[Sado ・ Niigata City] Good access from the metropolitan area! Tokimeki to experience pure Japan Sado ・ Niigata sightseeing area

What is Tokimeki Sado / Niigata Tourist Area?

Tokimeki Sado ・ The Niigata tourist area is about 1 hour by high-speed boat from Niigata city and Niigata city, which are located about 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. You can access it at Sado Sightseeing across the island area.

Rich nature that shows seasonal expressions such as the sea, mountains, and rice fields. Local meals such as rice, sake, and oysters, and a unique culture nurtured as an ancient Japanese port town.

Sightseeing area where you can discover new attractions every time you visit, whether you are Japanese or foreign.

Tokimeki Sado / Niigata Tourist Area Monitor Tour Experience

Sado, Niigata the first time

2020 Nov. at the end of the night, Tokyo about two hours from the train station, ride life for the first time of the issue came to the Shinkansen Niigata came to the station. "Tokyo!" First of all, I was surprised at that.

Niigata and Sado, I think Sado Kinzan" and "endangered ibis". I was ashamed to say that I had only that much knowledge about Niigata and Sado, but this time I was excited to learn about the Niigata and Sado

A port town that has been around for more Year

The first place I visited was "Niigata City History Museum Minato Pia". Approximately 10 minutes by car from Niigata station, located at the mouth of the Shinano River, in the Western European architectural style "Former Daishi Bank Sumiyoshicho Branch" and the late Edo period You can see the "former Niigata Customs Office" where the remains of the time when the port was opened remain.

Niigata was used in the Heian period to carry Year tribute to Kyoto by ship. Developed as a base, it prospered as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships connecting Hokkaido to Osaka during the Edo period, and Japan was in Europe and the United States just before the Meiji era. It is said that it played an important role as a base for maritime trade, such as being selected as one of the five ports that opened when it opened to other countries.

In addition, "EDGE OF NIIGATA" is holding a "Minatomachi Niigata Walking Tour" in English, Chinese, Korean, and Russian, where you can experience the history and culture of Minatomachi Niigata. Those who want to deepen their understanding of the history and culture of Japan and Niigata are encouraged to participate.

Experience a rare wish at two shrines

The next stop was Minato Inari Shrine and Kotohira Shrine. It is about a 10-minute walk from the "Minatopia" mentioned earlier.

Minato Inari Shrine is Year, and in the precincts there is a "Koryo dog of desire" that turns the Koryo dog around and makes a wish. There are two Goryeo dogs standing in the precincts, and it is said that the wish will come true if a Male turns the Goryeo dog on the right side and a Female

It enshrines the fertility of five grains, the god of prosperous business, Ukanomitama no Kami, and the god of marriage, the god of great power. Another shrine, "Kotohira Shrine," is also a shrine with unusual wishes. There are two guardian dogs called "stuck guardian dogs" in the precincts, and Male, the right guardian dog's paw is Female, the left guardian dog's paw is strongly tied with a twine. It is said that it will come true.

Both shrines used to wish for the safety of the sea and the return of their families during the voyage of ships, so Niigata, a port town from ancient times, can be felt here as well.

Enjoy Kyoto 's Hanamachi culture in Niigata

And the most memorable thing on this day was "watching geisha" while enjoying a kaiseki lunch at "Kappo Firefly". Kyoto it is known worldwide as Maiko and Geiko, but in the Sea of Japan, where trade by Kitamaebune was involved from the Edo period to the Meiji period, Yamagata 's Sakata and here in Niigata are also Kyoto 's elegance. Culture has flowed in, and it still remains under the name of Niigata

In "Niigata Furumachi Geiko", the Female who is a maiko Kyoto is called "furisode", and the veteran Female who is a geiko is called "tomesode". I'm calling. In contrast to Furisode, who wears gorgeous yellow and orange kimonos and hair ornaments, Tomesode often wears a calm color such as deep navy blue.

I enjoyed the rhythm of the shamisen, the singing with intonation, and the elegant dance of the colorful geisha for about 30 minutes, and finally I was able to take a picture with the geisha.

Experience making rice cakes at the Ito family

After lunch, I headed to the Northern Culture Museum, which is a museum of the remains of the "Ito family," a local wealthy farmer who has been around since the Edo period.

It is surprising that the Ito family, which started in the Edo period, initially had a field of about 13,000 m2 (the same size as the ground of Tokyo Built in the Meiji era, the garden is said to have stockpiled a large mansion and 3,000 bales of rice that survived numerous major earthquakes such Niigata There is a Japanese garden created with the concept of "hospitating people".

The garden is large enough to last for a week in about 30 minutes, with ponds, waterfalls, trees, and numerous giant stones arranged in an exquisite manner: cherry blossoms in April, wisteria in May, and autumn leaves in autumn. In winter, you can enjoy different tastes depending on the season, such as snowy scenery. In addition, this time, I was able to observe not only the tour but also the actual rice cake making, which is held at the Ito family during the New Year and celebrations.

The three people take turns to make mochi quickly with a constant rhythm, but due to the weight of the silk and the sticky mochi on the pestle, it is extremely difficult to make mochi with a good rhythm like a craftsman. After that, fresh rice cakes were served for all the participants.

Founded 1767 Year tour of the brewery of

By the way, Niigata is one of Japan's leading rice fields, and many people think of sake made from that rice. In fact, Niigata prefecture has about 90 breweries, the number of which is the largest in Japan.

On the second day, we stopped by Mr. Imayotsukasa, a sake brewery founded at 1767 Year, and enjoyed a tour of the sake brewery. Here you can learn how to make sake and the history of sake breweries, and you can also taste 10 types of Junmai sake from more.

Of course, we also sell sake, so it is recommended for those who like sake and those who are thinking of souvenirs at Niigata. There is also a non-alcoholic tasting, so even people who are not good at alcohol can enjoy it. It is also attractive that you can access it within a 15-minute walk from Niigata station.

From Niigata to Sado by ferry

Finally, say goodbye to Niigata Sado Island. There are two ways to access, one is by using a large ferry and the other is by using a jetfoil.

The prices of large ferries start at 2,380 yen (2nd class) yen Time required large ferries is two and a half hours one way and about one hour for jetfoil. If you want to enjoy a leisurely boat trip, we recommend a large ferry, but if you have limited time, such as sightseeing Sado

I used a large ferry this time, but because it is a large ship with a maximum passenger capacity of 1,500, the inside of the ship is large, and in addition to the guest rooms, there are observation lounges, shops, meals such as ramen and curry, and meals that sell alcohol. There are also plenty of corners. Here Sado "with fresh squid and Koshihikari of Sado By steamer curry" is the specialty, I would like to try is when riding a ferry.

Landed in Sado

About 20 minutes by car after landing at Ryotsu Port, the largest port in Sado Sado Aida Rice Farming".

In this rice field, rice is cultivated by a unique "oyster shell farming method" in which oyster shells from Sado are mixed with mineral-rich water flowing from the mountains and poured into the paddy fields. It is said that the mineral content of oyster shells has a purifying and sterilizing effect on water, which stabilizes the quality of rice and makes delicious rice.

In addition, it is said that there are abundant insects and small animals that feed on crested ibis, making it an environment in which toki can easily live. On this day as well, I could see several crested ibises in the distance in the rice fields that spread all over my eyes.

Demon drum

After that, he introduced us to the traditional festival of Sado Oni Taiko is a large-scale festival held once a Year Sado

It has a long history of nearly Year A demon and a lion dance a unique dance to the flute and drums, dispel demons and evil spirits, and pray for a good harvest and family safety. Sado, demons are not bad guys, but heroes who defeat evil. Surprisingly, each of the 120 villages has developed independently, so there are 120 different "demon drums".

This time, we visited Sanno Shrine, where demon drums are held in the Shinho area, and saw the site of making waraji, which is worn when demons dance, and a demonstration of demons and lions dancing to the drums. Most of the demon drums are held before rice planting in April and before harvesting in September, but the schedule varies depending on each village and varies from April to October. Sado during this period, it is recommended that you check the schedule of the Oni Taiko in advance and visit according to it.

Oyster shell peeling experience at Lake Kamo

This tour will finally be the final day. Sado is an island with abundant nature, surrounded by the sea, with mountains, and even a lake called "Lake Kamo".

There are promenades and cycling roads around Lake Kamo, and you can enjoy fishing, but the most distinctive feature is that oyster farming is popular. Since this lake is connected to the sea, it is a brackish lake where seawater and freshwater are mixed, and the clear water from the mountains and the abundant nutrients from the sea are said to be suitable for oyster farming.

It is said that oysters, which normally take Year grow large, can be grown Year The oyster hut we visited this time was "Akitsumaru", who moved to the oyster shelf in the middle of the lake by a small boat, observed the work of winding oysters from the oyster shelf up close with a special machine, and then the oyster hut. I experienced oyster shelling at.

Using an instrument like a flat spoon, I cut the scallop between the oyster body and the shell and peel the oyster body from the shell, but the spoon does not reach the scallop and I can not cut it as I expected. When I managed to cut the oysters, I was so absorbed in sweating all over my body. Akitsu Maru also has an all-you-can-eat plan with oyster shells, so if you like oysters, please visit.

Niigata / Sado I want to visit again

This tour was closely related to the nature, history, culture, and food of Niigata and Sado It is not possible to convey this charm in 2 nights and 3 days. This visit was in late autumn, but you will discover different attractions depending on the season. Although I couldn't introduce it this time, he says he can enjoy outdoor activities such as Diving Next time, I definitely want to try Activity

Activity / play / experience / leisure Niigata City (Niigata/Tsukioka/Agano River)

[Niigata/ Furumachi] Enjoy local gourmets and liquor at "Furumachi Hanaimachi Food Tour"!
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3,200円～(税込)
You can feel free to taste and enjoy “Gourmet and Sake” at Ticket. Please use this Ticket to spend a pleasant time at a Japanese restaurant or tavern with a historical and cultural atmosphere in Niigata. ① Purchase of tipsy Ticket(with 2 or 3) Please purchase at “Furumachi Hanai Community Information”. You can share it with others. Pass Ticket at participating restaurants and enjoy the “Gourmet Set”. ② Find the place you want to go Find the place you want to go in the list of participating restaurants. ③ Enjoy eating and drinking In exchange for Ticket, each restaurant will be offered a set of specialty dishes + specialty sake. You can also order Other for an additional fee.
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[Sado-beginners! ] Experience diving (3 hour course)
FREE WAY(フリーウェイ)佐渡店
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14,500円～(税込)
Explanations Course of about three hours including. Even those who are new to the game can enjoy it with confidence. underwater You have to know the preliminary knowledge you need to know in order to enter the world Explanations After the change of clothes, go to the ugly sea! ! underwater You can also make a photo shoot at
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Niigata City sightseeing bus and escort and guide you to 3 places you care about! You can choose 3 from the following 15 spots! For a bullet tour ♪ For a preview ♪ Next day you may be able to carefully go around alone! ?
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