Niigata
Welcome to Niigata.
In this voyage, you visit Niigata prefecture which is famous for its huge amount of snow.
This snow ensures clear water which makes rice more and more delicious.
Let’s touch and taste many rice oriented foods and find a true voyage in Niigata.
Below is the contents of this page.
Day 1 : Yahiko
Yahiko walking
Firstly, let’s go to Yahiko shinto shrine.
Established around 1200 years ago, it is the oldest and the most venerable shrine in the region.
As the shrine also includes sacred Mt. Yahiko which has incidentally the same height as Tokyo Sky Tree (the highest tower in the world; 634m), you can enjoy a magnificent view of Sado island (the final destination of this tour) over the Japan Sea, as well as the vast and fertile Echigo plain.
Spring in Niigata
Summer in Niigata
Fall in Niigata
Winter in Niigata
Sake brewery
Next, let’s visit Sake brewery.
Firstly, you see the actual process of making Sake and learning its quintessence.
Then, you actually taste freshly made Sake.
Sweet or dry?
Let’s check what type is your favourite, because you will drink it out later to your heart’s content at Izakaya.
Sugitama
sake cups for tasting
Izakaya
Finally, Izakaya, a Japanese style pub.
Thankfully, here you can enjoy not only Saké but also various drinks such as beer, wine, whisky, cocktails, and soft drinks.
Together with drinks, you can enjoy various foods, not only Japanese food but also arranged western style food.
Notably, Niigata is famous for its quality fish.
Because it faces the Japan sea and Sado island where a warm current and a cold current run together.
By the way, some Izakaya adopt special seats with a large opening underfoot called “Hori-Kotatsu”. Therefore, you can freely stretch your legs even in a Japanese style tatami room.
In addition, in winter, it also serves as a heater called Kotatsu.
Masu sake
various drinks
various dishes
Day 2 : Miso and Senbei
Miso making
Today, let’s experience Miso making under the guidance of distinguished artisans.
See, touch and smell the high quality rice –Koji and soybeans.
Probably, you will feel vigorous and relaxed.
It’s exactly Miso power.
Let’s bring baby Miso as a souvenir.
After fermentation of 5-6 months (The required fermentation period is different depending on the season, the climate of your country and your preference), you can get the authentic Miso only for yourself.
Miso gourmet
Next, let’s go to a unique restaurant called “Shidashi-ya”.
Although “Shidashi” means catering, some authentic “Shidashi-ya” possess facilities more gorgeous than ordinary restaurants and offer special menu according to each request.
Therefore, let’s try many dishes using Miso.
Since Miso is a magic seasoning, it matches with various dishes not only in Japanese style but also Chinese, Korean or western, with meat, fish or vegetables. It matches even with sweets.
udon simmered in misosoup
miso pork cutlet
pot-au-feu of miso
Rice cracker making
After lunch, we head for Niigata city to visit rice cracker (Senbei) museum where you can see rice crackers are actually made.
Firstly, let’s learn about its history and important roles it has played in Japanese food culture.
Then, we actually make them: baking, drawing pictures, flavoring etc.
Don’t forget to enjoy the fragrant aroma caused by amino-carbonyl reaction.
Undoubtedly, the finished Senbei make a memorable souvenir.
Of course, you can taste it soon after you make it.
Senbei
baking Senbei
to Sado island
Then we go to Sado island which is famous for its goldmine and pervasive influence of Noh culture.
Incidentally, Sado is the 6th largest island in Japan.
ferry for Sado
licorice in sado
Day 3 : Sado
To tell the truth, Sado used to be an island of exile.
Especially, those high in social status such as Emperor Jyuntoku, Nichiren, a founder of a Buddhist sect and Zeami, a consummator of Noh were banished to this island for rebelling or not obeying government policies.
Noh in Sado
At the beginning of the 17th century, the government widely developed the Sado goldmine and the whole island vigorously prospered.
As a result, paddy fields were newly cultivated and forests were protected to ensure the fuels for smelting gold.
That is why the island has been proud of high level cultural standard.
Even now farmers chant Noh music while working in the fields.
You spend all day in Sado.
Please enjoy this unique place where art and daily living are closely connected. Surely, you can experience cheerful, friendly, but a little bit mysterious atmosphere surrounding the island.
