Notes
railway: 鉄道 ;
landscape: 景色 (
backdrop: 背景 ;
glow: 輝き:
stunning: 驚くほど美しい;

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Have you ever heard of the Echigo Line? It’s a railway operated by JR East that connects Kashiwazaki and Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture. This line passes through stunning landscapes, including the Nishiyama Hills, the Yahiko Mountain Range, and the vast Echigo Plain. Along the route, you’ll see beautiful rice fields and wide-open scenery that make the ride unforgettable.

One of the most magical moments is at night when the train, brightly lit, passes through the dark rice fields. The glowing train against the peaceful backdrop creates a scene that feels like something out of a Miyazaki anime. It’s no surprise that a video capturing this moment has gained thousands of likes in X.com.

The Echigo Line isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it offers a chance to experience Japan’s natural beauty in a truly special way.
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encyclopedia　 – 百科事典;
explorer – 探検家;
UAE – アラブ首長国連邦;
gold leaf 金箔;

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National Geographic started in 1888. It is an American magazine known for its authority and scientific quality. Like an encyclopedia, it shares articles on society, history, and culture. It is also famous for its high-quality photos, making it a great platform for photojournalists.

National Geographic has just revealed its list of the top 25 places to visit in 2025. The list was chosen by its explorers, photographers, and editors. Some of the top places are Kanazawa, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; the Eastern and Oriental Express train in Malaysia; and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Kanazawa was chosen as an alternative to Kyoto, which is crowded with tourists. Kanazawa is just two hours from Kyoto by train. It has a well-preserved castle, traditional teahouses, Kenroku-en Garden, and a samurai district. Kanazawa also makes 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. Visitors can try making gold leaf decorations at workshops like Gold Leaf Sakuda.
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