Experience Niigata’s rich traditions and exquisite craftsmanship! An autumn road trip plan through Niigata

Suwada was established in 1926 in Sanjo City, one of the world’s most renowned cutlery manufacturing hubs, and is a specialist in cutters. It got its start with cutting tools for nails and screws in response to demand following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

Every element, from product development and material selection to the final touches, is meticulously executed by skilled craftspeople. Suwada products are famed for their functional beauty, and receive acclaim both in Japan and overseas.

Visitors are invited to witness the entire manufacturing process, immersing themselves in the craftsmanship that has endured since Suwada’s inception. Beyond the tour, you can enjoy the factory store, restaurant, and café for a full day of shopping and dining.

Address
新潟県三条市高安寺1332

Telephone Number
0256-45-6111
Suwada Blacksmith Works, Inc.

Opening Times
●Factory Store Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
*Closed during New Year holidays, and April 1.
*Tax free shopping is applicable for purchases totaling 5,001 yen (excluding tax, food and beverages) or more at the factory store for overseas visitors.
●Factory tours are available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, with slots at 10:10 am to 12:10 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (breaks: 12:10 pm-1:00 pm, 3:00 pm-3:10 pm).
*Closed Monday, Sundays, public holidays, New Year holidays, April 1.

Suzunone is a restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere offering exceptional eel cuisine. Their method involves slow grilling eel over charcoal fire, yielding a fragrant surface and plump, succulent meat.

While most Japanese restaurants serve grilled eel flavored by soy sauce atop white rice, the proprietor of Suzunone boldly serves the eel and rice separately, allowing diners to fully savor the sweetness and richness of the renowned "koshihikari" rice, cultivated in Niigata.

“Tare” (sauce) and “sansho” (Japanese pepper) are readily available on the table, letting diners customize the dish to their preference.

Address
新潟県三条市須頃2-110-2

Telephone Number
0256-32-2018
Suzunone

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order at 1:30 pm)
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (last order at 9:00 pm)

The Niigata Saito Villa, recognized as a Japan Heritage and a Cultural Property, was constructed in 1918 by Kijuro Saito IV, who was from a prominent merchant family in Niigata. It stands as a masterpiece of modern Japanese-style architecture, showcasing opulence throughout the entire structure. Its spacious grounds cover an area of approximately 4,500 square meters and host three gardens. In particular, the strolling garden has a waterfall and an assortment of large rocks and strange stones. Visitors have the opportunity to revel in the garden's seasonal beauty, with the autumn foliage being particularly mesmerizing. Another noteworthy feature is the panoramic view of the entire garden from the building, which can be enjoyed while indulging in matcha green tea and Japanese sweets!

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区西大畑町576／旧齋藤家別邸

Telephone Number
025-210-8350
The Niigata Saito Villa

Opening Times
[April - September] 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
[October - March] 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Closed on:
Mondays (If Monday falls on a holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day)
The day after a holiday (or Tuesday if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 3)

Ikinariya is a highly esteemed traditional Japanese ryotei-style restaurant with an approximately 300-year history. It prides itself on cooking Japanese cuisine that captures the natural flavors of its ingredients. The restaurant's menu gracefully evolves with the changing seasons, offering an array of delights including sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered specialties, and deep-fried delicacies.

The Japanese garden, spanning over 6,600 m², boasts centuries-old trees, a tranquil pond, and other enchanting elements that undergo captivating transformations with each passing season.

Ten components of this evocative architectural masterpiece, including the stately gate, have been officially recognized as national Tangible Cultural Treasures. There are 11 guest rooms available within the Japanese garden, all of which require advance reservations. The restaurant accommodates vegetarians and guests with allergies, which can be organized when making reservations.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区西大畑町573

Telephone Number
025-223-1188
Japanese Cuisine Ikinariya

Opening Times
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm