In the previous edition of the Japan Agenda, we went through Nagoya and its surrounding areas. With vibrant flower-blanketed fields at Hamamatsu Flower Park, to cultural cormorant fishing ventures, these meticulously-crafted adventures aim to highlight the silent beauty of Japan, with sights to see at every stop. In this month’s Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint series, we’re taking you through Niigata and the neighboring Sado Island, both filled with historical destinations and delicacies to enjoy. Niigata happens to be an hour and a half away from Tokyo via the Shinkansen, making it an ideal destination with simple planning.

Niigata and Sado Island have no shortage of memorable spots, so get ready to plan your next trip as we lay out an itinerary curated for you and your family to experience together. 

Day 1: Arrival at Echigo Yuzawa

Morning: Arrive at Tokyo via NAIA, then take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo Yuzawa. Check in at a delightful hotel like the Yuzawa Grand Hotel. 

Afternoon: Take a car to Kiyotsu Gorge and walk through the mesmerizing Tunnel of Light that will leave you in awe. Be sure to snap some good photos during this one-of-a-kind adventure. 

Evening Enjoy the exciting food culture of Ponshukan Marketplace, where they source all their ingredients from local producers and brewers with exclusive sake tastings. They are also renowned for their “bomb onigiri” gigantic rice balls, where guests can craft their own experience by choosing unique fillings, satisfying any appetite. 

Relax at the Sake Spa in Niigata for a unique experience, where you can soak in sake-infused baths, rejuvenating your skin and senses after a busy day of traveling.

Day 2: Exploring Niigata

Morning: Through the Joetsu Shinkansen, head to Niigata Station from Echigo Yuzawa, and check into Hotel Nikko Niigata for a stunning view of the Shinano River. 

Afternoon: If you are traveling in the fall, explore the Niigata Saito Villa, offering peeks of Niigata’s deep history, with historical Villas surrounded by the vibrant reds and greens on the trees. With matcha tea and Japanese Sweets, take this afternoon to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Niigata.

For an exciting afternoon with the family, check out the Niigata Rice Cracker Museum, where you can make your own rice crackers and draw your own special designs! Don’t miss out on the Niigata City Aquarium, which harbors stunning marine life, including dolphins, seals, and penguins! 

Evening: Indulge in an authentic sushi and seafood experience in Sushi Benkei Pier Bandai. This seafood restaurant serves all its delicious and fresh sushi on a conveyor belt, making it a must-visit spot in Niigata. 

Day 3: Sado Island

Morning: Take a ferry from Niigata to Ryotsu, and take the next few days to explore the wonders of Sado Island. Stay at a premium accommodation like Sado Resort Hotel Azuma. Use this time to relax and recharge for the adventures ahead. 

Afternoon to Evening: Journey into the Sado Gold Mines, Japan’s largest gold and silver mines from 1601 to 1989. A guided tour will take you through a bygone era, with a lot to learn about Japan’s abundant history. Be sure to book the tour ahead of time! 

Gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese art at the World Cultural Heritage Site on Sado Island. With traditional performing arts shows, Sado folk songs, workshops held by the locals, and the stunning Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival which runs from August 11 to November 10, the lively atmosphere of Sado Island is impossible to ignore. 

If you find yourself in Sado Island during another season, live your seafaring fantasies and hop on a traditional fishing boat called the Tarai Bune off the Ogi Coast, used for harvesting seaweed around the reef-filled waters. The ocean’s blues and surrounding rugged terrain add splashes of color and life to this exciting boating venture.  

Day 4: Sado Island

Morning: Go on a morning stroll through Toki no Mori Park, with many bird exhibits that showcase Japan’s extravagant avian life. 

Afternoon: Take quaint photos of the historic Shukunegi, a town by the ocean with beautiful old-fashioned wooden houses at every turn. The town is famous for harboring the Sengokubune shipbuilding industry in the 13th century. 

Evening: Have savory Japanese barbeque for dinner at Yakitori Yajima and their different selection of tender meats.

Day 5: Niigata

Morning: Say goodbye to Sado Island! Head back to Niigata Station and fuel up on hegisoba, a delicious Niigata staple noodle dish served in a traditional Japanese wooden container. 

Afternoon: Buy something special for your loved ones back in the Philippines at the CoCoLo Niigata next to the Station, with fun stores from corner to corner. 

Evening: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen back to Tokyo, and have a safe flight back home to Manila! 

Additional Recommendations

Sado Island has no shortage of seaside accommodations like Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya, Natural Mind Tour, and Inn Fukusuke. Be sure to do some research and see which works best. 

Discover the magic of Niigata’s winters at Yuzawa! Ski down the snowy slopes atop Japan’s magnificent mountains at one of the many ski resorts like Gala Yuzawa, welcoming beginners and seasoned skiers alike. The resort also hosts other fun activities such as sledding and tubing. The resorts are accessible via ropeway or snow escalator tunnel, well worth the trip for the mountaintop view alone.  

Wrapping up this adventure of historical mines and local delights, we hope you take the time to book the trip and see Niigata and Sado Island for yourself. While photos can look beautiful, they will always pale in comparison to the experience of seeing them with your own eyes.

Stay tuned for next month’s agenda for more extraordinary journeys that make you fall in love with Japan, one trip at a time.

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This article is brought to you by JNTO.