Uncovering Niigata: Lesser-Known Gems 2 Hours From Tokyo — Niigata, Japan | The Travel Intern

Niigata is famous for its cherry blossoms but did you know it s only two hours away from Tokyo! For more things to do in Japan: https://bit.ly/2AZOFwx Niigata prefecture, Japan s fifth-largest prefecture, sits along the coast of the Sea of Japan and may not be a prefecture that one would think of visiting if it is their first time in Japan. But this region is packed with so much culture, history and not to mention great food! Over at Nishimikawa Gold Park, you can try your hand at sifting gold dust! Or if you d like to see if you are musically inclined, give taiko drumming a try at the Sado Island Taiko Centre! There s honestly so much to do over here! Follow our team as they uncover Niigata! We promise you Niigata is definitely worth a visit! 😉 ------------------------------------------------------ SADO ISLAND (00:22) 00:26 - Nishimikawa Gold Park Did you know? Sado Island is known as the Island of Gold. So visiting their gold parks is a no-brainer! 00:43 - Chokokuji Temple This temple houses over 140 rabbits! No wonder it s been dubbed the bunny temple! 00:59 - Sado Island Taiko Centre Learn how to play the Taiko drums from world-renowned drum troupe, Kodo! 01:09 - Shukunegi Village This village dating back to the 17th century is characterised by the crowded rows of over 100 houses built with plate walls made from ship planks! Fun fact: The tub boat from spirited away was inspired by the Tarai boats here! 01:28 - Hotel Yahatakan Stay in a Japanese Hotel fit for an emperor... literally! Fun fact: This hotel is the official accommodation of the Japanese emperor and his family when they visit Sado Island! NIIGATA CITY (01:38) NIIGATA CUISINE (01:43-01:59) 01:43 - Sekai Sushi Their Aburi Don is a MUST-TRY when in Niigata! 01:48 - Inakaya Wappameshi is a Japanese dish cooked in special round containers made of thin wooden sheets and is a speciality of the Niigata prefecture! 01:51 - Izakaya With Niigata situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan, you can be sure their seafood is top-notch! 02:00 - Gotokuya Jube Dress up as an Oiran and take some sick portraits! 02:12 - Shirone Grape Garden Try all sorts of fruit at Shirone Grape Garden 02:26 - Rice Cracker Kingdom Niigata is known for its rice, hence the Rice Cracker Kingdom is a must to visit! Here, you can even make your own rice cracker! 02:41 - Poshukan Have you ever tried sake from a vending machine, let alone from 100 of them? TSUBAMESANJO CITY (02:52) 02:59 - Tojiro Knife Factory Ever wondered what goes behind making a knife fit for the likes of Gordon Ramsay? At the Tojiro Knife Factory, you can literally walk in and observe the knives being skillfully and meticulously made by craftsmen! 03:12 - Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum Learn about the history of industrial manufacturing in Niigata and try your hand at making your own craft! Fun fact: The majority of cutleries in Japan come from Tsubamesanjo! ---------------------------------------------- Edited by: Harris - https://www.instagram.com/ris.against.time Team Japan: Harris - https://www.instagram.com/ris.against.time Kimberly Lai - https://www.instagram.com/kimberly_lai Follow our travel guides around the world on: ► https://thetravelintern.com/ Follow us on our travel adventures on social media: ► @TheTravelIntern http://facebook.com/thetravelintern http://instagram.com/thetravelintern https://t.me/thetravelintern Learn about The Travel Intern Programme: ► https://thetravelintern.com/about-travel-intern/ Business enquiries: weare@thetravelintern.com