Sado Gold Mine is a well-known and popular destination on the island. However, even the locals do not know all the fun dark places to be explored there! Stepping away from the traditionally visited renovated 400-year-old tunnels, the twists and turns will make you confront the dark sides of human nature and think about its adverse effects on the nature around us.

The coast of Sado Island has unique geological properties. However, for locals, these geological formations also form the core of their legends and beliefs. Here is also the place where thousand-year-old lore meets hundred-year-old industry, and both survive to the modern day!

“Oni” loosely translates to “Devil” and “daiko” means “drum”. Things however are not always as they seem, and in the case of Onidaiko – a traditional dance performance unique to Sado Island – things are most definitely NOT that simple.

If you’re looking for fall foliage, Joetsu-Myoko area in Niigata Prefecture must be your next destination. Joetsu-Myoko, located only two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train), boasts a number of picturesque locations to explore during the autumn. Here are some places that you absolutely cannot miss.

Niigata prefecture in Japan is known for the scenic spots and beautiful mountain landscapes. Myoko is one such amazing location in Niigata which offers beautiful views in all seasons. This article summarizes some of the must visit spots in Myoko. Enjoy the article and make sure to add Myoko in your bucket list of travel destinations!

Although the Shin-Etsu trail runs along the boundary of Niigata and Nagano prefectures, it represents unity rather than division. The path that runs along the most beautiful country is created and maintained by volunteers from both prefectures. Going through the whole 110 km is truly a unique and gratifying experience!

Do you want to know what Niigata City, “City of Water,” was like 100 years ago? Read more to find out how to experience the life of a merchant from 100 years ago in the modern day.

Niitsu is a small town adjacent and now a part of Niigata city, easily overlooked by most despite its historical significance in Japan’s development. Niitsu is also well-known for its glassblowing workshops, producing some of the most beautiful glassworks in the country. You won’t want to overlook this hidden gem!

Whether you are going for a day or a year, Tsubame-Sanjo has a rich food culture that has something for everyone. Of course this is an industrial town, that is bustling with innovation and creativity.

The area of Tsubame-Sanjo has a rich history of metalwork, including the stunning handmade pieces of copperware from Tsubame. Crafting in Tsubame has come a long way since copper was first found in nearby Mount Yahiko, but in many ways, it still remains the same. Learn about the painstaking process of hand-making copperware from flat disks to carefully designed pots and why these kinds of traditional crafts could be facing trouble.

Located in the heart of Niigata Prefecture, the Tsubame-Sanjo manufacturing region has a rich history of craftsmanship. The two cities that comprise this area’s name are both respected in kitchens across the world for their excellent cooking knives. Visitors can enjoy a number of modern open factories in Tsubame-Sanjo to see with their own eyes how an unassuming piece of metal is turned into a sleek and sharp kitchen knife.