Sightseeing Taxis for a More Fulfilling Trip #1
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
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