From Tokyo, we took the “Toki” or “Max Toki” shinkansen (bullet practice) of the JR East’s Joetsu Shinkansen line within the morning.
You may simply entry this practice from Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, or Ōmiya Station (you possibly can test Google Maps to map out your route in an effort to attain one among these 3 stations relying on the place you’re situated in Tokyo).
Upon arrival…
◘◘ Eat hegisoba for lunch
That is one among Niigata’s native dishes and it’s principally a soba (Japanese buckwheat skinny noodles) that’s product of funori (seaweed) which is in contrast to the everyday soba that makes use of wheat. Due to this, hegisoba has a easy but ‘al dente‘ texture that’s well-known among the many Japanese.
That is usually served on an oblong picket plate wherein the noodles are already sectioned into particular person mouthful parts, thereby making it very straightforward to eat. Tips on how to finest eat hegisoba? You may both eat it as is, or dip it within the mentsuyu (black-colored soup base that might be offered to you) which you’ll be able to additional taste with sesame seeds, radish, wasabi, or inexperienced onions.
Really useful: Kojimaya CoCoLo Niigata (one department is situated in Niigata station)
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◘◘ Go to Saitou Villa (features a geisha present and snacks)
It is a summer time villa that was constructed again in 1920 by a rich service provider in Niigata. At this time, it’s a place used to welcome honored visitors within the metropolis corresponding to public figures, and celebrities; however extra generally, it’s a place that’s preserved and revered as a valued cultural constructing.
And for nearly $26, you possibly can discover Saitou Villa’s room and gardens, style some Japanese sweets and matcha (inexperienced tea), AND be entertained by Furumachi geigi (geisha of Niigata). It is a steal in fact, particularly should you evaluate it to the costly charge that you’ll want to pay simply to fulfill an actual geisha in a dinner banquet program (which can virtually be just like what you’ll expertise right here!).
So I say, it is a MUST to do in your Niigata itinerary!
Transport & Journey Information: Niigata Hanamachi Chaya
The Furumachi district of Niigata is taken into account one of many three most prestigious areas in Japan for geisha, together with Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo. Therefore, witnessing Niigata’s geisha is a must-do!
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◘◘ Drop by Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery
Niigata is well-known for producing the best sake or nihonshu (Japanese liquor). Why so? Merely due to the snow. With the prefecture’s bountiful snowfall on its mountains, it has continuously yielded circumstances which might be excellent for making sake: purified air from fixed snowing and snow-melted waters (nice for rising rice paddies and brewing sake).
To finest take pleasure in this, head on ever to Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery as a result of you possibly can then go on a FREE tour of their institution as you be taught extra concerning the making of sake. What’s extra, you possibly can even style a few of their merchandise! (My favourite sake bottles are: Moto, Karyu-kai, and Junmai).
Transport & Journey Information: Imayotsukasa Web site
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◘◘ Seize dinner at an izakaya
Extend your enjoyment of Niigata’s high-quality sake by visiting a typical Japanese gastropub that’s referred to as an ‘izakaya‘.
Different Drinks to Attempt: umeshu (plum wine), biiru (Japanese beers), shōchū (distilled beverage) Dishes to Attempt: yakitori (grilled hen skewers), karaage (Japanese fried hen), sashimi (uncooked fish)
TRIVIA: Apparently, the Japanese usually prefer to seize ramen (noodle dish) after an extended evening of ingesting since it’s mentioned to assist them deal with the alcohol, in addition to assist them take care of a hangover afterward!
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◘◘ Test in to a resort within the metropolis
To cap off your first day on this Niigata itinerary, select from…
Luxurious: Lodge Nikko Niigata
Mid-Vary: Artwork Lodge Niigata Station or AirBnB
Finances: APA Lodge Niigata Higashinakadori
On at the present time of my Niigata itinerary, we headed over to Sado Island which is part of the prefecture. In an effort to get right here, we took the Jetfoil jet boat with the route Niigata – Ryotsu and it departs each hour at a price of ¥6,520 yen. It takes about an hour to get to Sado Island from Niigata port with a quick boat like this.
In order for you cheaper choices, there are the opposite ferry routes:
- Naoetsu–Ogi: ¥2,720 yen, 2.5 hours, 4-5 occasions each day
- Teradomari–Akadomari: ¥2,960 yen, 2 hours, 2-3 occasions each day
When you arrive at Sado…
◘◘ Play at Sado Island’s Taiko Centre
A ‘taiko‘ is a conventional Japanese percussion instrument, and one among Japan’s hottest taiko teams which might be additionally identified internationally known as Kodo. Hailing from Sado Island, they’ve constructed this enjoyable Tatakokan (Taiko Centre) in order that guests can have a hands-on expertise with Kodo instructors on find out how to play the taiko.
This was an expertise that I actually loved and it’ll certainly be an much more enjoyable exercise should you include a variety of associates or household!
Transport & Journey Information: Kodo Taiko
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◘◘ Attempt a tarai-bune (tub boat)
YES, you learn that proper! As seen within the lower-left picture above, these cut-off barrels are a type of tub boat that was sensible to make use of within the olden occasions in an effort to accumulate shellfish and seaweed from rocky coastal waters. At this time, nevertheless, they’re primarily used to amuse vacationers on Sado Island.
Using this boat truly made me anxious (properly sure, it’s a ‘tub boat’ in spite of everything); relaxation assured, it’s completely protected and a completely enjoyable and fascinating factor to do!
Transport & Journey Information: You may purchase this service to your Niigata itinerary from Ogi port or at Yajima-Kyojima space (which has extra scenic environment). They’re open each day all year long (8:30AM to five:00PM), spans for 10 minutes, can maintain 3 individuals on one tub boat, and prices ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for youngsters.
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◘◘ Decide up and convey dwelling some gold mud at Nishi-Mikawa gold park
For those who head over to this hands-on museum to your Niigata itinerary, you’ll not solely be taught extra about Sado’s famed gold actions but additionally concerning the strategy of mining and refining it. The particular factor about this museum although is its epic gold-picking exercise!
For less than ¥800 yen, you possibly can attempt gold panning for half-hour within the rookies’ course space. Moreover, you possibly can maintain the gold mud that you will discover inside that time-frame! YES, you actually can take it dwelling.
Transport & Journey Information: Nishi-Mikawa Web site
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◘◘ Stroll round Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen-Park
It is a park that gives superb coastal sights over Senkaku-wan Bay. For the very best 360 views, go to the neighborhood’s Ageshima Observatory and Yusenkyo Bridge.
Transport & Journey Information: Ageshima
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◘◘ Tour Sado Kinzan (Sado Gold Mine)
Financed by the Tokugawa shogunate for 388 years from 1601 to 1989, that is the island’s most necessary historic web site — the truth is, due to its wealthy historical past (being Japan’s largest gold mine in that period) it’s now actively promoted for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
As soon as contained in the tunnels, you’ll see a number of exhibitions of robots that painting the miners throughout the Edo interval (as a approach of recreating the previous ambiance or look).
Transport & Journey Information: Sado Kinzan Web site
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◘◘ Test in to a resort or ryokan on the island
A quintessential journey to Japan is NOT full and not using a journey to a ryokan (Japanese conventional inn).
A number of the bucket record issues to do as soon as booked inside one: sleep in a tatami-matted room, attempt the onsen (scorching spring baths), put on a yukata, and eat kaiseki (conventional multi-course Japanese dinner)!
Different selections are…
Luxurious: Lodge Azuma
Mid-Vary: Kohan no Yado Yoshidaya or AirBnB
Finances: Sado Bellemer Youth Hostel
On the third day of this Niigata itinerary, I rode a jet boat to get again to Niigata port and metropolis.
◘◘ Go see the Hoppō Bunka Hakubutsukan (Northern Tradition Museum)
That is an open-air museum that options the well-known mansion of Ito Bunkichi who was one of many best landowners in Niigata throughout the Edo Interval. Apart from the mansion, it additionally homes a picturesque backyard, art work, calligraphy works, ceramics, and a lot extra.
You may additionally eat lunch right here within the former kitchen of the Ito household in order that you would style typical native dishes that had been served again in these occasions!
Transport & Journey Information: Northern Cultural Museum Web site
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◘◘ Welcome your self into Niigata’s Senbei Okoku (Kingdom)
Rice is made throughout Japan, however it’s in Niigata the place you will discover the BEST-tasting rice that there can ever be within the nation. Naturally, senbei (rice cracker) manufacturing is successful in Niigata with Kuriyama Beika Group as probably the most in style manufacturers.
It’s right here in Senbei Okoku the place they then provide its guests the possibility to style freshly-baked crackers, purchase a number of souvenirs, and see the precise cooking course of up shut. They even provide the possibility for folks to make, roast, and design their very own rice crackers! It’s an fulfilling exercise for certain, particularly for households.
Transport & Journey Information: Senbei Web site
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◘◘ Make sasadango at Tanakaya Minato Kobo
Dango (sticky rice cake) is a well-liked conventional snack in Japan and in Niigata, they’ve their very own distinctive model referred to as ‘sasa dango’. Mainly, these are created from steamed and pounded glutinous rice with crimson bean paste filling which is then wrapped and tied utilizing sasa (bamboo leaf).
As a closing contact, will probably be steamed altogether.
For those who head over to Tanakaya Minato Kobo, other than tasting and taking it dwelling as a memento, you would additionally undergo a mini cooking class in an effort to discover ways to make sasadango!
Transport & Journey Information: Koubou Web site
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◘◘ Stroll round Minatopia
For those who’re within the historical past of Niigata’s metropolis, visiting Minatopia is a should. Other than the museum and constructing constructions (such because the Niigata Customs Home) within the space that explains the previous of town, this spot can also be an ideal place for admiring the Shinano River.
Deal with: 2-10 Yanagishima
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◘◘ Stroll by town’s foremost procuring avenue
Make your approach in direction of the Bandai and/or Furumachi space to take your time in choosing the locations you’ll eat and store in — moreover, they’ve an array of great picks so that you can select from!
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◘◘ Test in to Lodge Nikko
I like to recommend Lodge Nikko as a result of it has an excellent 360 view over Niigata’s cityscape which will be simply seen not solely from inside your room but additionally from its topmost flooring!
We made our approach out of town for at the present time of my Niigata itinerary to do the next:
◘◘ Discover and decide fruits at Shirone Grape Backyard
This institution is filled with greenhouses that organically develop a number of varieties of fruits corresponding to kiwis, persimmons (a should to attempt as a result of it was soooo good!), grapes, peaches, strawberries, and extra. And relying on the time of your go to, you possibly can decide fruits for FREE!
To cap off your go to, be sure to attempt their in style gelatos that are all created from pure substances.
Transport & Journey Information: Kudamonogari
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◘◘ Cease by Yahiko Shrine
Smacked in the course of a lush forest and on the foot of a mountain, Yahiko Shrine in Yahiko Village is extensively adored and worshipped by the Japanese.
Expertise and observe the completely different shrines or Shinto practices right here! One fascinating factor it’s also possible to do is purchase an omikuji which is a randomly written divination about your close to future. These are neglected on a picket field close to the shrine with a worth label on it (it’s usually self-serving like this). Pay the worth, decide a folded paper from the field and see your fortune!
For the primary time, I drew a daikichi which meant ‘wonderful luck’. My information mentioned that I ought to make full use of it and do issues like shopping for lottery tickets, and many others. haha!
Journey Instructions Information: Go over to Niigata station, take the Echigo Line that goes to the path of Yoshida (各停). Cease at Yoshida station (14 stops complete) and alter to a special line, Yahiko Line that heads to Yahiko (各停). Cease at Yahiko Station (2 stops complete).
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◘◘ Dine at Cave D’Occi Vineyard
Set within the plains of Kakudahama, Cave d’Occi Vinespa is a multipurpose vineyard resort that features not solely a restaurant however a spa, an onsen (scorching spring bathtub), and a visitor home (for guests who need to spend extra time exploring the vineyards).
Be sure that to purchase or attempt their wines since they style actually good!
Transport & Journey Information: Docci Web site
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◘◘ Look by TsubameSanjo Regional Industries Promotion Centre
If you wish to purchase extra souvenirs from Niigata to take dwelling, making a cease by this middle must be up in your journey itinerary.
Mainly, Tsubame-Sanjo is likely one of the most sought-after Japanese manufacturers in the case of metalworks or gadgets on account of their top quality and craftsmanship; so, it’s undoubtedly price your time to take a peek right here.
Transport & Journey Information: TsubameSanjo Web site
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◘◘ Stroll round Minamiuonuma
This metropolis is a well-liked winter vacation spot on account of its excellent location. As soon as there, you’ll have a selection of over 10 ski and snowboard resorts that are a mixture of giant and small institutions which might be appropriate for all ranges of skiers and snowboarders.
Relaxation assured, should you’re approaching a month with no snow to your Niigata itinerary, there are numerous issues to do right here nonetheless, and one among my favorites is exploring Bokushi Dori (avenue) which can also be referred to as Shiozawajuku. Strolling by this space is like stepping again in time given how it’s speckled with Edo Interval homes and retailers.
Transport & Journey Information: Minamiuonuma Web site
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◘◘ Test right into a ryokan corresponding to Lodge Futaba
In order for you the very best ryokan (Japanese inn) keep that you could ever expertise, try Lodge Futaba!
For those who’ve acquired some extra further time for you Niigata itinerary, I extremely suggest the next:
◘◘ Go to Ponshukan
Ponshukan will be discovered at Echigo-Yuzawa station and it’s a corridor that options a number of points of interest:
- Sake merchandising machines: it’s precisely what the title implies! With over 96 completely different manufacturers out there, you simply have to purchase a cup price ¥500 solely, put a plastic token within the machine’s coin slot, slip in your cup, after which will probably be crammed to the brim with sake. If unsure, there are workers individuals who would gladly help you!
- Sake store: are you slightly searching for bottles of sake? Subsequent door is a sake store that has over 96 varieties.
- Procuring space: there are numerous small stalls across the Ponshukan corridor that supply varied items from sweets to souvenirs.
- Onsen: if you would like a singular type of onsen expertise, subsequent door can also be an onsen however what units it other than typical onsens is that you could dip right here in sake!!
- Guinness World File: For those who go deep inside Ponshukan, you will discover a store that has the most important show of handmade stuffed toys (11,655) which might be tied by strings. This was achieved by Integrated Non-Revenue Group Japan Tsurushi-bina Affiliation and Akira Kitano final 2012.
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◘◘ Drop by Niigata Furusato Village
That is technically NOT a village as it’s extra of a tourism facility that homes a HUGE array of merchandise which might be excellent for souvenirs: soba, crafts, items, dairy, sake — you’ll discover all of it right here. You’ll even discover some displays right here that depict Niigata’s historical past, and if you need some nature, simply step out and also you’ll see a large subject stuffed with 60,000 tulips!
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◘◘ Take Instagram-worthy photographs at Hoshi-Toge Rice Discipline
Dubbed “Japan’s 100 finest rural spots”, these rice-terraced fields have their very own distinctive look that’s finest visited both throughout dawn or sundown. I guarantee you that the view from this space will take your breath away!
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◘◘ Go to Yahiko Park (Maple Valley)
Greatest to do in Autumn. When within the Yahiko Village space, be sure to drop by Yahiko Park. Right here, you will discover nice sceneries that superbly specific each 4 seasons. Autumn season is definitely the very best time to return right here as a result of the vermillion-lacquered Kan-tsuki Bridge completely blends in with all the scorching colours.
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◘◘ Ski at one of many prefecture’s ski resorts corresponding to Akakura Kanko Resort and Spa
Greatest to do in Winter (December to Might). This resort is alleged to be the primary in Japan to be designated as a world ski resort. You are able to do lots of actions right here: snowboarding and 11 trails (longest at 4km amongst many others. There’s even a particular space referred to as the Chibikko Hiroba which is for youngsters who’re too younger to hit the slopes.
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◘◘ Attend at the very least one (1) Niigata occasion or competition
A number of the most fascinating ones are…
- Sake no Jin (Niigata Sake Competition): Held mid-March, because the land of sake, that is one among Niigata’s main occasions. At this competition, you possibly can pattern over 500 styles of sake from roughly 90 native brewers! Simply buy a tasting ticket and also you’re certain to have a good time by and thru!
- Tokamachi Snow Competition: Sapporo is likely to be essentially the most well-known snow competition, however Niigata’s is definitely the oldest and doubtless essentially the most laid-back and genuine snow celebration as properly. Moreover, with the heavy snowfall within the space, there is no such thing as a scarcity of sculptures which might be dispersed throughout city! For those who’re desirous about witnessing this spectacle, you need to come on the third Saturday of February.
- Oiran Dochu Courtesan Procession: Oirans not exist in Japan, however as a approach of commemorating their distinctive magnificence and tradition as high-rank courtesans and entertainers, processions like this are sometimes held in Japan. Niigata has its personal and it’s normally held in the course of April in Jizoudouhonchoudoori, Tsubame (Ookouzu banks, close to Bunsui station).
- Niigata Hanae Challenge: Since Niigata is one among Japan’s main tulip producers, this occasion that’s held from April 29 to Might 2 is the place members will create large “flower work” utilizing tulips that had been discarded within the strategy of bulb cultivation.
- Nagaoka Competition: As per ordinary, you’d count on float parades and people dance processions in festivals like this; BUT the principle spotlight of this affair held on August 1 to three is its large-scale fireworks show that occurs over the Shinano River. Useful to notice is that it’s thought-about one of many prime 3 fireworks reveals in Japan since you’d usually witness insane stuff like 650-meter large sanshakudama fireworks, waterfall shapes, volcano-like formations, and 20,000 smaller shakudama fireworks.
- Niigata Competition: Lasting for 3 days beginning on August 7, you will notice lots of float parades, firework shows, and dance processions (that typically contain round 20,000 folks)!
- Earth Competition: Held on Sado Island in August, the spotlight of this competition is the efficiency of the world-famous taiko drummer group, Kado. This competition lasts for 3 days and contains varied occasions in an open-air live performance model.
