4 Days or More in Japan’s off the Beaten Path

From Tokyo, we took the “Toki” or “Max Toki” shinkansen (bullet train) of the JR East’s Joetsu Shinkansen line in the morning.

You can easily access this train from Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, or Ōmiya Station (you can check Google Maps to map out your route in order to reach one of these 3 stations depending on where you are located in Tokyo).

Upon arrival…

◘◘ Eat hegisoba for lunch

This is one of Niigata’s local dishes and it’s basically a soba (Japanese buckwheat thin noodles) that is made of funori (seaweed) which is unlike the typical soba that uses wheat. Because of this, hegisoba has a smooth yet ‘al dente‘ texture that is well-known among the Japanese.

This is typically served on a rectangular wooden plate in which the noodles are already sectioned into individual mouthful portions, thereby making it very easy to consume. How to best eat hegisoba? You could either eat it as is, or dip it in the mentsuyu (black-colored soup base that will be provided to you) which you can further flavor with sesame seeds, radish, wasabi, or green onions.

Recommended: Kojimaya CoCoLo Niigata (one branch is located in Niigata station)

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◘◘ Visit Saitou Villa (includes a geisha show and snacks)

This is a summer villa that was built back in 1920 by a wealthy merchant in Niigata. Today, it is a place used to welcome honored guests in the city such as public figures, and celebrities; but more commonly, it is a place that’s preserved and revered as a valued cultural building.

And for just about $26, you can explore Saitou Villa’s room and gardens, taste some Japanese sweets and matcha (green tea), AND be entertained by Furumachi geigi (geisha of Niigata). This is a steal of course, especially if you compare it to the expensive fee that you need to pay just to meet a real geisha in a dinner banquet program (which will almost be similar to what you’ll experience here!).

So I say, this is a MUST to do in your Niigata itinerary!

Transport & Travel Guide: Niigata Hanamachi Chaya
The Furumachi district of Niigata is considered one of the three most prestigious areas in Japan for geisha, along with Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in Tokyo. Hence, witnessing Niigata’s geisha is a must-do!

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◘◘ Drop by Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery

Niigata is well-known for producing the finest sake or nihonshu (Japanese liquor). Why so? Simply because of the snow. With the prefecture’s bountiful snowfall on its mountains, it has…