Nakayama Senmaida
Located in the Nakayama district, known for its Nakayama Rural Kabuki Stage, in the central part of Shodoshima, the Nakayama Senmaida terraced rice fields are a sight to behold, with about 800 large and small terraces overlapping on sloping land at an altitude of 150-250 meters.
The terraced rice fields and the art pieces complement each other beautifully. Feeling the gentle breeze in nature, it was so quiet I could only hear the bamboo swaying. It really calmed my mind.
Teuchi Jyudan Udon Baka Ichidai
Udon Baka Ichidai is about 7 minutes on foot from Kotoden Kawaramachi Station, and is a famous Udon restaurant that has lines forming outside. The restaurant is covered by the media, such as on TV and in magazines, and is visited by many famous people.
The signature dish here is the “Kama Butter Udon,” which tastes a lot like carbonara. Even though the location isn’t in a busy area, it still draws tons of food lovers.
I came after peak meal time and the place was still packed. Even so, I didn’t have to wait long to order, thanks to the staff’s smooth, well-organized service.
After mixing the butter and raw egg really well, the noodles turn super silky, and the black pepper is the perfect finishing touch. I cleaned the bowl in no time.
Sightseeing Train KAIRI
The sightseeing train KAIRI, operated by JR East, runs between Niigata Station and Sakata Station in Yamagata Prefecture. The train’s name combines the characters for “sea” and “land,” representing the rich natural scenery and food culture of Niigata and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. The train consists of four cars: Car 1 has reclining seats, Car 2 has compartment seats, Car 3 has a shop and event space, and Car 4 is a dining car.
Racing from the snowy country all the way to the Sea of Japan, the name “KAIRI” comes from that very image.
Starting from Niigata, the endless white snowy landscape outside the window is gradually replaced by the magnificent deep blue of the Sea of Japan. That’s a unique charm of riding it in winter.
Tonkatsu Taro
Tonkatsu Taro is the original birthplace of tarekatsudon, a signature dish from Niigata City. Tonkatsu Taro’s special katsudon is a large portion of five thinly sliced pork cutlets dipped in their secret sauce.
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!
Bandai Bridge
Spanning Japan's longest river, this beautiful bridge stretches over the Shinano river at a measured 306.9 meters in length and 22.0 meters in width. The bridge survived the Niigata Earthquake in 1964, furthering bolstering its place in the hearts of Niigata peoples as a symbol of resilience.
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.
Minato no Marche at Pier Bandai
At Minato no Marche Pier Bandai, you can find all kinds of delicious foods from Niigata. There is a wide selection of freshly harvested fish from the Sea of Japan, vegetables directly delivered from local farms, seasonal fruits, delicious meats, and Niigata brand rice and famous sake.
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.
Yahiko Shrine
Echigo Ichinomiya has a history of over 2,400 years. It is said to have originated that Amenokagoyamanomikoto, who was a great-grandson of Amaterasuomikami, was buried in Mt. Yahiko after him cultivated the country of Koshi and people built a shrine there to worship him.
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.
Niigata Soshinju Hakusan Shrine
Hakusan Shrine is located in central Niigata City and is affectionately known by locals as “Hakusan-sama.” As Niigata’s guardian shrine with a history spanning more than 1,000 years, it draws many visitors who come to worship. The shrine’s main enshrined deity, “Hakusan-sama,” is also known as Kikuri-hime-no-Okami. Based on the story in which she mediated a quarrel between the married deities Izanagi and Izanami and helped reconcile them, she is widely revered as a match-making deity.
On the last day of my trip, I visited Niigata’s guardian shrine, Hakusan Shrine. As soon as I stepped inside, I was drawn to the colorful flower water basin.
After praying at the main hall, I was blown away by all the unique omamori charms and goshuin—so many to look at.
Hakusan Shrine is known for blessings like business success, good relationships, and safe childbirth. I walked past the matchmaking wall covered in ema plaques and made my way to a sacred stone called the “Hakusan Kukuri Stone.”
They say if you touch it, you can receive Hakusan’s energy. The moment I did, a gust of wind suddenly blew through, and the pinwheels on both sides started spinning. It felt like I connected with nature for a second—and it was such a magical way to end the trip.
Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park
This park is popular for its Mediterranean-like scenery and excellent facilities. There are many photo spots that make you want to take pictures, such as a white windmill perched on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and an English garden with approximately 120 varieties of herbs and roses in full bloom.
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.
Angel Road
Located in the southwest part of Shodoshima, "Angel Road" is a sandy path that appears twice a day at low tide, connecting four islands. It's a popular spot bustling with tourists, thanks to rumors that any two people walking hand-in-hand along the path will be blessed with happiness in the future. It's also frequently used as a filming location for movies and dramas.
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.
