3D2N Niigata Itinerary for an Autumn Drive

Before continuing my epic journey in Niigata City, here’s a quick adorable detour – straw art at Uwasekigata Park.

This spacious urban park is scenic throughout the seasons, but in fall (from beginning of September to end of October) it is particularly popular with its rice straw art installations, where harvested rice stalks are transformed into art of gigantic figures. Here’s a Amabie, a legendary auspicious yokai (folklore spirit) that is said to defeat illness and bring abundant harvest. Be sure to pop by for a photo op!

Address
新潟県新潟市西蒲区松野尾1

Telephone Number
0256-72-8507
Construction Department, Nishikan Ward

Discover all the unique local farm produce that are rare to be found elsewhere, such as purple radish and an edible pink chrysanthemum called Kakinomoto.

You can then chill at the adjacent cafe called “Toneriko” to enjoy herb tea and chiffon cake made of Niigata rice flour out in the warm sunlight at the terrace.

The Ito family, originally started out as farmers in the Edo period, grew so rich that they eventually built an enormous fortune and became the greatest landowners in Echigo (then Niigata). And this is the residence of 8 generations of Ito.

The museum usually draws a steady stream of visitors, but last year it was made even more famous because of its resemblance to scenes in Demon Slayer anime, such as this wisteria garden which will turn into a bursting blossom of purple in May, looking exactly like the residence of Ubuyashiki in the anime.

If you are up for a cultural experience, there’s also the very precious “mochitsuki” workshop. Reservation needed and usually hosted for larger group of travelers, you can admire the shokunin flex their bicep and pound the freshly steamed Koshihikari rice into a sticky pulp in no time.

Of course, I had a few pounding myself and my entire body was aching until days after. Looks like I need more onsen…

Anyway, it was an absolutely valuable experience that allows one to ponder about all the hard work that goes into every food we partake, and thus allow us to find more gratitude in simple things in life…
Such as a simple dish like mochi wrapped in red bean paste.
As the evening approaches, I moved on to the next region on my itinerary – Sado Island. The only way to access the isolated island is through either a ferry or jetfoil boat, so I promptly returned my rental car at Niigata Station so that I can pick up a new ride once I arrive at Sado. Gotta love Japanese rental car service!

Address
新潟県新潟市江南区沢海2-15-25

Telephone Number
025-385-2001
Northern Culture Museum

Opening Times
●Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April-November), 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (December-March).
●Closed: None

Since it is already sun down by the time I get to the remote island through a 1-hour jetfoil, the ideal place for a night stroll would be the Kitazawa Flotation Plant, famous for looking like the Ghibli masterpiece, Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

This is the remains of the processing facilities construction back in the days to extract gold. Now it is no longer in use and is covered in lush green looking like the said floating castle, and it is especially photogenic at night once the illumination is lit up.

Address
新潟県新潟県佐渡市相川北沢町3-2

Telephone Number
0259-27-5000

It is my third time here on Sado Island, yet I am discovering more hidden gems. This ancient temple for example, with an entrance of stmoss-covered stairs that looks like it’s straight out of another Ghibli movie, is one of them.
Seisuiji Temple located in Niibo area was founded by a Buddhist Monk who came from Kyoto on a missionary tour back in year 808. Interestingly, the hall you see in the above photo is a imitation of the world-famous wooden stage of Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto. What’s even more fascinating is that Seisuiji and Kiyomizedera actually shares the same kanji (Chinese characters), but are pronounced differently.

Address
新潟県新潟県佐渡市新穂大野124-1

Telephone Number
0259-22-2167

Time for more cultural enrichment! Or should I say… more beating/hammering/pounding of stuff? Haha.
This is Hiyoshi Shrine, a very important shrine that hosts the cultural festival of Sanno Matsuri dating back to the 13th century.
The Oni-daiko (or “ondeko”, known locally) will be performed during the above-mentioned large scale festival held over three days, where masked demons visit local residence to dispel evil spirits and for the abundance of harvest.
Aida san, a passionate rice farmer who also actively promotes the preservation of local culture, will show you how to beat those drums and show off a quick lion dance or two!

I absolutely love how I am healing my sore muscles after each activity with delicious local food. Today we were having fresh sushi at Chozaburo, a popular local sushi restaurant to make up for my aching back.
The extensive menu is impressive, allowing their customers to choose from super value-for-money lunch to premium sushi set to even ramen! The chefs use the freshest toppings directly sourced from Ryotsu Market and local fishermen, and I just had to order the “Sado Specialty Set”, where the toppings, including ikura and fatty tuna belly, are all seafood that can be found in the sea around Sado. So delicious!

The final destination on my itinerary for Sado Island is Momijiyama – just like its name suggests, it is a paradise of crimson momiji (autumn leaves) surrounding a beautiful small lake and a hiking trail with crisp mountain air, truly a healing treat for your sense.