Tonkatsu Taro, the birthplace of Niigata’s sauce katsudon. Even though I’d just finished breakfast, I still wanted to try it—thankfully they have a mini bowl option.
Two sauce-coated pork cutlets laid right on top of white rice. That’s it, super simple.
It doesn’t look especially pretty, but that’s kind of the point with Niigata sauce katsudon.
The sweetness of the sauce clings to the cutlet with a bit of chew, and with Niigata rice it tastes plain and comforting in the best way. When it started to feel a little rich halfway through, adding a bit of yellow mustard or pickled daikon totally changed the flavor.
No wonder it’s a beloved local spot—by the time I finished, there was already a long line out front!
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In the center of Niigata City, the Shinano River runs through town, and the city’s symbol that connects both sides is Bandai Bridge.
After a good dinner and some drinks at night, I walked over to the river. Bandai Bridge lit up after dark has a completely different vibe than during the day.
Even though it’s right in the middle of the city, it’s surprisingly quiet. Sitting on a bench by the water and just taking in the view—nights like this really hit you. -
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Pier Bandai is basically a one-stop spot for all of Niigata’s local eats.
You can enjoy fresh, seasonal seafood and also pick up fruits and veggies delivered straight from the farms. The Echigohime strawberries I got here were way better quality (and priced better) than at the supermarket.
It’s also nice to stroll along the harbor and look out toward Toki Messe. The whole place feels super laid-back, and they’ve got everything from local food to souvenirs.
Highly recommend stopping by. -
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Stepping into Yahiko Shrine felt like entering sacred ground.
As soon as I started down the approach, crisp, chilly air greeted me. Towering trees line the path, and it’s quiet yet solemn.
The moment I passed through the Zuishinmon gate, the worship hall lined up with the outline of Mt. Yahiko behind it, and the whole atmosphere felt especially holy. -
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Stepping right into Kiki’s Delivery Service.
I finally made it to Shodoshima, and my first stop was Olive Park. I looked out over the Seto Inland Sea by the Greek windmill, mailed a happy postcard from the olive-green mailbox, then followed the olive trees to check out the movie spots.
The whole place has this charming, foreign vibe that kind of pulls you into a magical world without you even realizing it. -
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At dusk, that’s when the angel finally shows up.
The first time I came, it was still too early and Angel Road hadn’t fully appeared. As the sun slowly dipped and the afterglow lit up the water, the angel’s moment finally arrived. -
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You really get to feel how incredible nature is. Even though it was only a mid tide the day we went, riding the small sightseeing boat and cruising near the whirlpools still let us fully experience how powerful they are.
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This place isn’t just a stage for the Red and White show—it’s also a doorway into world art.
They use sand from the Naruto Strait to make ceramic panels, then reproduce thousands of famous masterpieces on them. One visit and you can take in so many iconic works from around the world.
You can photograph everything, and the immersive displays make art feel a lot more approachable. -
