohama Chikara intercepted the western army, there were around 700 casualties on just that day.  ##### After hearing the story, the scenery seemed completely different. After parking the taxi, we climbed up a small hill to a stone monument where the driver told me about the site. "Do you see that hill on the other side?" he said. "The eastern army attacked from there." Before listening to him talk, all I really felt about the place was that it is historically famous, but after hearing his explanation, it was like the story melded into the scenery in front of me, and it looked like an entirely different landscape. People traveling by themselves or only with friends probably won't be able to experience the true depth of this place.  ##### The driver, Mr. Saitou, explaining about the ancient battlefield and the Boshin War. #### Nanko Jinja Shrine and Nanko Koen Park: Enjoy Some Relaxing Time While Exploring Photo Spots  ##### Bamboo lanterns with varying designs. The next place we went to was Nanko Jinja Shrine. The shrine is located inside Nanko Koen Park, and it is dedicated to Matsudaira Sadanobu (also known as Shirakawa Rakuou). The bamboo lanterns at Nanko Jinja Shrine were particularly impressive. The pattern on each one is different, and the lanterns are lit when night falls. While walking around the shrine grounds, my driver and I talked about how it would be nice to visit in the evening, too.  ##### There are a lot of stone sculptures within the shrine grounds. While looking at the stone sculptures that are scattered across the grounds, Mr. Saitou explained that each one has a different expression. When he told me that, I took a closer look and found that to be true. With just a few words, I was able to enjoy my trip a little more.  ##### The view from a photo spot recommended by Mr. Saitou. After paying our respects at the shrine, we went to the adjacent Nanko Koen Park and Suirakuen Garden. At the *teien* garden, Mr. Saitou told me where the best places to capture the beauty of the scenery in photos were. He also shared information that only a local would know, for example that it’s particularly popular for people to visit in May. There is a bus that goes to Nanko Koen Park from Shirakawa Station as well, but going to any other destinations from there would be difficult, so I felt that it was more convenient to take a car or taxi. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. **[https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book)** ### Related Article [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #2](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/4) [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #3](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/10)

How many people have used sightseeing taxis at their travel destinations? They are more expensive than other methods of travel, so most people probably feel that there are some hurdles to using them. Using a sightseeing taxi during travel, however, can enrich a trip more than expected. In this article, I will introduce a trip I took to Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, on which I used a sightseeing taxi. The sightseeing taxi I used was provided by Shirakawa Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd. of Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Sightseeing taxis are a service in which drivers who are familiar with the sightseeing spots and traffic information of the region guide travelers to their desired destinations. Travelers can also consult with the drivers about spot recommendations and route plans to each of the destinations. Additionally, the drivers will act as guides both on the road and at the sightseeing spots. #### Kashima Jinja Shrine: A Spot Added Suddenly to the Tour  ##### There are a lot of *komainu* guardian lion-dog statues within the shrine grounds. Kashima Jinja Shrine is located about a ten-minute drive from Nanko Koen Park. The shrine wasn't in the original route plan; it was added to the tour on the spot. The reason we decided to stop by was a pamphlet for "*komainu-meguri*" we found at Nanko Jinja Shrine. Shirakawa City is famous for mining "Shirakawa stone," and there are any number of artists who use it to create *komainu* guardian lion-dog statues. Due to that, there are a lot of travelers who do *komainu-meguri*, going around to see all of the *komainu* statues, during their trips.  ##### Small *komainu* are hiding underneath the paws of some of the big *komainu* statues. When I got out of the taxi, Mr. Saitou suggested that I try to count the *komainu* statues while he parked the car. I found 14, but there were actually 16 of the statues: two little *komainu* can be found hiding at the feet of some larger ones.  ##### With these anecdotes about Shirakawa City, visitors can enjoy the sightseeing spots even more. "It's interesting, isn't it?" said Mr. Saitou. "Elementary school students visit on field trips and count the *komainu*, and the boys finish as quickly as they can like it's a game, but the girls take their time." While he showed me around, he told me things like this that aren't written in guidebooks, things that only people who live in the area would know. We didn't stay very long, but counting the *komainu* and finding the differences between them was fun, so it was definitely worth the trip. I also saw some swans on the riverside during transit. Mr. Saitou stopped the car and told me that the swans are used to people, so they don't run away if you get close. Detours like this are one of the advantages of using a sightseeing taxi. #### Komine-jo Castle: Not Just the History of the Building, but the Real Story of an Earthquake Disaster  ##### Information at the entrance. While we were walking from the parking lot to the grounds, Mr. Saitou pointed to the moat and asked me if I could tell what was different about it. Actually, the Komine-jo Castle ruins sustained damage during the Great Kanto Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 (it was a 6+ on the Shindo scale in Shirakawa), and around 10 places of the stone walls collapsed. The areas that were repaired are characterized by smoother stones that fit tightly together.  ##### The wall on the left is scraggy with cavities, but in comparison, the one on the right looks smooth and doesn't have much space between the stones. Mr. Saitou told me that he came to take photos after the earthquake to have a record of how much had collapsed. He also talked about his involvement with the local community, and he explained that the technique used here was referenced for restoration in Kumamoto, too. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. [**https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book**](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book) ### Related Article [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #1](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/2) [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #3](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/10)

How many people have used sightseeing taxis at their travel destinations? They are more expensive than other methods of travel, so most people probably feel that there are some hurdles to using them. Using a sightseeing taxi during travel, however, can enrich a trip more than expected. In this article, I will introduce a trip I took to Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, on which I used a sightseeing taxi. The sightseeing taxi I used was provided by Shirakawa Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd. of Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Sightseeing taxis are a service in which drivers who are familiar with the sightseeing spots and traffic information of the region guide travelers to their desired destinations. Travelers can also consult with the drivers about spot recommendations and route plans to each of the destinations. Additionally, the drivers will act as guides both on the road and at the sightseeing spots. #### Daruma Land: On Another Detour, We Tried Out the Newest Sightseeing Spot in Shirakawa City  ##### Displays of how Shirakawa *daruma* are made. Next, we went to Daruma Land, which was also not part of the original plan. My driver suggested that we go and see it because it was close by, so we added it to the tour. Daruma Land is an experience-based entertainment facility that mainly deals with Shirakawa *daruma*, a traditional craft of Fukushima Prefecture. The establishment is separated into six sections, and it's designed as a great way to have fun. Inside are a Shirakawa *daruma* manufacturing factory observation and exhibit area, a painting workshop, a *daruma* shrine, *daruma*-themed attractions, a souvenir shop, and more.  ##### A lot of *daruma* dolls, many with modern designs, are on display too. In the car, we had been talking about how the Shirakawa *daruma* dolls are famous, so my driver decided to add this sightseeing spot to the tour. It was exciting that he was able to take me there as a surprise after nonchalantly picking up information from our conversation, and I think that is the real charm of Taxi Sightseeing.  ##### A game in which players who make it to the goal get a prize (fee required to play). Because there were two spots added to the tour, I asked the driver several times if he was ok on time or if we should hurry, but he always replied that he was adjusting the schedule so it wasn't a problem. Just like he said, we arrived at the station five minutes before the scheduled end time. I was really surprised that I was able to look around each sightseeing spot at a comfortable pace without hurrying. #### Shirakawa Station: Famous as the Filming Location for a Light Motor Vehicle Commercial  ##### The station has a retro design. Shirakawa Station has the atmosphere of a Western retro building, with outer walls painted white and grey and a triangular roof made of red tiles. It has also garnered attention as the filming location for a light motor vehicle commercial. Inside, there is a café as well as a shop that sells local specialty goods and Shirakawa *daruma* dolls. #### The Gravesite of Ohara Shosuke: A Visit While Talking About Alcohol  ##### The gravesite of Ohara Shosuke is located in the back of the cemetery. As we made our way to Ohara Shosuke's grave, Mr. Saitou asked me if I liked alcohol. The kind of life Ohara Shosuke lived is described in some of the words from the folk song "Aizu Bandai-san": *Ohara Shosuke, why did you ruin yourself? You love sleeping in, drinking in the morning, and taking baths in the morning; That ruined you, yes, it ruined you.* The shape of the gravestone is made with the motif of *sake* decanters, bottles, and cups, and his posthumous Buddhist name uses the characters for "rice" and "broth" (in other words, alcohol), which is very unique. It turns out, we had taken a circular route through the city. It was a smooth route that didn't waste any time, and I was impressed that we were able to visit so many sightseeing spots within the allotted time. I think it was because Mr. Saitou drives around there daily and understands the traffic information of the area that we were able to have smooth transit between each place. #### Tea Room Takayama: A Suggestion for an End-Of-Tour Break  ##### Tea Room Takayama looks like a house in foreign country. The bullet trains that stop at Shin-Shirakawa Station only come about once per hour. While on our way back to the station, Mr. Saitou noticed that there was still a little time until the next bullet train, so he suggested having some tea at a café and introduced me to Tea Room Takayama. Tea Room Takayama is an old-fashioned café located right next to Shin-Shirakawa Station. There is also a select shop set up inside that offers imported clothes and accessories. This marked the end of my time sightseeing with Mr. Saitou. We managed to get back to the station five minutes before the scheduled time, so I could spend some leisurely time until the next bullet train departed. Through the end of the trip, the driver made casual suggestions, and it was such a fulfilling time that it didn't feel like three hours. #### Sightseeing Taxis Offer Richer Experiences Than I Had Imagined  ##### Mr. Saitou, my driver for the day. I think a lot of people feel that there are high hurdles in using sightseeing taxis; actually, I was one of them. However, Mr. Saitou told me that a lot of people use them in groups, which lowers the cost per person. When renting a car and driving, it's really difficult to plan a smooth route and distribute your time, but with Taxi Sightseeing, this is taken care of. Up to four people can ride in one taxi at a time, so you can try it out by yourself or with some friends. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. [**https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book**](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book) ### Related Article [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #1](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/2) [Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #2](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/4)

There are lots of different ways to sightsee, but one method many people probably haven’t tried before is taxis. Taxi Sightseeing, offered by Shirakawa Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd. in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a service for just that―taxis designated specifically for sightseeing around the city and its surroundings. Shirakawa City is located between Tokyo and Sendai, just 1.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train. It is at the southern end of Fukushima Prefecture, bordering Tochigi Prefecture, and it is historically known as the “gateway to the Tohoku region.” While it has a number of sightseeing spots, cultural heritages, and National Historic Sites, there is a lack of accessible public transportation services such as trains or buses throughout the city. This is where Taxi Sightseeing comes in handy. In early December, a coworker and I took a trip to Shirakawa City to try out this Taxi Sightseeing service. There were three courses to choose from: two hours, three hours, and six hours. I went on the two-hour course, while my coworker took part in the three-hour course. After arriving at Shin-Shirakawa Station, we convened with our respective taxi drivers and began our tours.  Inside the ticket gates at Shin-Shirakawa Station. Gateway to Tohoku: The Shirakawa Barrier Site The first stop on my tour was the Shirakawa Barrier Site, which is about a 20-minute drive from Shin-Shirakawa Station. En route, I chatted with the driver and learned that he is from Aizu, a popular tourist destination nearby. He told me about the differences between Aizu and Shirakawa, on topics ranging from history to weather. He also mentioned that the best times to visit both areas are spring and autumn, when the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are in full vigor, respectively. Unfortunately, my visit didn’t coincide with either of these, so I didn’t get to see the full beauty of the nature, but even so the area is calm and quiet, and the air is fresh and clean.  The main entrance to the Shirakawa Barrier Site. The Shirakawa Barrier Site, my driver told me, is the remains of a checkpoint along the ancient Tosando Route, and it was used by travelers going from the Kanto region to Tohoku and vice versa. It also served as a holding point during battles and skirmishes, and the dry moats that were used to keep enemies at bay can still be seen there today.  One of the dry moats of the Shirakawa Barrier Site. Eventually, after losing its functionality as a border checkpoint, the Shirakawa Barrier became a cultural focal point, and cultural figures from urban areas often visited. It came to be known as a popular place for waka poetry, and even today there are still a number of stone slabs with inscriptions carved into them, though time has worn them down and made them difficult to read.  One of several stone inscriptions at the Shirakawa Barrier Site. The Shirakawa Barrier Site is also a designated National Historic Site, and there are several boards with English information placed around the grounds. In addition to explaining the significance of the monuments at the site, my driver also told me how the history of the site still impacts culture today. For example, locals in the area often use the phrase, “Shirakawa no seki wo koerarenakatta,” or “I couldn’t get past the Shirakawa Barrier,” meaning that they didn’t manage to succeed at a challenge they had undertaken. There are a number of natural monuments at the Shirakawa Barrier Site as well, including a massive, 800-year-old cedar tree known as Ju-nii no sugi and a cherry tree across the road called the Shoji modoshi no sakura, which has a sad backstory and is accompanied by a monument for the dead.  Ju-nii no sugi, an 800-year-old cedar tree.  Shoji modoshi no sakura cherry tree and monument for the dead. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. [https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book) Related Article [Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #2](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/12) Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #3

There are lots of different ways to sightsee, but one method many people probably haven’t tried before is taxis. Taxi Sightseeing, offered by Shirakawa Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd. in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a service for just that―taxis designated specifically for sightseeing around the city and its surroundings. Shirakawa City is located between Tokyo and Sendai, just 1.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train. It is at the southern end of Fukushima Prefecture, bordering Tochigi Prefecture, and it is historically known as the “gateway to the Tohoku region.” While it has a number of sightseeing spots, cultural heritages, and National Historic Sites, there is a lack of accessible public transportation services such as trains or buses throughout the city. This is where Taxi Sightseeing comes in handy. In early December, a coworker and I took a trip to Shirakawa City to try out this Taxi Sightseeing service. There were three courses to choose from: two hours, three hours, and six hours. I went on the two-hour course, while my coworker took part in the three-hour course. After arriving at Shin-Shirakawa Station, we convened with our respective taxi drivers and began our tours. #### Remains of a War-Torn Era: Komine-jo Castle After spending around 30 minutes at the Barrier Site, we made our way to Komine-jo Castle, which was about a 20-minute drive. While it’s called Komine-jo Castle, what can be seen there today is actually the remains of the castle that used to sit within the stone walls. The castle itself was destroyed during the Boshin War, and it was never rebuilt. The driver told me that a lot of people are unaware of this, however, and often mistake the three-story keep tower for a small, cute castle. This keep tower is a reconstruction, and it is one of the only tower keep reconstructions in Japan made entirely of wood.  ##### The three-story keep tower of Komine-jo Castle. The main gate (also a wooden reconstruction), keep tower, and castle courtyard lie at the top of a hill, and all three are open to the public. Visitors are welcome to go inside the keep tower, and there are several plaques placed around the building with information on the keep, the castle, and historical events. Some of the materials used to reconstruct the keep tower are actually original pieces, and a few of the floorboards sport actual bullet holes from the war.  ##### A bullet hole in the floor of the keep tower. In front of the castle grounds is a large park. Since my visit was on a weekday morning it was almost entirely empty, but my driver told me that the park is a popular spot for families to visit, and it is usually full of kids playing and people having picnics.  ##### The park with the tower keep in the background. At the edge of the park is Ninomaru Chaya, a café and gift shop. Time on my tour was running out, so I only had time for a brief stop, but I heard from the shopkeepers that the *daruma* burgers sold at the café are particularly popular among tourists and locals alike. (*Daruma* are traditional round Japanese dolls that are considered symbols of good luck.) The gift shop sells all sorts of Shirakawa and Fukushima specialty goods, including *daruma* dolls, sweets, and *sake*.  ##### Ninomaru Chaya café and gift shop.  ##### *Daruma* dolls for sale at the Ninomaru Chaya gift shop. Finally, we headed back to Shin-Shirakawa Station, which is about ten minutes away from Komine-jo Castle. This concluded the tour, which was almost precisely two hours long. The bullet train only stops at Shin-Shirakawa Station about once an hour, so I had some extra time before getting on the train. There is a ramen restaurant right next to the ticket gates, so while waiting for my train back to Tokyo, I had a bowl of the famed Shirakawa ramen.  ##### Shirakawa ramen at the station restaurant. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. [**https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book**](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book) ### Related Article [Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #1](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/11) [Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #3](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/13)

#### Final Thoughts All in all, I enjoyed my tour and the time I spent in Shirakawa. Before going I was a bit skeptical about how much the city actually had to offer in terms of sightseeing, but both places I visited were historically fascinating and visually stimulating, and I learned a lot. I usually travel alone using public transportation, so I was unsure of how I would feel about sightseeing in a taxi, but I enjoyed talking with the driver and hearing what he had to say. That said, anyone who doesn’t speak Japanese would likely have a hard time communicating. Eventually, however, there will be tablets set up in the taxis offering this service, so tourists will be able to look up videos and information about the sightseeing spots in English during their tour. Overall, I do think that two hours was too short to tour these particular sites. If you only have a limited amount of time, I would suggest choosing or having your driver recommend places that are closer together. There was so much to learn about both spots, I found myself wishing that I had more time. For anyone looking to take a tour to the Shirakawa Barrier site and Komine-jo Castle, including the café, like I did, I would recommend allowing three hours.  ##### My driver for the tour, Mr. Muroi, and his taxi. Additionally, I would recommend that people taking these tours let their driver know whether they are on a strict time schedule or if they have some wiggle room―that way the driver can adjust the tour to suit the travelers’ needs. During the tour, it was nice to not have to worry about getting lost or looking for parking; the driver knew exactly where to go, what the best routes were, and where to stop. It was, honestly, a little odd at times to share a trip with someone I had just met, but it was a unique experience being able to chat with a local and hear what he had to say. This service isn’t limited to one person per tour, however―one taxi will seat up to four guests, so it could be even more enjoyable to take a tour along with friends or family. Check out the link below to reserve a tour or get more information on Taxi Sightseeing in Shirakawa City. [**https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book**](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/book) ### Related Article [Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #1](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/11) [Taxi Sightseeing: A Deeper Look into Shirakawa City #2](https://taxi.wowu.jp/shirakawa/articles/12)

Fukushima Prefecture, known as the entrance to Michinoku, is the perfect distance from Tokyo, about 1.5 hours by bullet train. More so than visiting prefectures that neighbor the Kanto region, visiting this area makes you really feel like you're on a vacation. The closest bullet train station to Tokyo in Fukushima is Shin-Shirakawa, which is located near the border with Tochigi Prefecture. Though there still aren't many people who have gotten off at this stop, it's an area that has amassed alluring history, culture, and food. In Shirakawa City, a new sightseeing service called Taxi Sightseeing has been started. Through this service, knowledgeable taxi drivers will provide guided tours just for you and share not only information about the city, but also the best ways to get around. What is this new sightseeing service? What kind of sightseeing spots are there in Shirakawa? Is it really that easy to get there?? In order to answer these questions, a reporter from Urban Life Metro decided to visit and write about their experience. Click the link below to read the full article. (External site, Japanese only.) [A Day Trip to Fukushima From Tokyo Is More Laid-Back and Convenient Than You Might Think! Tour Around the Historical City of Shirakawa in a Privately-Reserved Taxi. [PR]](https://urbanlife.tokyo/post/74285/)