On March 26, 2025, TV Tokyo is set to air the highly anticipated "Bus vs Railway Ride Relay Showdown Trip 23," a unique travel competition that pits two teams against each other in a race through the scenic landscapes of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. The show will run from 6:25 PM to 10:04 PM, showcasing the beauty of Japan while highlighting local culture and cuisine.
The 23rd installment begins at the picturesque Rock Heart Castle in Takayama Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, and concludes at the historic Ueda Castle in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. This year's competition is particularly thrilling as the bus team, led by the charismatic Yoichi Taikawa, faces off against the railway team helmed by the determined Miki Murai.
The bus team, which includes former Nadeshiko Japan stars Nozomi Sasaki and Karina Maruyama, aims to secure a third consecutive victory. Currently, the tally stands at "Bus 10 wins" to "Railway 12 wins," making this matchup critical for both teams. Taikawa expressed his excitement about the journey, stating, "This trip has been filled with walking, and my legs are sore! But it was truly enjoyable to be with former Nadeshiko Japan players, and I was particularly moved by the words of the captain who led us to the world title. The beautiful snow-covered Asama Mountain was also impressive, and we had plenty of delicious food, making this journey a captivating travel show!"
In contrast, Murai leads her railway team with equal enthusiasm, albeit with a more physically demanding experience. She described the trip as challenging, noting, "This is the 23rd showdown, and it has been quite hard on our stamina. We had to walk down long slopes non-stop. However, I was thrilled to enjoy local delicious fruits and meats, and we even got to try activities I had admired on television. Riding the charmingly wrapped local trains and witnessing the breathtaking views of the river canyon from the bridge were unforgettable experiences. Despite the challenges, there are many highlights to look forward to, so please tune in to see our efforts!"
As the teams prepare for the competition, the route for the railway team has been outlined. They are expected to travel from Komoro Station to Takasaki Station on the Joshin Line, then to Yokokawa Station on the Shinetsu Main Line, and finally take a taxi to Karuizawa Station before heading to Ueda Station on the Shinano Railway. This route is notably similar to one taken in a previous episode, where the journey also included a taxi ride from Yokokawa to Karuizawa.
Fans of the show have raised concerns about the similarities in the routes, particularly pointing out that the 23rd installment mirrors the 3rd installment, which started at the Tomioka Silk Mill and ended at Matsumoto Castle. Both routes pass through Takasaki, Yokokawa, and Karuizawa, leading to questions about the show's creativity in route planning. The show's director acknowledged the challenges of setting routes for "Bus vs Railway," explaining that the need for both bus lines and railways, along with the requirement for close competition, limits the options available. "It’s no easy task to find a location that meets all these criteria. If we were to create entirely new routes, it would be impossible to produce a sequel," the director stated.
Despite the challenges, there are hopes that the production team can devise innovative routes to keep the audience engaged. The competition showcases not only the journey but also the cultural richness of the regions, with the teams indulging in local delicacies, including seasonal strawberry desserts and the renowned Ikao Onsen hot springs.
As the teams embark on this exciting journey, viewers can look forward to a blend of breathtaking scenery, culinary delights, and the thrill of competition. The show promises to capture the essence of Japanese travel and culture, making it a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
In summary, "Bus vs Railway Ride Relay Showdown Trip 23" is set to deliver an engaging mix of travel adventure and cultural exploration, with both teams vying for victory in a race that highlights the beauty of Gunma and Nagano. Fans can tune in to witness the excitement unfold on March 26, 2025, at 6:25 PM on TV Tokyo.
